25 DIY Gifts Made With Essential Oils
Gift giving can be one of the most exciting and fun parts of the holiday season but it can also be the most stressful. Sometimes finding the perfect present for someone in your life that is both personal and enjoyable can be difficult. Hand making gifts for your family and friends allows you to gift your loved ones with something that is more unique and special than what you would find in most stores. Making presents yourself is a budget friendly option, especially for those of us that have a long list of people to find gifts for. Gift making is a great activity for the entire family to get involved in and your friends and family will love receiving something with that special touch.
If you want to take the homemade route this holiday season, gifts made with essential oils are the perfect way to share an array of aromatherapeutic benefits with those you love. You can feel good knowing that you are giving a present `that contains ingredients that are safe, natural, and effective for some of life's most common concerns. The real gift is the joy these simple handmade gifts will bring to your loved ones this holiday season.
Relaxing Bath Bomb
A night of relaxation and self care can be a gift of its own. This luxurious bath bomb is the perfect present for those who need a little tranquility.
Ingredients
- Witch Hazel in a Misting Spray Bottle
- Hard Plastic or Metal Molds
- 2 cups of Citric Acid
- 4 cups of Baking Soda
- 2 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
Directions
- Combine the citric acid, baking soda, sweet almond oil, and essential oils in a bowl and mix well using gloved hands.
- Spritz a small amount of witch hazel onto the top of the powder mixture and stir it in. Repeat this process until the mixture packs together easily with a similar texture to wet sand.
- Scoop the mixture into each mold one at a time and pack them down tightly. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Store them in an airtight container. Optional: Use ribbons, labels, cellophane wrap, etc. to add a special touch before giving them as a gift.
Snowy Woods Candle
Winter weather can mean lots of time spent cozied up indoors. This fresh woodsy candle can help to bring the outdoors in for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 8oz soy wax flakes or pastilles
- 1 candle wick with a metal base (a hot burning wick, such as a hemp wick, is best when using essential oils)
- 1 8oz heat safe container
- 1 wooden skewer or chopstick
- 1 clothespin
- 1 cooking thermometer
- 1 ½ teaspoons of Cedarwood essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of Spearmint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of Fir Needle essential oil
- ½ teaspoon of Wintergreen Essential oil
Directions
- Mix the essential oils in a small bowl and set aside.
- Add soy wax to a double boiler and heat until fully melted, stirring will help speed the process.
- Turn off heat at 185°F, and add the essential oil mixture. Stir for 2 minutes, and remove from heat. (Do not add essential oils until wax temperature is 185°F or lower.)
- Adhere the metal end of the wick to the bottom of your container using a wick tab sticker, super glue, or hot glue (in a pinch you can use your wax, but it’s not recommended). Press the end in the center of the bottom of the container.
- Straighten the wick and secure it at the mouth of the container with a clothespin resting on the top.
- Once the wax cools to 135°F, slowly pour the wax into the container.
- Let the candle sit for 24 hours, until fully set. Once set, remove the clothespin and trim the wick to 1/2 inch above the surface of the wax.
Deep Sleep Linen Spray
A good night's sleep is sometimes scarce, especially during the busy holiday season. Help your loved ones achieve that sought after deep slumber with this sleep assisting linen spray.
Ingredients
- 4 ounce Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 2 ounces of High Percentage Alcohol
- 2 ounces of Witch Hazel Extract
- 25 drops of Lavender essential oil
- 15 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 10 drops of Chamomile essential oil
- 10 drops of Bergamot essential oil
Directions
Add the alcohol and essential oils to the bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel, leaving a little space at the top. Optional: label the bottle with instructions/ingredients.
To Use
Shake well before each use. Spray on linens and around the room to help relax the body and drift off to sleep.
Spa Day Bath Salt
A day at the spa makes an amazing holiday gift but doesn't always fit into our busy schedules. A restorative soak in the bath with these nourishing bath salts is a spa experience anyone in your life has time to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Epsom Salt
- ½ cup of Coarse Mineral Sea Salt
- ¼ cup of Fractionated Coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon of Lavender essential oil
- ¼ teaspoon of Eucalyptus essential oil
- ¼ teaspoon of Frankincense essential oil
- 20 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil
Directions
Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and store in a tightly closing container. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Add about 1/4 cup of the bath salts to a warm bath for a night of spa like relaxation. The oils can cause the tub to be slippery, so use caution when exiting.
Dry Skin Salve
Cold weather and chilling winter winds can have an adverse affect on our skin this time of year. Help your friends and family combat dry and irritated skin with this moisturizing and protective skin salve
Ingredients
- Glass jar or tin with lid (assorted small containers if you're making them for multiple people. Recipe makes roughly 4oz of salve.)
