There is always a time where you need to give a gift, not just around Christmas.  After Christmas, though, I started thinking of different types of gifts I can either make by hand, re- purpose or reduces the amount of waste created by purchasing.   I came up with a small list, that I can start working on earlier in the year, but even if I need to buy a birthday gift, I will have this list handy.

1.  First thing, is one thing I rely on when it get’s close to the deadline; giftcards.  These things are very green.   They come with either a trifold, which is already wrapped, or without.  Even with out it, you can just throw it in a card and call it done.

2.  You can buy the recipient a book.  I think this is a very good idea because there really are indefinate number of books you can purchase, for any reader.  Plus don’t come with any extra packaging.

3.  Re-purpose all of those Christmas cards or Birthday cards into something useful.  You can make them into postcards, stationary, gift tags or even a set of Christmas ornaments.

4.  Knit a scarf.  Usually around winter anyone can use one of these.  Knitting may be a hard skill to learn, but once you learn, you never forget.  Plus there are a wide array of patterns or gift ideas you can use to make for people.

5.  You can also make a quilt or other bedding.  All you need is a sewing machine and several types of fabric.  You can also use any left over fabric from other projects you may have lying around.

6.  Make a wooden picture frame.  We are lucky to have a local Habitat ReStore in our area you can purchase scrap wood or any other materials at cheap prices. This is just a different type of thrift stores, and you can keep an eye out for items someone you care about is looking for.  Making picture frames may take some patience, but it doesn’t require a lot of hardware to complete.  We purchased a miter saw, a manual one, and most of the picture frame material you can find at a hobby store.

7.  Homemade cooked goodies.  Who doesn’t like getting fresh baked cookies or a pie.  I have even seen in stores all of the dry ingredients for a particular recipe in a Ball canning jar; including a recipe.  This would be a unique way to personalize something.  Plus you can buy the jars at a local thrift store so you don’t have to spend unnecessarily.

8.  You can also make a one of a kind photo book from one of many online companies.  You don’t have to go out and drive anywhere to purchase.  You can stay in the comfort of your own home and design.  Some companies like Shutterfly, Snapfish and Kodak are just a couple out there to check out.  They all offer a slightly different product.

That is my list of possible gifts I will be revisiting this year when I need an idea.  This only includes purchased or homemade goods, you could always offer your services like babysitting or yard work.    The possibilities are absolutely endless.  I would love to hear of your creative ideas on gifts you have given.