1. Upcycled drinks cans: herb planters or pen pots

Who would’ve thought that a gift could be hiding in your recycling bin? Modern soft-drink and craft beer cans often feature wonderful artwork, making them ideal for stylish upcycled containers.

How to make them:

1. Remove the top of the can using wet/dry sandpaper.
2. Hold the can upside down and gently sand in a back-and-forth motion.
3. After a few minutes, the top will loosen, and you can lift it off with pliers.
4. Clean the inside thoroughly.
5. Optional: drill a hole in the back for wall-mounting or a drainage hole for herbs.

2. Cosy mittens: made from old blankets or jumpers

Warm, handmade mittens feel wonderfully festive and are surprisingly simple to sew. Using rescued wool blankets or old jumpers gives the project real character — and keeps textiles out of landfill.

How to make them:

1. Draw around your hand, adding about 3 inches for comfort and seam allowance.
2. Cut out four pieces for simple mittens, or eight if adding a lining.
3. Sew around the mitten shape, leaving the wrist opening unsewn.
4. Sew the lining separately, leaving a small turning gap.
5. Insert outer mitten into lining, sew around the wrist, turn through and finish. 

3. Handmade beaded bag charms

Bag charms are a joy to make and even more fun to personalise. Using rescued beads from charity shops or old necklaces you no longer wear, you can create stylish, colourful accessories that instantly elevate any handbag or rucksack.

How to make them:

1. Start with beading wire and a crimp bead.
2. Secure your first bead, then add as many beads as you like.
3. Finish by looping the wire through a keyring or clasp and crimping securely.
4. Create single strands or mix lengths for a fuller charm.

4. Personalised make-up or toiletry bags: (using rescued textiles).

If you’re a sewer, these are a dream gift: practical, customisable, and fun to batch-make. They’re ideal for friends who love skincare, travel, organisation, or a beautifully wrapped self-care bundle.

How to make them:

1. Choose your fabric: think rescued curtains, leftover cotton, vintage sheets, or upholstery remnants.
2. Pick a simple pattern: there are many free boxy-bag templates free online.
3. Add structure: quilt the fabric first or insert interfacing to make the bag stand upright.
4. Sew the bag: follow your chosen pattern slowly and neatly – zips can be simpler than they look!
5. Personalise:
   • Add a name label using heat-transfer vinyl (HTV) if you have a Cricut.
   • Or use fabric paint, embroidery, applique, or fabric pens.
   • Pop a few treats inside – mini skincare items, soaps, nail polish – and you have a  thoughtful, elevated gift.
     
     

5. Silver spoon rings

Spoon rings are timeless, meaningful pieces of jewellery — and surprisingly achievable with a few basic tools. Vintage spoons (EPNS or sterling silver) can often be found in charity shops or online auctions.

How to make them:

1. Clean and polish the spoon using warm water with bicarbonate of soda and afterwards a silver cloth to buff any imperfections
2. Remove the bowl end with a metal saw or bolt cutters, sand the cut end with wet dry sandpaper until you get a smooth edge.
3. Use a ring-bending tool to shape the handle. 
4. Polish to a soft shine with a tarnish guard for silver.

Final festive thoughts