Most Requested Homemade Gifts
Lemon Rosemary Hand Scrub
My Lemon Rosemary Sugar Scrub is one of the most requested recipes in my collection of DIY gifts. It is perfect for your friend or neighbor who loves to cook or spend time in the garden. It is a gift that the whole family will enjoy using. I keep a jar next to our sink in the kitchen. The citrus and herb oils helps to eliminate cooking odors, such as onion or garlic, the olive and coconut oils softens skin, and the sugar works to exfoliate, making your hands soft and smooth. It is a luxurious gift that is very simple to make. It is so economical to prepare, I keep several of these on hand for unexpected visitors or holiday party favors and gifts. To make this even easier, I have included links to my favorite products used to make this hand scrub in the supply list below.
Supplies & Ingredients
4 ounce glass jars with lids - I use these glass jars.
8 inch bamboo skewers - I use these to stir the scrub so the oils are evenly distributed.
Granulated Sugar - enough to fill the jar 3/4 full
Fresh Rosemary stems for garnish
Instructions
Fill the glass jar 3/4 full with granulated sugar. Next, add enough olive oil to cover the sugar and begin to stir the oil into the sugar using a bamboo skewer, being careful not to spill the oil over the side of the jar. Next, add about a tablespoon of coconut oil to the mixture and stir until it is incorporated into the mixture. Add 10 drops of Lemon EO and 4-5 drops of Rosemary EO and stir into the mixture. You may add additional drops of EO until you reach the desired amount of scent you prefer. Last, if needed, add additional Olive Oil until the mixture is well coated and a little oil remains on top filling the jar almost full. Place the lid on the jar. Add a label and wrap the jar in cellophane using fresh Rosemary stems for garnish.
Testimonials
"This is the best hand scrub I have ever used! I made some for all of my coworkers and they LOVED it!" -Yvette
"My wife makes this and keeps a jar in our kitchen at all times. I use it after working in the yard to remove dirt and grime. It makes my hands feel clean and keeps them from cracking." -Scott
FAQs
Q: Can Lavender or another EO be used?
A: Yes! You may use lavender or any other favorite EO. The carrier oil may be changed as well. You may wish to use avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, or almond oil instead of the olive oil.
Muscle Relaxing Bath Soak
My sore muscle remedy is, by far, the most requested gift in my family! I have given this to all of my family members and they continue to ask for it over and over again! It is loved by both men and women and works to relax your muscles and detox your body after a long day at work, tough workout at the gym, or any other strenuous or stressful activities. Add one cup of this mixture to your warm bath and feel your tension melt away!
Supplies & Ingredients
Optional: Fresh Rosemary and Lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Mix ingredients and enjoy!
FAQs
Q. How much should I put in my bath?
A. Use about 1 cup in your bathwater for relaxing results!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
My favorite homemade gift to give is this vanilla extract! The better the ingredients used, the better the final product will be. I no longer use store-bought vanilla extract after discovering this recipe. This makes a great hostess gift and I am often asked to bring this to parties. Since the recipe will make several bottles per batch, you will always have extra on hand!
Supplies & Ingredients
High Quality Vanilla Beans (I use these!)
High Quality Unflavored Vodka (I use Tito's)
Labels (I use these!)
Instructions
Wash and dry the bottles and lids. I clean mine in the dishwasher on the sterilize cycle to be safe. Slice the vanilla bean pods in half and then slice each half lengthwise to reveal the seeds inside the pod. Do not scrape out the seeds. Place one pod per ounce in your bottles. For example, if you have a 4 ounce bottle, use 4 pods (or 8 halves). Fill the bottles with unflavored vodka. Place the caps on and store in a cool, dry place to steep for at least 8-10 weeks or until ready for use. I usually make a batch in September or early October so they will be ready to give for gifts by the holiday season. Last, apply your own labels to make this a real show stopper.
Testimonials
"I received this vanilla extract from a friend who made it for me as a gift. This is the BEST vanilla flavoring I have ever used"! - Lindy
FAQs
Q. How much unflavored vodka do I add to keep the bottle full?
A. After a few uses, simply add unflavored vodka to the bottle to keep the vanilla flavoring from running out. The vanilla beans will continue to flavor the liquid for many more uses! If the strength of the flavor begins to wane, you may replace the vanilla beans with fresh ones and keep using your flavoring forever, making this a GREAT gift!