Gifts that keep on giving and ideas that that work all year long!
Wrapping
According to Treehugger.com, over 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper is used annually in the U.S. Much of it is not recycled, and some is not recyclable. At brightly.eco, "the fancier your wrapping paper is (think anything that's glittery, metallic, or uses foil or other textures), the harder it may be to recycle." So let's rethink the wrap and more!
Use new kitchen towels to wrap small presents, hold in place with a colored binder clip or hair clip; use bungee cord instead of ribbon
Put unwrapped presents in a storage bin, decorative box, or other reusable container. Use greenery or leftover wrapping paper of any kind or saved tissue paper from previous gifts to stuff the box to hide the gifts
Turn old holiday wrapping paper inside out! Decorate the inside with festive symbols or messages
Wrap with newspaper and bright colored ribbon or a paper bag and twine (thanks for these, Karen!)
Instead of bows (although they can be reused) use candy canes, sprigs of rosemary, leaves, branches with greenery, homemade ornament, cookie cutter
Use a gift box meant to be reused for gifting and storing
Fill mixing, popcorn, or holiday themed serving bowl with muffins and cloth napkins
Baskets: Make one, buy one, fill it!
Presence
Give the gift of time: child care, pet sitting, share a skill, teach a talent, share a meal, computer/phone assistance. Your presence is your present =)
Bundle up and have a play-in-the-snow date (fun for kids and adults! - sledding, sleigh ride, build a snow fort)
Go for a walk or drive and enjoy the lights
Activity
Wine tasting, pottery class, kayak rental, balloon ride, tickets to a play, musical-charity-special interest event
Make a donation to a charity that has special meaning for them
Decorate the home (inside or out) for someone less abled
New to them
Use a glass cutter on an old wine bottle to make a candle holder, drinking glass, vase, pencil/paintbrush holder
Head to the thrift store for that one of a kind cake plate, serving tray, salad bowl and fill it with treats, baked goods, small candles, or hair ties, a new brush, and some scrunchies. A tall glass could be used for pens, pencils, & paint brushes or used in the kitchen for wooden spoons and spatulas. You might find something for garage tools as well!
Get crafty
Learn to make lip balm or body scrubs
Knit or crochet scarves, pot holders, blankets...
Bake some goodies you know they enjoy
Gift in a frame, etched in a cutting board, printed on a towel one of your favorite recipes that you know they love or one of their favorite quotes or sayings
Save this list for next year. Start early! They can be projects to create all year long!
With love and lots of light, Debbie Jenae
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