Of course, because we happen to have a surplus of olive oil at our disposal, our gift ideas tend toward things that can be made from it. Plus, olive oil is such a versatile product that you can basically create something from it that will please everyone.
Check out just a few of the fantastic do-it-yourself ideas that we have recently run across on the Internet.
Lip Balm that Suits Anyone’s Fancy…
We love the idea of creating lip balms for family or friends. There are SO MANY essential oils to choose from, so if lavender doesn’t really fit the recipient of the gift, feel free to change it up!
Luscious Lavender Lip Balm Recipe[i]
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp grated beeswax or beeswax pearls
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp vitamin E oil (or 3 punctured, squeezed out liquid vitamin E capsules)
7 drops lavender essential oil (or other essential oil)
1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
1 tsp colored, natural lipstick (optional, if you want it to have a hint of color)
Warm the oils, beeswax and honey in a small, stainless steel pot or bowl. Be sure to warm it on VERY low heat. (You can use a double boiler, if you’d like.) Stir until the beeswax is completely melted. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the essential oil, vitamin E, cocoa powder, and colored lipstick. Place the bottom of the bowl into a shallow pan of ice water and continue whisking quickly as you add the honey. Once the honey is incorporated, quickly transfer the balm into your lip balm container (tube or tin) and allow to set for 3 hours.
[i] http://www.crunchybetty.com/3-simple-homemade-lip-balms-your-lipsve-never-been-yummier
For the Sweet Tooth in Your Life…
Every family has someone who is infamous for having a sweet tooth. Why not choose a heart healthy cookie recipe that is lower in sugar but still remains chewy and delicious?
Lemon Thyme Olive Oil Cookies[i]
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons milk
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking sheets. Put the flour, sugar, baking soda, pepper, and thyme into a bowl and whisk together to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, milk, lemon juice, and zest. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until you form a nice smooth dough. Roll heaping teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake the cookies about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are browned around the edges. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes and then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Recipe courtesy of George Duran
[i] http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-duran/lemon-thyme-olive-oil-cookies-recipe.html
Something for the Outdoor Enthusiast…
So many people we know love being outdoors. A natural bug repellent is an awesome way to show appreciation for their passion, while also helping them avoid harmful chemicals such as DEET.
Natural Insect Repellent[i]
2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka (or a combination of)
2 tablespoons of olive oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or neem oil (or combination of)
½ teaspoon vodka as preservative (if not already using)
100-110 drops 100% pure essential oils
Sample Bug-Repelling Essential Oil Blend
55 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- reported by the CDC to be a good natural substitution for DEET in repelling insects, but not recommended for use on children under 3)
15 drops cedarwood essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
- if using, choose Lavandula angustifolia. “Lavender 40-42 essential oil” does not have the same insecticidal qualities.
15 drops rosemary essential oil
[i] http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-insect-mosquito-repellent/
Directions: Add carrier liquids to small spray bottle (3 or 4 oz. works well so there is room for shaking). Add essential oils. Shake well before each use. Natural bug repellent will need to be reapplied every few hours for maximum effectiveness.
Great ideas for the ‘Neat Freak’ in Your Life…
Although some people might not enjoy receiving cleaning supplies as a gift, there are a select few who would totally appreciate this homemade polish that isn’t laden with chemicals.
Furniture Polish[i]
For an all-purpose furniture polish, combine ¼ cup vinegar with ¾ cup olive oil and use a soft cloth to distribute the mixture over furniture. For wood furniture (or as an alternative to the first recipe), combine ¼ cup lemon juice with ½ cup olive oil, then follow the same procedure.
[i] http://greatist.com/health/27-chemical-free-products-diy-spring-cleaning
Wrap It Up!
If you would like to purchase a bottle of My Olive Tree’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, either to give as a gift or to use for one of these projects [CLICK HERE]