Holiday Handmade Gift Ideas and Vanilla Body Scrub Recipe

I received product to review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

When it comes to holiday gifting, it truly is the thought that counts. My most precious gifts are ones that came with a lot of thought and love. What could be more thoughtful than a handmade gift? Not only are they meaningful, but they often cost less money than store-bought gifts. Win, win, right?

Whether you are trying to simplify your holiday gift giving, find a gift for that hard-to-shop-for person, let a teacher know how much she is appreciated, or surprise a coworker, DIY gifts are the perfect way to show how much you care.

I want to share some ideas on ways to make your DIY gifts even more extra-special:

• Package homemade biscotti, cookies, or even body products in vintage tins or jars. A beautiful container is an additional gift that the recipient can keep long after the handmade gift is gone.
• Instead of using traditional wrapping paper or gift bags, wrap boxes in craft paper and decorate with pens and markers. Wrap jars and bottles in fabric, burlap, or a pretty kitchen towel and secure it with colorful striped baker’s twine.
• Attach a Christmas ornament to the outside of the package in lieu of a traditional gift tag. Ornaments can be treasured for years to come.
• Include a hand-written note or card with the recipe for your gift – it is the gift that keeps on giving!

I also want to share a great recipe for Vanilla Body Scrub from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, which is the perfect gift for friends, sisters, daughters, or anyone who deserves a bit of pampering this holiday season. Fragrant Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar gently exfoliates while olive oil moisturizes, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated.

Vanilla Body Scrub

• 1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar   
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus, etc.

Decorative, waterproof container

Mix ingredients together in a bowl.

Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container.

Wrap in decorative paper.

Instructions for use: Apply a small amount to damp skin while in shower or bath. Gently scrub skin with a soft washcloth. Rinse thoroughly.

To help you with all your holiday baking, we are giving away (1)
Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to (1) lucky winner! Enter to win below.

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