Homemade Gifts

 

Throughout the season there are so many gift ideas thrown about. This year, more than ever, less people are getting out, and less people are working. Every year I try to make a couple of homemade gifts, I truly think they are the essence of the season. But, this year, I believe they may even be a necessity for many families. These gift ideas can be made in bulk or one at a time, depending on how many you need. These also make great last minute gifts for a hostess, as a stocking stuffer, or work gift exchange. 

Peppermint Sugar Scrub - 

These are so incredibly easy to make and incredibly inexpensive. The most expensive part are the essential oils and coconut oil but they last for so long!  This is a totally customizable gift. I typically buy pretty jars at the Dollar Tree, but if you are going to make the scrub in bulk I suggest the 4oz Quilted Ball mason jars. (a pack of 12 is $8!). The next part is decorating, you can leave it alone and place in a pretty bag or you can buy blank tags in an array of colors at any craft store along with a festive yarn or ribbon. 

Ingredients:

Granulated white sugar

Coconut oil (solid)

Peppermint essential oil

Glass Jars

Directions:

1. Soften 1/4 cup of coconut oil in microwave for 10-15 seconds for easier mixing. Don't let it get hot or it will dissolve your sugar!

2. Mix 1 cup of sugar with softened coconut oil

3. Add 6 drops of peppermint essential oil 

4. Mix all ingredients together and scoop into jar. 

5. Add festive ribbons, tags or bows. 

Peppermint Bath Salts

There is nothing better than a hot bath after a cold day in the snow. I'm a huge fan of bath salts, make them festive and I'm sold! This is a super affordable gift, and if you made the first gift then you already have one of the ingredients. 

Ingredients:

Peppermint oil

Baking Soda

Plain Epsom Salts

Red food dye 

4oz or 8oz mason jars

Directions:

1. Mix 1/2 cup of Epsom salts, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda and 2 drops peppermint essential oil in a small bowl. 

2. In another small bowl mix 1/2 cup of Epsom salts, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda and 2 drops peppermint essential oil in a small bowl, add red food coloring until desired color is achieved. SIDENOTE- This is not necessary and is just for decoration, you can always just let the salts be white and tie a pretty ribbon on.

3. Add mixtures to jar in a layered fashion to create a candy cane look. 

4. Add festive ribbons, tags or bows.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. Even if this one is a little different than other years, the reason for the season remains the same. 

Merry Christmas + Happy New Year, 

Shelby C.