Table of Contents
1. Scented Bath Salts
Bath salts are both refreshing and sensual, and due to this, they represent a great gift. Apart from their enchanting aroma, they are beneficial in many ways; scented bath salts help relax sore muscles, soften the skin and detoxify the body. To make them you need:
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- 2 teaspoons of fruit or vegetable oil of your choice
- 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil
- A glass jar with a lid
- 1/4 cup sea salt (optional)
- A drop or two of liquid food coloring (optional)
Epsom salt is a mild pain reliever and it helps purify your body.
Jojoba oil is excellent, but one can also use almond, olive, apricot or any other oil. If you wish a tint to bath salts, use a tiny bit of liquid food coloring. Sea salt makes the water somewhat silky, and it will benefit one’s hair, as well.
One can also use different scents. For instance, if your special person is a sports fan, make him or her an Athlete’s Bath using ginger, juniper, lavender, rosemary and marjoram. For Energizing Bath, use eucalyptus, lemon thyme, peppermint, pine and rosemary. For Love Bath, use cinnamon, jasmine, rose, sandalwood and cardamom. To make a Relaxing bath, use chamomile and lavender.
To add beautiful color to your bath salt, you can also use natural colors. For instance, use turmeric for yellow, beet powder for red, mixed beet powder and turmeric for orange.
How can you make one? Mix all ingredients using a fork and make sure you break up clumps. Package it nicely and make your gift card. Do not forget the ribbon.
2. Coffee Foot Scrub
Do you have friends who are workaholics? Do they spend most of the time during the day on their feet? This is a perfect gift for them.
One can easily make natural foot scrub using coffee grounds and peppermint oil and package it in a beautiful, glass jar (you can also decorate the jar using water-based glass paint or acrylics).
Coffee is excellent for removing dead, dry skin, while the peppermint oil will give the perfect aroma (apart from having great anti-fungal and antiseptic properties).
For Coffee Foot Scrub, you will need:
- 4 Tablespoons ground coffee
- 3 Tablespoons coarse sea salt
- 3 Tablespoons cornmeal
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Drops of peppermint oil
Mix all the ingredients, then add oils, and make a paste. You can experiment and the scrub can be more oily or dryer. As for the details on how to use this scrub; one should massage it onto the feet (heels and callused spots), let it sit for about 10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.
3. Lavender Hand Cream
With lavender hand cream, one will have a wonderful light scent and the hands will look good, so it is an excellent idea for a present.
To make 6 oz. you will need:
- 1/3 cup Sweet Almond Oil
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons grated beeswax (about 1-1/2 oz.)
- 30-35 drops lavender essential oil
Use a small saucepan to heat the oils over medium heat until warm (approximately 5 minutes). Remove from heat and add grated beeswax, and stir it until completely melted. Put it in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to cool the oils, and then mix the essential oils (30 drops for less and 35 for more). You can pour the cream into a container to cool completely. You do not need to worry about the cream, because it will be softer in warmer weather and harder in cooler, and you can store the cream at room temperature.
You can also replace lavender with the essential oil you prefer. Pack it in a small tin and you will have your perfect Christmas present.
4. Body Butter
Homemade body jars of butter are for those with sensitive skin. This is a perfect moisturizing body butter that has enormous benefits for the skin due to the ingredients in it, and the skin will be perfectly smooth. It is, however, excellent for any skin type.
To make body butter, you will need:
- ½ cup Shea Butter
- ½ cup Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter
- ½ cup Coconut Oil
- ½ cup light oil like almond, olive or jojoba
- Optional: Essential Oils for scent (10-30 drops depending on the essential oils, use peppermint, lavender or citrus)
Combine all the ingredients, except essential oils, in a double boiler and heat to medium heat, with constant stirring. When the ingredients melt, remove from heat and let it cool. Put it in a refrigerator and let cool for another hour (until it starts to harden). It has to harden, yet soft. Use a hand mixer and whip for 10 minutes until fluffy (you can now add the essential oils), and return to refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Store it in a glass jar with a lid.
One can use this natural butter as a regular lotion.
5. Tinted Lip Balm
For those who do not wear lipstick, or do not wear it regularly, tinted lip balm is an extraordinary present. Made from natural ingredients, lip balm is smooth and glossy, and it can be made with different scents.
You will need:
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon beeswax pastilles (or 2 Tablespoons if making in lip chap containers)
- 1 Tablespoon Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
You need to melt the coconut oil, beeswax and shea or cocoa butter in a glass jar using a small pot of simmering water. The water should not be boiling, and you need to stir the mixture gently until melted. Remember not to get any water in the mixture while preparing it. When melted, stir in any essential oil or color (lemon and vanilla are great and perhaps a little red coloring for color, or if you wish, use cocoa powder for color). You can also add a couple of drops of peppermint and you will have a refreshing scent as well. When mixed, use a dropper to transfer the mixture to tins or lips containers and let it cool.
From this recipe, you will make approximately 6 small tins or 10 plastic lip chap containers.
If you need more ideas read: 3 Perfect Homemade Food Gifts for Holidays That Boost Creativity
Enjoy the holidays and be creative!
Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo
Last article update: 12/2/2019
