Have yourself an upcycled little Christmas

(Image: Getty Images)

There may be 101 Christmas adverts on TV for the newest, biggest, bestest gadget that you really didn't know you needed, let alone wanted, until now, all wrapped up in 7 different types of packaging that you don't have to pay for until 2050 but here's an idea, why don't you Plug Out and make someone a present without all those lights and bells on (well, maybe keep the bells, they are rather festive).

Whether you're an expert crafter or a complete glue noob, there are plenty of upcycled homemade gifts you can make and give this Christmas that wont make people think 'oh, how cute, they got their blind dog to make our presents this year'.

• Lets start with envelopes. You can't get more simple than this. Whether you're making your own cards, reusing old ones or just want to make your envelope stand out from the thousands of others that are being sent this year, making your own envelopes is a super simple upcycling activity. Either make a template from an old envelope or download one from here, chose an old magazine or some of last years wrapping paper, cut and stick and you're done. You can churn out stacks of these whilst watching all those rubbish Christmas films.


• If you know a music fanatic, this bowl made from old records is the perfect gift, and so utterly easy to do. Put it in a bowl in the oven and wait for it to shape itself. What's not to love?

(Image: Wikihow)

• Know a music and cake lover? This cake stand from old records couldn't be more appropriate.


• If you have some more time on your hands - and a stack of old magazines, these recycled paper bowls and coasters look gorgeous and are really durable.

• If you uncovered boxes of half melted candles from last year when getting your decorations out of the loft, melt them down and make them into full candles for presents this year. You can add smells, colours and all sorts of decorations to make these more fun and personal.

So this year, make your presents more personal, and use up some of those bits and pieces lying around your house. Your friends and family will thank you, your purse will thank you and so will the landfill site!

SHARE THIS