DIY Gift Idea – Gingersnap Body Scrub

Christmas is right around the corner (Where did 2012 go??) and many of us have already started thinking about holiday gift giving. It is getting more difficult, it seems, to stretch the budget while giving well thought out, elegant, but, most of all, memorable holiday gifts.

Do you ever feel like you are a hamster on a wheel of ever growing consumerism around the holiday season?

I happened to be watching an episode on “Friends” where Monica, then out of work, decided to make cookies for everyone she would normally tip (e.g. the postman and the doorman) in her building. It wasn’t received well (though it did make for a hilarious episode). I remember thinking “Why have homemade gifts not only fallen out of fashion but been relegated to cheap and laughable?”

Luckily we spend our holiday season in Lebanon where the exchange of gifts is usually for the children. I, being the odd American, do give gifts of cookies, fudge, and preserves which are met with enthusiasm and usually begs for recipes. They are also met with grumbles from the ladies who promptly eat them all and then come to me for diet advice after the holiday season.

This year I have come up with a sinfully delicious recipe that won’t go straight to their hips and will give them silky smooth, baby soft skin, with natural, healthy ingredients (and edible) ingredients all for pennies on the dollar.

My Gingersnap Body Scrub is perfect for holiday gift giving combining the scents of the season with nourishing oils and exfoliating sugar and salt. How easy is that? Make it up in big batches and put it in pretty jars and wait for the “oohs and ahhs” to roll in.

Ginger is the key ingredient in this body scrub known for its energizing and warming properties. It is safe for eczema and psoriasis and fantastic for sensitive skin.

Gingersnap Homemade Body Scrub Recipe

1/4 cup coconut oil (this will be solid at room temperature)
2 tbsp. cocoa butter or shea butter (optional but adds a moisturizing kick)
1 tablespoon ginger, (do not peel, grate roughly)
1/4 cup cold-pressed oil (almond oil, argan, olive, or avocado are my favorites )
3/4 cup demerara, turbinado, or organic granulated sugar (unbleached)
1/4 cup celtic sea salt (coarse for normal skin, fine for sensitive skin)
1-4 drops essential oil (I used a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg)

In a small saucepan heat the coconut oil and ginger pieces over low heat. Continue heating for 5-10 minutes and then steep for about 20 minutes until ginger scent and juice has transferred into the oil. Remove from heat and press through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. (I skip this step most of the time because I like the exfoliation kick of the grated ginger.)

While the oil is still warm, add in the cold-pressed oil. Stir to combine and allow to come to room temperature. Stir in sugar and salt. Scent with essential oils as desired. Pack into pretty container.

To Use: Massage into damp skin and allow to sit 2-4 minutes. Using a washcloth covered in warm water, steam over face or stand in a steamy shower for a minute. Using the wet washcloth, wipe excess from skin. Rinse and repeat until oil is washed away.

Makes approximately 8 ounces sugar body scrub.

*The ingredients can be purchased online or at stores like Whole Foods.

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written by:  Jacqueline, The Detox Diva

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In full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links to help support The Budget Diet girl! My advice will always be unbiased and free, but free won’t pay the bills! Thanks!