Gifting this Festive Season

We always look for the *perfect* gift for our loved ones, create a shopping list with much precision during this holiday season! When it comes to buying that perfect present, we look for unique and creative ones. Often we forget how precious is an eco-friendly handmade gift! 

Eco-friendly swaps during this gift-giving season are absolutely essential, given the rise in carbon footprint increase. Moreover, a handmade gift is made with a lot of thought and sentiment which is always a good idea. Handmade gifts don’t have to be difficult to make and they are absolutely cost-effective. It shows the fact that you spent your time and effort on a gift and always leaves a good impact on your loved ones. 

If you’re on the lookout for some great DIY and Eco-Friendly gifts that are easy to make, keep reading below on The Clean Slate: 

4 Eco-friendly and DIY gifting ideas

Here are some great ideas for you to start with.  Most are extremely easy handmade gifts that will have a “wow” factor without a ton of work.

Bath Bombs

DIY Bath Bombs are the perfect present for the plush woman in your life who loves a little luxurious relaxation! They are easy to make and perfect for this winter weather when a hot, relaxing bath is just what you need. They are versatile and can have so many variations and varieties! It’s a gift that cannot go wrong. Just wrap it in a sustainable box with newspaper wrapping and you’re good to go. 

What you’ll need

• 2 cups baking soda 
• 1 cup cream of tartar 
• 6 tablespoons Epsom salt 
• 4 mixing bowls and a large spoon 
• 1 tablespoon each of dried lavender, chamomile, rose, calendula, and rosemary (optional) 
• Essential oils in peppermint, wild orange, lavender, calendula, and rose (or preferred scent) 
• Coconut or olive oil 
• Spray bottle filled with water Silicone ice cube mold, size large (optional)

You can find the full tutorial and step-by-step guide here. 

 

Chocolate Barks

The best thing about barks is that they are versatile. You can stick to the basics- like chocolate and marshmallow. You can also get super creative and make unique flavors and luxurious toppings and icings. They are super easy and fun to make. The best part- they are absolutely delicious and a great snack while sipping a good ol’ cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

For Chocolate Barks, you will need: 

• 6 large candy canes, crushed (about 1/2 cup crushed)
• 8 oz. weight of milk or dark chocolate melts, chips, or chopped bulk chocolate 
• 6 oz. weight white chocolate melts, chips, or chopped bulk chocolate 
• 4 drops to 5 drops peppermint essential oil

You can add/remove these ingredients as per your liking. Nuts and berries are always a good idea for chocolate barks. If you are feeling extra special, throw in some rose petals too! You can find the full recipe here. 

 

Essential Oil Candles

Candles are a beautiful and thoughtful gift- especially if you make them from scratch. They bring light, warmth, and an amazing fragrance to the home. If you’re hoping to gift more sustainably this season- the candles may be the way to go! 

Here’s your shopping list: 

• Beeswax/ Pure Soy Wax
• Wicks
• Essential Oils like Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus
• The mould of your preference. 

If you want a full guide, check out our blog: How to make Essential Oil Candles from scratch

DIY Potpourri

Not everyone can adjust to the harsh, artificial fragrances in room fresheners. Potpourris are a great idea for the ones that are sensitive to artificial smells! It is easy, quick, and keeps the house smelling so refreshing and natural. Pro Tip: Add it in a jar topped off with twine and a tag with simmering instructions on seed paper!

Here’s what you need: 

• Bay Leaves 
• Cinnamon Sticks 
• Whole Cloves, Allspice
•  Dried Orange Slices 
• Mason jars, or cello bags 
• Other Options: Dried Cranberries, Star Anise, Dried Lemon Slices, Dried Rosemary

Check out the full guide to a stovetop potpourri here.

Hope this article gave you some ideas to start with. Sometimes, it’s not always the gift, it’s the thought behind that counts. If you’re on a time crunch and still want some sustainable and eco-friendly gifts for your loved ones, you can maybe check out our gifting collection that has the best cleaners that are made from the goodness of nature. Check out our kits here: