Groxie

I know it’s crazy, but I’m already thinking about holiday gifts. Since we’re planning to move soon after the New Year, I want to cut down on my holiday to–do list as much as possible. I’ve been scouring my brain (and the internet), and I’ve come up with some great gifts that involve recycling, reuse, and stuff around the house just waiting for a purpose. If you’re crazy like me, you can get a head start on “shopping” without spending much money or generating more trash.

Beer Cap Magnets

This has to be one of my favorite reuse ideas. We drink plenty of beer, so there are always bottles to be recycled and caps to be trashed. Lately I have been hoarding the caps to turn them into magnets. Twist—offs are great for this, but you can use pop off ones as long as you are careful when use the bottle opener (or table). Add a dab of hot glue and a small magnet, and you can make sets of magnets for all your friends!

Paper Bead Jewelry

I haven’t tried this one out yet—I’m waiting until I have a better collection of scrap wrapping papper. Natasha Fialkov shows you how to make these gorgeous beads out of all sorts of paper; check out her tutorial for more pictures.

Plants

We have lots of plants that could use a little pruning, so I’m planning on letting the clippings establish roots in a glass of water. Once the roots are growing, I’ll move them to a little container with dirt. If I’m feeling creative I might even decorate the pot. The plants make a great gift for co-workers, teachers, or anyone who’s just difficult to shop for.

Bath Bombs

Cat Morley’s blog Cut Out + Keep is full of incredible ideas that are cheap and fun. These bath bombs might require a small investment, but you’ll end up with great, unique gifts that aren’t full of unpronouncable chemicals. You can customize the shape, color, and scent for each recipient.

Spicy Recycled Soap

One of these days I’m going to really make my own soap from scratch. In the meantime, this recipe for recycled soap is a simple way to make soap without investing in tools or buying lye.