DIY ZERO WASTE GIFT IDEAS
Handmade gifts are a simple way to show someone you care, without spending too much. Below 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
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
Simmer on low for 30-45 mins until reduced by about half. Allow to cool, strain berries by mashing through a sieve.
Add 1/2 cup raw local honey.
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.