Looking for an inexpensive little gift for your friends or family this Valentine’s Day? Why not give them a homemade air freshener – a gift that’s always appreciated and used. They’re easy to make and the ingredients are inexpensive.
All you need to find are some ceramic or glass containers with a lid. I’ve used small little crocks, the kind with the wire bale closure, and these work really great. You could also use an apothecary-style or canning jar and put a pretty circle of fabric (cut the edges with pinking shears) over the lid and tie it around the neck with a ribbon.
Of course, since it’s Valentine’s Day, you will want to find some decorated containers – or you could just add an arrangement of heart stickers to the outside of a plain glass jar.
After you’ve made the air freshener, use a piece of pink or red satin to tie around the top rim and voila! You’ve got a lovely present that cost pennies but looks great.
Here’s the recipe.
Homemade Air Fresheners (courtesy of Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean)
4 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin
2 c. distilled water
Essential oil in scent of your choice (For Valentine’s Day, perhaps rose?)
2 T. salt
Food coloring (optional)
Boil one cup of the distilled water and add the gelatin packets. Stir until dissolved. Add 10 to 20 drops of the essential oil and the salt (to prevent mold – you can also use vodka but hey, that’s better for drinking!). Add food coloring if you wish (red is great for Valentine’s Day). Pour into containers and let them sit, undisturbed until the mixture cools and sets. Cover with the lid; open to smell the scent.
Tip: Use more essential oil to make the scent stronger. The scent tends to fade over time so these air fresheners are best used within a couple months.
If you’d like, you can also add pretty decorations such as glitter, confetti, leaves, etc. to the mixture – really looks nice if you are using a clear glass container.
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