Homemade Christmas presents are one of my favorite gifts to give. It makes me even happier to know that the gifts I am giving are healthy and natural! These DIY homemade beauty gifts are all made using coconut oil, which is a great product to use both inside and outside of your body. {Spoiler Alert: Our January Ecocentric Moms are going to be treated to a full size tube of luxurious coconut oil from Kala Oils.) There are a zillion and one ways to make use of this incredible ingredient – in case you missed it, check out our list of coconut oil uses for pregnancy and new moms, as well as this super comprehensive post listing 150 uses for coconut oil.

Did you know that most lotions contain a lot of water? Coconut oil is a great replacement that absorbs more quickly into your skin. It also contains Vitamin E, which is known for its many benefits, such as soothing eczema and protecting against wrinkles. Not only are these three DIY homemade beauty gifts great for you, but they are also super easy to make. Each of the below recipes will require only 2-3 ingredients and take a very short time to prepare. Each is scented with an optional essential oil of your choosing. If you’re pregnant or nursing, be sure to check our list of essential oils that are safe for pregnancy.

Homemade Beauty Gift: Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
Optional: 2-4 drops essential oil (lavender or lemon work great)

If you live in an area with harsh winters, this is the perfect scrub to keep your skin moisturized. Granulated sugar will work just fine for this recipe. If you prefer a more vigorous scrub that exfoliates better, you can use raw sugar.

Mix together the sugar and coconut oil. The coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it might be solid when you scoop it. Keep mixing the scrub and it will begin to liquify. Be warned that you will probably have to stir it for quite some time before the oil and sugar mix together completely. If you choose to use any essential oils, you may add them at this time.

You can use the scrub in several ways, but I find it easiest to use in the shower. Rub it on your skin, let it soak for a few seconds, and rinse it off. When you dry off, the coconut oil will be left behind to continue moisturizing your skin. Another way to use this scrub is for shaving. The coconut oil left behind also makes a great replacement for shaving cream.

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Homemade Beauty Gifts: Coconut Oil Bath Melts

What you’ll need:

1 Cup Coconut Oil
15 Drops Essential Oil (I recommend lavender)

This recipe is one of the easiest DIY Christmas presents you can make. It only requires two ingredients — coconut oil and essential oils! It’s also one of the most convenient beauty products to use. Simply drop it into a bath and start to reap the benefits.

The coconut oil will aid in moisturizing and smoothing your skin while the essential oils help you relax. I used to apply lotion to my skin after my bath but no longer need to after using these melts. I find that my skin feels hydrated, yet not as oily as when I used lotion.

To make these bath melts, melt the coconut oil completely, then add the essential oil. Pour into a silicone mold like this one (you  can also use ice cube trays) and pop it into the fridge to cool and harden. Take them out of the molds and put them into a mason jar. Make sure to store them in a colder area, such as the fridge, or they’ll begin to melt.

Coconut Oil Night Cream

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup coconut oil
1 tsp cocoa butter
2-4 drops essential oil

Coconut oil is gentle enough to use under your eyes, which makes it a great replacement for those expensive night creams. According to Health.com, “the skin under your eyes is thin and delicate, making it prone to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.”

Mix the coconut oil and cocoa butter until they are well combined. Add the essential oil and mix well. Don’t be alarmed if your night cream solidifies again. As soon as you start to scoop more out of the container, it will be the right consistency. Side note: This is a very oily night cream, so use it sparingly. Depending on what type of skin you have, you might not want to use it every night.

Another reason I love these homemade beauty gifts is that they require minimal wrapping. Put them in a mason jar and tie some ribbon around them, and voila!  Making these homemade beauty gifts for friends, families and teachers is sure to delight the lucky recipients. Who doesn’t love a gift from the heart?

Have you tried any of our recipes? What do you think?