Avoid the holiday hustle and bustle by staying home and making these simple DIY plant gifts.

Christmas is just around the corner, and it feels festive and exciting and…kinda crazy out there. The holiday shopping and high stress energy of scrambling for presents is just as prevalent as the beauty of Christmas lights and the scent of pine. But what if you don’t have to join the hustle and bustle this year? You can make Christmas presents right from your home, made with your own hands while playing the Elvis Christmas playlist and sipping egg nog. Doesn’t that sound enjoyable?

We at Greener Environments love to make presents with plants. Here are a few ideas for creative gifts that are super simple to make at home.

1) Succulent terrariums

Plant terrariums are very popular these days and they are very easy to make. Follow this link for a full tutorial on how to make your own: http://livedan330.com/2014/11/03/diy-succulent-terrarium.

Just be sure to not over water. Water only when the soil has become dry. Other than that, these terrariums take very little maintenance and provide a cute touch to your home or office.

2) Air Plants

Air plants, or Tilandsia, are completely easy to care for and they look very interesting. You can put them in a variety of containers, suspend them from the ceiling, or hang them on a wall. I’ve even seen them put in a snail shell! They add a very whimsical feeling to any home décor, and they don’t even require soil. Make sure they get some indirect natural light, and soak them for about 20 minutes once a week. You may also want to mist them in between watering days. Here are some ideas for how to gift your Tilandsia:

Put it in a glass container and hang from the ceiling – http://www.brit.co/decorate-with-air-plants/

Make a Tilandsia Wreath – http://www.therainforestgarden.com/2012/12/diy-mossy-tillandsia-wreath.html

Put it in a Christmas ornament – http://www.decoratingyoursmallspace.com/diy-glass-ornament-projects/

3) Herbs in a pot

Simple, easy, pretty, and loved by all! Wrap a Christmas bow around the pot and you’ve got yourself a Christmas gift.

4) Infused olive oil

This gift is sure to impress your friends and family and they will absolutely love it. If you have herbs in your garden and olive oil in your cupboard, all you need is a bottle and you’ve got yourself a gift! Follow this recipe to learn how to make your own infused olive oil.
http://www.justputzing.com/2011/12/diy-infused-olive-oils.html

5) Plant extracts

This is an interesting gift to give and receive and it couldn’t be easier. Follow this link to learn how to make your own extracts. http://www.justputzing.com/2013/12/diy-flavored-extracts.html

 6) Wrap your presents with plants

Just think, you don’t even have to go to the store for wrapping paper! All you need is some tissue paper or brown paper bag, some string or twine, and a sprig of any kind of plant you like. Here are a few cool ideas for wrapping presents with plants:
http://www.hegeinfrance.com/3-simple-ways-wrap-christmas-present

We hope this gives you a few ideas for simple homemade plant gifts. Have fun this Christmas season and savor the company of your friends and family. Stay warm, eat good food, and enjoy this last little bit of 2015. We’ll see you in the new year!