We also have some great suggestions for non-consumerist gifts of time and if you're crafty, don't forget to check out our DIY guide for cool make-it-yourself gift ideas like these useful texting gloves and this curiously strong solar charger upcycled from an old Altoids tin.

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If this sounds like a little too much DIY medical care, well, the idea isn't to self-diagnose with Dr. iPhone.

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Mothers and fathers should start early, or at least earlier, to give kids a crash course in the DIY drudgery -- from tax prep to turkey trussing -- that doesn't make it onto school applications and resumes.

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For a fun activity to do with the whole family, check out our homemade holiday greeting card and DIY Christmas cracker tutorials, and before putting your gifts under the tree, don't miss our guide to eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives.

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That's more the approach of Merrill Garbus, whose solo project is spelled tUnE-yArDs. (Hey, you won't forget her name, right?) Her 2009 album BiRd-BrAiNs began life as a DIY cassette release, assembled with a handheld voice recorder the "note to self" kind and free audio-editing software.

NPR: tUnE-yArDs: Pop Genius, Cleverly Obscured