This DIY challenge has been the most difficult thus far. Originally I thought the tablescape was going to be the hardest since it was completely unfamiliar territory, but enter Dare to DIY gift challenge. I should clarify the execution was easy, but deciding on what to make was the real challenge for me. I was all over the place with ideas but refused to pull the trigger on anything. (Dare I say too much pinterest?) Nick told me to figure out who I was going to DIY for then decide on the gift. (Sidenote: Nick’s love language is gifts, so of course he would solve my DIY gift problem.)
I made Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub for Ramona’s teachers. This is a simple DIY that easily replaces the generic Bath and Body Works gifts for a fraction of the cost. Plus you have most, if not all, of these supplies on hand. Recipe originally found here.
Materials:
- 2 cups of Brown Sugar
- 1 cup of Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla
- 1 cup of Sunflower Oil
- 2 – 4 oz canning jars (similar)
Mix the brown sugar and the granulated sugar together. Then add your vanilla and sunflower oil. Before you add any additional oil, pat down your sugar mixture. You’ll be surprised how much oil is hiding in there.
I wanted to make the packaging a little fancy, so I traced the lid on a pretty vignette on some fabric. Use my new favorite craft supply, spray adhesive, to attach the fabric to the lid.
Everything looks better tied in jute. Nick created these cute labels for the 4 oz jars. You can download the printable here. (Does that count as another DIY gift since it’s for you?) I taped the labels on with washi tape, because you need this craft supply in your life.
This scrub smells amazing (like well um vanilla and sugar), and who doesn’t love natural body scrub? If your family draws names for gifts, then these babies are great to give to the people you didn’t draw. Something simple, but useful. Inexpensive, but not cheap. Homemade, but quick (less than 5 minutes).
Go check out the others who Dared to DIY at Decor and the Dog, Maybe Matilda, Newly Woodwards, and Two Twenty One.
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YUM!!! i bet it smells divine!
It really does! The sunflower oil has no smell, so you smell all the vanilla sugar goodness!
The packaging is perfection!! And a free download? You guys are all over this gift giving. Thanks for joining the Dare to DIY again this week!
Yes you have to include the label. Packaging is the most important part of a handmade gift like this! Well I think it’s the hardest part especially for people who don’t use illustrator…which would be me.
I think I can smell the body scrub all the way in my neck of the woods! Must make some ASAP! Thanks for the free printable
I guess technically you can even taste it too if you are down with eating your calories via sugar body scrub!
This is such an amazing gift. I love that it’s a homemade version of something you’d buy at Bath and Body Works. And pretttier. And probably better. I’m also a huge vanilla fan, so I’m sure I’d love it.
Can I make it for myself? (Needless to say, gifts are not my love language. Unless they are for myself.)
Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to DIY. You guys nailed it.
We have all got that last minute Bath and Body Works gift, but seriously this will take you less time to pull together than stopping into the store. Plus I like to think it’s Origins quality makes me feel fancier. Gifts are definitely not my love language either, but I like to get gifts so maybe that’s why Nick and I work so well! Ha.
ooh, I have a friend who loves vanilla scented things! thanks for the idea!
You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped!
YUM!!! I have something like this pinned on Pinterest–I’ve been meaning to try it for myself, but giving it as a gift is an even better reason/excuse to mix some up! I love your packaging, too! It makes it into something really special–and super cute!
I have used it too. It’s good, so it’s worth gifting as well!
This is such a great idea! Adding this to my list for cousins for NEXT year!
Good I’m glad you liked it! I’m sure your cousins will enjoy it!
Too cute! Those teachers are going to feel SO pampered! Great job!
I hope so! They deserve it after they chase 3 year olds around all day!
I want to make these! I’ve been looking for a body scrub recipe for friends for gifts and this could be perfect!!!
Awesome! I’m glad this ended your search! Hope your friends enjoy it!
What a fantastic handmade gift idea. I bet it smells so good!
Thank you. It’s so simple and quick. It’s about as easy as making that last min stop and buying a gift card but a much cheaper option.
Hi! Thanks for the recipe. I’ve tried about three different body scrub recipes from Pinterest for this holiday season and they all came out really separated–like not homogenous at all. Is that how they are supposed to be? It feels as if I’m literally just using sugar–am I doing something wrong? I’ve been using almond oil–is that okay? Thanks for any input you have–they still are adorable gifts!:)
Since you aren’t melting the sugars, they aren’t going to completely mix together. Make sure you combine and mix the sugars before you add any oil. This will help the sugar blend better. Almond oil even Extra Virgin Olive Oil will work. I use Sunflower Oil because it has relatively no smell, so it doesn’t compete with the lovely vanilla and sugar smell.
Don’t worry you aren’t doing anything wrong. Essentially you are just using sugar since the vanilla and oil don’t really add much visually speaking. I hope that helps!
Awesome gift idea! Thank you! Can’t wait to try this. Quick question also – how long will the scrub last without being refrigerated?
I don’t refrigerate it at all. I’m not sure how long of a shelf life it has. I’ve never had it long enough for it to go bad. Sorry I couldn’t help more.
can you use a different type of oil, like coconut oil or olive oil? i don’t have sunflower oil, lol and i don’t want to go to the store.
I am not sure about coconut oil, but you probably can use it. I know you can use olive oil. However it will have a smell to it! Hope that helps!
What a great gift! Where did you find those little jars? I can’t find them any where! Thank you!
Have a great one!
I believe I got them at Target or Walmart. I know they get a little difficult to find around the holidays when everyone is making mason jar gifts. I found these pretty mason jars on amazon too if you want to just order them!
what is the shelf life for this scrub? I would LOVE to give it as a Christmas gift, but don’t want to do it too far ahead if it goes bad quickly!
I am not sure what the shelf life is. The oil will separate if it sits for too long, but it mixes back in once you stir it again! Sorry I can’t give you a definite time!