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Christmas Soaps for Holiday Stocking Stuffers: Beautiful Handcrafted Artisan Soaps They’ll Love

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December 9, 2019 By Rebecca D. Dillon 1 Comment

Need creative ideas for your holiday stocking stuffers? Shop small from among this beautiful curated collection of handcrafted artisan Christmas soaps!

Make a Difference By Shopping Small

Handmade artisan Christmas soaps make the perfect stocking stuffers for the holidays. When I used to sell handcrafted artisan soaps on my farmers market in the way way back, everyone would scoop up bars and bars of soaps for their stocking stuffers. It almost made standing for hours in the bitter cold worth it. And while I did enjoy my time as a seller – and the people most especially! – I don’t think I will ever go back to the chaos and challenges that come with selling handmade products throughout the holiday season. (Or summer even. I will never forgot those 100°F temps and having to keep cool by soaking my feet in a giant bucket of ice water.)

Having been a soap seller I now find it more important than ever to support other fellow artisans, whether they make handmade soaps or something else. Shopping small really does make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who craft their own products by hand. By supporting independent artists, you are not only directing supporting them and their families, but your community as well. When you shop from a small business 67% of the money you spend stays local. And that can have a big impact for everyone you care about.

Handcrafted Christmas Soaps for Holiday Stocking Stuffers

While I encourage all of you to get out and support your local artisans at seasonal holiday craft fairs and farmers markets this year, you can also avoid some of that insane holiday bustle AND still make a difference by buying from handmade soap artisans online. Following is a curated collection of my favorite Christmas soaps this from Etsy soap artisans. (You can also browse more handcrafted artisan soaps. Or check out these other handmade holiday gift ideas.)

Gingerbread Man Christmas Soap via Sassy Muggins

Clockwise from top left:
Christmas Tree Soap via Beach City Boutique
Gingerbread Scented Cupcake Soap via Ruby Fizz Soaphouse
Christmas Tree Soap Cupcakes via Bleu Envy Beauty Bar
Candy Cane Spa Gift Box via Sunbasil Soap

Clockwise from top left:
Mrs. Claus Cookie Soap Bars via Lucky Tree Soap Co.
Holiday Soap Gift Set via Nocturn Soap
Santa’s Belt Soap via Dirty Diva Soaps
Ya’ll Know Rudolph Soap Bar via LuBree Handmade Soap Co.

Left to right:
Gingerbread Man Soap Bar via LuBree Handmade Soap Co.
Funny Santa Soap via So Cute Soap
The Grinch Christmas Holiday Soap via The Therapeutic Yogi

Clockwise from top left:
Candy Cane Soap via The Fine Farmhouse
Frosty Snowman Soap via Bubble Bloom Co.
Christmas Citrus Handmade Soap Bar via Shimmer Soapery
Snowman Goat Milk Soap via Soapisticated Suds

Clockwise from top left:
Gentle Santa Soap via Tailored Soap
Natural Christmas Charcoal Soap via ADK High Peaks Beauty
Santa Suit Goat Milk Soap via Soapisticated Suds
Peppermint Twist Candy Cane Soap via Ruby Fizz Soaphouse

Left to right:
Christmas Oranges Soap Gift Box via Gifansy
Snowman Candy Cane Soap via Love Lee Soaps
Santa’s Cookies Soap Set via B Sweet Soap

I hope you love these handcrafted Christmas soaps as much as I do! If you’d rather make your own soaps for the holidays, you can explore all of my homemade soap recipes here. Or check out my holiday DIY projects for other handmade Christmas gifts you can craft at home. Explore more DIY Christmas gift ideas on my Pinterest board here along with these creative Christmas gift wrapping ideas on Soap Deli News.

For more DIY ideas throughout the year, be sure to follow Soap Deli News across all your favorite social media platforms. You can find and follow me now via Blog Lovin‘, facebook, twitter and instagram. Or sign up for my newsletter.

Filed Under: Gift Guides, Homemade Gift Ideas, Shopping Tagged With: christmas, Christmas gift, christmas gifts, etsy, gift idea, gift ideas, gifts for women, handmade, handmade soap, shop small, shopping, stocking stuffer, stocking stuffers

Father’s Day Gifts from Kids (That Anyone Can DIY)

June 3, 2019 By Rebecca D. Dillon 1 Comment

There’s nothing better than giving the gift of handmade. Something you made with your own two hands for someone special in your life. However, it can be challenging to come up with gift ideas for men. Especially when you’re hunting for Father’s Day gifts from kids that they can either make themselves, or with a little help. Since dads, in particular, can be a challenge to craft for, I’ve put together a roundup of my favorite DIY Father’s Day gifts that just about anyone can DIY.

I still remember the delight I felt when I first discovered fabric crayons. We were asked to bring in a white t-shirt to class so we could make Father’s Day gifts. We drew designs representing our families in crayons onto white paper. Then they were ironed onto the t-shirts we’d brought to class. Houses, rainbows, stick figures and dogs were common themes. And of course beautiful fluffy blue clouds and birds in the sky chasing through them. Far superior to the clay ashtrays of the previous year, these t-shirts allowed us to express our love for family through pictures. And besides, my parents didn’t smoke anyway.

Coming up with fresh new ideas for Father’s Day gifts from kids year after year however can be a challenge. So this year, I’ve put together a collection of Father’s Day gifts that anyone can DIY as a special gift for Dad. Grown ups included. So whether you’re five or forty five, or somewhere in between, you can create the perfect DIY Father’s Day gift. (Although younger kids may need a little extra help from Mom.)

Father’s Day Gifts from Kids (to DIY)

One of my most popular Father’s Day gifts from kids comes from a project my son completed six years ago. He upcycled a soda carton and its empty bottles to make a custom six pack of his Dad’s favorite snacks. The bottles are filled with things like pistachio nuts, Skittles and M&M’s. While the carrier is painted with chalkboard board paint so a personalized message can be added to this Father’s Day gift from kids. Learn to make it here.

My suncatcher DIY has also been trending on Pinterest this month. It’s another great gift idea for Dad. Simply upcycled old CD’s and trace on images with marker that you can then fill in with paint. A motorcycle suncatcher – or another image of something representing Dad’s loves or hobbies – is perfect for his office or the patio door of his man cave.

Tweens and teens will have a blast crafting these handmade candles for Dad. Scented with a leather fragrance oil, this candle making project makes another easy DIY Father’s Day gift from the kids. And one they aren’t embarrassed about being shown off to his friends and coworkers. (Plus, hello. Moms will love this gift idea too! Not only will his man cave no longer be tinged with the scent of man sweat and stout beer, he won’t yell about you coming through during the game with the freshness of Febreeze.)

These DIY pasta planters from Handmade Charlotte are another great Father’s Day gift idea. The perfect gift from kids of all ages, these planters are not only easy to make, they’re the perfect gift when paired with Dad’s favorite herbs for his famous chili or pizza recipes. I also like this “Me and My Peeps” flower pot craft from Me and My Inklings.

Older kids will delight in making these DIY Star Wars inspired soaps for Dad. Plus they’ll learn a few soap making tricks. Like how to make their Millennium Falcon soaps look like painted metal. These fun Father’s Day gifts from the kids can be customized with Dad’s favorite cologne by simply using a fragrance oil dupe. Or use essential oils like pine or patchouli for a natural scent.

They can also further explore their creativity by making galaxy soaps if you’ve already taken them under your ~~mother hen~~ soap making wing. It’s just a matter of melting soap base and swirling in different colors.

Or combine a variety of soap shapes to make this Cool Water dupe scented soap DIY that resembles pebbles in a stream.

Other easy soap gift ideas for Dad this Father’s Day include this simple moisturizing body wash recipe and this DIY hand milled coffee & bourbon soap.

Beard oil is another equally awesome handmade gift idea for Father’s Day. Plus it’s super easy. This natural beard oil recipe from Beauty Crafter uses volume measuring so you won’t need a skill. Simply measure out the carrier oils with measuring spoons and add in drops of essential oil as called for in the recipe. If this isn’t quite what you were looking for, Mountain Rose Herbs has three additional beard oil recipes you can try.

I also love this Father’s Day gift idea for making faux wood burned signs. Because this project doesn’t require a wood burning tool, this tutorial for a faux wood burned sign and wood slice coasters from Printable Crush is safe for all ages.

There are also a number of free printables that are perfect for last minute Father’s Day gifts. The kids can help shop for the ingredients and assemble these gifts at any age. Tried and True blog has a free popcorn printable for an easy popcorn Father’s Day gift from kids. She also has an easy idea for a DIY Father’s Day gift can with a printable label. Or consider the printable Father’s Day bottle tags from Skip to My Lou for Dad’s favorite soda, beer or hard cider.

If your kids love Legos, have them put their block building skills to good use with this DIY Father’s Day gift from Laly Mom. Kids will love making this rad DIY pen holder for Dad’s desk. Not only is it the perfect place for him to stash his pens, they can also add their favorite photo of a special memory together.

More Great Kid Made Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Need even more ideas for DIY Father’s Day gifts from kids? Keep reading to discover just a few of the Father’s Day gift ideas that I’ve compiled on my Father’s Day Gift Ideas Pinterest board.

This shaving cream recipe from The Nourished Life contains witch hazel so it’s perfect for Dad’s sensitive skin.

Print a hugs and fishes gift tag to pair with a fishing lure box and colorful Swedish candy fish at Eighteen 25.

This marimo moss ball aquarium is super easy to make and the perfect accessory for Dad’s desk.

A mechanic’s hand scrub is a great gift for the car hobbyist. This DIY from Everything Pretty is the perfect gift!

