As you’re scrolling on social media this gift giving season, you may see a pattern of videos titled “creating over consuming.” If you’ve noticed this pattern, but have no idea what it means or how it impacts you, or even if you’re just feeling a little lost, we’re here to help! This holiday season, it’s trending to veer away from overconsumption, as we’ve seen throughout the year.
If you’re trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, social media is probably a hard place to be. TikTok and YouTube hauls make us feel the urge to throw ourselves into major mass-market consumerism, which is not only bad for the environment but hard on the wallets. This holiday season, sustainable creators are pushing back against the notion of over-purchasing gifts, holiday wrapping, and decor, and prioritizing creating more attainable options instead. TikToker Jessica Clifton has a whole holiday series centering around the concept of creating over consuming, which may be helpful for inspiration this gift giving season!
Combatting overconsumption around the holidays may sound daunting. You may be thinking “I don’t have the time to make all of my gifts and decor” or perhaps you don’t feel “crafty enough” to get through the gift making. Instead of going into the holiday season with this mindset, we urge you to sort through this list of easy DIYs for the holiday season and get started on creating now! Plus, everyone enjoys a gift that comes from the heart—a DIY holiday gift may be just the thing for your list this year!
Holiday Decor
Garland
This year, instead of purchasing cheap, single-use holiday garlands that will go straight to the trash on December 26th, try making some garlands that you’ll want to pass down to future generations. Crochet bow garlands and dried orange garlands have been all the rage this year, but naturally, you could aim for the classic popcorn and cranberry garland if you don’t mind throwing it out once the popcorn is stale. You’ll love all the wonderful compliments you receive on your DIY garlands!
Recycled Wrapping Paper
If you’re the type of person with a million paper bags hiding under your sink with no future purpose in sight, look no further. Not only does this DIY reduce waste, but it also combats clutter. Instead of purchasing fancy holiday wrapping paper that will get ripped to shreds anyway, wrap your gifts in brown paper bags! Then, you can draw, paint, or stamp on any holiday decor you want. This way, even the gift wrapping is personalized to your recipient.
Ornaments
Dried oranges are the scent of the holidays it seems, so what better way to use them than to throw them on your Christmas trees? Ornaments incorporating dried oranges will combat food waste and also look beautiful on your trees.
Easy Gifts
Crochet Gifts
This past summer, we saw a resurgence of grandma culture, so we know many people have since learned the art of crochet. Crochet gifts are the perfect way to say, “Hey, I love you enough to spend a little bit of extra time making something for you” without taking up all of your time outside of your 9-5. Some cool options include:
- Ear-warmer headbands
- Beanies
- Scarves
- Small handbags
- Room decor
- Trendy belts
- Coasters
- Scrunchies
- Balaclavas
The gifts don’t need to be huge, because no matter what, they’re personalized and took a lot of extra love and care from you, the gift giver!
Gifts for a Partner
If you’re seeing someone special over the holidays and want a unique gift, you should consider making something from scratch! One gift that always sticks with us is a drawing of the place you first met or had your first date. If you don’t feel particularly artistically inclined in this realm, there are many small business artists who you can support on Etsy! Other gift ideas for partners include:
- DIY picture frames with a picture of you two in it
- Small plush stuffed animals (easy-to-sew)
- Painted bags
DIY Accessories
Lastly, for any of the friends in your life who have super cute styles, you can make DIY accessories for them. Car charms, bag chains, phone cases, and embroidered shirts have all popped off online recently. For those who follow the trend cycle, these DIYs are perfect and meaningful for them, meaning they’ll probably stay in use past the trend’s expiration date.
If you’ve spent the better part of 2024 working to combat overconsumption, stay strong! We know the holiday season is stressful for a multitude of reasons, but don’t let it get the best of you. We know you’re crafty and determined enough to continue creating over consuming this holiday season!
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