- ¼ cup of Unrefined Shea Butter
- 2 tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons of Beeswax Pearls
- 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 12 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Directions
Melt shea butter and beeswax using a double boiler, stirring occasionally. Once fully melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the fractionated coconut oil and essential oils. Pour the mixture into your containers and allow it to cool and harden for several hours. Optional: Add a decorative label on the container or card with the ingredients and purpose of salve.
Herbal Beard Oil
The men in our life can be some of the most difficult to find the perfect gift for. A nourishing beard oil can help them keep their beard looking maintained and healthy and can even help stimulate hair growth.
Ingredients
- 2 ounce Amber Glass Bottle with Dropper
- 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 ounce of Jojoba Oil
- 6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Directions
Add all ingredients to the bottle and give it a good shake to combine. Optional: Add a decorative label on the container or card with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Add a few drops to your hands and rub throughout your beard to nourish and smooth the hair. You can also massage a few drops into your skin to help stimulate beard growth and clarify your skin.
Skin Softening Lotion Bar
The holiday season can involve lots of traveling for many of us, meaning usual self care routines can fall to the wayside. This skin softening lotion bar is easy to travel with, making it great for those in our lives that need self care on the go.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil
- 4 ounces of Cocoa Butter
- 4 ounces of Beeswax Pearls
- 40 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- 16 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil
- 16 drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
Supplies
- Gloves
- Glass bowl and pot for boiling water (or double boiler)
- Stirring utensil
- Silicone mold(s)
- Combine coconut oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax in a glass bowl over a smaller pot or saucepan with 1 inch or so of water in it (a double boiler can be used as well).
- Bring the water to a boil, stirring ingredients continuously until they are melted and combined.
- Remove the mixture from heat, and let it cool for 2 minutes
- Add essential oils and then gently stir until they are completely integrated.
- Carefully pour the mixture into mold(s).
- Gently tap the mold on your work surface to release any air bubbles.
- Allow the lotion bars to cool completely before removing them from mold.
- Optional: Use ribbons, labels, cellophane wrap, etc. to add a special touch before giving them as a gift.
Fluffy Shaving Cream
Self care products aren't often thought of as gifts for men but they should be! This fluffy shaving cream is a great way to introduce natural skin care to the men in your life.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce container with airtight lid
- 3 tablespoons of Unrefined Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil
- ¼ cup of Unrefined Shea Butter
- 2 tablespoons of Baking Soda
- ¼ cup of Unscented Liquid Castile Soap
- 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Bentonite Clay
- 22 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- 20 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil
- 6 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Instructions
- Add coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter to a double boiler and heat on a low to medium temperature, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and combined.
- Transfer the melted oil mixture into a bowl and stir in baking soda, castile soap, vitamin E oil, bentonite clay, and essential oils. Stir well, then let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Once the mixture cools and begins to harden around the edges, use a hand mixer to whip it for three to five minutes or until a light, creamy texture is achieved.
- Store the finished product in an airtight container. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
Winter Body Balm
Something to help our skin stay smooth and soft is always a welcome gift, especially for the holidays. This body balm does just that while leaving behind a beautiful minty, herbal scent.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of Cocoa Butter
- ½ cup of Unrefined Shea Butter
- ¼ cup of Jojoba Oil
- 18 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 11 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Directions
Add cocoa butter and shea butter to a double boiler and heat on low to medium heat until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in jojoba oil and essential oils. Pour into a jar or tin and allow to cool and harden for several hours. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
Green Tea Detox Bath
A little overindulging during holiday celebrations can lead to needing a detox and some relaxation. This green tea detox bath is a great cleansing gift that will have your loved ones feeling refreshed and renewed.
Ingredients
- Large airtight container (recipe makes roughly 36oz of product)
- 1 cup of Coarse Mineral Sea Salt
- 1 cup of Epsom Salt
- ½ cup of Loose Green Tea
- 2 cups of Baking Soda
- ½ tablespoon of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Lemon Essential Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Lavender Essential Oil
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a large jar and stir thoroughly to combine. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Add 1/4 cup of the bath salts to a warm bath for a night of detoxing and relaxation. The oils can cause the tub to be slippery, so use caution when exiting.
