Sick of buying pointless stuff at the mall for friends and family? Want to give something that’s more from the heart? Worried about money this year? Worried about waste??
We’ve got you sorted! Lisa Evans from makekit.co.nz has shared some of her top DIY gifting ideas that are actually super cute – and pretty easy to make (even WE could do these, so you’ve got this!).
THE ULTIMATE SUGAR SCRUB
Summer is here – so what better gift for the beauty buff in your life?
You’ll need:
- 2 cups of brown sugar (or salt)
- 1 cup of coconut oil (virgin or refined)
- Essential oil of your choice (optional)
- Food processor or mixing bowl
- Airtight jar
1. Whiz sugar and coconut oil in the food processor. Add essential oils if you wish and beat again. The mixture should feel like wet sand. We have used virgin coconut oil in our sugar scrub and added 10 drops of lemon essential oil to give it a nice summery smell.
NOTE: Virgin coconut oil = coconut smell. Refined coconut oil = no smell.
2. If you don’t have a food processor, use a mixing bowl and spoon and whip into a smooth blend. Coconut oil naturally liquifies when warm, so if you’ve over-mixed it, don’t worry, pop it in the fridge for ½ hour to harden and then mix again.
7. Transfer to an airtight container and that’s it. Yep, seriously, you’re done.
8. Add a pretty label, twine and gift tag and your Christmas shopping just got a whole lot easier.
WHICH OIL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Here’s the low down on benefits from some popular essential oils:
Lavender: acts as an insect repellent and relieves itching. Soothes eczema and dry skin, unclogs pores and is full of antioxidants.
Lemon: clears skin, kills bacteria, and reduces inflammation
Orange: reduces anxiety and depression, kills bacteria.
Peppermint: reduces stress, headaches and relieves itching.
CHRISTMAS SCENTED CANDLES
Who doesn’t love a scented candle – especially when it’s been handmade with love? This method is fail-safe, and allows you to experiment with your own scents and style
You will need:
- Decorative jars, glass or teacup
- Soy wax flakes (1.5 times the volume of the jar/cup)
- Candle wick
- Peg
- Essential oils of your choice – for a festive scent think pine, gingerbread, cinnamon or spiced plum
1. Place the wick in the centre of the jar making sure the metal base of the wick is sitting flat.
2. Melt soy flakes in a saucepan or in a microwave proof jug for 1½ – 2 minutes. Add your essential oil/s of choice and stir gently.
3. Carefully pour mixture into the jar. Don’t try to move it for ½ an hour.
4. Place a peg across the rim to keep the wick in place while the wax hardens.
5. Once the liquid has turned white you can move it to the fridge to speed up the process, or simply allow to dry naturally at room temperature.
6. Trim the wick if necessary. Your soy candle is now ready to enjoy or gift – wrap a ribbon around your container with a gift label, or wrap in cellophane and pop under the tree.
FESTIVE HOMEMADE TEA TOWEL
A simple project that you can customise for the intended recipient – and also use as sustainable Christmas wrapping!
You’ll need:
- Fabric paint
- Small brush
- Apple cut in half
- Plain tea towel
- Paper plate
1. Give your tea towel a quick iron so you have a nice flat surface to work from.
2. Apples make a great print or alternatively cut a potato in half and cut into it, creating a simple shape eg: triangles, squares and crosses. Simple shapes make more of an impact!
3. Spoon the fabric paint onto a paper plate.
4. Brush the paint onto your shape. Don’t be heavy-handed with the paint otherwise you’ll lose the detailing in the apple. Brush right out to the edges.
5. Press stamp onto tea towel firmly and evenly. Take your time completing your pattern.
6. Allow to dry completely before using your tea towel. Why not wrap it around a bottle of wine, add some ribbon and a gift card and you have a wonderful Christmas present.
