Easy Handmade Herbal Christmas Gifts

Simple Handmade Natural Christmas Gifts: Perfect for Beginners

handmade Christmas preparation

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan thoughtful, handmade herbal gifts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY enthusiast, these easy projects are ideal for sharing the benefits of natural ingredients like herbs and essential oils. Not only are these gifts meaningful, but they also bring a touch of love and wellness to the holidays.

calendula rosemary bath salts

Herbal Bath Salts

Herbal bath salts are one of the easiest DIY gifts to make, and they can be personalized with soothing or uplifting essential oils and dried herbs. Perfect for de-stressing during the busy holiday season, these bath salts combine the relaxing properties of herbs and essential oils with the tension-releasing effects of salt. Great for gifting relaxation!

Basic Recipe:

• 1 cup salt - this can be your favorite sea salt, Himalayan salt, Epsom salt, or a blend of colorful salts

• 1 Tbsp-1/4 cup dried aromatic herbs -lavender, chamomile, rosemary, rose petals, hops, linden, lemon balm, calendula

• 2-3 Tbsp baking soda

• 1 Tbsp carrier oil - jojoba, sweet almond, fractionated coconut, or an herbal-infused oil

• 4-8 drops essential oils - lavender, geranium, frankincense, patchouli, cedarwood, distilled lime

• A lidded glass jar or decorative container

Instructions: Some salts, especially sea salts, can be a bit moist, so you may want to dry them in the oven first. Preheat the oven to 200°F and spread the salts on a baking sheet. Dry the salts for about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. While the salts are drying, mix the essential oils with the carrier oil. Once the salts are out of the oven and cooled, combine them with the herbs, baking soda, and the oil blend. Package the mixture in a decorative jar, label it, and it is ready to gift!

Pro tip:  Attach a small tag with instructions: "Swirl 1/4 cup of bath salt into warm bath water, or for easy clean up, add to a muslin bag and toss the bag into the bathtub."

Pine Bath Salts

For a refreshing, yet invigorating seasonal twist, try this pine-scented blend that brings the outdoors in with its fresh, woodsy aroma. Perfect for easing away stress and tension.

• 1/3 cup Himalayan salt

• 1/3 cup Celtic Sea salt

• 1/3 cup Epsom salt

• 1 Tbsp finely chopped pine needles or spruce tips

• 1 Tbsp finely chopped rosemary

• 2 Tbsp baking soda

• 1 Tbsp jojoba oil (optionally infused with pine resin)

• 3 drops black spruce (Picea mariana)

• 3 drops cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

aromatic sachet

Scented Sachets

These simple sachets are a delightful addition to drawers, closets, or pillowcases, imparting a pleasant fragrance. They are easy to make and perfect as stocking stuffers or additions to gift baskets.

What You'll Need:

• Small drawstring bags - muslin, linen or mesh

• Dried aromatic herbs - lavender, rose petals, rosemary, citrus peels, cinnamon, star anise, frankincense or myrrh resin

• Optional: a few drops of essential oils - lavender, bergamot, frankincense, patchouli

Instructions: Fill the bags half to two-thirds full with dried aromatic herbs and tie them closed. You can add a few drops of essential oil for a stronger scent. These sachets are versatile, natural, and make lovely personal touches to any gift.

Citrus Thyme Sachet

For a refreshing and uplifting sachet, try this bright citrus and herb blend.

• 1 Tbsp dried lemon balm

• 1 Tbsp dried lemon peels

• 1 Tbsp dried lemon thyme

• 1 Tbsp frankincense resin

• 6 drops bergamot (CItrus bergamia)

• 4 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

scented candle

Herbal Candles

Scented candles can create a cozy atmosphere, but many store-bought options contain ingredients that release harmful chemicals. Fortunately, handmade candles are easy to make and offer a cleaner, safer alternative. Hand-poured candles also make lovely, thoughtful gifts. Adding essential oils gives them a natural, fragrant touch that enhances the ambiance with warmth and comfort.

Basic Recipe:

• Wax - soy, beeswax, or coconut wax

• Wicks - cotton or hemp

• Essential oils - about 1 ml per ounce of wax for a full-bodied aroma

• Glass candle jar

• Container for melting wax

• Double boiler

• Glass stir rod or stainless steel utensil

Instructions: You will need about 2 ounces of wax for every ounce of your candle jar. Fully melt the wax in a dedicated container, using a double boiler. Anchor the wicks in the center of the candle jar. Once the wax is fully melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, then stir in essential oils with a glass stir rod or stainless steel utensil. Carefully pour wax into a candle jar with the wick stabilized in place. Allow the candle to harden for a few hours. Once set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch, and your herbal candle is ready for gifting!

Spicy Citrus Candle

• 45 drops (2 ml) black pepper (Piper nigrum)

• 45 drops (2 ml) sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 45 drops (2 ml) lemon (Citrus limon)

• 45 drops (2 ml) clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

• 6 oz soy wax

• 2 oz beeswax

• 1 oz votive jars with wicks

herbs infusing in oil

Herbal Infused Oils

Herbal-infused oils are a simple yet thoughtful gift idea, offering versatility for various uses. Whether you're looking to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes or create a nourishing oil for skincare, herbal-infused oils are easy to make and customize for any purpose. They also carry a personal touch, making them the perfect DIY gift. These oils can elevate everyday meals or serve as nourishing skin treatments—ideal as a moisturizer, massage oil, or as a base for salves, balms, and soaps. Their adaptability is what makes them an exceptional gift.

What You'll Need:

• Olive oil or other favorite non-toasted culinary oil

• Dried herbs - lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, citrus peels, chili flakes

• Glass bottles

Instructions: Fill a clean jar about halfway with the herbs of your choice, then pour the oil over the herbs until the jar is full, ensuring all herbs are submerged. Seal the jar tightly. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4 weeks to allow the flavors and properties of the herbs to infuse into the oil. After 4 weeks, strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the infused oil into a decorative glass bottle for gifting. Be sure to label and date the bottle, noting the type of herbs used.

