By Tanya Cabala, Lakeshore Outreach Organizer for WMEAC
Every year lately, I end up watching my holiday season spiral into a whirlwind of excessive spending, waste, and gifts that sometimes just quickly gather dust. This year, I’m taking a different approach, one that’s better for the environment and easier on my wallet. I am going to try upcycling to make some of my gifts!
The Cost of Convenience: Why We Need to Rethink Holiday Spending
The average American spends nearly $1,000 on holiday gifts every year, according to the National Retail Federation, creating about 25 million tons of trash from wrapping paper, gift boxes, and packaging alone (Stanford University). This annual cycle creates more waste—and costs us more—than we may realize. But it doesn’t have to happen. I think we can do things differently, with a bit of time and a shift in our mindsets.
The Benefits of Upcycled Gifts: Saving Money and Reducing Waste
I am definitely interested in upcycling. It’s using things we already have to create new items. It’s a more sustainable approach to gift-giving – instead of buying the latest trendy gift, I plan to focus on giving thoughtful, unique gifts by repurposing items that might otherwise continue to clutter up my home or go to waste. Hopefully, I can make my gifts more unique, personal, and creative. And I will save money and not make as much trash! This is also more aligned with my environmental and sustainability values—values that groups like WMEAC encourage us to embrace.
A Challenge to Readers: Try an Upcycled Holiday for Yourself
I plan to start this week, and I challenge you to join me. If you’re already doing this—that is great! If not, start small: make one or two gifts using what you already have, and share your creations with me. Send me a photo of your upcycled gifts at tcabala@wmeac.org. Let me know what you made, and how it felt, and how those you gave it to reacted. I’ll check back in the New Year to share how it went for me and anyone who sends along what they did.
Upcycled Gift Ideas Anyone Can Try
I am excited to get started using things I already have in my home – this is good as I need to declutter anyway. Since I love to go to thrift stores, the next step will be especially fun – finding some interesting treasures!. Here are the ideas I am going to try. All seem simple, and require few materials:
- Vintage Bookends
- What you need: Old books, decorative elements (small figurines, stones, etc.)
- How to make it: Use hardback books as a base for bookends, gluing small figurines or objects to the spine. Paint them for a more cohesive look or leave them rustic.
- Repurposed Sweater Pillows
- What you need: Old sweaters, pillow inserts, or stuffing
- How to make it: Cut and sew old sweaters to make pillow covers. They will be perfect for winter.
- Drawer Pull Necklace or Keychain
- What you need: Old drawer pulls, chain or key ring, beads or charms
- How to make it: Turn vintage drawer pulls into keychains or necklaces, adding beads for personalization.
- Repurposed Picture Frame Tray
- What you need: Old picture frame, fabric or paper, glue, drawer handles
- How to make it: Remove the glass from a picture frame, glue fabric or paper to the back, and add handles to create a functional tray.
- Repurposed Jewelry Dish
What you need: Old, unused jewelry (like broken necklaces, earrings, or bracelets), a small dish or plate (from home or a thrift store), hot glue gun, and decorative elements (like beads, fabric, or buttons).
How to make it: Use the old jewelry to decorate the edge of a small dish or plate, gluing the pieces around the rim to create a unique, sparkling jewelry dish.
A More Meaningful Holiday, Without the Waste
My goal this holiday season is to find joy not in the hustle of shopping, but in the creativity and intention behind each gift I create. Let’s make this a holiday to remember—for our creativity and our cost savings!
