Each year I think people are going to get tired of getting my homemade lotion concoctions. And maybe they are, but many are nice enough to say that they enjoy them. They are so darn fun & easy to concoct that I keep making them year after year. It just feels part mad scientist, part baker, part, mystical herbalist, and part artistry rolled into one project. It’s fun. I thought I’d do a big post to show you a list of all the things on this blog that make great & easy gifts.
These things for the most part, whip up in a snap. You can make them up to a few weeks to months in advance and usually, if you are like me, you can whip them up the night before you see your intended and loved giftee. The best part about these recipes is that you can keep them as simple as you like. Make them simple just like the recipe states, or you can get creative. Infuse oils with herbs, add as many different essential oils as you can imagine. Experiment and have fun!
My only advice I suggest you follow is to use sterilized or new containers to keep your handmade body care items in. Dirty jars will make all sorts of uglies breed in your beautiful lotions. Don’t worry though, keep it clean and you’ll have nothing but success.
First up is the most popular:
This is a great ‘intro’ recipe if you are new to lotion & potion making. It comes out perfect every time and takes literally seconds to make. Printable labels are below the instructions.
Chapstick is a great stocking stuffer!
When I need a thicker lotion and don’t have enough time to make a body butter (below) I whip this easy beeswax lotion up. Some call it a lotion, some a cream, others a salve. It is what you make of it. This makes an excellent base recipe if you are curious about exploring with adding other ingredients. Try adding a little shea butter or cocoa butter. Maybe substitute a little jojoba oil for the olive oil. Maybe almond oil, maybe a mixture!
If you have a loved one with eczema or severly dry skin, make this whipped eczema lotion for them! This makes a perfect present for someone with chapped hands or scratchy elbows.
I have been wearing this deodorant everyday since 2008 and it hasn’t failed me yet. This is a great gift for those seeking an alternative to chemical laden deodorants.
Next up are the items from my little booklet Simple Handcrafted Body Care. The aftershave my husband has been very happy with. He’s used it for the last year and has been asking me for more. The bath salts are a favorite among my bath taking children. It does wonders for softening up my poor daughter’s tough, dry skin spots.
This body butter, from the book, I use daily. It’s my very favorite lotion to use after a shower. It keeps my skin super soft and I love being able to be creative with the ingredients. It’s a more involved item to make than my lotions but it’s very much worth it! You will love it.
The microdermabrasion facial scrub is awesome! I use it all the time. It really does do fantastic things to your completion. Best of all, the base ingredients I always have on hand in my kitchen and it’s easy to customize with scent.
This lip balm, hands down, has made me happier than anything I’ve ever bought. Really, and I’ve bought a lot of lip balm in my day! I use this daily too. It makes a perfect gift for pretty much everyone you’ve ever thought of giving a gift too. They’ll appreciate it, I can pretty much guarantee it.
Need some Christmas canning jar labels? I’ve got those. Click on the graphic to download the pdf:
I hope this gives you some inspiration for making a few gifts this season!
Lynn says
I love these recipes! Definitely going to try some out for Christmas. Where do you find the jars and tins for them? Thank you!
asonomagarden says
I use canning jars which I get at the hardware store for lotions. I order the tins through Mountain Rose Herbs. There should be links in the recipes. Have fun creating!
cindyricksgers says
Thank you, these all look lovely!
Pamela Schantz says
I cant find the recipe to the microdermabration facial scrub? Where can i find this?
asonomagarden says
Hi Pamela, click the link, it’s in the booklet.
Steven says
I have been using lavender and rosemary in many things lately. Love the combination.
vivve says
I love these! I’m definitely going to try making some. Thank you for sharing!
Salma says
I want to make lip balm…thanks for this recipe.
Steph Paul says
Great recipes thanks so much for sharing! Just wondering how you create your cute labels???
Toni says
I see that you are using potassium sorbate as a preservative, have you considered citric acid?
jamie says
Can you add essential oils o you honey kissed lip balm. Downloaded the recipe hand book.