DIY Holiday Gift: Orange Spice Body Scrub

If the holiday hustle and bustle has you feeling harried, homemade gifts are a great way to slow down and show the special people in your life how much you care. (Bonus: Focus your creativity on home-spa gifts, and you’re likely to get a whiff of aromatherapy from pure essential oils.) Remember to save one of whatever you’re making for yourself, so you can enjoy a little rest and relaxation when you’re done being crafty!

I’ve been making my own gifts for years now, and I’ve learned to look for projects that don’t make a huge mess and can be completed in a single sitting. Body scrubs are my go-to gift, because they don’t require a lot of prep and it’s easy to customize different essential oil blends to fit the people on my list.

Try this simple recipe for the spice-lovers in your life:

Orange Spice Body Scrub

1 cup (237 ml) turbinado sugar
1/3 cup (59 ml) jojoba oil
10 drops sweet orange essential oil
3 drops anise essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
1 whole star anise and/or dried orange peel for decoration

Prepare a clean, 8-ounce (250-ml) sealable container. Add turbinado sugar and follow with jojoba oil. Finish with essential oils and stir until mixture is thoroughly blended. Add an additional 1 tablespoon (15 ml) jojoba oil as needed for desired consistency. Top with whole star anise and/or dried orange peel. Seal jar tightly. Use within 3 months.

Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Use wisely and keep out of reach of children. For external use only.

Now all you need to do is download a gift tag and voila! You’ve got a gift at the ready.

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