The three wise men are an integral part of the Christmas story. Their gifts to the Christ Child of gold, frankincense & myrrh are great inspiration for creative gifts for co-workers, neighbors and friends.

A surprise to many, the Christmas season officially ends on January 6. This day is known both as Three Kings Day and the Feast of the Epiphany. Although there were likely more than 3 wise men, this number was chosen by scholars to represent the 3 iconic gifts of gold, frankincense & myrrh. These men, also known as Maji, followed the Eastern star in the sky and arrived this day bearing gifts for the Christ Child.

“And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11 (ESV)

I have crafted a unique gift bag idea that tells the story and includes special items that represent these ancient treasures. But first….

What is Frankincense & Myrrh?

Gold, frankincense and myrrh in abstract pattern over old paper

Both frankincense & myrrh are considered an incense or perfume and are prized for their captivating aromas. Each is used for medicinal and religious purposes.

Frankincense is a milky sap that comes from the boswellia tree. The resin tapped from this tree is also known as olibanum. It has medicinal and soothing properties; calming, restorative, and meditative.

Myrrh resin comes from the commiphora tree. This resin is used to heal wounds because of its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was also used as a burial spice.

Three Kings Christmas Gift Ideas

I found some great items to include in a Wise Men inspired gift bag that would perfectly reflect the biblical narrative: gold, frankincense & myrrh. Both frankincense & myrrh are essential oils that can be found in many products. Gold of course needs no further explanation.

soap 1_Frankincense & Myrrh
Frankincense & myrrh fragrance are still very much used today and have health properties. I was able to find hand soap infused with their scent that I love. These soaps are a perfect representation of these cherished aromas.

There are two brands of soap I found that are infused with Frankincense & Myrrh.

 

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter SoapZum soap (1) hydrates skin. The organic shea butter both cleanses and moisturizes and is perfectly scented with Frankincense and Myrrh Extract.

Zum Bar is a goat milk based soap. This gives it a pH almost identical to our own skin. Scented with the woodsy-aroma of Frankincense & Myrrh makes it a perfect choice.

The Gift of Golddivine coins
Gold evokes images of beautiful pieces of jewelry. However, when I make these Christmas gift bags for my friends and neighbours my budget precludes it! Chocolate gold coins are a tasty substitute. I prefer the Divine brand because it is a Fair Trade Company. It is important to purchase chocolate that uses fair trade cocoa – meaning the farmers and all those involved in the process have been treated and compensated fairly. It makes us socially and environmentally responsible.

Putting it All Together

DSC00478

You can purchase brown craft bags from the Dollar Store or even use lunch bags. Both make for a natural canvas. You can then embellish with a Christmas stamp and tie with red ribbon or jute twine. The perfect touch is to enclose a description of the gifts that outline the symbolism of each element found in the gift bag. I have created a PDF of the gift description already done for you to print out- Wise Men Print Out.