Crafty Staci has a tutorial for a Dad inspired BBQ towel to keep by the grill this summer.

Learn how to create a DIY shaving kit for Dad over at one of my favorite blogs, Hello Glow.

If Dad’s a gardener, then he’ll love this DIY garden tool bag from So Sew Easy filled with gardening tools.

Toddlers can get their craft on with this Father’s Day gift idea for a handprint baseball with printable poem from Sunny Day Family.

Young children can also make this cute Father’s Day handprint craft from The Best Ideas for Kids.

What’s your favorite kid-made Father’s Day gift idea? Be sure to share your ideas for Father’s Day gifts from kids in the comments. Then don’t forget to follow me across your favorite social media platforms. You can find me on Blog Lovin‘, facebook, twitter and instagram. Or sign up to receive my semi-weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

Filed Under: Gift Guides, Holiday DIY, Homemade Gift Ideas Tagged With: crafts, diy, easy, Father's Day gift, gift idea, gifts for dad, holiday gift, kids project

Best Mother’s Day Gifts & Ideas to DIY

May 7, 2019 By Rebecca D. Dillon 2 Comments

I seriously got the best Mother’s Day gift EVER this year! So I wanted to ~~share~~ mom brag about my son’s gift to me. Plus share a few DIY ideas for the best Mother’s Day gifts you can make for your mom this Mother’s Day.

I got my Mother’s day gift early this year. Words cannot even explain how amazing it is! My son, Cody, graduated valedictorian from my alma mater, Roanoke College, this past Saturday. He’s the first on our side of the family to be headed to grad school.

Cody will be working on a research grant when he starts his major in clinical health and research in the fall at UNC Charlotte. His end goal is to be able to help those in need so they can lead happy and fulfilling lives. I feel so blessed to have a son who cares so much about others and the world around him that he wants to make it his life’s work.

While you may not be in a stage in your life that you can wow your mom with your achievements, I can help you out with a collection of 18 handmade gifts that she’ll totally love. Keep reading to explore the best Mother’s Day gifts & ideas that you can DIY for your Mom this May – even if it’s last minute.

Best Mother’s Day Gifts & Ideas to DIY

Blueberry Thyme Bath Salts Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy Mother’s day gift to make last minute, then try this simple homemade bath salts recipe! It’s formulated with Epsom salt and magnesium flakes to ease your mom’s sore muscles and reduce stress. Plus it smells amazing! Get the recipe.

Rose Essential Oil Bath Bomb Recipe

Another of the best Mother’s Day gifts you can DIY, these fragrant rose essential oil bath bombs make a lovely DIY Mother’s Day gift. Made with natural rose essential oil and fragrant roasted cocoa butter, these bath bombs ar the perfect bath time treat to help Mom unwind and relieve stress. Get the recipe.

Easy DIY Succulent Soaps

These adorable succulent soaps from Everything Pretty are guaranteed to delight your mom this Mother’s Day! Perfect for homemade gifts, these DIY melt and pour soaps look like little potted succulents ready for a sunny windowsill. Learn to make them.

Essential Oil Rose Bath Truffles Recipe

Help Mom take a time out for self care with these skin softening DIY rose bath truffles from Country Hill Cottage. Made with six natural ingredients, these beautiful bath treats infuse bath water with nourishing oils and butters to moisturize Mom’s beautifully maturing skin! Get the recipe.

Natural Magnesium Body Butter Recipe

My mom is embarking into her seventies. Unfortunately that means her arthritis is getting worse. If your mom also suffers from common aches and pains, then she’ll appreciate this natural magnesium body butter as much as my mother does! Made with natural ingredients like roasted cocoa butter and essential oils, this body butter recipe also contains magnesium flakes to ease sore muscle and joint pain. Learn how to make it.

Pineapple Hidden Color Bath Bomb Recipe

If your mom is on trend with the latest hidden color bath bombs, then she’ll love to receive these pineapple shaped bath fizzies. Formulated to stay together even in high humidity, these hidden color bath bombs will turn your mom’s bath into a rainbow of colors! See the tutorial.

Related: Explore more beautiful DIY Mother’s day gift ideas here.

DIY Crochet Coffee Sleeve

If your mom’s like me then she loves that morning cup of coffee or tea! This crochet coffee cup sleeve from Skip to My Lou is so beautiful. Your mom will use it everyday for that early cup of java. Making it one of the best Mother’s Day gifts you can DIY last minute. Learn how now.

DIY Seashell Wine Charms

What could be more perfect for moms who love wine and entertaining than wine charms? These super cute DIY seashell wine charms from Crafts By Amanda are super simple to make, but look amazing! Plus it’s a great use for those seashells you still have stashed from last summer. See the tutorial now.

