I have a really hard time with gift giving because I hate the consumerism of it all. The idea that a gift should be given just because it is a holiday. So many folks end up with stuff they both don’t need and don’t want (Case in point: every year my mother gives me an item of clothing that isn’t black knowing full well I won’t even wear it around the house. Straight to the donation pile).
For the end of year holidays, I prefer something DIY or something bought from a small business (local small businesses are best). I like to gift things that people will actually use as well, so I try not to gift too many household decorations or clothes unless I really know the person well enough for that.
Here are a couple fairly easy DIY ideas, but I have also added links to some of my favorite small brands who also make these items, so if you would rather just buy it I got recommendations for you!
Reed Diffuser
To make something like this all you need is glass bottles or containers, wood reeds, and a favorite scent. You can decorate the bottle or container however you like, I’ve made some cool jars by taping off shapes and then spray painting the whole thing, when you take the tape off the shape is still intact under it. This way you can make something that suits the person you are gifting to, and it's an easy to use item. I found a seller on etsy that has these black reeds:
Bath Salts
To make bath salts all you need is bottles or jars, food coloring, essential oils and Epsom salts. Combine the Epsom salts and food coloring and mix well. Add the desired scent and mix again. Spread your completed mixture over wax paper and allow it to dry completely and then put it in the jar. Pro tip: Make these jars a week or so in advance so the scent has time to soak into the salts. You can also add dried flower petals and herbs like rosemary.
In case your like, nah, too much work, Lvnea is one of my favorite brands to go to for apothecary items, their bath salts are INCREDIBLE
Dipped Mug
I found this amazing tutorial on how to make dipped mugs. I like this project because you can grab mugs from the thrift store and go wild. I obviously need to make a matte black mug with deep blue marbling for myself. If you have a friend or family member who needs/likes mugs this would be an excellent gift. I added the link to the tutorial so you can see how its done
https://houseofhipsters.com/dyi-marble-dipped-mug/
But if you’re not interested in making a mug, here are some gorgeous hand thrown americano cups from Iceland that I think are just as great.
Spell Jars
Spell jars are a tool to help you concentrate your attention on whatever it is you're seeking. There are many different ways to make one depending on what you are looking for. The ingredients are relatively simple, once you find the jar or vessel you’re looking for. I’ve found a couple recipes for various spell jars here:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/spell-jars
But if you’re more interested in buying some premade spell jars, check out the Comavvitch shop, their spell jars are incredible, plus there are other great witchy gift ideas all over the shop, like the handmade paper, which I am freaking obsessed with.
Secondhand Books
If you have a bookworm in your life, I always suggest secondhand books from the thrift. It’s a great way to stay local. The books at goodwill are still reasonably priced, usually no more than a $1 or two for a softcover. When I go I can usually find one or two that I absolutely HAVE to take home with me (it’s actually sort of a problem.)
Edible or Drinkable Gifts
- Homemade spices and spice blends
- Candy, chocolate and baked goods
- Preserved food like jam or salsa
- A homemade or locally bought wine, beer, spirit, etc.
Experiences, of course
I love to travel so every year for christmas I ask for a little overnight trip somewhere with my husband and our dogs.
Make a Donation
Here are some of my favorite places to donate to:
National abortion fund
Critical resistance
https://criticalresistance.org/
Lange foundation (animal rescue)
