This homemade gardener’s hand cream makes an easy and thoughtful gift!

Gardeners are easy to shop for – there are so many fun garden gadgets, tools, books, and other useful garden resources out there to choose from! But sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you make yourself.

For example, the homemade gardener’s hand cream recipe below is a wonderful way to treat your favorite gardener to softer, smoother hands during the dry winter months – a time when my hands always get rough and chapped, even though I’m not doing all that much out in the garden this time of year.

This rich hand cream is easy to make, smells great, contains only naturally nourishing ingredients, and makes a thoughtful yet affordable gift for gardeners, homesteaders, or others who suffer from dry skin in the winter. In fact, this is actually is a great year-round hand cream, as the sesame oil provides light sun protection and the lavender acts as a natural insect repellent.

Mix up this naturally nourishing gardener’s hand cream, pour it into a decorative tin or jar, and put a pretty ribbon on it, and you have a perfect homemade gift for the holidays!

Homemade Nourishing Gardener’s Hand Cream

(Makes 4 ounces.)

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons grated beeswax – or beeswax pellets
• 1/2 cup dark sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons spring water
• 2 to 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a heat-resistant container or double boiler. Heat the mixture in the microwave or over medium heat until all of the wax and oils are melted (do not boil), stirring well. Pour the melted mixture into a container and allow to cool completely. Stir again when the mixture has cooled.

2. To use, massage into clean hands as needed throughout the day.

Recipe Source: MotherEarthLiving.com