profile

Live Simply

5 handmade gift ideas (I make #1 every year)

Published over 1 year ago • 1 min read

I say this every year, and it's always true.

I can't believe the holiday season is here.

One of my favorite things is making homemade gifts for family and friends. There's something special about a homemade item. But even though it's homemade, it can be simple and easy to make.

Here are my favorite homemade gifts.

My top 5 Handmade gifts

  1. ​Homemade Jar Candles or Taper Candles - There's nothing as beautiful as a homemade candle. Gift the candle alone or add it to a basket with a favorite face mask (I love OSEA face masks and body oil for a special treat- code LIVESIMPLY takes 10% off anything sitewide).
  2. ​Hot Cocoa Mix - Add this hot cocoa mix to mason jars. Tie a bow and the instructions around each jar, along with a pretty mug and bag of marshmallows for serving.
  3. ​Vanilla Extract - I started making homemade vanilla for the bakers in the family over 11 years ago, and still, to this day, it's the most requested DIY gift. Add some pretty mixing bowls and a new cookie sheet with the jar for something extra.
  4. ​Lip Balm - A lovely stocking stuffer that's also practical.
  5. ​Body Butter - Great for the winter and dry skin.

​DIY Jar Candles​

​Hot Cocoa Mix​

​Vanilla Extract​

​Lip Balm (Tubes or Tins)​

​Body Butter​

PS: Have you downloaded my free holiday cookbook? It's my gift to you this season.

Live Simply

Read more from Live Simply

Hi Reader, You eat pretty well. You move your body. You're not sitting on the couch eating chips all day. You even tried counting macros. So why won’t your body cooperate? This is the most frustrating place to be. Because when you’re clearly trying and nothing is happening, you start to believe something is wrong with you. That you’re broken. That your metabolism is shot. That your hormones are out of whack. That this is just how things are now. Meet my client, Steph... She hired me for...

4 days ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader, The biggest thing I hear from women is... “I really need help. I want to learn how to fuel my body to lose fat and build a strong, toned body… but it’s just not the right time.” If that sounds familiar, I want you to read this: Sure, summer’s going to be busy. But so will September. So will the holiday season. So will January. Every time you tell yourself, "I’ll start when things slow down," you’re also saying "I’ll quit when things get busy again." There’s no right time. There’s...

6 days ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader, Circling back in case you missed this... Here’s the short video where I break down how I got toned in my 40s (with the training, nutrition, and mindset that actually works). If you’re ready to stop guessing and start transforming, my next new-client onboarding starts Monday, June 29. ✅ I’ll set up your custom nutrition plan based on your starting point, goals, and current body/health factors. ✅ Teach you how to track macros/calories like a pro. ✅ Provide you with the strength...

7 days ago • 1 min read