Best DIY Christmas Decorations and Handmade Gifts for a Sustainable Christmas
The festive season is officially here, and nothing makes a home feel more magical than handmade Christmas décor and thoughtful second-hand or handmade gifts. Not only do they help you save money at a time when every penny counts, but they also carry that personal touch you simply can’t buy in a shop.
This year, why not try creating a Christmas that’s budget-friendly, creative and kinder to the planet?
DIY Christmas Decorations
Did you know that an estimated 12,500 tonnes of Christmas decorations end up in landfill every year? With new trends going viral weekly, it’s more important than ever to rethink how we decorate. Choosing to recycle, upcycle, or make your own decorations is more sustainable, more affordable and honestly, a lot more fun.
Here are some of our favourite simple DIY Christmas décor ideas to get you started: 
Dried orange garlands 🍊
Never made one before? Don’t worry, they’re surprisingly easy and look gorgeous draped over shelves, trees, or fireplaces.
You’ll need: oranges, an oven, a sewing needle and string.
Slice, dry, thread, hang. Done!
Cinnamon stick ornaments 🌲
For décor that looks beautiful and smells incredible, cinnamon stick ornaments are a perfect choice.
You’ll need: cinnamon sticks and string.
Tie them together, add ribbon if you like and enjoy the cosy, festive aroma.
Scrap fabric bunting 🧵
Got leftover fabric lying around? Transform it into festive bunting.
It’s sustainable, beginner-friendly and a great way to add colour or texture to your space without spending a thing.
Salt dough ornaments & garlands ✨
A timeless family craft and one of our absolute favourites.
You’ll need: flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, a needle and ribbon or string.
Shape them however you like, stars, trees, hearts and decorate once dry. These keepsakes last for years and make the sweetest memory-making activity with children.
Paper snowflakes ❄️
A nostalgic classic that never goes out of style. Grab some paper and scissors and let your imagination (or your kids’) go wild.
DIY Christmas Gifts
In the UK, around £42 million worth of unwanted Christmas gifts are thrown away every year. That’s a heart-sinking amount of waste both in resources and money.
Switching to DIY gifts means you’re giving something useful, personal, sustainable and made with love. Here are some easy ideas:
Homemade Edible Gifts 🍪
Affordable, thoughtful and always appreciated. Try:
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Brownie in a jar mix or cookie mix jars
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Homemade jams or chutneys
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Flavoured oils & vinegars
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Boxes of handmade festive cookies
Package them in jars or reused containers for a charming, homely look.
Self-care gifts 🛁
Perfect for friends who need a little pampering. Ideas include:
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Homemade lip balm
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Soy or beeswax candles
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Relaxing bath salts
These can be customised with scents like lavender, peppermint, or vanilla.
Crafty gifts 🧶
If you love crafting, these unique gifts are sure to impress:
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Crochet soap sacks
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Reusable face pads
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Scrap-fabric tote bags
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Crocheted bookmarks
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Prints, artwork, or hand-drawn cards
Personal, low-waste and truly special.
Second hand gifts ♻️
Shopping second-hand shops and charity shops are full of hidden gems, they just require a little digging. Second-hand gifts are eco-friendly, budget-friendly and often far more meaningful than buying something new.
Here are a few creative ideas to spark inspiration:
Build-Your-Own Bread Kit 🥖
Pick up a beautiful ceramic mixing bowl in a charity shop and pair it with:
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A jar of premade bread mix
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A festive tea towel
Thoughtful, practical and great for food lovers.
Vintage Glassware 🥂
Charity shops are treasure troves for vintage glassware.
Find a pair of elegant glasses and pair them with a bottle of bubbly or a homemade syrup for a luxurious festive gift.
Whether you’re crafting decorations or gifting something handmade, the joy is in the making. DIY Christmas creations bring loved ones together, reduce waste and give your home a personal festive touch you’ll cherish for years.