Green & Eco-Friendly Teacher Gift Ideas

Blog, Family Guides, Green Living

Are you thinking about a gift to give your child’s teacher? I have been looking for good gift ideas that are eco-friendly and organic for my son’s teacher this year. I also have a free printable you can use to go along with your gift.

Here is my list of ideas. I am putting together a little gift bag full of most of these goodies!

1. Something Sweet! YumEarth Organic Candy

YumEarth Organic products are made with natural and vegan ingredients moms approve, YumEarth Organics Fruit Snacks are a back-to-school snack choice with a taste kids love and teachers too!

YumEarth candy and fruit snacks are a product I have stocked for my boys so I just added them to our teacher’s gift bag!

YumEarth Organics Fruit Snacks contain no artificial colors or flavors, no high-fructose corn syrup and no major allergens, such as gluten, tree nuts and dairy. YumEarth Organics Fruit Snacks capture the “fruitastic” flavors of real fruit by using organic fruit juice, fruit extracts and natural ingredients. Each serving provides 100% of daily vitamin C and has less than 75 calories.

2. Toxic-free Hand Sanitizer or Lotion

In my home we use toxic free products and I like to give gifts that I would actually use. You can get toxic free hand sanitzers and lotions from The Honest Company and The Health Home Company, or you can make your own if you use essential oils.

3. Organic and fair-trade Tea and Coffee

I purchased a glass bottle of organic Sweet Leaf for $1 at the grocery store. You can also purchase tea packages on Amazon for a good price.

4. Plastic-free mug or bottle.

I think stainless steel or glass with a silicon sleeve would be good options for a teacher. They won’t have to worry about them breaking or leaching toxic chemicals like plastic containers.

5. Fun and Unique Items for Teacher’s Desk

OK, technically this one may not be eco-friendly but will make for memorable gift!

What gifts do you like to give your kid’s teacher?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. rays of bliss received some of the products mentioned above for free. YumEarth sent me one free 10 pack of fruit snacks in exchange for sharing them as a back-to-school snack choice. I do regularly purchase YumEarth products and have them in stock in my pantry. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. “School Tree Image courtesy of kanate/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

Essential Oils Homemade Bug Spray with Free Printable

Blog, DIY Health/Home, Essential Oils, Green Living, Home/ Beauty Printables, Printables

Essential oils are a natural and effective solution for those pesky bugs and mosquitoes! I want you to avoid those toxic over the counter bug sprays. I am sharing a few easy ways you can use natural and safe essential oils for bug bite prevention. You can apply essential oils directly to your body but I prefer making a Homemade Bug Spray. Also, when I’m hanging out on the porch I like to use my diffuser with bug repelling essential oils.

You will need:

4 oz Spray Bottle preferably glass or metal. Plastic will erode when it comes in contact with some essential oils.
3 oz Distilled Water (Fill 4 oz bottle 3/4 full)
1 Tbl Witch Hazel or vodka
1 tsp of carrier oil (coconut oil, vegetable glycerin or other oil)
30-40 Drops Various Essential Oils (see bug repellent oils below)

Directions:

Fill 4oz bottle with water and the witch hazel into the spray bottle and shake. The witch hazel will help the essential oils to disperse evenly and not settle at the bottom.
Add your Essential Oils (30-40 drops) and shake gently.
Shake well before each use.
Reapply every 4-6 hours

Naturally Bug Repelling Essential Oils:

For this spray use 35 drops of the Repellent Blend. Repellent Blend is a super concentrated blend made up of 15 essential oils that provide a safe and effective deterrent against biting bugs without the use of synthetic chemicals such as DEET.* I like to use it because I don’t have to think about what oils to mix together and the Repellent Blend is very affordable.

Other Oils Good for Repelling Bugs: cedarwood, lavender, lemon, patchouli, neem, peppermint, rosemary, basil, thyme, citronella, lemongrass, pennyroyal, tea tree oil, geranium, catnip, and eucalyptus.

You can use any combination of essential oils you like based on availability or scent preference. Wellness Mama suggest trying this blend: Rosemary, Clove, Cajeput (related to tea tree oil), Lavender, Cinnamon and Eucalyptus.

Free Printable for 2oz/small and 4oz/large bottles

Bug Image used in free printable is courtesy of AKARAKINGDOMS / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Homemade Bug Spray Label ~ Free Printable
Print, cut and tape on to the bottle. I use shipping/mailing tape.

Avoid toxic chemicals and bug bites by using essential oils and natural ingredients. No toxic chemicals needed!

Caution: Do not use in eyes, ears, or mouth. Apply sparingly around eyes and ears. Do not use over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. For external use only—do not use internally. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care,consult your physician.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Check out my other DIY post to find out what other products you can be making in your home to save money and reduce your exposure to chemicals.

