Singles Day on 11 November is a moment to treat yourself. Discover why a DIY terrarium makes a calm, low-maintenance self-gift and how to build one in an afternoon.
Singles Day on 11 November has grown into one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and more and more people use it to treat themselves rather than someone else. A terrarium fits that idea well: it is a gift to yourself that you build yourself, that needs little upkeep and that still looks green months later. This article explains where Singles Day comes from, why a DIY terrarium is a smart self-reward and how to build one in an afternoon.
Singles Day falls on 11 November because the date, 11/11, is made up of four ones. It began in China as an informal celebration among single students and grew into a worldwide shopping event. The tradition is slowly growing in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany too. Along the way the message has shifted from 'being single' to 'appreciating yourself': a moment to buy something that makes you happy, without it having to be for anyone else.
That idea matches how many people now think about gifts. A gift does not always have to be big or expensive. It can also be something that leaves you with a quiet moment, and that is exactly where a plant in glass scores.
A terrarium is more than a decorative object. You build it yourself, so buying and making it together become a small break from the daily rush. Our DIY kits contain everything you need, plus a step-by-step plan, so you do not need to know how a terrarium is put together.
Adding layers, placing the plants and arranging the moss is quiet, hands-on work. Many people find it a pleasant change from screen time. You do not need green fingers: the kit includes a 5-step plan that guides you through the whole process.
In a closed terrarium the ecosystem largely regulates its own water and humidity. That is why watering is often needed only once or twice a year. It makes this a treat that does not turn into an extra chore once it is unwrapped. The recommendation is to open the terrarium for a few hours once a month.
Want something concrete? Take the Sammie Calathea. It is a DIY kit with a pyramid-shaped bottle made of recycled glass with a cork, measuring Ø 22.5 cm and 27 cm high. The kit contains the plants Calathea Lancifolia and White Tiger, two fresh moss balls, 0.75 litres of terrarium soil, 0.75 litres of hydro pellets, 35 grams of activated charcoal, a step-by-step guide and care instructions.
Thanks to its pyramid shape and size, the bottle is calm and eye-catching at the same time. As the product description notes, it suits a desk, a living room table or a windowsill, which makes it a good first terrarium for yourself.
Building a DIY terrarium takes less time than most people expect. This is the usual structure of a closed terrarium; the guide included in the kit is the one to follow:
The exact instructions are in the guide that comes with the kit. Follow it step by step and by the end of the afternoon you will have a mini ecosystem of your own on the table.
Place your terrarium in daylight, but out of strong direct sun. Direct sun can overheat a closed glass bottle. A bright spot on a desk, a shelf or a windowsill works in most homes. Choose a place you pass often: a treat you see every day stays a treat for longer.
Open the bottle for a few hours once a month and take a quick look at whether the plants look healthy. More upkeep is usually not needed, and that is the whole point of a gift to yourself: enjoyment without a new chore.
The day plays out differently in each of the three countries. In the Netherlands and Belgium, 11 November is also Saint Martin's Day, a tradition that belongs to the days before Sinterklaas for many families. In Germany the date is linked to the start of the carnival season. Singles Day arrives there as an international trend on top. If you live in one of these countries, it is a day with several reasons to do something nice. Celebrate it with a terrarium of your own and you will enjoy it for longer than most deals.
Singles Day falls on 11 November every year, a date made up of four ones (11/11).
No. Our DIY kits come with a five-step plan and all the parts you need, such as plants, soil, hydro pellets, activated charcoal and moss.
Because the ecosystem in a closed terrarium largely regulates its own water and humidity, watering is often needed only once or twice a year. Open the terrarium for a few hours a month.
Yes, a terrarium works just as well as a gift for someone else. You will find more ideas in our article on a green Black Friday month.
Ready to treat yourself? Browse the full collection of terrarium DIY kits and pick the terrarium that suits your spot.
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