If life's hustle and bustle has you feeling harried, homemade gifts are a great way to slow down and show the special people in your life how much you care. Bonus: Focus your creativity on home-spa gifts, and you’re likely to get a whiff of aromatherapy from pure essential oils. Remember to save one of whatever you’re making for yourself, so you can enjoy a little rest and relaxation when you’re done being crafty!
I’ve been making my own gifts for years now, and I’ve learned to look for projects that don’t make a huge mess and can be completed in a single sitting. Body scrubs are my go-to gift, because they don’t require a lot of prep and it’s easy to customize different essential oil blends.
Try this simple recipe for fans of rich, floral scents:
Rose Spice Body Scrub
1 cup (237 ml) cane sugar
1/4 cup (59 ml) sweet almond oil
5 drops rose otto essential oil or rose absolute in jojoba oil
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
Optional: dried roses for decoration
Prepare a clean, 8-ounce (250-ml) sealable container. Add sugar and follow with sweet almond oil. Finish with essential oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir until mixture is thoroughly blended, adding more almond oil as necessary to achieve preferred consistency. Top with dried roses, if desired. Seal jar tightly and use within 3 months.
Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Use wisely and keep out of reach of children. For external use only.
Now all you need to do is download a gift tag opens in a new tab and voila! You’ve got a gift at the ready.
Do you have a homemade gift that has been a big hit? Share your ideas in the comments!
Updated February 2016.
