Today is Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season and historically the busiest shopping day of the year. If the idea of battling frenzied crowds for the latest must-have doo-dad makes you want to pull the covers over your head and never come out, we have an idea for you – make your own gifts! You’ll get to stay home, avoid the clogged streets, and maybe even learn a new skill. And nothing says you care like a homemade present! Here are a few recent titles to inspire you:
Miniature Terrariums
Terrariums are among some of the easiest, quickest and cheapest crafts to make. Try it out yourself at our Holiday Craft workshop coming up next Thursday, November 29th at the Central Library, 5:30 pm (free and open to all while supplies last).
Take a Tin by Jemima Schlee
You’ve probably got a few tin cans lying around the house somewhere. Upcycle these ubiquitous household items into lamps, storage and other fun gifts.
Crafting With Nature by Amy Renea
If you’re celebrating Buy Nothing Day today, this book is full of great ideas for gifts that you can source for free. Gather the supplies for some of these projects on a walk in one of Seattle’s many wooded parks, or perhaps from your own garden.
For more crafty gift ideas, check out this list.
Don’t have the skills or time to do a craft project? Well, tasty homemade treats also make great gifts. Here are a handful of titles that can help you whip up some delicious presents in your kitchen in just a few hours.
Caramel, Fudge, Toffee & Brittle by Sara Aasum Hultberg
Who can resist a decadent piece of homemade fudge? Not me!
Fiery Ferments: 70 Stimulating Recipes for Hot Sauces, Spicy Chutneys, Kimchis With Kick, and Other Blazing Fermented Condiments by Kirsten Shockey
If you’ve got a spicy food lover on your list, this book may be just the ticket. Recipes include everything from pickled ginger to raw Sriracha sauce.
The Wildcrafted Cocktail: Make your Own Foraged Syrups, Bitters, Infusions, and Garnishes by Ellen Zachos
You can find some of the ingredients for this unique cocktail guide in your backyard or the woods nearby. Chanterelle syrup and pickled crabapples might be the perfect gift for the cocktail snob who thinks they’ve tried everything.
For more edible gift ideas, check out this list.
Happy crafting!
~ Posted by Abby B.
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