If the holiday 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. 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 blends to fit the people on my list.
Try this simple recipe for the coffee-lovers in your life:
Vanilla Mocha Body Scrub
1 cup (237 ml) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (59 ml) sweet almond oil
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) real vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (5 ml) cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) finely ground coffee
3 coffee beans for decoration
Prepare a clean, 8-ounce (250-ml) sealable container. Add granulated sugar and follow with sweet almond oil. Finish with vanilla extract, cocoa powder and ground coffee. Add an additional tablespoon (15 ml) almond oil as needed for desired consistency. Stir to blend. Seal jar tightly and use within 3 months.
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 and have a very crafty holiday!
