Homemade Gift Ideas: Aromatherapy Rice Wraps

It used to be that you could only find aromatherapy rice wraps at crafter's markets, but now you can find them in retail stores everywhere. They are still the easiest gift to make, and a favorite to receive.

What makes aromatherapy rice wraps such great gifts is that they can be used as hot wraps or cold packs. The rice absorbs moisture from the air and retains the desired temperature for an extended period of time. The rice also conforms well to the curves of the body, which makes it an idea medium for a therapy wrap.

To soothe swollen joints, apply a cold aromatherapy rice wrap for ten to twenty minutes. You may keep these rice wraps in the freezer so they will be ready for use. For achy muscles, apply a hot aromatherapy rice wrap for ten to twenty minutes. Heat the rice wrap in a microwave for one to three minutes. You may use the same aromatherapy rice wrap for hot wraps or cold pack, but before heating in the microwave, the rice wrap needs to thaw to room temperature. You should not thaw a rice wrap in a microwave because the rice may burn. It is easiest to have separate aromatherapy rice wraps for hot wraps and cold packs.

How to Make an Aromatherapy Rice Wrap:

Be creative, you can make an aromatherapy rice wrap in any shape or size. They do not have to be square or rectangular. If you want to make an animal shape, add buttons for eyes. Think about the person who will be receiving this gift and their hobbies and collections.

You may use a printed fabric which will appeal to the individual recipient, or look for fabric remnants. I like to check Walmart's remnants first. I can always find a partial yard of an interesting print for pennies. Always use fabric made with natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.

Fold your fabric in half and cut your shape, cutting through both layers of fabric. If you are unsure about how big your rice wrap should be, try something about the size of a piece of notebook paper. When I am making these, I lay a book on top of my fabric, trace it, and then cut out that shape.

With the right sides facing each other, pin together your fabric. Sew by machine, leaving a gap of two to three inches. I always sew another row of stitches right next to the first. I feel this secures the stitching better and makes the gift last longer.

Turn the fabric inside-out and fill with rice. You can decide how much you want to add, but a good rule to follow is to add one cup of rice for every twenty square inches. If your shape is about the size of a piece of notebook paper, you will use four cups of rice. You do not want your wraps to be overstuffed; the rice needs to move freely.

The easiest way to find herbs to add to your rice wraps is in your favorite herbal teas. For every cup of rice, add the contents of one herbal tea bag.

Fold the edges of the gap inside and hand sew close. Gently toss it around, mixing the rice and herbs.

When giving aromatherapy rice wraps as gifts, include a small tag with instructions for their use. Ice packs may be kept in the freezer and applied for ten to twenty minute intervals. Hot packs are heated in a microwave for one to three minutes and applied for ten to twenty minute intervals.