DIY Mother’s Day Suncatcher Gift

This suncatcher craft project idea from Darice is super easy to make. It’s also small enough that it can be mailed to your long distance mom if needed. Each bead on this Mother’s Day suncatcher reflects a different child in her life. Learn how to make this memorable best Mother’s Day gift for your mom’s kitchen window. It’s a lovely reminder that you’ll always be in her heart. Learn to make it now.

DIY Solid Rose Lotion Bars

Lotion bars a great way to care for your mom’s maturing skin. Formulated without beeswax, these vegan friendly solid lotion bars are made with natural plant based ingredients for healthy skin care. Get the recipe and helpful tips for creating your own homemade lotion bars for gifts at A Life Adjacent. Get the recipe.

DIY Handwritten Recipe Tea Towel

A handwritten recipe tea towel is the best Mother’s Day gift idea for moms who love to bake! Learn how to transfer a handwritten recipe card from your mom’s recipe collection onto a tea towel with this tutorial from Lyndale Drive. Learn how now.

Hand Poured Citronella Candles DIY

With summer on the way, your mom will surely appreciate these beautiful hand poured citronella candles from Country Hill Cottage. Made using soy wax and citronella essential oils, these patio stable candles make the perfect gift for any mom who loves enjoying time outdoors. There are even printable labels to make this Mother’s day gift even better. Make them now!

Related: Make mom a DIY needle felted wine bag with this tutorial.

Hand Painted Rose Mason Jars

You can’t beat these lovely hand painted rose mason jars as another of the best Mother’s Day gifts & ideas to DIY. Not only are these mason jars beautiful, they also have a number of uses. Mom will love using these decorative jars as vases or to store kitchen staples! Discover the tutorial for making hand painted roses at It All Started with Paint. See the tutorial.

Foaming Salt Scrub Recipe

This homemade foaming salt scrub recipe is a great way to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize skin in one simple step. A reader favorite recipe, this DIY foaming salt scrub has been reproduced numerous times over the years both to sell and give as homemade gifts. Another win as one of the best Mother’s Day gifts to DIY this spring. Get the recipe.

Natural Essential Oil Perfume Recipes

Essential oils are big right now and for good reason. They wonderful for crafting natural skin care products as well as for use in aromatherapy. In addition, essential oils are also perfect for creating natural gift worthy perfume. Learn how to make five essential oil rollerball bottle perfume recipes that mom will love. Get the recipes now.

DIY Terrazzo Triangle Trinket Box

If you’re lucky enough to have a 3D printer, then this trinket box is a must for a DIY gift for Mom. Gift it with a handmade felt brooch or a novelty enamel pin to customize it even further. Then decorate the outside with temporary tattoos. Don’t have a 3D printer? Try an upcycled cardboard box version instead! Get the pattern to make yours.

Cucumber Mint Sugar Scrub Recipe

Need even more Mother’s Day gift ideas? This cucumber mint sugar scrub recipe is another homemade gift idea that tops the list. Made with ingredients that skin loves like cucumber seed oil and aloe, this homemade body scrub has a refreshing cucumber mint fragrance your mom will love! Get the recipe.

DIY Twig Pendant

This DIY pendant is the best Mother’s day gift idea for jewelry lovers. A DIY reproduction of the wildly popular Door 44 twig pendant, this tutorial from Door 44 Studios walks you through the steps to make your own as a handmade gift for mom. Learn how now.

Do you have ideas for the best DIY Mother’s Day gifts? I’d love to hear your DIY ideas for homemade Mother’s Day gifts! So be sure to share your ideas for the best Mother’s Day gifts in the comments. You can also explore more DIY Mother’s Day gift ideas on my Pinterest board here. Or browse for handmade gifts you can buy for Mother’s Day on Etsy here.

Discover more DIY ideas for the best Mother’s day gifts by following me across your favorite social media platforms. You can find and follow me on Pinterest, Blog Lovin‘, facebook, twitter and instagram. Or sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

Filed Under: Gift Guides, Holiday DIY Tagged With: bath and body, crafts, diy, gift idea, gift ideas, gift ideas for women, handmade gifts, holiday gift, holiday gift giving, homemade gift, how to, Mother's Day, Mother's Day gifts

DIY Wax Air Fresheners with Essential Oils – Unicorn Style!

January 23, 2019 By Rebecca D. Dillon

We don’t need a guy to remind us how awesome we are just because it’s Valentine’s Day. However, sometimes it’s nice getting that extra bit of reassurance from our friends. Remind your BFFs how magical they are with these unicorn DIY wax air fresheners for Galentine’s Day. Scented with natural essential oils, these unicorn wax air fresheners are perfect for musty closets or to use as drawer sachets. Or hang them in a sunny kitchen window.

These DIY air fresheners are super easy to make. They’re also the perfect reminder that, yes, we DO sparkle every single day! (Even if we don’t always realize it.)

Do you believe in (YOUR) magic?

