When it comes to the holiday season, giving is definitely one of the best parts. Ok…getting is nice too, but it’s the giving that truly makes most of us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And when that gift is something you made yourself, well it just plain feels better! Not to mention how much more memorable, cost-effective and eco-friendly it is.
Giving handmade gifts at the holidays (or anytime) is so special, but can be so time-consuming, especially at a busy time of year! But it doesn’t have to be hard to give someone something you’ve made. Here are 3 easy handmade gift ideas that should take about 30 minutes or less to make so that you have time to actually get them done!
If you’re looking for more homemade gift ideas, recipes and sustainable lifestyle tips, read my new book ‘Made with Love and Plants’! You can find it at Takealot, Amazon, or select independent bookstores.
Coffee and Brown Sugar Scrub
INGREDIENTS
1 cup coffee grounds
1⁄2 cup melted coconut oil
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
2 drops essential oil (e.g. cinnamon or orange) (optional) 1 drop or capsule vitamin E oil (optional)
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Decant into a jar with a sealable lid.
Remember coffee stains, so be sure to rinse off thoroughly in the shower or bath.
Post-Workout Epsom Salts Scrub
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Epsom salts
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 drops any essential oil a few dried rose petals
Combine the ingredients until the mixture forms a coarse paste. Transfer to a jar with a sealable lid
Festive Vegan Granola
INGREDIENTS
1⁄2 cup coconut oil
1⁄2 cup maple syrup
1–2 tsp grated orange zest 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup puffed amaranth
1 cup rolled oats
1⁄2 cup raw macadamia nuts
1⁄2 cup pepitas or shelled pumpkin seeds 1 tsp ground cinnamon
1⁄4 cup dark vegan chocolate chips
1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 120°C and line a baking tray (25 x 35 cm) with baking paper. In a small pot over a medium heat, melt the coconut oil until it is completely liquid. Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, orange zest and vanilla.
Place all the remaining ingredients, except the chocolate and cranberries, into a bowl and mix well. Pour over the coconut oil mixture and stir until well combined and all the ingredients are coated with the oil. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes. It can burn easily so keep checking! Once lightly browned, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Stir through the chocolate and cranberries once the granola is completely cool. Transfer to pretty gift jars.
Tammy
xx