Consumerism Alternatives

Politically Incorrect Wellness also goes against the grain of holiday consumerism! There are so many alternatives to buying and consuming all season long. A great DIY for gift giving is making consumables instead of just consuming a premade food or product from a shelf. Foods, like sourdough breads, desserts, and home canned goods all make beautiful and thoughtful gifts. You can also make an item from a hobby like sewing, soap making, or embroidery. The possibilities are endless! 

Things to Consider

When opting out of the consumerism side of the holidays there are a few things to consider including time, budget, and your reactive ability. Making a homemade or handmade gift will likely take much longer to plan and create than buying a gift. Leave yourself plenty of time to plan and execute it well. If you don’t have much time, set reasonable goals and start with a simpler gift. The same goes for not having a large budget to spend. You can make a lot of inexpensive homemade or handmade gifts that cost more time than money. Or visit your local thrift store. Many things could be used or repurposed from a thrift store to make a great gift. Creativity and personalization based on your skills are key!

My Personal Favorite Elements of a Homemade Gift

I have three elements that I love when making or receiving a gift. They are nature, thrifting, and being homemade. Some gifts incorporate each of these elements but not every give does. Because we are all unique and have different skills there is something beautiful in a personally made gift regardless of what it is. 

Nature

I’m a big supporter of bringing nature into the home in every season. It is an inexpensive way to decorate seasonally, appreciate each season more, and have less stuff to store throughout the year! There are literally so many options for adults and kids alike to create from nature. A wreath, a fruit or veggie basket, homegrown eggs, garlands, picture frames, etc. 

Thrifting

Thrifting is a great way to find inexpensive gifts for children. Many of the items at thrift stores are new or in really good condition but less than half of the cost. You can find toys, books, clothing for kids. The same goes for gifting to adults, there are some great finds if you have the time to look through all the shelves at your local thrift store. 

Handmade

My personal favorite is to get creative and handmake something to give away. This is great for making seasonal foods and baked goods from scratch. It is a fun way to get children involved and finish with a beautiful edible item to gift! You could make a simple bread loaf or get as complex as something shaped and sourdough. Also using different homemaking skills or other hobbies that make a gift personal from the one who created it opens the door to so many possibilities! And this can incorporate nature, thrifting, and handmade items! Merry Christmas!

Written by Jessica