I was the lucky girl who got an awesome unicorn mold for Christmas from my boyfriend. While my first thought was to make unicorn soap, I’m excited that my first project for this mold was actually for Galentine’s Day gifts. Of course, actually completing this project didn’t go off without a hitch. The one day I’m ready to put this project to paper (or wax in this case) I realized that I wasn’t able to dig my beeswax out of storage.

We are currently living in a shoebox, as I like to call it. Therefore, most of my craft supplies are stacked in crates. These crates are pretty heavy. They are also stacked in pairs of two on top of our kitchen cabinets. Because of their height and weight, my stash of beeswax was completely unattainable. And my boyfriend, of course, was at work. So I did what every crafty girl does. I improvised.

I still had a bit of white cosmetic beeswax leftover from last month’s Simply Earth box within easy reach. So I used the rest of that beeswax for this project. I also grabbed the only other workable ingredient I had within reach – stearic acid.

Similar to a wax, stearic acid is a solid saturated fatty acid obtained from either animals or vegetable fats. This waxy substance is a common ingredient in soaps, cosmetics and detergents. In my case, I keep vegetable-based stearic acid on hand to use as an emulsifying agent for lotions, creams and deodorants. Luckily, it also worked well as an ingredient for my wax-based DIY air fresheners.

While you can create my DIY wax air fresheners with simply essential oils and beeswax, the stearic acid does raise the melting the point slightly. This in turn allows you to use a bit more in the way of essentials oils to scent your DIY wax air fresheners if you’re so inclined.

Waxes and their melting points.

Beeswax has a melting point of around 144°F. While stearic acid melts at about 150°F. However, if you prefer to make vegan DIY air fresheners, you can substitute the beeswax in this recipe for candelilla wax, which melts at around 154°F. Just keep in mind that candelilla wax is yellow. Therefore its natural color will have an impact on your finished DIY wax air fresheners.

Alternately carnauba wax, which is also yellow, has a melting point of 180°F, and can be used in place of the beeswax. Just keep in mind that the pour and cleanup may be a bit trickier due to its higher melting point.

Put some glitter in your wax air fresheners.

Of course, you can’t have unicorn air fresheners without some sparkle and glitter! I used a purple mica to tint my DIY air fresheners. I also included both electric blue and chunky bubblegum eco-friendly glitter to give these wax unicorn air fresheners some bling. A bit of star ribbon that I scored from the Target Dollar Spot over Christmas then gave my DIY wax unicorn air fresheners that extra bit of magic.

Unicorn DIY Wax Air Fresheners

Supplies & Materials:

Rainbows & Unicorns Silicone Unicorn Mold
.75 oz. white cosmetic beeswax
.75 oz. stearic acid
.35 oz. essential oil, of choice
mica powder, to suit
eco-friendly glitter, to suit
ribbon, of choice
chopsticks

Tips & Tricks for Making Wax Air Fresheners:

Keep in mind that the color of your DIY wax air fresheners will appear darker when the wax is melted. Once the wax air fresheners solidify, the white color of the wax will lighten the final color.
The mica and glitter you use for this project will sink somewhat toward the bottom of the mold. This means that the front and back of your wax unicorn air fresheners may be different shades. In my case, the front of my unicorn air fresheners were purple, while the backs were a more subdued pink.
Because most of the glitter will sink to the bottom of the mold, you may want to sprinkle a bit of glitter onto your DIY wax air fresheners once you’ve poured them into the mold. This will give the backside of your wax air fresheners that extra bling they won’t have otherwise.
You can use your favorite essential oil or essential oil blend for your DIY wax air fresheners. I recommend cedarwood essential oil for closets. Or try lavender essential oil for the unicorn drawer sachets. Want to hang your unicorn wax air fresheners in your kitchen? Try a bright, fresh fragrance like lemongrass! Alternately, you can also use your favorite fragrance oil.
Depending on what you have on hand, you can use all beeswax, all stearic acid or all some other wax. Mixing wax with stearic acid isn’t the only way to make these.

Instructions for Crafting Your Unicorn Wax Air Fresheners:

Weigh out the beeswax and stearic acid using a digital scale. Combine in a double boiler and heat over medium-low heat until melted. Once melted, weigh out the essential oil and stir into the melted wax. Remove from heat, then stir in your choice of mica and glitter.

Evenly pour the melted wax into two cavities of the unicorn mold. Wait about 30-60 seconds. Then position a chopstick in the wax of the first wax air freshener toward the top of the unicorn’s head. Hold the chopstick in place, pushing the chopstick toward the bottom of the mold. Do this for about 15 – 30 seconds or until the chopstick stays in place of its own fruition. Then repeat this process with a second chopstick for the other unicorn wax air freshener.

Once the wax has solidified and starts to pull away from the edge of the mold cavities, remove the air fresheners from the mold.

Push the chopsticks forward through the front of the unicorn air fresheners, if needed, so the hole goes completely through from front to back.

Then remove the chopsticks.

