Are you looking for a last-minute gift for your friend or loved one that seems to have everything, but aren’t sure what to get? How about a giving a green cleaning kit?
OK. Before you think I’m crazy for suggesting such a “practical” gift, don’t forget that you can personalize it based on what they need. Plus, you can show that you care by giving them something that supports their health and wellness!
If you don’t have time to make one of the kits below, then check out ready-made cleaning gift sets from green cleaning companies like Eco-Me, Better Life, and Mrs. Meyers. All are available for on-line purchase. What could be easier?
Cleaning Gift Set Ideas
To make your own natural cleaning gift sets, all you need are some basic supplies, essential oils, and a few simple ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store or natural products store. Here are some great ideas:
Basic Cleaning Kit
Getting someone started with natural, green cleaning is as simple as giving them some natural soap, all-purpose spray, and cleanser.
The products below cost just pennies to make and you can easily clean your whole house with them from top to bottom, so why not give them as gifts? They are really easy to individualize by adjusting the scent with natural essential oils. For the holiday season, for example, scent the products with orange and clove essential oils – both of which have fantastic antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial actions.
- Aromatherapy Cleanser
- All-Purpose Aromatic Vinegar Spray
- Castile Soap – These simple soaps can clean almost anything and come in a variety of scents and sizes as explained in my article “Top Castile Soaps for Green Cleaning.”
To package your gift, why not put it in a “green” bucket, throw in a few natural cleaning tools and use a microfiber cloth to create a bow?
Dish Washing Set
Giving dish washing supplies may not sound glamorous, but when you use high-quality products scented with essential oils, they really are special. Try wrapping your gift set in an organic dish towel. Here are some ideas for items to include:
- Aromatherapy Cleanser (make this easy product or buy one in the store)
- Natural sponges and pot and pan scrubbers
- Organic dish cloths and dish towels
- Green dish washing liquid, such as Begley’s Natural Dish Soap in Herb Garden
- A set of beautiful natural rubber or latex gloves
- A green dish rack. Try one made of stainless steel, recycled plastic, or bamboo.
Essential Oil Cleaning Set
Essential oils are fantastic for natural cleaning and an important part of any green cleaning kit. They also work equally well in homemade spa and beauty products not to mention their therapeutic benefits! So why not introduce their many benefits to a friend or loved one by giving them as a gift?
To package them, use a scrap piece of fabric and a pretty ribbon. Include some recipe cards for natural cleaning recipes and a set of cards explaining the benefits of the essential oils.
For some great recipe ideas, check out Greencleaning.About.com and click on the “Green Cleaning” tab in the upper right-hand corner to see a list of recipes. Also, check out “Top 5 Essential Oils to Use in Your Green Cleaning” to know what kind of information to include on your cards.
Natural Laundry Gift Basket
For someone with sensitive skin, allergy issues, or skin conditions, such as eczema, a natural laundry gift basket would be a great idea!
Along with a green laundry detergent, such as Whole Foods Markets’ Green Mission Organic Laundry Detergent (Unscented), include some of the products below, all of which you can easily make. Package them in a natural wicker basket and include a few organic towels or wash cloths with it, too!
- Bergamot Baking Soda Laundry Booster
- Lovin’ Laundry Lavender Vinegar Laundry Rinse
- Lavender Citrus Linen and Lingerie Wash
- Luxurious Lavender Mint Dryer Sachets
Copyright © Karen Peltier and Well Gal, 2012. All rights reserved.