How’s your Christmas gift list coming along? Are you looking for something unique this year?
Let’s take a step outside the foodie box to ideas other than freshly baked cookies and cakes. I’m going to introduce you to a few ideas made with fresh ingredients from your kitchen. By now you’re thinking, well, duh! But these ideas are not treats for your tummy. Oh no, they’re treats for outside your body. Do I have your attention?
“Happiness is homemade.” - Unknown
Let’s face it, Christmas is a busy time of year which, unfortunately, comes with added stress for many folks. With this in mind, what’s better than the gift of relaxation? Better yet, a homemade fresh recipe that’s specifically targeted to your skin and feet.
I’m talking about a do it yourself (DIY) lime and mint foot soak and a vanilla brown sugar scrub. Homemade gifts that are inexpensive, easy to assemble, with ingredients you may already have on hand.
What will you need for your lime and mint foot soak? Two cups of Epsom salts, half cup of baking soda, zest of one lime, a couple of drops of lime essential oil and a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil. Add all the ingredients in a bowl, mix together and store in an air tight container.
How to use it? Add a half a cup to a basin of warm water, plant your feet inside, sit back and relax.
“Don’t forget to pamper yourself.” - Unknown
I mean, who wouldn’t want those directions post-Christmas? That’s exactly what most people require and would whole heartily appreciate after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. These unique foodie gifts will surely be a welcome surprise to those on the receiving end.
While you’re at it, you may as well dig a little deeper into the pantry to collect the ingredients for a vanilla brown sugar body scrub. You know, for the folks who aren’t feet people.
This is another super easy mixture to make. You’ll need one cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a cup of coconut or olive oil, half a teaspoon of vitamin E oil (if on hand), they say it acts like a natural preservative. Similarly to the foot scrub mentioned above, put all the ingredients into a bowl, mix together, and place it in an airtight container.
A few things to keep in mind with both of these homemade recipes. First, if the body scrub mixture is too thick, you can add more oil. Two, given they’re not filled with preservatives, they should be stored in the fridge. They’ll keep for about a month. You can add that important note to the label, or card, to ensure the person receiving your gift knows they have to use it sooner rather than later.
“The world needs that special gift that only you have.” – Marie Forleo
Speaking of labels, I love personalized labels. You can easily make them yourself by customizing and printing a template online. You can order a set through Staples online and pick them up at the store. I had some left over from previous years to use. They’re a simple but effective message.
As for containers, you could buy special containers at an affordable price at the dollar store, or you could use mason jars if you’re willing to part ways with them. I hear they’re super hard to come by these days with the growing number of gardeners bottling this year. Given that, I am using containers I have around the house as no good glass container goes to waste around here.
“The secret ingredient is always love.” – Unknown
In the spirit of Christmas and the season of giving, I would much rather receive a homemade gift that was thoughtfully crafted. These are the kind of gifts which are unforgettable.
Happy DIY Christmas gift making. It’s sure to put a warm feeling in your soul and a smile on your face. What can be better at this time of year? Lime and mint foot soak and vanilla brown sugar body scrub is definitely fit to ummm... not eat, but certainly fit to make for others at Christmas.
Erin Sulley is a self-confessed foodie who lives in Mount Pearl. Instagram: @erinsulley