Only second hand or home made presents. Ideas.

[Allswellthatendswelll]

I thought I might try this this year! Already scouring vinted for toys still in their packaging and picked a lot of sloes for sloe gin.

The only exception will be maybe an experience present for my parents.

Anyone want to share ideas?

Yes, this is a very good idea.

Pot up a few mini daffodil bulbs (tete-a-tete are good). Keep them damp but not wet, and place outside in a sheltered place. Just before Christmas give the pots a clean and add some secondhand ribbon or similar.

Everybody loves a few daffodils on the windowsill in January and the bulbs can then go in the garden for next year.

That's a lovely suggestion. There are lots of possibilities if you are a gardener - you could split some of your own perennial herbs, for example. Charity shops are a good source of planters.

My friends and family always know they are going to get something from a charity shop in their package, usually alongside something else. It's amazing how much you find that is new/never used. I would never buy them something if I didn't know they'd love it though - definitely no recycled gift sets! Scarves are always worth a look. I've got a brand new cashmere scarf waiting for my best friend's Xmas package - it was £1.

I discovered a fig tree in my new garden last year. I don't like figs but I found a simple recipe for fig chutney and made four kilner jars full. They went down very well last year so I've just made another four for this Christmas.

I got a second hand book of knitted gift ideas and made lots of knitted things when I was in my knitting phase

Also when in my sewing phase tablecloths, kids dolls clothes, blankets

Live near a beach so I've also made artwork from seashells (have a look at Etsy ideas with mussel shells) and also I make a lot of seashell jewellery boxes for family and friends

These are all great ideas!

Shopping for 5 children between newborn and 5 (Not all mine!! Only have DS atm) So I think I will use vinted mainly for them. I might have to cheat a bit for DS's stocking but if he gets anything big will be second hand.

Adults DH and I usually do a joint experience. My parents an experience. He does his parents. My family we do secret santa with a 15 pound limit. Again vinted might be good or homemade.

So should be doable! I will probably cheat with bottles of wine etc for nursery workers unless I really get on it with toffee or fudge!

For my kids nursery workers me and the kids made hand made chocolate - just Melt chocolate into circles and have the kids decorate them with sprinkles and put them in a nice bag from hobby craft. My mince pies are also pretty good so I got a gift box from hobby craft and put them in that but I knew kids childminders were big on homemade and would be uncomfortable with shop bought gifts

For those ages I have sewn-

stacking boxes
cuddly toys
waldorf dolls (the mini ones have always been most popular/played with. Sometimes called pocket dolls)
play blankets (patchwork to look like roads & fields for all the play animals)
quilts
bunting
drawing kits to hold crayons & notebook
play purses
Sleeping bags for bears/dolls
wee play/doll houses
Soft blocks
puppet theatre (Velcro to doorway)

Jolabokaflod is an Icelandic tradition of giving a book with some chocolate so the recipient can escape and have some quality down time on Christmas Eve.
You could buy second hand books suitable for each person with some home made goodies (doesn’t have to be chocolate!)
Im thinking of doing it this year.

Im not Icelandic btw!

We make gifts for each other. I’ve done flavoured gin/vodka, werthers toffee vodka is a fav; different flavours of chocolate slabs, truffles; bath salts using essential oils and dried flowers or coffee grounds; body scrubs with a base of sugar or oats; word art; small painted wooden signs; bookmarks; beaded/knotted jewellery; air dry clay things.
Think I might try homemade fudge this year.

We also have a 2nd hand/vintage/eco gift under the tree. Often old books or vintage fashion/ jewellery.