As I mentioned here, we are living in a time when old-fashioned, frugal, and eco have all come together in a strange conflagration of coolness.

These days, anything ‘handcrafted’, ‘natural’, ‘organic’, or ‘recycled’ stands head and shoulders above the brand-spanking-new, overly packaged, mass produced, emitting heaven-knows-what products, that traveled 3000 miles to your discount store shelf.

A simple handmade washcloth pattern, stitched with organic cotton thread, becomes something that would be rather expensive for your recipient to buy themselves–especially if they wanted to get it from a non-sweatshop, fair-trade, eco-responsible source.

So, here you go…

Body and Bath Basket: Any combination of the following simple gifts will bathe your gal-friends in luxury and for those with eco-leanings, the natural fibers and ingredients will make their green day.

• Homemade Lip Balm with beeswax beats the pants off Burt. Stored in a repurposed pimento jar, this gift will become a permanent purse resident.
• And while you have the ingredients out, make sure your friends’ tootsies are soft well before sandal season by whipping up a set of easy Homemade Lotion Bars.
• Or treat them to a daily invigorating facial with an Herbal Sugar Scrub.
• Top off the set with a handmade Crocheted or Knitted Washcloth

Bread, Butter, and Something Sweet: Everyone loves a big pile of carbs, but take away the guilt and add a pinch of health by using organic flours, fresh cream, and natural sugars.

• A rustic loaf of Irish Soda Bread in a soft flour sack towel is perfect paired with Fresh Homemade Butter.
• A little jar of homemade Maple Syrup, Preserves, or Jam will give a sweet touch to this thoughtful gift.

Just Desserts:

• Give the gift of homemade pie, their home that is, with a jar of Homemade Apple Pie Filling and printed recipe card. Though, TL’s recipe is so good they’ll probably just eat it with a spoon.
• Bake a Lemon Berry Pudding Cake for friends who can appreciate a touch of tart and a picture perfect presentation.
• Welsh Tarts are so pretty and different that just a few makes a sweet impression on your neighbors and children’s teachers.

Finally, for the cooks in your life, I’d heartily recommend an attractive bottle of Homemade Vanilla Extract or any other of our Homemade Pantry Items.

But, truthfully, if you’re looking for something to send me–I just want one of these.

Ivory