DIY Gifts

So as we were talking about making it a greener holiday season it got me thinking about what to do about Christmas gifts in this recession. Turns out a lot of people think about this. There are so many different websites with some great ideas!

I found some wonderful ideas that I will be using this year and will probly only have to spend $20 to make around fifteen to twenty gifts. I'm really excited to get started on them too. I even found some for the kids. The one that really caught mine and my husbands eye is the homemade wine. Your own concoction and then you can make your own labels and reuse those empty wine bottles that you would normally recycle. I'm even thinking of making wine carrier bags to go with these for next year as we want to experiment with some different wines. To go along with wine there are many other options with beer or different liquors either distilling your own or just finding a recipe to make your own while buying the liquor.

Everyone knows a mom who doesn't take enough time for herself. How bout you help her out with some DIY spa ideas. Bath salt has so many different recipes to try out. You can put these in a nice jar with your own label. Try this holiday bath salt:
1 cup epsom salt
1 cup baking soda
4-5 drops of red food coloring
4 drops peppermint essential oils
Mix salt and baking sode in a medium ball. Add food coloring and oils mixing quickly to avoid clumps. You can make another batch without the food coloring to layer in a jar to give it a candy cane effect. Use two tablespoons for a bath.
Bath bombs, bath soaks, body scrubs, masks, and the opportunities keep on going. I'm already coming up with birthday gifts along with who is getting what for Christmas and I'm so excited to get started.

Don't forget the kids! There are so many organic playdough recipes and silly slime I couldn't pick just one. I know these are found in family and church cookbooks along with so many other options on multiple websites. Check out what they can help make for the grandparents and teachers at www.ecobites.com.

There are so many options to help you save a little cash and also help you recycle some items around your house. Don't forget to check out www.treehugger.com and www.thedailygreen.com which will both help you on your search.


{picture by photobucket.com}