Last-Minute Christmas Gifts: Quick Essential Oil DIY Projects

If you’re short on Christmas ideas this year and need a little gift inspiration, the answer to your problem could be right under your nose.

Making your own homemade Christmas gifts can help you save money and allow you to add that all important personal touch to your presents. If you use natural or upcycled materials it can offer a sustainable alternative to shop bought gifts, whilst giving you a creative outlet.

To help you get the ball rolling, we’ve put together some ideas for easy-to-make creative gifts, complete with simple step-by-step instructions.

1. Christmas Room Spray

A perfect Christmas DIY gift that can be batched into small bottles, this allows you to make multiple presents in one go. You’ll likely want to create a holiday-based scent – you can make this from any combination you want, or use the ones suggested in our recipe below.

Ingredients

• 4oz spray bottle
• 3oz distilled water
• 10-15 drops of Four Bandits Essential Oil Blend (clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary) and Orange Essential Oil. Whatever oils you use, limit the total number of drops to no more than 30 for a 4 oz bottle.
• 95% or higher grain alcohol. If you use witch hazel, or a lower percentage alcohol, be sure to give the bottle a good shake before using the spray.

Method

1. Mix the essential oils in the bottle.

2. Add the alcohol and leave for a few minutes to dissolve.

3. Carefully pour in the distilled water and give it a good shake.

2. Festive Sugar Scrub

If you are more interested in homemade Christmas gifts that promote selfcare, then you might be intrigued about the thought of making a simple DIY sugar scrub.

Ingredients

• Glass jar
• Coarse grained sugar
• Lavender (calming), peppermint (energising) or tea tree oil (soothing)
• Carrier oil like coconut oil, grape seed or olive oil

Method

1. Fill the glass jar with sugar

2. Add the carrier oil (using a ratio of 1:3 – 1 cup of sugar/1/3 cup of oil)

3. Finally, add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil

4. Mix the ingredients together

3. Refreshing Bath Salts

When it comes to classic Christmas ideas, giving bath salts as a gift is always well received. There are few things better than a nice, hot bath accompanied with relaxing scents and aromas that soothe the mind and body.

Ingredients

• Epsom salts
• Baking soda
• Essential oils (lavender is a popular choice for relaxation)
• Carrier oil or moisturising agent
• Food colouring (optional)

Method

1. Mix 100g Epsom salts, 5g almond oil (carrier oil) and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a large bowl

2. Add 5 drops of your preferred essential oil(s)

3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking tray.

4. Leave it to dry for at least 12 hours.

5. Once fully dried, place the sea salt inside a sealed glass jar.

4. Homemade Natural Deodorant

The beauty of DIY Christmas gifts is how personalised they can feel – especially if they are made to fit in within someone’s personal beliefs or preferences. Making a natural deodorant for someone who wants to avoid chemicals or certain fragrances, could be the perfect gift this Christmas.

Ingredients

• Spray bottle
• Measuring jug
• 15 drops of Geranium essential oil
• 120 ml milk of magnesia
• 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil

Method

1. Mix the geranium oil and grapeseed oil in the measuring jug.

2. Add the milk and magnesia and mix.

3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and ensure the lid is tightly secured.

4. Shake the bottle to help the mixture settle.

5. Essential Oil Perfume

Anyone in need of easy gifts they can make at home with minimum fuss might also be interested in making their own perfume. You’ll only need a small amount of ingredients to get started, and who knows, with so many blending options available, it could be the beginning of a wonderful new hobby.

Ingredients

• 5ml rollerball bottle
• 4 x pipettes
• 3 x essential oils (top, mid and base notes)
• 1 x unscented carrier oil (jojoba or almond oil are good choices)

Method

1. Add 80 drops of your chosen carrier oil to the bottle using a pipette.

2. Your perfume blend should include: 6 x top notes, 10 x middle notes and 4 x base notes.

3. Seal the top of the bottle and shake.

4. It’s a good idea to label the bottle so the recipient always knows what’s in it.

5. Store the perfume in a cool, dark space away from direct heat and light sources.

Final thoughts

Making your own essential oil DIY Christmas gifts is easy and a lot of fun, whether you are giving them away as top up presents or as a main gift. Christmas room sprays can add to the festive feeling, while a sugar skin scrub feels great on the skin. Bath salts bring a touch of luxury; homemade natural deodorants are perfect for anyone who wants to avoid chemical-based products and essential oil perfumes allow you personalise someone’s scent. One important health and safety point to remember is to clearly label your gifts, as this ensures the receiver is aware of the ingredients before they use it.