8 DIY Cleaning Recipes with Essential Oils with Free Printable Labels

Blog, DIY, DIY Health/Home, Essential Oils, Green Living, Home/ Beauty Printables, Printables

I make my own cleaning solutions because most store bought cleaners can have toxic and harmful ingredients. Also, making your own cleaners is less expensive. It is very easy and you will know exactly what ingredients are in your home.

Benefits of cleaning with essential oils:
-Effective
-Toxin Free
-Safe to use around children and pets
-Positive side effects
-Inexpensive

I put together a list of 8 Cleaning Recipes and included a Free Printable with 2×3 labels.

Download: 8 DIY Homemade Cleaning Labels

Recipes:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner:

16 oz. glass spray bottle

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 3/4 cups water

30 drops essential oil

1 teaspoon borax

Recommended combinations include:

15 drops each of Lavender and Lemon

10 drops each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Wild Orange

30 drops (Immune) Protective Blend blend

15 drops each of Grapefruit and (Immune) Protective Blend

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, shake and use.

2. Wood Cleaner:

16 oz glass spray bottle

1/4 cup White Vinegar

1/4 cup Water

1/2 tsp Liquid Castille Soap

1/8 tsp Olive Oil

10 drops Orange or Lemon oil

Combine ingredients and pour into spray bottle.

3. Window Cleaner:

16 oz. Spray Bottle

1 1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup water

8 drops of any citrus oil of your choice (Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Wild Orange, or a combination)

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, shake and use.

4. Air/Linen Spray:

8 oz glass spray bottle

1 cup water

2 Tb vodka or witch hazel

20-30 drops of essential oils of your choice

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, shake and use.

I like 15 drops each of Wild Orange and Peppermint.

The Prairie Homestead has more recipes for ideas for blends Here.

5. Disinfecting/ Sanitizing Spray:

8 oz. glass spray bottle

1 cup water

About 20 drops of Essential Oils. 15 drops (Immune) Protective Blend and 6 drops Lemon.

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, shake and use.

6. DIY: Dish Soap

2 cups unscented castile soap

20 drops Lime essential oil

8 drops Lemon essential oil

6 drops Invigorating Blend essential oil

Directions:

1. Fill a large, clean bottle with castle soap; dilute according to instructions if using a concentrate.

2. Add essential oils. Shake bottle before each use.

3. You’re done! Just add 1-2 tablespoons to dish water for use.

7. DIY: Garbage Disposal Refreshers with Essential Oils

2 cups baking soda

1 cup salt

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup liquid castile soap (any scent)

30 drops Lemon essential oil

Directions:

1. Combine baking soda and salt into bowl.

2. Add castile soap and essential oil into mixture.

3. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time while stirring with hands until it forms into the consistency of “damp sand”. It should stay together when you press it together. If you add too much water just add some more baking soda and salt until the consistency is right.

4. Grab a tablespoon measurement device and scoop packed spoonfuls onto parchment paper.

5. Once the mixture has been scooped, let dry for 24 hours or until they are hard. One batch should make about 36 garbage disposal refreshers.

6. Put into glass jar and use the next time you do dishes! Just put 1-3 refreshers into the garbage disposal and turn it on. You will immediately smell the refreshing Lemon essential oil.

8. DIY: Carpet/ Mattress Cleaner

1 cup of baking soda
10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil. (bergamot oil, Cleansing Blend are good 2 options)

Directions:
1.Combine ingredients in an airtight container.
2. Mix the essential oils into the baking soda.

3. Sprinkle it on your carpet or mattress.

4. Let is sit for 10 minutes.

5. Vacuum it up.

Start saving money and clean your home safely with essential oils and natural ingredients! No toxic chemicals needed!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Here a few more post you may like:

Essential Oils for Bedtime: Bedtime/ Sleepy Spray Recipe with Free Printables

Blog, DIY Health/Home, Essential Oils, For Gifts Printables, Home/ Beauty Printables, Kids Printables, Printables

One of the first ways I started using my oils was to help me and my boys fall asleep. I truly believe in the power of lavender to help at bedtime! I originally put a few drops behind our ears and on the back of our necks but now I have made a bedtime spray. This spray works great and easier to use!

I made a couple different labels for the bottle so you can use them! My boys like the Monster Be Gone Label!

CLICK HERE FOR: Free Printable Bottle Labels. Bedtime, Sweet Dreams, Monster Be Gone.

Ingredients

Small Spray Bottle (4 0z)
Distilled Water
1 1/2 Tbl Witch Hazel or vodka
6-10 Drops Various Essential Oils

Directions:

Fill the bottle with water and the witch hazel into the spray bottle and shake. The witch hazel will help the essential oils to disperse evenly and not settle at the bottom.
Add your Essential Oils and shake gently.
Shake before each use.
Spray the air, bed, pillow, sheets, windows, favorite stuffed animal…

For my spray blend I usually do 10 drops of Lavender but there are so many blends you can make! Here are 2 popular blends.

