The holidays are fast approaching. With the holiday season comes great food, friends and family and of course gift giving. Which is a struggle if you’re a broke college student and have way too many friends to buy gifts for. Well, fear not because we have you covered! Here are some easy DIY gifts to give your friend and family that won’t break your bank account.
1. Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Sugar scrubs are great gifts because they are easy to make, smell delicious, and leave your skin feeling super soft. In this recipe, the coconut oil moisturizes skin, the sugar exfoliates and the peppermint oil aroma can relieve stress.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- About 4 drops of peppermint essential oil (you can find it here)
- Small Mason jar
Directions:
- Pour sugar into jar
- Add in coconut oil
- Mix together with a spoon and stir thoroughly
- Add in drops of essential oil until aroma is present (you might need more if you want the scent to be stronger)
- Stir together
- Give to a friend!
Note: If consistency is too runny, add more sugar
2. DIY Spicy Hot Cocoa Mix
Adapted from this recipe.
This gift is a twist on your typical hot chocolate and the perfect gift for that spicy friend of yours. Not to mention, homemade hot cocoa? Talk about a mug full of heart-warming yum!
Ingredients (Makes one, full quart-sized Mason jar):
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbs cinnamon
- 1/2 tbs chili powder
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Quart sized mason jar
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and fill up about ¾ of the way
- Optional: top off mix in jar with chocolate chips or marshmallows for a nice aesthetic
- Attach instructions for the mix to the jar: Add two heaping tablespoons of mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk
3. DIY Water Marble Mug
Adapted from here.
Marble is such a popular design these days and with this DIY you can virtually use it on any white ceramic item (think mugs, small plates, cups, bowls).
Ingredients:
- 1 bowl of warm water (I suggest using a plastic container that you don’t mind getting ruined)
- Nail polish color(s) of choice
- Ceramic mug, plate, or cup
- Wood stirrer or toothpick
Directions:
- Pour the nail polish(es) into the bowl of warm water
- Stir water and nail polish(es) together
- Dip bottom of mug in a circular motion into the bowl
- Take out and let dry upside down for three hours, and pat dry
Tip: You can also marble a small plate. The small plates make for great jewelry holders.