One of the easiest craft gifts that can be made at home is handmade soap. This craft is inexpensive with an enormous opportunity for creativity.
At almost any craft store, like Hobby Lobby or Michaels, different types of soap blocks are available. Glycerin is very popular, as is shea butter. For different shapes of fancy soaps, a variety of soap molds exist. Candy molds can also be used for different designs such as gingerbread people, rosettes, maple leaves, and many others.
For different coloring, there are many soap dyes from which to choose. Some people prefer to stick with primary colors - red, yellow, and blue - and mix their own shades. Other people prefer to have handy more exotic colors.
Further, the different fragrances to choose from are often delightful. Many are made from essential oils like lavender and rose. Others are a blending of different floras and spices. For a great skin treatment, tea tree oil can also be used. Different textures can be added to the soaps, like oatmeal and honey.
Here are a few simple rules to remember about making soaps. First, melt the soap base completely. This can be done in a double-boiler or in a microwave. In a microwave-safe container, place the desired amount of soap base. Start with 40 seconds, and then heat at 10-second intervals if necessary until the soap base is completely melted. Second, add the colors. Gently stir with a small metal spoon until the color is completely mixed, adding only a drop or two at a time. Third, add the fragrance. With fragrances, a little is good…a lot may not be wonderful.
Pour the melted soap into the mold and let set until firm. Firmness can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour. For complete solidification, allow 24 hours. After that, you can wrap in clear plastic wrap and seal with a label. Wrapping handmade soap can be done a variety of ways as well, but plastic wrap helps ensure that the soap will retain its form. Outside of the plastic wrap, a small bag and ribbon can beautify the soap or soaps as a gift.
For further creativity with homemade soaps, different clarity and color designs can be created simply. Glycerin soap base, for instance, is available in clear and in white. Shades of colors can be layered, after a bit of cooling has allowed a "skin" to form. For a tie-dye design, add the color after pouring melted soap base into the mold. Using a toothpick, swirl the different colors through the clear or white soap base for different patterns.
As side items in a gift basket, you can create a small bag of bath salts or body wash (colored and fragranced with the same materials used to make the handmade soaps). Bath salts and plain body wash are also available at craft stores for a nominal price. You can also find inexpensive dispensers at craft stores, or at low-priced outlets like Target and Walmart.
For an investment of less than $50, easy-to-make gifts that are luxurious to the skin and easy on the senses can be created for multiple people on your gift list. Given the current recession, buying extravagant and unnecessary gifts is less appealing than taking the time and creating something individualized for someone while saving money in the process.
