Christmas is just around the corner now and if you’re still looking for gift ideas, consider homemade gifts that will mean something to your loved ones. I’ve enjoyed making and giving homemade gifts in the past, but unfortunately this year it just doesn’t make sense given our circumstances. I’ve instead chosen to support small businesses on Etsy, where I can get handmade gifts shipped directly to my family’s homes. Homemade gifts are likely to happen next year though, and when they do I will be sure to give this luscious body scrub.
I put together this scrub a few months ago for myself as we began coming into cooler, dryer weather. I use it once or twice a week in the shower, and the combination of cacao and vanilla just smells absolutely heavenly. The crushed cacao nibs and cane sugar gently exfoliate the skin, while the almond oil and apricot kernel oil moisturize and nourish the skin, protecting it from the dry, harsh weather.
The scent alone is worth making this scrub for. Rich chocolate with the sweet hint of vanilla makes mornings worth getting up for! I sometimes get lost in the aroma, and will just stand in the shower taking deep breaths of my body scrub.
This year, skip the crowded shopping malls and the stress of an over-commericialized holiday. Instead, think about giving homemade gifts straight from the heart, starting with this scrub for any chocolate lovers in your family. Replace the vanilla with peppermint essential oil for a chocolate mint scrub, or ground fair-trade coffee beans for coffee lovers. You could also play with the types of oils used in this recipe, but keep in mind that some oils such as coconut oil may change the scent of the finished product. If chocolate doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out my recipe for Peppermint Lavender body scrub. And while you’re at it, show yourself some love and make a big batch for yourself! You deserve it.
- 1 ½ cups organic cane sugar
- ¼ cup raw cacao nibs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or 5-10 drops vanilla absolute
- ½ cup cold-pressed almond oil
- ½ cup cold-pressed apricot kernel oil, as needed
- Choose a nice glass jar to make your scrub in. My favourite for body scrubs, especially for gifting, are these pantry jars, but there are a lot of options out there.
- Place your sugar in the jar. Place the cacao nibs in a blender and pulse until the nibs are ground into a coarse powder, with some small chunks still. Add the broken down cacao nibs to the sugar and mix to combine.
- Pour in the almond oil and mix well. The mixture will begin to look like a scrub, but will still be quite dry. Add the apricot oil in small amounts, stirring until you've reached your desired consistency. You may not need the full ½ cup. Lastly, add the vanilla extract and mix well. Close the lid tightly and place in the shower. Use within 6 months. Scrub all over body once or twice per week.
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