Get Krafty This Christmas: Gifts Made with Love (and a Little Glue)

Forget the frantic shopping sprees and endless wish lists — this year, it’s all about gifting from the heart. With the cost of living putting a squeeze on Christmas budgets, Australians are rethinking what “thoughtful” really means. In fact, with over $1 billion wasted every year on unused presents, more families are turning to meaningful, handmade, and upcycled gifts that say “I made this for you” instead of “I panicked at the shops.”

And honestly? We’re here for it.

Whether you’re crafty by nature or just handy with a glue bottle, these simple, sustainable ideas are proof that creativity can be the best gift of all.

1. Turn old favourites into new treasures

Got a pile of jeans you swore you’d fix one day? Give them a new life as a chic fabric tote bag. Cut the denim into panels and bind it together using Gorilla Fabric Glue — no sewing machine required. Add a fun patch, paint detail, or even your child’s doodles for a personal touch that beats anything off the rack.

2. For the music lover
Before you toss those scratched vinyls, think again. Old records can be transformed into retro-inspired coasters — just cut them into smaller circles and glue them to cork bases with Gorilla Wood Glue. They’re practical, nostalgic, and look amazing on a coffee table.

3. Jewellery with a second act
Every family has that drawer of tangled necklaces and single earrings. This Christmas, turn those forgotten bits into fresh, bespoke pieces. With a dab of Gorilla Super Glue Gel and a little imagination, you can create new earrings, a charm bracelet, or even a sentimental pendant that tells a story.

4. Memory frames that mean something

Salvage offcuts of wood or old picture frames and craft a photo collage that feels beautifully rustic. Sand them down, glue together with Gorilla Wood Glue, and fill with family memories, handwritten notes, or even your kids’ Christmas artwork. It’s sustainable, heartfelt, and looks like something straight from a boutique home store.

5. Wrap it with a twist
Let’s face it — traditional wrapping paper doesn’t last more than 30 seconds before it’s shredded, binned, and forgotten. But fabric wrap? That’s another story. Try making your own Furoshiki wrap using old shirts, scarves, or fabric remnants glued together with Gorilla Fabric Glue. It’s reusable, unique, and adds a warm, eco-conscious touch under the tree.

6. The ultimate topper: a mini wreath
Got a mason jar lid lying around? Transform it into a mini wreath to top your gifts. Wrap the rim with greenery or faux florals and secure it with Gorilla Glue Clear Grip. Add small pinecones or dried berries, and you’ve got a festive decoration that doubles as a keepsake.

7. Ribbon reinvented

Swap the plastic ribbons for something more personal. Create an upcycled bow from leftover fabric scraps — a few strips of material and a dab of Gorilla Fabric Glue are all it takes to add charm and texture to your presents.

This Christmas, it’s not about spending more, but giving better. Whether it’s handmade gifts from the kids or a creative night in with friends, there’s something special about crafting gifts that feel personal, sustainable, and packed with love.

So grab your glue, cue the Christmas playlist, and make this festive season one filled with meaning — not clutter.