Save Money Over the Holidays - Make Inexpensive Herbal Gifts

With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to sit back and devise a strategy for gift giving. With so many people on a tight budget, the prospect of holiday gifting may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

Gifts From the Heart

One of the most wonderful aspects of this or any other holiday season is giving of yourself, and what better way to show you care than in making Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa presents with an herb theme. In past posts, I've offered instructions for making many herb crafts and food items. Use the links below to explore a few projects that are easy to put together and make wonderful gifts. From lavender bath salts to a homemade batch of specialty herb blends, you'll be able to find a project that will fit your taste and budget.

Lavender Bath Salts

Bath salts are inexpensive to make, and you don't have to use lavender, either. Armed with a bottle of your favorite essential oil or oil blend, you can make up a batch of bath salts in minutes with a little food dye, Epsom salt and the fragrance of your choice. Let the mixture dry and place in a decorative jar, tin or muslin bag (you can even buy the bags inexpensively in bulk).

Herb Blends

What you would pay handsomely for in the market, you can make inexpensively at home by growing your herbs or buying them in bulk from online suppliers. With a few key herbs, you can make a number of seasoning mixtures that will be a hit as stocking stuffers for the budding chef on your list or as a thoughtful hostess gift.

That's not all. Flavored oils, carpet fragrances and fresheners, and even homemade herbal shampoos and bubble bath are wonderful gifts.

With some planning and an afternoon's work, you can craft baskets or individual items that you'll be proud to give. They'll be thoughtful, homemade and inexpensive. For years, I've given baskets with a lavender theme. I use lavender from my garden, but you can find lavender buds online or use the link below.

Take a look at these URLs for some guidance. There are more projects on The Herb Gardener and across the web, so if you don't see what you're after, keep looking:

Herbal Gifts to Make

Bubble Bath - Lavender (or other scented)

Herbal Shampoo

Bath Salts

Carpet Freshener and Deodorant (Eco-Friendly)

Lavender Sugar Include this Lavender Cookie Recipe

Tea Rub Meat Preparation

Cajun Spice Blend

Old Bay Type Seasoning

5 Star Herb Vinegar

Herbs De Provence

Garlic Oil

Flavored Mayonnaise (Keep Refrigerated)