Not to be all Scroogy, but I’m buying fewer gifts this holiday season. It’s not about the money, it’s because . And, really, how many pairs of Christmas pajamas does a person need? (I love you, mom, but I’m talking to you.) The average American will spend on winter holiday shopping this year, up $42 from last year.
But I’m no Grinch—instead of buying gifts this year, I’m making many of them myself. I love giving thoughtful presents to my friends and family. But lately I’ve been trying to think creatively about the presents I give. I try to think and plan ahead, and I invest time and energy (and love!) into my gifts so I don’t need to scramble on Amazon for my sister-in-law’s birthday. So far, nobody’s complaining (at least to my face).
Here are some of my favorite homemade eco-friendly holiday gift ideas (and stocking stuffers). I hope they inspire you to rethink your gifting plans this season.
5 Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts You Can Make at Home
Cutting Board From a Downed Tree
A few months back I asked readers to stop using plastic cutting boards because they release microplastics into our food. And then it dawned on me that a nice wood board would be the perfect holiday gift for several people on my list.
Maple, cherry, walnut, paulownia are all good options for cutting surfaces. If you see a downed tree, show up with your chainsaw and ask for a slice or two! You can also try sourcing “tree cookies” or “tree discs” from local arborists, craft shops, or of course online.
Be sure to let the wood dry out for several weeks after cutting, then sand it smooth, and apply mineral oil. That’s it!
2-Ingredient Non-Toxic Spray Cleaner
OK, it might feel a bit utilitarian to gift a bottle of kitchen cleaner, but if you have any environmentalists on your list, they’ll appreciate the conceit, especially if you tell them all the reasons to love it. First, this stuff works great on just about anything–counters, floors, tables, toilets. Second, it’s free of chemicals and toxins, unlike most of the stuff we use. Third, it reduces food waste and gives you a reason to eat some oranges.
I learned this hack from Armen Adamjan, my favorite sustainability Tik Tokker. Simply place orange peels in a mason jar of white vinegar and let it steep for two weeks in a dark place. Then strain it into a spray bottle. I found the above cool glass one in a second hand shop.
Update: I’ve been playing around with other ingredients. I love subbing grapefruit peels for orange and my recent Christmas tree spray is my new favorite.
Hot Pepper Apple Jelly
My obsession with hot pepper jellies started a few years back when my garden was cranking out jalapeños. I tried several recipes and found my all-time favorite after a neighbor invited me to pick apples from his orchard this fall. The jelly is slightly sweet and tangy with a good kick of heat. Here’s that inspired me.
You’ll need a bunch of apples and hot peppers (any kind you like), plus sugar and a packet of liquid pectin. First you make apple juice, which is easier than it sounds. Just boil the apples in some water, mash, and strain them through cheesecloth a few times until you have a gorgeous clear liquid. Add the sugar and peppers and bring to a boil, then stir in the pectin. Spoon a bit of jelly onto a chilled plate and pop it in the freezer to make sure it will set. If it jiggles after a few minutes, you’re good to go. If it’s runny, keep boiling until it thickens.
You can preserve the jelly in a water bath to make it shelf staple, or just gift it as is and tell the recipient to refrigerate. This stuff is addictive on so many things: crackers, cheese, avocado toast, any type of sandwich, and grilled fish to name a few. Anyone on your list will adore it, guaranteed.
Festive Hot Chocolate Mix
Kids love this one. In a one-pint wide mouth mason jar, layer the following ingredients in this order: ½ cup coconut sugar, ½ cup good unsweetened cocoa powder, about 20 peppermint candies (crushed), ¼ cup chocolate chips, and mini- marshmallows to the rim (about ¼ cup). This is enough for about 5 servings; double it in a quart-sized jar if you like.
Make a tag with cooking instructions: shake well and combine 2 tablespoons of mix with 8 ounces of hot milk. Another great idea to round out the gift: Include a thrifted holiday mug (my local thrift stores always have them).
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Here’s a thoughtful eco-friendly holiday gift for the bakers on your list. There’s nothing like homemade vanilla extract, and this recipe takes just a minute to make. All you need is a couple ounces of vodka or bourbon, some vanilla beans, and a jar. (Thrift shops have the best jars!) Split open a bean or two and then pop them into the bottle and add the booze. I used just half of one bean (they’re pretty expensive) for a 3-ounce bottle; add more beans for bigger bottles or stronger vanilla flavor. The longer you can let it stew the better, but it will be ready to use in a few weeks.
An Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift for the Person Who Has Everything
What does your loved one really care about? If it’s not another flannel shirt, find a related charity and make a donation in their name. If you need some inspiration, our Find Your Good program supports 14 nonprofits committed to protecting the planet and getting more people outside. You can learn more about the work they do and make a donation in just a few clicks .
Doing right by the planet can make you happier, healthier, and—yes—wealthier. ϳԹ’s Head of Sustainability, Kristin Hostetter, explores small lifestyle tweaks that can make a big impact. Write to her at climateneutral-ish@outsideinc.com.