Taking to the woods in search of gift-making materials is a great way to save money this year. As warmth is not a signature temperature in New Hampshire during the holidays, better your money goes towards heating the house than expensive gifts. Besides, there is something so special about crafting something with your own hands with materials gathered just outside your doorstep. The question is: what to make? Well, a couple ideas come to mind. 

Individualized terrariums are easy, fun, and require very little in the way of store-bought supplies. You can find the small glass jars and vessels you need to make them at any of our region's thrift shops, or alongside other terrarium supplies at Achille Agway and at the ever-charming Bowerbird and Friends Antiques in Peterborough. Apart from the jar, all you need is a little bit of potting soil, and some activated charcoal to serve as a base for your plants. 

From there, you can get creative. Collect ferns, leaves, small flowers, moss, and any other small plants you think would thrive in these little gardens under glass. You can be as minimalist or maximalist as you like with your choosings. If you’re thinking of giving your terrarium a winter theme, try adding some small birch or fir tree twigs to stand in as trees. Speckle the moss with a little all-purpose flour to mimic snow, and add small pine cones in for good measure.

Speaking of pinecones, little pinecone bird feeders are another great handmade holiday gift from nature. We can’t think of anyone who doesn’t love watching and feeding birds. You can easily collect some pinecones from your yard. Then loop twine through their tops, smear peanut butter in between the layers, and roll in a bowl of birdseed from Agway, Horse & Buggy Feeds, or The Cheshire Horse. Keep the completed cones in the refrigerator so they set, then wrap them carefully in plastic for travel.

If you don’t want to go the birdseed route, maybe paint the pinecones with festive colors. This can be especially fun if you have small kids and are looking for a sweet, handmade gift for the grandparents.

Taking yet another cue from pine trees, have you ever tried making evergreen sprays or garlands? These collections of branches lend a realistic touch to the season and bring in that classic holiday pine smell. You could tie some up with twine and add a few of the interesting bobbles dug up at one of our region's abundant antique shops. Or even just stuff beautiful greens in a small pot, sprinkle with pine cones, and present it as a festive centerpiece for your holiday meal.

Don’t feel limited by these ideas! There’s lots more you can do, from making ornaments out of fallen acorns, to pressing leaves and framing them in glass, to cutting coasters or candle holders out of that birch tree that fell in the backyard. You can do so much with nature! So scavenge your area and see what budget-friendly ideas you can come up with this holiday season. (Send us a picture or two at TheMonadnocker@gmail.com; we’d love to feature your creations!)