Looking for last-minute gift ideas that are both heartfelt and unique? Here are two recipes for DIY herbal gifts that will not only impress your loved ones but also provide them with some holistic benefits: Herbal Honey and Herbal Lip Balm. So, let's jump into the aromatic world of herbs and craft some gifts that will be remembered!
Herbal Honey
Herbal-infused honey is a simple yet thoughtful gift. It can be used in tea, spread on toast, or drizzled over cheese. Not only is it delightful in flavor, but certain herbs can also provide gentle health benefits when combined with the antibacterial properties of honey.
You will need:
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of dried herbs (Lavender, rose petals, thyme, or chamomile work well)
- A glass jar with a lid
Instructions:
- Fill your jar about 1/3 full with dried herbs.
- Pour honey over the herbs until the jar is full.
- Use a chopstick or the handle of a spoon to stir and eliminate any air bubbles.
- Screw the lid on tight and let it sit for at least one week. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor will be.
- Before gifting, you can strain the herbs out or leave them in for a more rustic look.
Herbal Lip Balm
A homemade herbal lip balm is a great gift that will help your loved ones keep their lips moisturized and soft. Infusing it with herbs can add a nice aroma and potential additional benefits.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of an herb-infused oil (like calendula or chamomile infused olive or almond oil)
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional, for extra flavor and aroma)
- Small containers or empty lip balm tubes
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt the beeswax and coconut oil together.
- Once melted, add the herb-infused oil and stir well.
- Remove from heat and add the essential oil if using.
- Quickly pour the mixture into your containers or tubes. It will start to solidify as it cools.
- Let them sit until fully hardened, then cap and label.
Remember, when it comes to homemade gifts, it's the thought, effort, and love you put into them that count the most. Your loved ones will appreciate these thoughtful and practical DIY herbal gifts, and they might even be inspired to explore the world of herbal remedies themselves! Happy crafting, and have a wonderful holiday season!