Now thread ribbon through the holes of your DIY wax air fresheners. You can use a chopstick to help push the ribbon through the hole.

Your wax unicorn DIY wax air fresheners are now ready to scent your home or to gift to your BFF for Galentine’s Day!

More Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for more Galentine’s Day gift ideas, be sure to check out these other home inspired scent ideas that your friends will love!

DIY Vanilla & Rose Reed Diffusers

These DIY vanilla rose diffusers with essential oils from Country Hill Cottage are the perfect way to fragrance a room and they make adorable gifts for your BFF. The indulgent scents of rose and vanilla create a romantic and relaxed atmosphere and will lift your mood. The best part is that DIY diffusers are only made with natural ingredients and you have full control over what goes into them. So you can feel good about this unique DIY Galentine’s Day gifts. Learn to make them here.

DIY Soy Wax Dipped Roses

These soy wax dipped roses from Everything Pretty make a great Galentine’s Day gift for your gal pal that’s allergic to the real deal. These are popular around Valentine’s Day, but they can be displayed at any time. Dipped in naturally scented soy wax, these faux flower roses have a natural fragrance that lightly scents any room. Learn to make them here.

Chocolate & Roses DIY Room Spray

Your BFF will go gaga over this natural DIY room spray from A Life Adjacent for Galentine’s Day! (And don’t forget to make extra for yourself!) This chocolate and roses room spray captures the romantic scent of roses and chocolate – without any artificial scents. Your entire home will be filled with the delicious, fragrant aroma of dark chocolate and fresh roses. Learn to make it here.

Now that you’ve made something amazing for your gal pals, learn how to make more great giftable crafts and bath and beauty recipes! Sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter to receive updates when new projects are available. You can also follow me on Pinterest, facebook and instagram.

Filed Under: DIY Craft Project, Gift Guides, Handmade Home, Holiday DIY, Homemade Gift Ideas, Lifestyle Tagged With: air freshener recipe, beeswax, crafts, diy, easy, essential oils, Galentine's day, gift idea, gift ideas for teens, gift ideas for women, homemaking, sachet, stearic acid, unicorn, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day gifts

Homemade Winter Gifts for Your Seasonal Holiday Gift List

December 11, 2018 By Rebecca D. Dillon

Not all handmade gifts are created equal. So it can be hard hunting for homemade gift ideas that you know will truly be appreciated. To take some of the guesswork out your holiday gift list, I’ve put together a gift guide filled with homemade winter gifts.

So whether you’re crafting handmade gifts for a winter holiday, or making birthday or hostess gifts, this collection of homemade winter gift ideas are perfect for everyone on your list!

Homemade Winter Gifts & Ideas

1. Hot Chocolate Lotion Bars

These DIY hot chocolate lotion bars from Eco Living Mama (pictured) make lovely seasonal stocking stuffers and handmade holiday gift ideas. Not only do they smell amazing, they made with all natural, good-for-your-skin ingredients. Make it.

2. Hot Chocolate Milk Bath Salts

Another chocolate inspired homemade gift idea, these hot chocolate milk bath salts from Everything Pretty are the perfect homemade winter gift. Not only do these bath salts soothe seasonally dry skin, they’re the perfect way to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Make it.

3. Sugar Plum Body Butter Bars

These silky, lightweight body butter bars from Humblebee & Me are made with plum oil for its moisturizing properties and rich, seasonal scent. They can be tinted with mica, if desired, and are perfectly sized for stocking stuffers for simple homemade winter gifts for friends and coworkers. Make it.

4. Homemade Mulling Spices

These fragrant, homemade mulling spices from Hello Glow make wonderful homemade winter gifts for wine lovers. (Trust me, I know!) However, this recipe works beautifully with bourbon as well. Included with the printable recipe are easy instructions for making citrus ginger mulled wine to include with your gift. Make it.

5. Peppermint Orange Body Butter

A recipe from one of my guest posts on The Nourished Life, this peppermint orange body butter recipe helps to nourish and protect dry, winter skin. It’s a super easy homemade holiday gift to make while the fresh citrus mint fragrance is perfect for the season. Make it.

6. Christmas Tree Bath Bombs

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, these Christmas tree bath bombs from Onion Rings and Things (pictured) are a winter delight when taking time out for self care. Scent them with essential oils for natural homemade winter gifts for your friends. They’re perfect for helping ease the pressures of the holiday season and forcing that much needed time off from the stress of daily life. Make it.

(While this bath bomb recipe calls for food coloring, I recommend using a bath bomb colorant or lake dye instead for a colorful bath that won’t stain your tub.)

7. Skin Softening Hand Scrub

Winter is rough on dry skin. However, it can be even more brutal on dry hands. Help your friends, family and even teachers (who are always washing their hands) keep their hands soft and moisturized this winter with this easy skin softening hand scrub recipe from Soap Deli News. Make it.

