the 2025 Reuse Gift Guide
For this year’s reuse gift guide we have identified some great reuse gifts you can BUY and where possible we have included a DIY option. If you aren’t crafty, but would like to make some gifts check out our upcoming workshops at the Reuse Hub (including how to wrap your gifts in reusable cloth gift wrap!).
As always, we would love feedback or if you have great reuse gift ideas send them our way!
Speakers
BUY: Vintage objects transformed into speakers from Rare Bird Stereos (pictured) or MakBuilt.
DIY: Learn how to convert an old speaker to bluetooth here or come take a workshop from Roger the Gadget Guy at the Reuse Hub on December 21st.
Coasters
BUY: coasters made from scrap fabric, fire hoses, chopsticks, reclaimed wood and more!
DIY: This is an easy beginning sewing project or come take a workshop at the Reuse Hub and learn to turn your old t-shirts into coasters with this reverse applique technique (pictured).
Reusable Cotton Rounds
BUY: You can find these online (there are lots of options on Etsy) or shop your local refill store for options in hemp and cotton fabric. You can also find dishcloths, ‘paper’ towels, and other replacements for single use items that make great gifts.
DIY: This is a great way to learn to crochet by following a tutorial or book a workshop at the Reuse Hub on December 7th.
Can Tab Accessories
BUY: Everything from bags (pictured) to jewelry, belts and even clothing can be made from these little aluminum bits (called can tabs, pull tabs, pop tabs, bottle tabs and more).
DIY: There are lots of resources online from small projects to big ones! Start collecting those tabs now and bring them to the Reuse Hub for a workshop on December 13.
Custom Reusable Water Bottle or Coffee Mugs
BUY: Sure you can get a nice reusable coffee mug as a gift, or you can commission a customized version (pictured).
DIY: But thrift stores are full of options and with a couple dollars and a can of spray paint you can give them new life. The really easy way, the easy way or the hard way!
Reuse Gift Wrap
There are so many ways to wrap gifts in reuse, from buying wrapping paper at your local thrift store or creative reuse center, to repurposing maps and blueprints, to wrapping your gift in a gift with a reusable fabric gift bag or wrap.
Bring your gifts to one of our reusable gift wrap workshops and get it all done at once in a festive atmosphere!
Know somebody who would love one of our workshops? We now have gift cards!
Visit our Upcoming Events Page for details, to pre-register, or to volunteer.
On the Upcoming Events page you’ll find a full list of our upcoming Repair Fairs and other community events including details on location, how to pre-register and how to get involved. Click here to sign up to volunteer at an event.
Sun Dec 14 : Novato Repair Fair + Clothing, Toy & Gift Swap : 10am -1 pm : Novato City Hall
Join us at the Reuse Hub
From 12:30 - 3:30 pm on Black Friday for a Craft Supply Swap!
If you have craft materials of any kind that you're not using- fabric, yarn, paints, thread, etc- feel free to bring them to contribute. You never know what item you'll find that inspires your next upcycled art project.
We'll also be making star ornaments out of damaged book pages, a craft you can do again and again with scrap paper.
We hope to see you there and spend some crafty time in community together!
Upcoming Workshops at the Reuse Hub (visit our workshops page for more details)
Fabric Baskets from Scraps : Dec 6th - 1pm
Learn to Crochet: Reusable Cotton Rounds : Dec 7th - 1pm
Reusable Gift Wrapping : Dec 7th - 4pm
Can Tab Crafting : Dec 13th - 1pm
Troubleshooting with a Multimeter : Dec 13th. - 4pm
Reusable Gift Wrapping : Dec 20th - 3pm
Convert a Speaker to Bluetooth : Dec 21st - 1pm
Other Opportunities
Nov 28 : Deadline for funding from NRDC for that reuse themed pilot/screenplay you’ve been working on.
Dec 1 : Deadline to apply for an NAPECA grant for Community-based Circular Economy Strategies
Dec 1 : Deadline to apply for a EREF Research Grant in Advancing Materials Circularity and Recycling.
Dec 4 : Applications due for Calrecycle’s Reusable Beverage Containers Infrastructure Grant Program.
Call for Speakers for the 2026 North Bay Zero Waste Symposium and Save the Date for Thursday May 7th, 2026
Reuse to Amuse
What’s more amusing than your fellow humans? Did you know we have a Discord Server?
Here’s the link to join: https://discord.gg/vNcPCAZhay
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