Find some last minute gift ideas you can make from things you already have at home without the need to go shopping. Completely plastic-free and eco-friendly, these ideas only require time, love and commitment.
Make a Virtual Scrapbook
Time is running out but you want to give someone a really meaningful last minute gift? Try your hand making a virtual scrapbook! These can be easily made in a couple of hours on a free tool like Google slides, Flipsnack, or Canva. Simply upload photos and add clipart and text captions, titles, or quotes. A virtual scrapbook is a unique and thoughtful gift that will keep on giving over the years plus… it is completely zero waste and plastic-free!
Making a Donation in Their Honor
This beautiful and impactful last minute gift idea is one that will warm the heart of the recipient while helping an important cause. It is also a great opportunity to show your loved ones you’re listening by supporting a cause that is important to them. Shout-out to these groups working hard to counter plastic pollution: Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Plastic Tides. This year for my birthday a friend financially adopted a donkey by helping pay for their care at the sanctuary!
Give a Gift Certificate!
Gift certificates can be such a great last minute gift idea! They are quick to pickup in a hurry and allow the recipient to get exactly what they want! No risk of a half hearted… “thaaaanks” for a gift they aren’t too thrilled to receive. With a gift card where they can choose something they will truly love and put to good use! Life Without Plastic is one of my favorite places for gift certificates (find them here). Their gift certificate is virtual (so no wasteful plastic cards) plus all their products are plastic-free and Earth-friendly AND they even ship plastic-free too!
Gift an Experience!
One of the best gifts in the world is spending quality time with those you love. Gifting an experience is something you both will enjoy and doesn’t have to cost a whole lot. Plus it gives you a little extra time to work on the gift if you’re running late, simply make a card that explains what’s to come! Here are some ideas!
- A day hike on a new trail with a special picnic lunch prepared by you.
- Ceramics painting
- A meal at a restaurant you both have been meaning to try.
- A museum visit and a coffee date.
- An excursion like winter tubing with hot cocoa
- A baking day where you supply the ingredients and tools, and wash the dishes.
Mason Jar Mixes
Cute and functional! Mason jar mixes can be made up quickly with ingredients you already have in your pantry! To make these, pour in the dry ingredients of a recipe. Could be for cookies, brownies, pancakes, soup mixes, or even keep it really simple with some hot cocoa powder and marshmallows. Then write a little card with the wet ingredients they will need to add and how to bake it! Voila instant easy and adorable gift!
Handmade Frozen Meals
When life gets busy quick meals and snacks are such a blessing! Make your loved ones life a little easier by preparing and storing freezer-friendly meals that they can whip up quickly at home. Meals like lasagna, chilli, curry, soup, pasta sauces, and casseroles freeze and heat really well! Treats can also be a great option! I often prepare cookie dough and freeze it in balls. That way whenever we want a treat or have guests over, fresh cookies can be ready in a jif!
Handmade Goodies
If you have a bit of time but haven’t found inspiration for the perfect gift, handmade baking is always a winner! Handmade treats are not only a gift of delicious treats but also a gift of your time which is often the most valuable thing we have. Pack them up in a glass jar, a reusable tin, or a nifty container like the airtight stainless steel ones from Life Without Plastic (see here) and voila! A plastic-free
Upcycled Ornaments
Get crafty by making an ornament with things you already have at home like paper, wool, pinecones, etc. Pinterest is sure to have you covered with DIY ornament ideas but for a personal touch add an element that is special to them. For example if they love music, a great idea would be a hand folded origami ornament made from sheet music. If they love nature, try your hand at building an ornament fully from natural items like stones and pinecones. Or if you have a talent like knitting, painting, crochet, etc. make something that you love making and will be a piece of you on their tree.
Write them a Book – 10 Things I love about you!
This might seem daunting but it is do-able I promise! Start by making a list of 10 (or more) things you love about the person you are giving a gift to. Each of those things will be its own page. Pile 3 sheets of paper on top of one another and fold in half to create a booklet. Staple along the folded side to keep the pages secured together. On the front of the book, write the title “ 10 Things I LOVE about you”. Then on each page write something from your list. Make it extra special by adding little illustrations or short anecdotes with shared memories or inside jokes. This little book will have a big impact and is sure to make them feel special and loved. A quick last minute gift that is plastic-free and really meaningful!
Author: Sarah Wylie