Homemade present #2
Everyone knows Christmas is about giving. But we’re guilty of going on a stressful shopping frenzy hours before the 25th of December dawns and losing our Christmas spirit somewhere between the consumerism and a sense of humour failure – carpark on Christmas Eve anyone? This year the plan is a little different. Together with the kids, we’re opting to have fun together and create some inexpensive homemade gifts. This is a terrific way for kids to understand that Christmas is not just about buying and receiving gifts, but the love and joy that comes from heartfelt giving.
So play Santa and ask your little elves to help you out in making the second in a series of creative DIY Christmas gifts: An All-Natural DIY aftershave!
Go to our craft page for more DIY decoration ideas and DIY gifts.
Here’s what you’ll need
– 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel. 100% pure is best!
– 1/4 cup Witch Hazel (alternatively you can try guardian)
– 1 Tablespoon Glycerin
– Water to thin if needed (2-4 Tbs)
– Petitgrain Essential Oil, and Patchouli Essential Oil
– Small bottle
– Small jug
– Bowl
– Whisk
Step 1
Combine the Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, and Glycerine in a bowl and whisk until all combined.
Step 2
Add 12 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil, and 6 drops of Petitgrain Essential Oil. Whisk again to combine. Is the consistency too thick for you? Simply add some water, a bit at a time, and mix it in as you go until you reached your desired consistency.
(Do note that if you add water, the aftershave will probably last a week or two. However, if you skipped the water and used bottled aloe vera, the aftershave should last for a good month. To be on the safe side, just pop it in the fridge. We personally prefer the cooling sensation anyway.)
Step 3
Clean and dry your small jug before you transfer the mixture into it. Thereafter, pour the contents into the clean bottle.
Step 4
Download these black and white labels and get these items ready to package your gift:
– Finished aftershave bottle, sealed
– Plain muslin bag
– Ribbon
– Tape
– A printed sheet of labels (the right way around) on sticker paper. Cut out the ones you want.
– A printed sheet of the reversed labels on Iron-on Transfer paper. Cut out the ones you want to use according to packet instructions.
Step 5
Measure out the ribbon and secure it to the bottom with some tape. Bring the ribbon up the bottle, over the lid, and down the other side.
Step 6
Secure the ribbon in it’s place with a sticker.
Step 7
Iron your cut out iron-on label onto your muslin bag.
Step 8
Put your bottle inside the gift bag and surprise your lucky man with this loving aftershave pressie!
Merry Christmas!
We thank our great friend, Claire , Claire Dalgleish of design blog Fellow Fellow, and Militza of eco-friendly blog Little Green Dot for this amazing DIY Christmas gift idea.
