Want a fun way to get family & friends together?  Host a DIY Holiday Gift-making party!  Have everyone bring their own ingredients and containers (you might want to supply the labels) and have a fun night of making batches of affordable gifts while sipping organic hot chocolate or cider.  Here’s another recipe, courtesy of Martha Stewart that is on my list of things to do this season:  

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon beeswax pellets

2 tablespoons carrier oil (grapeseed, olive, sunflower or Vitamin E) [My tip: buying olive oil in bulk seems to be the most affordable]

A few drops of essential oil(s) (Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine, Peppermint, Rosemary &/or Star Anise) [Tip: Star Anise smells like black licorice]

Lipstick shavings in desired color [My tip: make sure you use natural or organic lipstick like this]

Instructions:

1). Put beeswax and carrier oil in jar and close lid.  Heat the jar in a pot of water over medium-low heat until wax has melted. Remove jar from pot carefully.

2). Stir mixture with metal spoon.  Using a pipette, add essential oils, 1 drop at a time, until strength of scent is to your liking.  Stir in lipstick shavings, 1 at a time, until desired shade is achieved and color is even throughout.

3). Using another pipette, transfer lip balm to containers.  Let set for 1 hour. 

4). Add labels.

5). Gift to special special! 

Source & Image credit: MS Living