Holiday DIY Guide
Just in time for handmade holiday gifting I’m bringing you some of my favourite DIYS to make this time of year (or anytime really!).
You’re going to love this blog if you:
Want to ditch common chemicals in your home + opt for lower tox alternatives.
Are interested in making DIYs but haven’t had the confidence to try.
Want to create some unique + thoughtful creations for anyone on your gift list.
I’m making these with Christmas in mind but you can tailor them to any occasion! And I’ll be sharing the scents and ingredients I’m using, but you can feel free to change them up to suit your personal preferences.
A few things to note:
I source most of my natural ingredients on Amazon but a lot can be found at your local grocery or health food store.
When it comes to essential oils I only use the best of the best (aka @doterra ) because quality matters!
You can easily fancy up each recipe with pretty bottles or containers, crystals, natural herbs + flowers etc. or opt to keep them super simple.
I buy Avery labels and print them at home using their design website. It might sound intimidating but I promise it isn’t! You can also hand write for a more personal touch.
Bath Soak
This recipe is so easy to make and only needs 2 ingredients (and a tub if you want to get picky)!
What you need:
Epsom salts
Essential oils - I used Lavender
Depending on how much Epsom salts you’re using I add about 5-8 drops of essential oil per cup. Mix it all up and measure out depending on the size container or bag you’re gifting in. I like to make this in a giant batch!
Bougie upgrades:
*I used Lavender because it’s extremely calming but you could also use Serenity restful blend or combine your oils of course. One of my personal faves is Aromatouch because it’s relaxing and an incredible muscle soak.
*Dress it up with some dried floral petals if you want to be extra like that.
*For a more substantial gift get a large, fancy jar and pair it with a cute wooden scoop.
Lip Balm
I guarantee this recipe is way easier to make than you think. You’ll love it for yourself or as a gift, and you’ll never go back to store bought lip balm again!
What you need:
2 tbsp beeswax pellets
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp shea butter
1 tbsp cocoa butter
10 drops essential oil - I used Peppermint
Double broiler (pot + glass dish)
Lip balm tins or tubes
Melt all ingredients using double broiler method.
Once melted removed from heat and stir in essential oil.
Pour mixture into tins + let cool.
Makes about 10 tins
Change it up if you’d like:
*I used Peppermint because I like a little tingle but you can really use whatever you want. Madagascar Vanilla is pretty yummy too!
*Add more or less beeswax pellets if you want a softer or harder consistency.
*I love the look + reusability of the tins but you can definitely swap for lip balm tubes. For a more substantial gift get a large, fancy jar and pair it with a cute wooden scoop.
Bath Bombs
It’s time to get fizzy! Another recipe that might seem intimidating but is actually very easy to make. My boys are having so much fun with these bath bombs and the bonus is you don’t have to spend much more or expose your sensitive bits to gross chemicals + fragrances 🙌🏻
What you need:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup fractionated coconut oil
10 drops essential oil - I used Lavender
Add all the ingredients together and combine until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Press into bath bomb molds. Let sit up to 24hrs. Makes 8-10 bombs.
Wrap up as gifts or drop into your own bath and enjoy!
Bougie upgrades:
*I used Lavender because it’s extremely calming but you could use whatever you prefer. No hot oils!
*I used bath bomb molds but if you don’t have these you could easily press into silicone trays (any shape) or even shape with your hands.
*Dress it up with some dried floral petals if you want to get fancy.
*I wrapped mine in tissue paper but you can get creative with your packaging. You could even put a couple bombs in a decorative box.
Natural Candles
This one is always a favourite! I used to be the queen of scented candles, but when I discovered just how toxic many of them can be I started diffusing oils instead. But now I’ve got a great, simple recipe so I can make my own candles + burn them whenever the mood hits!
What you need:
5lb bag natural soy wax (approx 18-20 cups)
150 drops essential oils - I used Holiday Joy
Jars
Wicks
Melt down wax in a double boiler.
When the mixture has fully melted, remove from the heat.
Stir in essential oils
Dip the bottom of the candle wick into the melted wax and use this to stick the wick to the bottom of the container.
Pour the wax into the jars.
Allow the candle to cool completely. Trim the wicks.
*makes approx 10 candles depending on jar size (I used 4oz jelly jars)
All the info:
*I used a 5lb bag of wax but if you want a smaller recipe check out the doTERRA blog.
*You will need a good amount of oils! I would say 150 drops is the minimum and if you want them smelling strong you’ll need a lot more.
*You can definitely make larger candles if you want something more substantial
*I like the look of the wood wicks but you could also use a natural cotton wick.
Soothing Skin Balm
This versatile balm is great addition to your natural medicine cabinet for anything from dry chapped winter skin to diaper rash to burns, scrapes, or blemishes and beyond!
What you need:
1 cup sweet almond oil
1/4 cup beeswax pastilles or pellets
2 tbsp shea butter
30 drops essential oil - I used Frankincense + Lavender
1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
Tins or jars
Melt almond oil, beeswax and Shea butter using double boiler method.
When the mixture has fully melted, remove from the heat.
Stir in essential oils + vitamin E.
Pour mixture into tins and let cool.
Options:
*I used sweet almond oil but you can use your natural oil of choice.
*I used Frankincense + Lavender because I love their gentle healing + soothing properties. You could switch up the oils to customize this balm for different uses - pain, respiratory, sleep etc.
*Use more or less drops depending on whether you want it more intense or mild.
*Store in a large container for yourself or split into smaller tins for gifting.
Need to get your hands on some oils? Use my personal link to shop doTERRA 25% off! Click or scan to redeem offer.
DIY classes are great way to have some fun with coworkers, friends, family, or even a kid’s birthday party. Book your date today!
I love how easy it is to make cleaner versions of so many products we purchase! These not only make great gifts, but can help to decrease the amount of toxins in common products you might currently be using.
If you make any of all of these I’d love to hear how they turn out!
Happy gifting + happy holidays!!
