Handmade gifts will always top store bought gifts.

For the giver, it’s both cost-effective and fun. For the recipient, it means a unique, one of a kind present that says, “You are worth my creative energy and more than a trip to the store.”

There are many herbs and essential oils you could incorporate into homemade bath and body gifts — but this year, consider lavender. Lavender is amazingly versatile, making it easy to use across your gift list. Its calming scent makes it a welcome addition to anyone’s post-holiday routine. Braving crowds at the mall, interacting with relatives who have had too much eggnog, and hearing the same aggravating music for weeks on end all call for soothing, relaxing lavender.

To make lavender-scented gifts, you’ll need either lavender essential oil, dried lavender buds, or both. These and many of the other materials you’ll need can be found at The Shoppe at Somerset if you need to stock up on craft supplies.

Read on for four lavender-themed gift ideas you can make yourself.

1. Lavender Bath Salts

Bath salts help to relax tired muscles, even more so when perfumed with lavender essential oil. The dried buds add a touch of romance as they float atop the water.

TO MAKE

You will need:

•  1 cup salt or combination of choice (such as Pink Himalayan salt, Epsom salt, or Dead Sea salt)
•  2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
•  10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
•  8 oz. Mason jar or other lidded container

Combine salt(s), lavender buds, and lavender essential oil. Then pour the mixture into a lidded container, such as a purple or amber glass jar.

2. Lavender Diffuser Necklace

This necklace provides portable aromatherapy that can be enjoyed at any time. It’s especially useful for that friend who’s always on-the-go.

TO MAKE

You will need:

•  18-30 inches of leather cording

•  1-3 wooden beads

•  Decorative beads (optional)

•  2-6 drops lavender essential oil

Cut a length of leather cording — 18 inches for a standard length necklace, or 30 inches for a long one. String your beads onto the cording, and then tie off the ends. Drip 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil onto each wooden bead, smoothing if necessary. The wood will absorb the oil, capturing the calming scent. The oil may darken the color of the wood at first, but will fade gradually as it absorbs.

3. Lavender Dream Pillow

A lavender-filled sachet, or dream pillow, tucked under your pillow at night will help calm the mind for sleep and invite sweet dreams. Dream pillows can be assembled with pre-made drawstring pouches, or if you’re feeling extra crafty, you can make your own from scratch using felt, linen, or cotton.  You can keep the pillows simple or adorn them with decorative embroidery before filling them. Thanks to Kayla Haupt for originally sharing this idea with our readers in the Spring 2017 issue of Willow and Sage!

TO MAKE

You will need:

•  1 pre-made drawstring pouch

-OR-

•  2 six-inch squares of natural fabric

•  Embroidery thread or yarn

•  Tapestry needle

•  ½-1 cup dried lavender buds

•  1-2 drops lavender essential oil

Start with a pre-made pouch, or if you’re starting from scratch, whipstitch or sew your fabric squares together on three sides. Fill your pouch almost all the way full with dried lavender. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Tie or sew shut. Giving the sachet a light squeeze will help the dried buds release their natural oils, making their aroma stronger.

4. Lavender Yoga Mat Mist

Pictured: Rachel Hollis’s Yoga Mat Cleaner from the Winter 2016 Issue.

Lavender’s antibacterial properties can help keep mats clean after each use. Plus, the calming aroma helps extend your peaceful state even after your practice is over. To use, just shake to distribute the oils, give your mat a few spritzes, and wipe down with a clean cloth.

TO MAKE

You will need:

•  3 oz. distilled water

•  1 oz. organic witch hazel

•  2-3 drops lavender essential oil

•  A 4 oz. spray bottle

If you don’t feel like measuring your liquid by ounces, or if you’d like to use a larger or smaller spray bottle, use the following guide to eyeball it. Fill your bottle ¾ of the way full with distilled water. Then fill the remaining ¼ with witch hazel. Lastly, add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.

Find DIY gift supplies from The Shoppe at Somerset:

Lavender Essential Oil        Pink Himalayan Salt            Amber Glass Jars

Dried Lavender Buds     Amber Glass Spray Bottles     Cotton Drawstring Bags