DIY Zero Waste Gift Ideas

Handmade gifts are a simple way to show someone you care, without spending too much. Here are a few gift ideas using the products we sell at our shop!

Multi-Purpose Balm

1. Melt 1/4 cup beeswax and 1 cup olive oil (or sweet almond oil / jojoba oil) in a double boiler. I used my glass Pyrex in a pot of water.
2. Do a test for consistency in a small bowl and stick it in the freezer. If it is too runny - add more beeswax, too firm - add oil. Add 4-6 drops each of essential oils. (Rosemary and lavender is a great combo!)
3. Pour into tins and allow to cool.

Can be used on lips, dry skin, leather, wood.

Essential oil combination suggestions:

• Rosemary & Lavender (Calming)
• Tea Tree & Lavender (Calming)
• Peppermint & Tea Tree (Cooling & Refreshing)
• Patchouli & Cedarwood (Woodsy)
• Orange & Rosemary (Clean & Refreshing)
• Eucalyptus & Peppermint (Breathe Easy)

See next recipe for a vegan version!

 

VEGAN Multi-Purpose Balm

• 1 part candelilla wax
• 2 parts soy wax
• 2 parts shea butter
• 6 parts olive oil or coconut oil

Add more candelilla wax for a more firm texture, or a little less for a softer texture. Add essential oils to individual tins or to the whole batch. Tins available in several sizes.

Essential oil combination suggestions:

• Rosemary & Lavender (Calming)
• Tea Tree & Lavender (Calming)
• Peppermint & Tea Tree (Cooling & Refreshing)
• Patchouli & Cedarwood (Woodsy)
• Orange & Rosemary (Clean & Refreshing)
• Eucalyptus & Peppermint (Breathe Easy)

 

Herbal Bath Soak

Using epsom salts as your base, layer in any kind of dry herbs in a glass jar you already have, or try one of our recycled green glass jars for a beautiful handmade gift. Add a wooden scoop and a cotton muslin bag to complete it! This is also lovely as a foot soak after a long day.

Some suggestions for layering:

• Lavender Flowers
• Chamomile Flowers
• Rose Buds
• Calendula Flowers
• Dead Sea Salt
• Himalayan Pink Salt
• French Green Clay (Use sparingly, can be drying)
• Bentonite Clay (Use sparingly, can be drying)
• A few drops of essential oils

 

 

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries and flowers are full of immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins, said to help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and protect your heart.

• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup (1.5 ounces) dried elderberries
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or dried ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 cloves

1. Simmer all ingredients on low for 30-45 mins until reduced by about half. Allow to cool, strain berries by mashing through a sieve.
2. Add 1/2 cup raw local honey.
3. Store in the refrigerator. 1/2 to 1 tsp for kids (not for babies under 1 year). 1 Tablespoon for adults.

 

Foaming Hand Soap

Combine in a 16 ounce regular mouth mason jar:

• 2 Tablespoons of Castile or all-purpose concentrated soap
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (this makes it extra foamy)
• 1/2 tablespoon of oil (olive, fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil)
• Essential oils (optional) 8-10 drops

You can reuse a plastic foaming soap container you already own, or we have foaming tops that fit on regular mouth mason jars.

 

Rose Water Spray Mist

Rose water in a refillable spray bottle is a simple, yet luxurious gift idea. Add a few drops of essential oils to take it to the next level!