This weekend SemiDomesticated was part of the Bite Club Christmas market where we were selling home made massage oils and coffee scrubs. Along with the products we were giving away the recipes as well as gift cards that could be personalized and given away with a bottle of massage oil. The concept was really well received and many were thrilled that they could go home and refill the product themselves once it was used up. We also got some funny comments about how we were bad business people by giving away the recipe. And while this would be true if we aspired to be cosmetics manufacturers, this was exactly the point — not to sell the products, but to sell the the idea and remind people that they can make their own gifts, using ingredients found even in our own kitchens.
We’d like to share with you the results and the recipes, as well as some other ideas for gift card ideas. These are great because they also give the gift of spending quality time together.
For your partner, or a hard working friend
Make a massage oil following our recipe, adding your favorite mix of essential oils. Be aware that using essential oils take a bit of knowledge and practice. Certain oils should not be used for pregnant women, young children or the elderly. Do your research on this and know that it’s better to dilute too much than too little. Gift your massage oil along with a gift card for an hour (or more) of massage given by yourself personally. If you are not into giving massages, contact a local massage therapist and buy an appointment from them. Get yourself an appointment as well and make a day of it!
Above: Massage, Bottles of massage oil by SemiDomesticated
For the late sleeper
Wake a friends up with coffee, served two ways. Make the coffee scrub following our recipe and add your favorite salt or sugar mix with dried citrus peel, herbs or flowers. Get them a bag of good espresso or coffee from a local roaster and gift it along with our DIY coffee scrub recipe and an invitation to get crafty and make scrubs together — or for an afternoon of coffee and home made cake at your house.
Above: Epresso in glasses, Jars of coffee scrub by SemiDomesticated
For the movie lover
Make a batch of caramelized popcorn, or follow one of these exciting recipes. Put it on a nice mason jar and gift it along with a gift card for a movie night at your house with home made snacks and a film of their choice, or get two tickets to your local movie theatre and take them out for a movie night.
Above: Mason jar popcorn, Vintage tickets
For the gourmand
Make a special olive oil mix using high quality olive oil. Flavor it with twigs of fresh rosemary, ginger, dried chili or another herb or spice. Bottle it on a nice bottle, and include a gift card for a nice dinner at your house, just the two of you, or with a group of friends. If you’re not into cooking, but like to eat out, take them out for dinner with you.
Above: Olive oil, dinner table
There are so many more things you can do, so get creative and think of something you like to do. Maybe the gift card is for a DIY workshop on how to recreate whatever delightful product you choose to give away?