24 things to ✨do or make✨

instead of buying more stuff

Every year, gift guides increase on the scale of delulu (parts of mine included, but I did say so myself) and decrease in trustworthiness (affiliate link overload). While it’s nice to give gifts to the people we love, I recently learned that Americans spend upwards of $9 billion (!!!) on unwanted gifts -1 in 5 of gifts ends up in the bin. WHAT?! This confirms what we all know deep-down: most of us don’t need more things.

I’m not saying I will never try to sell anything again (in fact have you seen my new socks? Last day to order pre-Christmas for UK delivery hehe, YES I’m a hypocrite) - but I have promised myself to consume more mindfully, while ideally also consuming less.

This is where today’s “guide” comes in - a list of 25 things to make or do this gifting season - for yourself, for your nearest and dearest, or for your community.

EDIBLE GIFTS

The good thing with food is that it’s meant to be enjoyed soon - and since most of the options below are pretty delicious, no clutter left behind.

1. Broth or stock
   This only works for someone you live near to. A few containers of broth or stock are possibly the most thoughtful gift you could give! See my archives for lots of recipes.

2. Infused oil
   Kimberly Zett has endless infused oil recipes, I’ve been eyeing this Gingerbread Oil and Candied Bacon Oil. For something more basic, chive oil always works.

3. Jam
   Make a few jars of seasonal jam or jelly. This is the best gift ever, I defer to

   Claire Dinhut
   on this for the best recipes )

4. Infused salt
   Rosemary salt, garlic salt, gingerbread salt?! The opportunities are endless.

5. Flavoured butter
   This really only works for someone in your nearby vicinity (or someone you live with, win-win for you as you get to enjoy the butter). You can make it in cute moulds! I’m sure Thomas Straker has a butter recipe for every situation.

6. Focaccia
   I’ve been making

   Sarah Jampel
   Shockingly Easy No-Knead Focaccia for years (when I type “s” in my browser, it’s one of the first suggestions). It’s foolproof and delicious and works every single time.

7. Pickles
   Pickled onions, pickled carrots, pickled radishes, literal pickles, dare I say pretty pickles - whatever type you go for, pickles are a very low effort endeavour that can add some much-needed freshness and tang to rich holiday meals.

8. Crackers
   Seedy and delicious, and a nice sugar and dough-free snack to have on hand during the holidays. There’s a GREAT recipe in my book. I hate gatekeeping but it’s not one of the dedicated recipes that I’m allowed to share!!! Sorry!

   

   8.Hot sauce!
   I got into this this summer. Make sure to wear a mask while making it, because the air gets HELLA spicy. Lots of recipes to be found online.

9. Honey-butter jars
   Carolina Gelen is a genius. These jars are such a cute and thoughtful idea.

10. A gingerbread house!
    A fun family idea. Let me know if you need any tips, I’m really, really good at this, see below.

HANDMADE

11. Foil embossing
    So beautiful and festive! My friend (and salad co-conspirator) Bella is a superwoman who finds ways to make every holiday so so special. She has been making these beautiful embossed ornaments with her kids.
    

    the.essential.everything

    

    A post shared by @the.essential.everything

12. Beaded flowers
    These are SO beautiful and they last forever. I imagine one would need steady nimble fingers for this.

    lemetierr

    

    A post shared by @lemetierr

13. Make garlands
    Low effort and probably a fun activity if you have kids!

14. Knit a scarf
    Whenever I see people travelling with their knitting gear, I feel really inspired

    to learn. If I could, I’d be knitting scarves and socks for everyone I know.

15. Needlepoint
    Make a fun pillow! I had a needlepoint phase a few years ago and it’s very very therapeutic. More forgiving than sewing, since you’re confined to little squares.

16. Sew something
    Imagine sewing your own gifts? I would love to be gifting home-made baking mitts. A 2025 goal.

17. Make a DIY heating pad
    This couldn’t be easier: fill a shoe bag (or a clean sock) with risotto rice and sew or tie closed (be sure you do this well, you don’t want rice everywhere). Pop this in the microwave for 2ish minutes and you have the perfect warmpack for backpain, tummy aches, achy muscles, or cold limbs.

18. Make a DIY face oil
    All you need is a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) and some targeted functional add-ins to make personalised face oils.

ACTS OF SERVICE

19. Volunteer at a charity
    Help cook meals to feed the hungry - such as The Felix Project if you’re in London.

20. Donate to a charity
    Donate food, like tinned goods, to a charity - or buy a meal for someone via Just Eat.

21. Support the elderly
    Volunteer at a nursing home, or support isolated elderly people. So many elderly people feel lonely, especially over the holidays, and charities like Re-engage can make a huge impact in their lives. And if you’re reading this and your grandparents are still around, please treasure that.

22. Donate warm clothes
    Clean out your closet and donate unwanted warm clothes.

23. Or books
    To charity shops or schools.

24. Animal shelters
    Volunteer at an animal shelter! Of course, they don’t know it’s Christmas, but there are so many abandoned animals that could use some extra TLC. Also, please don’t impulsively adopt a pet unless you’re sure you’re up for the 15 year responsibility.

Happy holidays and thank you all, as always, for tuning in!!!