Need a last-minute gift that doesn’t look like it was last-minute? This recipe has got you covered: It’s super-fast (ten minutes or less), inexpensive (you probably already have the ingredients on hand), and still manages to make you look all thoughtful and crafty. It’s a perfect hostess gift, and you can easily make a large batch to give to deserving co-workers or use as party favors.

This makes about 1 cup of scrub, which is a nice gift size; scale the recipe up or down as desired.

Ingredients

• 1 C sugar (white sugar will give the finest results; use brown sugar or “raw” sugar for a little more graininess/exfoliant action; you can also mix different types for more variation)
• 1/4 C cocoa powder
• 1/4 – 1/2 C olive oil (you can also use almond, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, or any other mild skin-safe oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or a few drops of mint extract or essential oil
• 1-2 drops Vitamin E oil (optional)

Mix together the sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in 1/4 C of oil, then add more 1 Tbsp at a time until the scrub reaches the desired consistency; the more oil, the “wetter” the result. Stir in vanilla extract or add mint extract/oil a few drops at a time until the scent is to your liking. Stir in Vitamin E oil if using.

Boom. Done. Package in a wide-mouth container of your choice: A jam jar is fine, but your local craft store should have plenty of other options. If you’re feeling extra-fancy, top the scrub with a few mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs before putting the lid on. You can also tie a small wooden scoop (or even a plastic tablespoon measure) to the jar with raffia or pretty ribbon.

You can design and print a pretty holiday label on the computer–handy if making a large number of gifts–or just hand-write instructions for use (which amounts to, “scrub over wet skin in shower”) and a note that the scrub will last about 3 months at room temperature.

All gift-giving should be this easy. (And while you’re making up gifts, don’t forget to make a batch for yourself as well; it’s a great pick-me-up for dry skin.)