I love the idea of giving homemade gifts but must confess I am usually quite lazy on this front.
However, here is one gift idea that I did manage to get around to making (because it's so quick and easy to make!) A gingerbread body scrub.
Yes, gingerbread.
Not only is it very cheap, quick and easy to put together but it also smells incredible and is super good for your skin!
It is thoroughly recommended that you make or purchase a gingerbread man to eat whilst making this scrub. It will make you very happy.
You will need...
- 500g / 2 cups brown sugar
- 240ml / 1 cup oil (coconut oil and sweet almond oil are good choices)
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp mixed spice (or pumpkin pie mix)
- A jar or container
Optional extras: Add 1 tbsp vitamin E oil for dry skin
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. If the mixture is too oily, add sugar, if it's too dry, add more oil. Adjust spice measurements to your liking. Some oils can mask the scent of the ginger and cinnamon, so add more if needed.
- Store in an air-tight container or jar and decorate!
And there you are! A lovely, homemade, healthy gift idea for Christmas :-)
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
How about gingerbread chia pudding while making this scrub? The only edible ginger thing I have on hand ;) Such a great idea and beautiful pictures!
Aimee says
Absolutely! In fact, I had to edit this post to link to your gingerbread pudding (mainly to remind myself to make it) and because it's very fitting :-)
Natasha says
The gingerbread ribbon is so adorable! I have a vast collection of ribbons - do we have that in common, too? I don't have a gingerbread one, though! Homemade gifts are so lovely to receive, and a lot of fun to make as long as it isn't too rushed. This is perfect because I presume it'll keep quite well and can be made a little ahead of time?
Aimee says
From past experience, homemade scrubs tend to last 2-3 months (maybe more if using the vitamin E oil) but to be on the safe side I would tell the recipient to use it within 2 months. And yes, that is another thing we have in common Natasha! I have an ever-growing collection of ribbons but the gingerbread man is definitely my current favourite :-)
Donna Kelly says
My Christmas decoration theme is gingerbread man. I have a handwritten recipe from my Gram which I stitched and framed and that was the start of everything gingerbread. I don't want to share this because I think I'll make this for my friends.
Tamzin says
Love this and so Christmasy, roll on the the month of Christmas joy!
Aimee says
Here here! It's crazy how excited I am about Christmas now :-)
Jamie@Milk 'n' Cookies says
This is such a fun idea for the holidays! And I love that this can be done quickly if I need a last minute gift. I'm definitely pinning this to try -- thanks for the inspiration!
Aimee says
Yes it is a great last minute idea because it's all things people tend to already have in their pantry! Glad you like it Jamie :-)
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Oh wow! I bet that smells amazing. Homemade gifts are the best. Love the gingerbread ribbon. Too cute!
Aimee says
I got that ribbon a couple of months ago and I've been itching to use it ever since! And I cannot tell you how amazing this smells, well... it smells of gingerbread - what more can I say :-)