8. Holiday Gifts in a Jar

Sugar scrubs are so easy to make. Why not make a trio of three mason jar sugar scrubs for your homemade winter gifts? No Compass Necessary shares their natural sugar scrub recipes for peppermint, vanilla spice and frankincense sugar scrubs. Plus there are free printable labels to make gift giving even easier! Make it.

9. Fizzy Bath Salt Recipe with Essential Oils

It’s hard to avoid a cold during the holiday season. So why not give a gift that tackles all of one’s holiday woes – winter sniffles included? This fizzy bath salt recipe from Soap Deli News fizzes like a bath bomb but is SO much easier to craft. While taking a time out to relax in the tub, the combination of Epsom salt and essential oils help to clear nasal passages and ease sore muscles. Make it.

10. Hot Cocoa Bath Bombs

If you’ve mastered the art of bath bombs then this DIY from A Cultivated Nest is a must for your homemade winter gifts. These cute homemade hot chocolate bath fizzies look like something you could eat, complete with “icing” on top so you can wow your friends and coworkers with your mad crafting skills. Make it.

11. Scented Dry Oil Body Spray

This best homemade holiday gift idea for a DIY dry oil body spray from Soap Deli News (pictured) is a long time Pinterest favorite. It makes lovely stocking stuffers or homemade winter gifts for friends and family. Make it.

12. Homemade Massage Candles

Candles are another amazing way to enjoy your favorite scents. However, these homemade massage candles aren’t just great for making the room smell great. They can also be massaged onto skin once the wick is blown out. Then simply massage onto skin to condition dry patches and add a wonderful holiday scent. Make it.

13. Simple Solid Perfumes

Solid perfumes make wonderful homemade winter gifts for friends. This easy DIY perfume trio from Hello Glow using natural essential oils to create three lovely fragrance blends – energizing, calming and joyful. If aromatherapy isn’t quite your thing, swap them out with fragrance oils in your favorite seasonal scents. Make it.

14. Hand Poured Herbal Candles

Candles always make lovely homemade winter gifts for just about anyone. I especially love gifting candles as handmade hostess gifts throughout the year. These DIY hand poured herbal candles from The Herbal Academy are especially perfect for the winter season. Naturally scented with simple essential oil blends and botanicals, these candles are made with toxin free soy wax. Make it.

15. Essential Oil Room Sprays

This trio of essential oil room sprays from A life Adjacent are another wonderful gift for the hostess this winter at holiday gatherings. Crafted using only distilled water, vodka and essential oils, you can make room sprays scented in cola, mulled orange cider, vanilla latte and hot cocoa for natural home scents throughout the season. Make it.

16. Homemade Winter Hand Scrub

We all suffer from skin that feels dry and tight in the winter. Our hand, especially, tend to suffer from hand washing and other daily activities. Help your friends and loved ones pamper their hands with this homemade winter hand scrub from Lemon Peony (pictured!) Make it.

17. Shimmering Body Butter

This cardamom scented shimmering body butter from Wild for Nature is non-greasy. So moisturizing dry hands this winter won’t leave behind those messy oily fingerprints. It’s warm spiced fragrance is perfect for winter weather, while the addition of bronze mica makes it holiday party perfect! Make it.

18. Eggnog Soy Wax Candle

This delightful candle tutorial from Jojotastic is crafted with soy wax and natural essential oils for a fun spin off the popular holiday drink. Infused with with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla essential oils, this soy wax candle looks and smells just like eggnog! Make it.

19. Handmade Rosemary Mint Soap

Everyone uses soap, which is part of why it makes such a great handmade gift ideas. These rosemary mint soap bars from The Turquoise Home are made using a natural melt and pour soap base in addition to honey to nourish dry winter skin. Rosemary and peppermint essential oil then add a delightful seasonal scent. Make it.

(Prefer to make cold process soaps for your homemade winter gifts? Try this rosemary mint cold process soap recipe! And don’t forget to check out these pretty gift wrap ideas for your homemade holiday soaps.)

20. Stovetop Potpourri

This beautiful jars of stovetop potpourri from Tidbits will not only make your own home smell like the holidays, they’re also shelf stable. So they’re perfect for homemade winter gifts for neighbors, teachers and coworkers – all the people you’re not quite sure what to give for gifts. Choose from three delightful home fragrance blends with this cost effective homemade gift DIY that also comes with free printable labels. Make it.

21. Gingerbread Bath Bombs

Gingerbread is always at the top of my list for homemade winter gifts. There’s just something about those warm spices and the fragrant scent that make the season feel comforting and inviting. These gingerbread bath bombs from Beauty Crafter (pictured) are no exception and are perfect for stocking stuffers and other seasonal winter gifts. Make it.

22. Gingerbread Men Soap Bars

There are so many wonderful ways to gift gingerbread for the holidays, I couldn’t stop with just one DIY ideas. These super easy, glittering gingerbread soaps from Soap Deli News are made with just three ingredients and are perfect for last minute homemade winter gifts for friends and family. Make it.

