To save you some grief during the holiday season I jotted down a few things to consider before you start making Christmas gifts with essential oils.
I’ve made plenty of these mistakes and learned from others that these are pretty common but easily avoided.
So save yourself some time and money by thinking of these things ahead of time.
Keep reading for easy DIY gifts you can make (w/ video instructions)
Need oils? Get a $45 rebate when you order the Simply Earth Subscription Box Here using code “STACYRUSSELLFREE”.
The November box is specifically for Christmas!
How To Avoid Gift-Making Mistakes
Making essential oil gifts for your friends and family is super easy if remember these things:
1. Go Slow When Mixing Essential Oil Blends
Making your own essential oil blends allows you to customize the scent to your liking, but you shouldn’t try to rush the process.
It helps to go one drop at a time for each scent you are considering.
This allows you to really control the final result instead of adding 10 drops of one scent, only to find out if doesn’t work well with your blend.
Essential Oil Diffuser Himalayan Salt Lamp
Hold up… I had to add this here. Check out that awesome looking diffuser…diffusers make great gifts.
2. Use The Right Amount Of Essential Oils
The next mistake you might make when you are working with essential oils is either using too little or too much of the scent.
Always remember that the use of the product will determine how strong the scent is.
A homemade air freshener for your living room will be different than a fabric spray for your pillows.
You want to use only as much oil as you need to get the scent you want, without overpowering it.
Sometimes this just requires a little experimenting.
Tip: If you don’t want to mess with mixing up your own blends then purchase a premade blend (like some of these on Simply Earth).
It might be a tad more expensive but the scent may be better for your project.
3. Don’t Dilute Your Essential Oils With Water
As you know, diluting your essential oils the proper way with a carrier oil is really important to make it safe for use on your skin.
However, that doesn’t mean you can just dilute it with water.
While many other things can be diluted with water, it isn’t always enough with essential oils, depending on how sensitive your skin is.
Oil and water don’t mix, so while a couple drops in a big bath full of water might be okay, using more than that really requires the use of a carrier oil first.
4. Test Your Essential Oil Blends Before You Start Your Project
Before you start mixing together different essential oils to make your own blend, test it on something else first before making the DIY project.
If you don’t want to mix oils together into a blend then use them for soap or an air freshener, only to find out the aroma isn’t quite right.
5. Use The Right Carrier Oil For The Project
When making scrubs always test the carrier oil by mixing up a small batch of the scrub and letting it sit on the counter for a few days.
Now test the finished product.
Is it too thick? Is it too runny?
I made the mistake of using solid coconut oil in my foot scrubs and once it sat on the counter for a few days it got too hard to use.
I should have mixed the coconut oil with a liquid carrier oil so it wouldn’t get so hard.
I got the idea from a recipe online but for whatever reason, the foot scrub I made was too stiff.
6. Get Your Supplies Together Ahead Of Time
If you are like me, you may not know WHEN you can do the project. So in advance start collecting the items you need so you have them when you find the time to actually make the project.
Make a list of what you are making first to figure out what supplies you are going to need.
DIY Essential Oil Gift-Making Supplies You’ll Need
Here are some of the supplies you’ll need to make your essential oil gifts.
1. Essential Oils
Naturally, you need some oils. You can select a starter kit or buy the oils individually.
I currently buy most of my essential oils from Simply Earth.
They are clean of toxins and the company gives 13% of their proceeds to fight human trafficking!
(buy your Simply Earth Essential Oils here).
If you choose to purchase your oils individually you can get the ones you like based on the scents you want to use for the gifts.
Also, you can buy blends specifically for the holidays or the theme you want to use.
2. Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are necessary for gifts like lip balm, face masks, cleansers, lotions, creams, and bath bombs.
Some carrier oils you might use are Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, and Almond oil.
3. Containers
Think about the types of gifts you will be making. Many items can fit into mason jars of varying sizes, which are great because they come with airtight lids so your finished product stays fresh.
With all containers, try to choose glass, except for specialty plastic containers, like a lip balm tube.
Tip: When you get the Simply Earth Subscription Box your first order comes with all sorts of accessories and containers.
Remember to use code “STACYRUSSELLFREE” for a $45 rebate card.
4. Accessories
Additional accessories will vary based on the items you are making.
For instance, you might need:
- sugar for scrubs
- ground coffee beans
- string or yarn
- fabric to make drawer sachets
Essential Oil Gifts You Don’t Have To Make Yourself
The gifts you can make with essential oils are endless but if you don’t want to actually make anything there are a few gifts you can just buy.
Look for ones that match the personality of the person you are giving a gift to.
1. Diffusers
A simple diffuser is a great gift for a friend even if they already use oils in their home.
You can’t have too many diffusers!
These small ones on Amazon are great for anyone. (grab one for yourself if you see them under $20)
Even a cute car diffuser would be fun.
2. Essential Oil Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are all the rave right now and giving them as a gift is a super idea. You can give it once or over several months.
For your friends who dabble in oils, the Simply Earth Subscription Box is very affordable and makes using essential oils easy.
The box comes with 4 essential oils plus recipes for using them.
Use “StacyRussellFree” to get a $45 rebate to use on your second order.
3. Essential Oil Nose Rings
I know, sounds weird right?
But a silicone nose ring that disperses essential oils right under your nose comes in handy at the dentist’s office if you are stressed (my personal favorite), in the car if you get motion sickness, or anytime you want to breathe in essential oils.
