All made up

All made up

< Do Action List

All made up

Next Do Action >

All made up

Give home made gifts

Gifts are great! As long as they're appreciated, that is…

Every year, we give millions of unwanted presents that end up unloved and unused.1 That’s a shame for the giver and receiver, but it’s even worse for the environment.

So here’s an idea. Give homemade gifts this year - you’ll save money as well as natural resources, and that personal touch will make your presents much more lovable.

Why

Here are a few reasons to take action.

Click for more info or scroll to read them all.

Resources

You can't make something out of nothing. Every time a new product is made, we need to extract fresh resources from the earth – through mining, quarrying or tree felling. New clothes, books, films, electronics, cosmetics…. they're all made from something, and something pretty precious.

60 m

unwanted gifts are given each Christmas in Great Britain.1

50k

trees are felled each year for wrapping paper in the UK.2

Climate change

Everything we make and use emits greenhouse gases at every stage of its lifecycle - from when we first extract, refine and transport its raw materials, through to processing them into a product, to how we use and dispose of it.

Love

Love your things, love your friends. Nothing means quite as much as a homemade gift or card. This is doubly true if it's made out of something you've already given some love to, and that you’re ingeniously reusing.

£2.4bn

is spent on unwanted Christmas gifts each year.3

Global Goals

In September 2017, an historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.

Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.

By making the 'All made up' pledge, you are contributing to the following SDG targets:

12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

How

Whether you're some kind of creative genius or your craft skills peaked at primary school, the possibilities for home made gifting are endless…

Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

We also love this ingenious list of 100 crafty homemade gift ideas, which features everything from wine racks made from old crates to personalised door mats and dog treats.

Kirstie Allsopp’s book Kirstie’s Homemade Home is also a well of ideas and inspiration for all things homemade.

And don't forget the wrapping paper - why not use an old piece of newspaper finished off with a colourful bow, or reuse paper from last year? If you have to use tape, check out this fun paper tape, or tie it up with some biodegradable twine!

Success Stories

916

Pledges
in total

87,241kg

CO2
pledged

“

I made homemade stocking fillers for my parents, a charity dressing up box for my niece and a drawing of a family dog...all the hits of Christmas day and so much fun to do!

“

Gave plants from my garden and a recycled gift in a home made bag (no more wrapping paper).

“

I make my own cards instead of buying them including for family and friends.

“

I create my own cards and urged the team to do their own so we don't buy them, At home some painting projects are underway to give paintings as gifts for birthdays.

“

Preparing cards to be used in upcoming team birthdays.

“

Homemade cards made out of scrap material - now I will make all my cards like this :) I also made an apron up cycled from a curtain and cushions up-cycled - all as gifts.

“

Yep did it !! I took on knitting and made: 1 baby blanket, a little baby har, pair of baby shoes, baby scarf. Got magazine recycled from the Big Issue website too. Etc.

“

This one was partially successful as there wasn't much going on however I am fully committed to it and will make sure at least a part of future presents is home-made.

“

My 7 year old loves to create something from all kinds of rubbish and recycling now

“

I made home made cards. I also made some very interesting things like squishies made out of sponge, pop up cards, mosaics on tiles, holograms out of laminating paper and more during CIPS week at school.

“

Instead of buying cards for our birthdays I'm making them myself recycling my crafts and/or painting supplies I have at home. Everyone is much happier receiving a unique personalised card (a different style each time, water colour, oils or drawings. It was also suggested to donate what we saved on cards at the end of the year.

“

I knitted a hat and a tea cosy as presents and pretty happy with them. Saves a few £££ too (although wool isn't as cheap as you'd think)

“

Homemade truffles go down a storm!

“

I went to see my sister this weekend and saw one of my homemade presents pride of place on the mantlepeice - she is not short of money and it's really gratifying to know that she values it so much more than the other bought gifts she has received before!

“

I had so much fun knitting things for other people - I have nearly finished a baby cardigan! Now I just need to find someone with a baby...

“

It was amazing! Amongst other things, I made a jewellery holder and printed two pictures...

“

Christmas was about 80% homemade gifts and cards, which was a challenge but also much nicer

“

I enjoyed making gifts, using recycled materials where I could, eg, sock bouquets using socks but upcycled vases, ribbons and paper. There were also baked gifts which were presented in upcycled containers.

References

  1. Money Saving Expert
  2. The Guardian
  3. Green Alliance Blog