Simple & natural DIY gift ideas for Christmas

For me, Christmas is about family and friends and precious togetherness under sunshine, with good music, maybe a beverage or two, and laughter, lots of it.

Gratitude features prominently in my life, but even more so at Christmas; I choose to reflect on the year that’s drawing to a close, and appreciate every minute of it. The ups we’ve experienced, the downs we’ve learned from, the experiences and opportunities that have been, and the plans that lay ahead of us. It’s a soulful, ‘bucket-filling’ time for me.

The more time I spend travelling on the beautiful path of natural DIY, eco-respect and toxin awareness, the less and less I understand how we, as a society, have become so focused on things, prioritising objects over time, love and experiences.

I don’t buy into the whole extravagance of stuff anymore. I used to feel the pressure of buying everyone the most perfect gift – something unique, something they didn’t know existed that would make them squeal! I’ve come to learn that it is an incredibly stressful, time-consuming, expensive, (and often) planet-trashing task to master.

I have struck a deal with most of my loved ones – we’ll spend time together, go out for a meal, meet at a park for a picnic, take the families on a trip somewhere, gift each other vouchers for massages or a session at Gold Class, rather than buy stuff. As for my kids, 8 and 10, they’re currently writing Santa lists with 4 requests: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read (I didn’t make it up, but can’t remember where I heard this, sorry). Then, we’ll go and do something special together on Christmas Day, eat awesome food, have an arvo nap – all the good things!

Now, I won’t lie, I do still give the odd tangible gift, and if it isn’t a homemade DIY goodie like natural perfume with essential oils, a facial oil or body cream, it is a reusable coffee cup, plant, shampoo bar, or bag of soapberries. That’s how I roll, and it is always so well received (and I don’t think they’re faking their excitement!).

If you’re looking to give your special people homemade, handmade gifts, gifts that encourage conscious consumerism, gifts that are non-toxic, beautiful and thoughtful, then you’ll be excited by this little Christmas eBook I’ve put together!

Useful Tips Before DIYing

〉Be mindful that some recipes are safe to make well in advance and others aren’t. Recipes that are oil-based typically last months and months so it’s a pretty safe bet to make recipes like my Whipped Body Cream, Two Ingredient Base Balm (from Naturally Inspired) or Baby Booty Balm well before the gifting date. Water-based products don’t last very long, and you might like to avoid gifting them altogether to stay on the safe side. I don’t use any preservatives as such in my recipes, so water-based recipes are designed to be used up quite quickly (even though I have mine for 4-6 weeks at a time – that’s my own personal and educated decision).

〉Consider the recipients of your gifts. Be mindful that some of my recipes may not be suitable for everyone, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, infants, children, the elderly and those with compromised immunity or medical conditions.

〉Be mindful that some essential oils, and the quantities suggested, may not be suitable for everyone. Exercise caution and do your own independent research. Also, make sure you list every ingredient used for the recipient’s benefit – this is especially important when it comes to allergies.

Don’t Have Time to DIY? That’s ok, these guys have you sorted!

〉Biome Eco Stores – I love everything about Tracey and her store. They have a great selection of gifts for Christmas.

〉Flora & Fauna – have some awesome ethical and human friendly gifts.

〉Waters Co. – if you fancy a gift that is very practical. I don’t go anywhere without my mini, portable water filter!

Happy Christmas and happy making!