23. Gingerbread Man Soaps

If glitter isn’t your preference, not to worry. These 15-minute DIY gingerbread man soaps from Happiness Is Homemade offer a more traditional take on gingerbread. Simply add a bit of soap paint to your finished gingerbread soaps for the cutest stocking stuffers ever. Make it.

24. Gingerbread Men Snow Globe Soaps

Snow globes are always a favorite during winter. This creative homemade soap tutorial from Soap Deli News shows you step-by-step how to make your own DIY snow globe soaps with little gingerbread men hidden inside. They’re not only super cute, but they’re also a favorite among both kids and adults alike! Make it.

25. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies always make delightful homemade winter gifts. The warm seasonal spices are definitely my favorite this time of year! This gingerbread cookies recipe from Evermine, however, offer a unique twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. Each gingerbread man cookies is designed to hold a candy cane inside it’s grasp! Make it.

26. Boozy Wood Infused Bourbon

Gifts for guys can be hard. However, this DIY for wood infused liquor from Man Made DIY (pictured) is perfect for homemade winter gifts for him. Simply infuse a piece of grilling wood – along with dried fruits and spices if desired – to create unique holiday alcohol blends that can be enjoyed throughout the winter holiday season. Make it.

(Not sure about making your own infused alcohol without a little extra guidance? Try one of the DIY liquor infusion kits from Vena’s Fizz House for all your favorite liquors.)

27. Needle Felted Wine Bags

Don’t just gift a bottle of wine this holiday season. Gift it with your own handcrafted needle felted wine bag! Not only are these wine bags WAY easier to make than you might think, they are also reusable and regiftable making them perfect homemade winter gifts for the eco-conscious. Make it.

28. Wood Burned Rolling Pin

This DIY allows you to explore your own creativity even if you’re short on time. The perfect gift for bakers and foodies alike, these easy wood burned rolling pins from Delia Creates can be customized in minutes with just a simple, inexpensive wood burning kit. Make it.

29. Marzipan Pinecone Treats

The fact that these marzipan pinecone treats from Country Hill Cottage look just like pinecones delight me to no end. A simple no bake holiday gift, these pinecones are made using marzipan, almond slices, cocoa, and spices for unique homemade winter gifts. Make it.

30. Gourmet Vanilla Extract

If you have an instant pot then you’re going to love this homemade holiday gift idea. Tidbits teaches you how to make your own gourmet vanilla extracts for your favorite foodies in three gourmet flavors – chocolate vanilla, cinnamon vanilla and coconut vanilla – in your instant pot. Plus there are free printable labels to make your gift look perfect! Make it.

31. Simple Beeswax Candles

These simple, natural beeswax candles from Hello Nest only take five minutes to create. Perfect for any minimalist in your life, this gift also makes a lovely addition to anyone’s home decor. Even better, you can buy beeswax sheets with Prime shipping for the perfect last minute holiday gift idea. Make it.

32. Cookie Cutter Fudge

This homemade cookie cutter fudge recipe from Crafty Morning is perfect for the baker in your life. Not only are your friends and family gifted with homemade fudge – yum! – but your gift comes wrapped inside a cookie cutter that can be added to their collection. Make it.

33. Peppermint Patties

Peppermint patties are one of my all time favorite candies. These homemade peppermint patties, however, are the most amazing thing ever! Learn how to make your own at The Gunny Sack. Then top your handmade treats with crushed peppermint for delish homemade winter gifts everyone will love. Make it.

34. Peppermint Mocha Salt Scrub

Coffee scrubs are touted for anti-aging skin care benefits. But when you combo a coffee scrub with mocha, you’ve got the perfect homemade holiday gift for the coffee lovers in you life. Learn to make a salt scrub with a caffeine punch at Everything Pretty. Make it.

35. Christmas Tree Body Wash

This fragrant, bubbly Christmas tree body wash recipe from Humblebee & Me makes great homemade winter gifts for those surprise guests. Or slip them inside your family’s stockings for homemade skin care they’ll love bathing in all winter long. Make it.

More Homemade Winter Gifts & Ideas

Didn’t quite find the perfect homemade winter gifts for your holiday gift list? Take a peek at these DIY Christmas gift ideas. Or shop from my handmade holiday gift guides below.

For homemade winter gifts and ideas, you can find me on your favorite social media platforms. You can follow me on G+, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blog Lovin’ and Instagram. Alternately, you can also subscribe to Soap Deli News via email for future updates, DIY projects and recipes.

Filed Under: Bath & Beauty Recipes, DIY Craft Project, Gift Guides, Holiday DIY, Homemade Gift Ideas Tagged With: bath and body, christmas, Christmas gift, christmas gifts, craft, diy, gift guide, gift idea, gift ideas, handmade gifts, holiday gift, holiday gift giving, holidays, homemade gift, winter