Homemade Christmas gifts for loved ones.

There's no better gift than a homemade one which has been created with love and time. Plus not everyone has the funds to lavish loved ones with expensive gifts. Handmade gifts carry a special meaning and are perfect for friends, grandmothers, parents, kids teachers and party hosts.

Whether you’re making homemade gifts with the kids or want some mindfulness time dabbling in crafting we have some great options for you. 

 1. Homemade Holiday Simmering Bag

I'd never heard of a simmering bag before reading this lovely post by Lovely Indeed Simmering bags consist of a cotton bags filled with a collection of amazing smelling spices, herbs and dried fruits combined to create a festive holiday scent. You then boil a pan of water and pop the bag in and allow the festive smell to waft through the house. This is a clean and organic (if you use organic ingredients) way to make your home smell lovely without the need for harsh chemicals. 

They are fast and easy to put together, and really cost effective. They are sure to be a big hit with your nan or aunty!

 2. DIY Body Scrub

Cold weather plays havoc with your skin, so what better way than to treat a loved one with the chance of baby soft skin! With no harsh chemicals and all natural ingredients this sugar based scrub can be combined with specific oils to treat different skin types.

Head to The Merry Thought  for more details and guidance on which essential oils to use.

DIY Body Scrub

– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup carrier oil – this can be fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, etc. (I actually do slightly less as I like my scrub less liquid-y)
– essential oils, use any of the ones listed above, 15-20 drops total
– 5 drops Vitamin E oil (optional, but it’s great for skin)
– glass jar with lid (you can use a small mason jar, I used a 4 ounce amber glass jar)
– label (click for the printable label)
 
In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients. Pour into glass jar.
 
To use: scoop out a small amount and lightly scrub hands, body, or feet as needed. Rinse completely.

3. Homemade Perfume

One of my favourite childhood memories is making perfume with petals from the garden (mainly picked up off the floor) mixed with water, it generally smelt awful but I didn't care! I loved the process and I was proud of my concoxions.

I'm not sure my nan or sister would like one of my childhood perfumes, but they would love this recipe by Caylin Harris. Using a combination of essential oils to a build fragrance that is free from harsh chemical and truly unique.

The beauty of this project is that there are no wrong scent combinations. You have to go with what you like. You’ll need for this version:

• 5 or 10 mL roller bottle
• We used: Ylang ylang essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, and vanilla essential oil
• Almond oil (This acts as the carrier oil)
• Dropper or pipette (optional)
• Dried flowers like edible rose petals or lavender

Head over to Caylin's blog for full instructions.

 4. Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Sticks

All little and big kids love Hot Chocolate. Particularly at Christmas! And no Xmas eve is complete without hot chocolate, whipped cream, marshmallows and Baileys (for the adults obviously.....well unless you want the kids to go to bed early!)

These hot chocolate stirrers are the most perfect homemade Christmas gift, all you need is wooden teaspoons/lollipop sticks, cellophane wrap, curling ribbon and your favourite chocolate. Mine has to be Galaxy or Terrys Chocolate Orange! Head over to Kitchen Mason for the full instructions.

5. Cheeky chilli-pepper chutney

It's not Christmas until you open up a Jamie Oliver’s recipe book, drool over the images and put in back in the cupboard and vow to start cooking from scratch in the New Year! But this easy Chilli Chutney is a simple but effective recipe and is ideal for a Christmas hamper. It goes brilliantly with a cheeseboard and meat too!

Ingredients:

• 8–10 fresh red chillies
• 8 ripe red peppers
• olive oil
• 2 medium red onions , peeled and chopped
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary , leaves picked and chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 x 5 cm stick cinnamon
• 100 g brown sugar
• 150 ml balsamic vinegar

Checkout the full instructions here: Jamie Oliver. Don't forget the stylish jar and make sure its sterilised before use as this will keep the chutney fresh for few months.

So hope your feeling inspired to get crafty! You might surprise yourself with your hidden talents!