Essential Oil Blend Recipes for bedtime spray:

Recipe 1:

Geranium 3 drops
Lavender 3 drops

Recipe 2:

Lavender 3 drops
Wild Orange 3 drops
Chamomile 2 drops (optional)

Other Oils Good for Sleep/Relaxing:

Clary Sage-Relieves stress, helps balance hormones, promotes restful night’s sleep.
Bergamot-Helps to relieve anxiousness & balance emotions.
Roman Chamomile-Calms your stomach & nerves-especially effective in children.
Frankincense-Promotes calmness, relaxation & deep breathing for staying healthy.

What’s Your favorite essential oils to use for bedtime or bedtime spray recipe?

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Check out my other DIY post to find out what other products you can be making in your home to save money and reduce your exposure to chemicals.

Essential Oils For Cloth Diapering

Blog, Cloth Diapers, Essential Oils, Green Living

If you are a cloth diapering Mama then you know it can be hard to keep them smelling fresh. You may have run into what some call, “The Stinkies”! I have been cloth diapering my baby for 10 months now but I didn’t start incorporating essential oils into the mix until a couple months ago. I have run into the horrible “Stinkies” and let me tell you using essential oils has made a huge difference and has made it a much more pleasant experience/smell!

How to Use Essential Oils with Cloth Diapers:

Tips from Jaime Walsh from Keely’s Allergy Free Kitchen

In the wash add 3 -4 drops of melalueca (aka tea tree oil), Cleansing Blend or lemon to the rinse to disinfect your diapers. I also add in a TBSP of vinegar to the rinse water to give some additional cleaning support.

To clean and freshen the diaper pail you can make a spray with any mix or single oil mix 10 drops with some 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. I liked to use Cleansing Blend the best but also use melaleuca, lemon, lime, (Immune) Protective Blend, grapefruit and white fir. Then put a couple drops of any of the above or one of your favorites on a cotton ball and place in the bottom of the pail to keep it smelling fresh.

What You Need:

1 roll premium paper towels
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Melaleuca essential oil
An airtight storage container/empty wipe container/wet bag

Note: Use cloth for reusable wipes.

Directions:

1- Cut paper towel roll in half with a serrated or electric knife. Use half the roll now, and half later.

2- Combine water, Fractionated Coconut Oil, and essential oils in a small bowl.

3- Pour the mixture over the paper towels and then cover with the airtight lid letting the mixture absorb for 10 minutes.

4- Turn the container over and let sit for another 10 minutes.

5- Remove and discard the cardboard middle. Just pull the wipes from the center when you are ready to use. Store in container of your choice.
Tip: For on-the-go wipes, insert 15-20 wipes into travel size wipe container.

Want to start using Essential Oils in your Cloth Diaper Routine? Be sure to use Therapeutic Grade essential oils.

Check out my other DIY post to find out what other products you can be making in your home to save money and reduce your exposure to chemicals.

DIY Natural Hand Scrub ~ Get Silky Soft Hands ~ Free Printable

Blog, DIY Health/Home, Essential Oils, For Gifts Printables, Green Living, Home/ Beauty Printables, Printables

I’ve been making DIY beauty products since I recently started using coconut oil! I love this stuff! I made this super easy natural hand scrub.

I used one of my saved 32 oz jars; probably from tomato sauce or apple sauce.

Fill jar 3/4 full with regular sugar.

Fill the rest of the jar with your natural dish soap. (I use Honest. 7th Generation would be good too.)

Add 1 TBS coconut oil.

10 drops of essential oil. I used lavender.

Mix well. You will have to put your spoon or spatula all the way to the bottom and move up and down to mix completely. You will have to do this every time you use it because the ingredients do separate when sitting.

To Use:

Fill 1 palm with mixture. Massage/Srub your hands for 1-2 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry. Apply a hand lotion.

My husband loves this for his dry and cracked and “cold weather” hands! He has used it several times and I need to make a new batch! Luckily it is so easy to make I don’t mind! Also, this makes a perfect easy/cheap gift! I plan on giving this to several family members.

Free Printable for Personal Use:

Save image and resize as needed in a editing program. I made a 2 inch for the top of lid and a 3 inch for the front of jar.

Green Living

What gifts do you like to give your kid’s teacher?

Naturally Bug Repelling Essential Oils:

Recipes:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner:

2. Wood Cleaner:

3. Window Cleaner:

4. Air/Linen Spray:

5. Disinfecting/ Sanitizing Spray:

6. DIY: Dish Soap

7. DIY: Garbage Disposal Refreshers with Essential Oils

8. DIY: Carpet/ Mattress Cleaner

Here a few more post you may like:

CLICK HERE FOR: Free Printable Bottle Labels. Bedtime, Sweet Dreams, Monster Be Gone.

What’s Your favorite essential oils to use for bedtime or bedtime spray recipe?

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