Originally published in November 2007.

Here you are folks, a random assortment of things you can make for people you love. Things that are better than things you can get in shops because: a) they’ve been made locally, b) they’ve not cost you much, and c) they’re made with love.

1. Pony Tyre Swing
What child wouldn’t love one of these? Instead of spending a fortune on a swing from a shop, just recycle an old tyre off your car, add a few nuts and bolts, a bit of elbow grease, and Bob’s your uncle. A pony fit for a prince or princess, whichever applies. Here’s the pattern and full details on how to make it.

2. Blooming Recycled-Tyre Planter
Here’s one that the moms, girlfriends and wives will love, I know I would, and another way to recycle one of your old car tyres. Again a bit of elbow grease is required, but the results are worth it. The instructions mention it being easier to do out in the warm sunshine. At this time of year you may need to warm the tyre up next to a radiator (make sure you don’t make dirty marks on the carpet). Pictures and instructions here.

3. Recycled Blanket Slippers
Who doesn’t like a comfy, warm pair of slippers? An old woollen blanket will make these cute slippers for your granny, husband or mum. Sewing skills required. Full tutorial from Sew Green.

4. Frame it
There’s no better gift for a grandparent than a photograph of a beloved grandchild. Take a picture, and frame it in a fancy frame made from recycled corrugated cardboard. Here’s how.

5. I am a plastic bag
Get rid of all the plastic bags cluttering up your under-sink cupboard in the kitchen and give your best friend, sister or mom a really cool shopping bag all at the same time. Eat your heart out Anja Hindmarch! Crochet this large plastic shopping bag.

6. I am a plastic bag too
A bag with dads and brothers in mind. This messenger bag is made by ironing plastic bags together to make them thicker, and then sewing them together to make a bag with style.

7. Have we forgotten anyone
Here’s a special something for man’s best friend, or your feline friend too. And a way of getting rid of all the odd socks that build up after the washing machine eats one of the pair. Make your pet a comfy, warm bed out of old socks.

If you haven’t got a crafty bone in your body, keep your eyes open for our green and ethical xmas gift guide, coming to EcoStreet sometime this week.

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UK urban land artist and guerilla gardener Anna Garforth turned 2-litre milk bottles into cute characters with green hair-does and put them out in the streets for everyone to enjoy. She calls this project “Head Gardner”.

[via Recyclart]

This blog post is cross-posted at ecojunki.

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I used to sleep on a pallet bed when I found myself a young single mom living in London on a small income and in need of a bed. For a few pounds and some help from a friend with a van, I got 12 old pallets home for a double-sized bed for me and six for my son’s single bed. A couple of affordable Ikea mattresses completed the picture.

Lori Danelle’s taken the pallet bed idea a step further and made a toddler bed, complete with casters, headboard, foot-board and side-guard. She’s posted a full tutorial online. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

{DIY} Toddler Pallet Bed [Lori Danelle]

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