DIY Minimalist Gift Ideas, That We Can Easily Make

Created by yours truly.  I put together this 52 Simple Ideas Daily Challenge Jar to help us all make a difference in our daily lives, while creating super simple habits.  Download for free with instructions from our Resource Library.

WHAT WE NEED:

• print the pdf from the library
• glass jar, box, vase, etc.
• t-shirt ribbon or other decorating ideas

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Cut each idea into its own strip and fold the paper a few times to make it easy to draw out of the jar or box.
2. Decorate the jar/box if desired. I used an old t-shirt to tie a ribbon around mine.
3. Encourage the gift recipient to draw one idea per day from the jar and try it!

DETAILS:

I found this idea on Wildly Organic.  Visit their website to order their oils and salts for this recipe to be the best possible.

WHAT WE NEED:

• 1 cup Himalayan Pink salt
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 5 drops of essential oil (such as lavender, geranium, grapefruit, valor, joy)
• glass jar, here’s a cute idea

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1.  Melt the coconut oil and stir it together with the salt.
2.  Stir in the olive oil.
3.  Allow the mixture to cool while stirring it occasionally.
4.  Place it into a glass gift jar, including a note that this scrub will make the shower or bathtub slippery, so wash thoroughly after use and exercise caution.  In addition, it should be used with a gentle scrubbing motion and not applied to windburned, sunburned, or broken skin.  More details on Wildly Organic website.

DETAILS:

I found this idea for a southwest spice blend on Naturally Ella.  Visit their website for more spice blends and details.  These can be used as meat, tofu, or vegetable rubs.  Try mixing a small amount in olive oil for a unique bread dip.  Or, use a larger amount to create a paste.  This can also be mixed with yogurt to make a dip, or olive oil and vinegar to make a salad dressing or marinade.

WHAT WE NEED:

• small spice jars – this recipe would fill 8 of these cute jars
• 1/2 cup chipotle powder
• 1/4 cup cumin powder
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup oregano
• 1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons coriander powder
• 1/2 tablespoon sea salt

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Mix all of the spices together.
2. Pour into small jars and seal.

DETAILS:

I found this recipe from Wholefully.com.  I recommend visiting this site for more details before making it.

WHAT WE NEED:

• 12oz brewed strong, dark coffee
• 750ml Everclear or strong vodka
• 4.5 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/3c of vanilla extract
• glass bottle with airtight lid, may find in thrift store or these are cute

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1.  Brew 12 cups of strong coffee (stronger than you would normally drink it). The website recommends dark roast to get the best flavor.  We can also use decaf coffee if we don’t want a caffeinated liqueur.
2.  Heat the coffee with the brown sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
3.  Stir in the vanilla extract and alcohol.
4.  Pour into glass bottles, label, and store in the refrigerator.

DETAILS:

I found this dry shampoo recipe on Going Zero Waste.com.  Dry shampoo has become a popular way to cut down on the grease in our hair so that we don’t have to wash it every day.  This reduces our water usage and helps our hair to be healthier too.  Visit their website for details about this recipe.

WHAT WE NEED:

• 1 Tablespoon Bentonite Clay
• 1 Tablespoon Organic Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Cocoa Powder (for dark hair only)
• Clean salt shaker to store & apply it (these are easy to find in thrift stores)

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1.  Mix ingredients together.  Only add the cocoa powder if your gift is going to someone with dark hair.
2.  Pour the mix into the salt shaker and add the lid.
3.  Shake on the roots of hair and spread through with fingers.

WATCH THE EPISODE:

Closed captioning transcript included in the video.  Subscribe on YouTube.

Know of any other DIY minimalist gift ideas?  Please share in the comments below.