Think immune support!
Read about them here and the best place to buy them.
4. Essential Oil Mugs
My friend Daneen at Dropping Joy Creations sells these cool mugs with a variety of sayings.
You can check out her store on Esty.
9 DIY Essential Oil Gift Ideas And Directions
If you make any of these DIY gifts please let me know!
The first one is our favorite and so far the easiest.
1. Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet KitEssential Oil and Jewelry Making
These diffuser bracelets are so easy to make.
We purchased this kit and my daughter made up a few bracelets rather quickly. We are super excited about being able to give these away this year.
Purchase this kit on Amazon that includes everything you need to make the bracelets.
2. Essential Oil Bath Salts Recipe (video instructions)
Bath Salts are easy to make and go great in a spa gift basket. This recipe is for one small jar.
Multiply the amount by the number of gifts you plan to make.
Remember, to test one first before making a big batch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Epsom Salt
- 1 tsp Jojoba Oil
- Essential Oils
- Jar with Lid or these Tin Jars
Directions:
Put Epsom salt and essential oil in a jar and stir with a spoon. Seal jar. Use 1 oz of salt per bath. Check out this video to get an idea of how to make them.
3. PooPourri For Your Bathroom Recipe
Before I knew about oils I purchased these little bottles as stocking stuffers for the adults in our family. Later, after getting into using oils around the home I realized how easy these sprays are to make.
Who doesn’t need a spray for the bathroom?
The traditional store-bought sprays are full of toxins so even if you don’t make this as a gift whip one up for your own bathroom.
Ingredients and Directions:
- 4 oz spray bottle
- 1-2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol
- 10 -20 drops of essential oils
Add the above ingredients and fill the rest of the spray bottle with water and shake.
Spray the toilet a few times before using the restroom.
4. Essential Oil Candles Recipe
I found this easy-looking recipe at Eastsleepbe.com Candle Wick Centering Device
Ingredients:
- Essential Oils
- Pure Beeswax Pellets (get them here)
- Hemp Candle Wicks (get them here)
- Glass Containers or Tin Jars
Directions:
- Add the wax pellets to your glass container until you have enough wax to fill it.
- Place the container in the microwave until the pellets are melted. Note that the glass will be hot too, so you’ll want to use a towel or oven mitt when handling the glass.
- Once melted, the level flakes will drop. Add more wax pellets until the melted wax reaches the top of your glass container. Repeat as necessary.
- Add the essential oil drops to the wax while it is still hot.
- Place the wick in the middle of the candle.
- Let dry until solid. Note that if you do not use a wick holder like this one, you should check the wick periodically to make sure it stays centered in your glass container.
Or Buy This Candle Kit
Simplify the candle-making with this kit from Simply Earth.
Each 11oz kit includes: 11oz of soy wax, 2 cotton wicks, 2 wick stickers, and 1 wick centering tool. *Vessel not included.
5. Essential Oil Lip Scrub Recipe (video instructions)
This is an easy recipe for making lip scrubs.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp white sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
- 2 Drops Vanilla Essential Oil (get it here)
- Toothpick dipped 1/8 inch in Ginger Essential Oil (get it here)
Directions:
- Put ingredients in small bowl.
- Stir until combined and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Spoon ingredients into small air-tight container.
Read about the benefits of Ginger here.
6. KidsSafe DIY Salve Recipe (video instructions)
This salve would be great for a baby shower gift or for any new parents on your Christmas list.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup Jojoba Oil (get it here)
- 4 TBSP Beeswax Pearls (get them here)
- 9 Drops Plant Therapy Better Than Kisses Essential Oil (get it here)
- Balm Tin
Directions:
- Place oil and beeswax in glass jar and melt together as shown in the video.
- Remove melted oil from heat and add essential oils.
- Pour mixture into balm tins.
- Let cool.
7. Essential Oil Lotion Recipe (video instructions)
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup distilled water
- ½ tsp vegetable glycerin
- 2 tsp coconut oil (solid)
- 2 tsp emulsifying wax
- ¼ tsp beeswax
- 1 Tbsp almond oil
8. Homemade Gell Air Fresheners (video instructions)
This is a fantastic idea by Laura at Our Oily House.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon of salt
15-20 drops essential oils (use your favorite blend)
Mason jars (or heat safe containers for storage)
OPTIONAL flowers for decoration
OPTIONAL food coloring
Directions:
- Heat water in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
- Add the salt and stir until dissolved.
- Add the gelatin and stir until dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add essential oils.
- Pour into mason jars or glass containers. Add food coloring and flowers; if using.
- Let cool, and then cover with a vented lid.
NOTE: You can make your own vented lid by punching a hole through a mason jar top or by using a piece of fabric.
9. Silky Massage Salve (video instructions)
The essential oils, recipe, and supplies are in the November Simply Earth Subscription Box
Remember to use code “STACYRUSSELLFREE” for a $45 rebate card.
Ingredients:
- 10 drops Lemon essential oil
- 30 drops Spearmint essential oil
- 1/4 tsp beeswax
- 3 112 tsp almond oil
- 2 Tbsp solid coconut oil
Keep Your Gift Making Simple
Making homemade Christmas gifts for friends and family is a great idea and often saves you money not to mention the gift will be unique.
With a little effort and preparation, you can pull it off.
Just get started now so you aren’t waiting until the week before Christmas. 🙂