These unique gift ideas are "upcycled" from used objects in wonderful and inspirational ways. They're sure to wow everyone on your shopping list.
From Glam Gam to Pretty Planter
Perfect for fashionistas or fans of Sex in the City, this size 8 gold stiletto has been reimagined as a pretty planter. The Berkeley-based designer removed the top of the old shoe, drilled some holes for drainage and then planted it with a blue-green succulent in organic fertilizer. "The shoe's gold glamour, originally intended to shine at night on a dance floor, now gives off a warm gold glow in the sunshine," explains the creator. Just be sure the plant gets bright light and a little water.
$70 at giddyspinster.etsy.com
Chalk It Up to Father Time
In a world of PowerPoint presentations and flat-screen TVs, it's easy to wax nostalgic about the tactile experience of old-fashioned chalkboards (although it wasn't much fun to clean the erasers!). Rekindle some of that charm with this reclaimed slate wall clock. The pieces are handmade in Wisconsin from used school chalkboards and reclaimed Douglas fir.
The blank face encourages you to scrawl notes for loved ones, or to simply doodle (without getting in trouble). $95 at uncommongoods.com
Pump Up the Recycled Jam
Innovative New Jersey-based company Terracycle has made a name for itself by collecting and recycling literally tons of trash into an ever-growing array of fun, unique consumer products, from plant food for gardeners to clocks, coasters, bags, office products and much more. These colorful speakers are made from discarded chip bags, and they don't require any additional power source (they are designed to plug directly into an MP3 player or other audio source).
Terracycle receives permission from every brand it repurposes, and it works with companies to collect their packaging and reduce waste, from boutique green businesses to the largest international brands. Check out the Frito-Lay speakers for $13.99 or the Skittles or Starburst boombox for $18.99.
(Recycled) Coffee Couture
After being frustrated that she couldn't recycle used bags from whole bean coffee, one Etsy crafter decided to turn them into adorable purses. "A lot of coffee bags have cool designs on them," she told The Daily Green. We agree!
The purses also contain material recycled from old gift cards, and they are lined with cotton print fabric. A magnetic clasp holds them closed. $38 at coffeebaggs.etsy.com
Belt It Out, Then Walk All Over It
A good floor mat can really tie the room together — especially when it is made of belts. This unique, rugged mat by Inghua Ting is handmade from recycled vintage leather belts, which are mounted on a backing of reconstituted leather and water-based glue. The mats are naturally antislip and have a timeless appeal that should complement almost any space. $688 at branchhome.com
Enlightened Accents
Light bulbs are rarely recycled, unfortunately, so Etsy crafter Ecohead got a bright idea: The artist takes burned-out bulbs and recycled wire and turns them into whimsical showpieces. Some of the "peace spiders" come with a small LED (light emitting diode) inside for soft illumination and color, making them perfect for night-lights or accents. They are powered by a replaceable 3V button lithium battery.
If you or a loved one is afraid of spiders, Ecohead also offers other unique designs, from an octopus to a firefly and a funny face on a wine bottle. $15 and up at ecohead.etsy.com
Recycled Silk Style
Give the gift of flair — and support independent women — with a recycled silk scarf from Ten Thousand Villages. These richly textured, multihued accessories are woven by women artisans in Nepal. The women are supported by the nonprofit Manushi organization, which promotes women's empowerment through sustainable development.
Manushi means "energetic woman," and this scarf is the perfect gift for an energetic woman in your life. $18 at tenthousandvillages.com
Tupper Time
Plastic containers can be difficult to recycle, but that doesn't mean they can't make great gifts...if they are turned into whimsical clocks. Who can't relate to having a few extra containers around? $28 at imotime.etsy.com
From Windshields to Whiskey
It's increasingly easy to find products made with recycled glass content, but it's less common to find glassware made directly from salvaged windshields and car windows. These unique pieces are handmade in Colombia and retain a slight green cast from the original tinting. Styles include bowls, beer glasses, wineglasses and the classic old-fashioned.
$28 for a set of two at uncommongoods.com
Jewelry Goes Postal
"For me, stamps are a small piece of underappreciated art that is delivered right to my door," explains Perth, Australia-based Etsy crafter CuriousTuesday. The artist turns the miniature designs into unique creations, such as this pendant necklace. The back of the piece is the envelope the stamp had been sent on, and it is covered with a waterproof resin.
CuriousTuesday offers numerous conversation-starting designs for $17 at curioustuesday.etsy.com
Let the Wind Spin Your Records
The pinwheel is a classic toy and teaching tool that demonstrates the power of wind energy. This new "spin" on the ancient design also inspires creative reuse, since these colorful items are handmade in Oregon from reclaimed records.
Available in three colors. $65 at uncommongoods.com
Let Words Take Wing
Paper dictionaries aren't as relied upon as they once were, thanks to the Internet and smartphones. So one Etsy crafter has found a creative reuse for vintage dictionary pages by illustrating them with gorgeous, colorful designs. There is a wonderful selection of natural history designs, as well as antique devices such as sewing machines and typewriters. Some of the pages even come from old Spanish dictionaries.
Each print comes matted on acid-free board. $10 at kiintage.etsy.com
A Recycled Bag with High-Flying Style
Messenger bags are hip and functional, and this one from Tierra Ideas comes with a high-altitude twist. The Desert Hybrid Messenger Bag is made of recycled Delta aircraft seat covers, old bike and tractor inner tubes and an auto seat belt for the shoulder strap. The bag is cushioned and has a nylon liner inside. But beware: Once the reclaimed aircraft fabric is used up, that's all for this edition.
$219 at tierraideas.com
For Andy Warhol (and Soup) Fans...
These funky pendant lights are made by Dublin's FUSE from used Campbell's and Heinz cans collected from area restaurants. According to Mac Innes, managing director of FUSE Interiors, "By taking mass-produced everyday waste objects and upcycling them, the lights represent how inventive recycling can result in new design."
$115 each or $285 for three, plus shipping from Ireland, at fuseinteriors.ie
Cleaning Up with Newsprint
A unique gift for readers or those who like to entertain is the woven newspaper placement from Ten Thousand Villages, the online and retail purveyor of fair trade crafts from around the world. These functional placemats are woven out of used papers by Indonesian artisans, many of whom are supplementing their subsistence-farming incomes. To clean the placemats, simply wipe with a damp cloth. $6 at tenthousandvillages.com
Pop-Top Purses
Not your grandma's crochet, this eye-catching shoulder bag is hand-crocheted from more than 700 recycled aluminum flip tops. The stylish bag has a nylon liner, zipper closure and inside zippered pocket perfect for a cell phone. $125 ($112.50 for museum members) at momastore.org or in the Museum of Modern Art's New York City gift shops
Record Individuality
Give someone sassy style that's off the rack and from the crates. This Roman cuff bracelet is made from an upcycled record that's been sanded and smoothed for comfort. The flexibility of the piece means it can be sized somewhat, and it is easy to snap on and off. As the designer puts it, "It's basic black, so it goes with everything, and it's so cool to see the grooves in the record and know there's music in there!" $16 at eyepopart.etsy.com