Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas: Last-Minute, Eco-Friendly Guide (PHOTOS)

It's that time -- forget paying normal shipping fees for Christmas presents, overnight delivery isn't even an option at this point, and some stores have already shut down for the holiday. What's a last-minute shopper to do?

Embrace the green, material-free, DIY options that are also conveniently suitable for anyone cutting it down to the wire with gifts this year.

According to RecycleWorks, an additional 1 million tons of waste are produced each week over the holiday season, with household waste rising by over 25%.

In the spirit of recycling and reusing, we're spiffing up some of our favorite suggestions from years past and sprinkling in a few newbies to deliver you our top suggestions for a (relatively) material-free, green holiday season. Be sure to also check out this DIY techies guide for more ideas, and read these green energy tips to get you through the holidays and beyond.

Do you have a great last-minute green gift suggestion? Share it with us in the comments below!

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Board Game

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Cut out some cardboard from a box and make your own board game! Be creative, have fun, and create a personalized version of any old favorite. Use recycled paper to make cards and create questions based on family memories. This gift can be homemade, personal and long-lasting.

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Cut out some cardboard from a box and make your own board game! Be creative, have fun, and create a personalized version of any old favorite. Use recycled paper to make cards and create questions based on family memories. This gift can be homemade, personal and long-lasting.

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Comments

[Taylor Kenedy]

09:31 AM on 10/18/2012

To take Photos to another level, I'd suggest doing a Photobook. Most companies can get them printed and delivered pretty quick. Some are actually pretty "green" too. Lots of Canadian options out there like Photobook Canada, Groupbook.ca and elephoto.ca.

[Alina Smith]

07:03 AM on 01/24/2012

This could be a better option when you have not decided for any present and at the last moment these gift ideas will definitely work

[jonathan6773]

03:55 PM on 12/24/2011

My all time favorite is the coupon system. Just make sure there's an expiration. I remember I made that to my mother a long time ago for a free car wash. 5 years later, she tried to redeem it... Never happened.

[Jeri godsdreamsforme]

04:50 AM on 12/24/2011

These are great ideas. You can use all of them all year round. Thank you. I just may be making some last minute gifts after all.

[cichlid mom]

02:17 AM on 12/25/2011

I think some of them are really tacky. Tearing out a page of a used journal and gifting it? Am I the only one that thinks this is pretty lame. You should always be thankful for a gift, but that one is really tacky. Best not to give I think.