Spicy Rosemary Oil

This spicy-zesty blend adds a kick to your culinary dishes and can also serve as a massage oil to relieve aches and pains.

• 1/2 cup dried rosemary

• 2 Tbsp chili flakes

• 1 Tbsp dried lemon peel

• 8 oz olive oil

lip balm

DIY Lip Balm

Homemade lip balm is a soothing and hydrating gift, especially perfect for the winter months when lips need extra care. It is easy to customize with skin-nourishing essential oils, and herbs, allowing you to create a personalized touch for each recipient. This simple DIY project not only nourishes the lips but also makes for a thoughtful, handcrafted present that shows your care.

Basic Recipe:

• Beeswax pellets

• Solid oils or butters - coconut oil, shea butter, mango butter, or cocoa butter

• Jojoba oil - optionally infused with vanilla, calendula, or mint

• Essential oils - peppermint, sweet orange, lemon, ginger

• Small tins or lip balm tubes

Instructions: Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Add in the solid oil or butter and melt. Stir in the jojoba. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, then stir in the essential oil. Carefully pour the mixture into your balm containers and allow it to cool completely. Be sure to label each container.

Silky Lip Balm

A silky-smooth balm to bring much-needed comfort to chapped lips.

• 1/2 oz beeswax pellets

• 1/2 oz coconut oil

• 1/2 oz mango butter

• 1 oz jojoba oil infused with lemon balm

• 4 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 2 drops peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

• small 1/2 oz tins

holiday spiced simmer pot

Potpourri or Simmering Pot Blends

These fragrant blends are perfect for filling any home with holiday cheer. Using simple ingredients like dried citrus, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and herbs from the kitchen or yard, they create delightful, natural aromas. Whether given as a gift or used to freshen up your own space, potpourri and simmering pot blends are an easy and thoughtful way to bring warmth and comfort into any home during the holiday season.

What You'll Need:

• Dried citrus slices -orange, lemon, lime

• Spices - cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom pods

• Dried aromatic herbs - rosemary, bay leaves, juniper berries, pine needles, resins, rose buds or petals

• Additionals - wood chips, pine cones, acorns

• Optional essential oils - cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, patchouli, frankincense

Instructions: Combine the selected potpourri items of dried citrus slices, spices, aromatic herbs, and additional items like wood chips, pine cones, or acorns. Add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the aroma and make the scent last longer. Place the mixture into a decorative jar or bag for gifting.

Pro tip:  Include a tag with these simple instructions: "Place in a decorative dish or add a handful of the potpourri to a pot of simmering water on the stove for an instant holiday aroma. Add more water as needed."

Woodland Potpourri

• 4-6 sprigs of spruce or fir tips, dried

• 3 Tbsp dried rosemary

• 2 Tbsp dried juniper berries

• 1 lime, sliced and dried

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 3 drops cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) optional

• 2 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) optional

brown sugar scrub

Aromatic Sugar Scrubs

Aromatic sugar scrubs make for a luxurious yet simple gift, perfect for exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin. Infused with natural ingredients and essential oils, these scrubs gently buff away dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth, soft, and glowing. Customizable with your favorite essential oils, they provide a delightful sensory experience while offering nourishing benefits. Aromatic sugar scrubs are a thoughtful gift that shows you care.

Basic Recipe:

• 1 cup sugar - white, brown or a blend

• 1/2 cup olive or jojoba oil, optionally infused with vanilla, calendula or lavender

• 15-20 drops essential oils - lavender, frankincense, chamomile, lime, sweet orange

Instructions: Mix sugar and oil, then stir in the essential oils. Package the scrub in a glass or PET plastic jar with a ribbon and label it with instructions for use.

Vanilla-Lavender Sugar Scrub

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup vanilla infused jojoba oil

• 12 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• 5 drops frankincense (Boswellia spp.)

amber glass spray bottles

Aromatherapy Room Sprays

Custom aromatherapy room sprays are a thoughtful and delightful gift that naturally refreshes any space. Made with essential oils, these sprays can elevate the atmosphere of a room, creating a calming or invigorating environment depending on the chosen blend. Whether you prefer the soothing scents of lavender and chamomile or the uplifting aromas of citrus and mint, these sprays are easily customizable to suit individual preferences. Perfect for use in bedrooms, living rooms, or even in the car, making them a fantastic DIY gift option for friends and family.

What You'll Need:

• A small glass or PET plastic spray bottle, preferably amber or blue

• 73% distilled water or hydrosol

• 25% high-proof alcohol, preferably 100 proof or higher

• 2% essential oils, 10-12 drops per ounce

Instructions: Fill the spray bottle at least 25% with high-proof alcohol, add essential oil, and swirl. Top off with distilled water, up to the shoulder of the spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Create a festive label or add a holiday ribbon for a pretty presentation.

Holiday Zinger Spray

• 2 oz spray bottle

• 1 Tbsp alcohol

• 8 drops Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris)

• 8 drops Siberian fir (Abies sibirica)

• 4 drops lime (Citrus latifolia)

• 2 drops orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 2 drops clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

• ~43 ml distilled water or cinnamon hydrosol

natural Christmas gifts and decorations

Conclusion

Crafting these simple herbal gifts is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to the holiday season. These simple and thoughtful recipes, from bath salts to lip balms and candles, allow you to create meaningful gifts that your loved ones will truly appreciate. Whether you are new to DIY projects or have some experience, these ideas are easy to follow and full of natural goodness. Also check out this quick natural handcrafted Christmas gift guide

Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!