Aromatherapy Play Dough
The little ones in our lives can be especially difficult to find the perfect handmade gift for. This aromatherapy play dough allows them to enjoy beneficial essential oils and have fun doing it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Flour
- ⅓ cup of Salt
- 2 teaspoons of Cream of Tartar
- 1 cup of Water
- 1 tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- A few drops of Food Coloring of your choice
- 20 drops of Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Directions
- Add flour, salt, and cream of tartar to a small pot or saucepan. Add water and fractionated coconut oil and stir well.
- Place on a low heat and continue stirring.
- Stir in desired amount of food coloring and turn heat up to medium, stirring constantly.
- Continue stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan until the playdough fully thickens.
- When the dough comes away from the sides of the pot and is no longer wet, remove the playdough from the pot.
- Use your finger to poke a few holes into the dough and add essential oils. Knead the dough until it is fully combined. Store in an airtight container. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the ingredients.
Traveller's Solid Perfume
Solid perfume is a great way to keep the scent we love with us all day. It makes a great gift for the travelers in our lives so they are never stuck without their signature fragrance.
Ingredients
- Small metal tins (recipe makes roughly 2oz of product)
- 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil
- 2 tablespoons of Beeswax Pearls
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Directions
- Place sweet almond oil and beeswax pearls in a glass bowl. Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat and allow the beeswax to fully melt. A doubler boiler can be used as well.
- Remove the bowl from heat and stir, allowing it to cool for a moment. Add essential oils and stir again.
- Pour the liquid into an airtight container. Small metal tins are a great choice for easy travel or as a gift.
- Place the lid on the container and allow the perfume to fully harden for approximately 30-45 minutes before use. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use:
Rub a clean finger across the top of the perfume and dab on wrists and nape of neck. Reapply as needed.
Holiday Candy Foaming Hand Soap
Hand soap is something that we all need and makes for a thoughtful and useful gift. Make a beautifully scented foaming hand soap for those in your life that enjoy practical holiday gifts.
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Foaming Soap Dispenser
- ¾ cup of Unscented Liquid Castile Soap
- Distilled Water
- 1 tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Glycerine
- 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 15 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Spearmint Essential Oil
Directions
Add all ingredients to the foaming soap dispenser, replace top, and shake well to combine. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
DIY Reed Diffuser
Reed diffusers are a popular way to diffuse essential oils and making one is the perfect way to add a personal touch. The gift of aromatherapy is great for nearly anyone in your life to enjoy.
Supplies
- Jar or Glass Bottle
- 4-5 Bamboo Skewers or Diffuser Reeds
- ¼ - ½ a cup of Diffuser Base
- Twine or Ribbon
- 20 drops of Essential Oils per ¼ cup of diffuser base.
Directions
- Fill the jar about half way up with a diffuser base and add your essential oil blend. Stir them together until combined.
- Snip the sharp ends off of the bamboo skewers and place them in the jar. After an hour of them absorbing the oils, flip them over.
- Place the jar on a table or mantle and enjoy the cozy scent.
- Flip the skewers/ reeds over every 5 days to keep the aroma prominent.
Moisturizing Face Serum
Many people in our lives may be struggling to combat the effects of winter weather on their skin. This easy to make serum is packed full of powerful ingredients that will help keep their skin soothed and moisturized.
Ingredients
- 2 ounce Amber Glass Bottle with Dropper
- 1 ounce of Sweet Almond Oil
- ½ ounce of Jojoba Oil
- ½ ounce of Vegetable Glycerine
- 6 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 6 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
Directions
Add jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and vegetable glycerin into a small dish and whisk them together until they are fully combined. Add the essential oils and stir again. Try to avoid adding too much air into the mixture as you stir to prevent bubbles. Transfer the mixture carefully into a 2 ounce amber glass bottle with a dropper top for easy use. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To use
After cleansing your face, apply a few drops to your fingertips and gently rub into the skin. Use fingertips to press product into the skin to ensure absorption. Store in a cool, dark location out of the reach from children and pets.
Nourishing Hair Mask
Hair care is often overlooked in holiday self care gifts. A nourishing hair mask is a great gift for our friends and family who may have color treated or otherwise processed hair for that extra touch.
Ingredients
- Jar with lid (recipe makes roughly 20oz of product)
- 1 cup of Unrefined Coconut Oil
- 1 cup of Sweet Almond Oil
- ½ cup of Unrefined Shea Butter
- 1 teaspoon of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Lavender Essential Oil
- ½ teaspoon of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Directions
Add coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter to a bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the oils together until a fluffy, creamy consistency is formed. Add essential oils and mix again until thoroughly combined. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Wash your hair and let it dry. Apply the mask evenly throughout your hair. Massage it in from the roots to the tips then comb through your hair with your fingers. Optional: Cover your head with a hot towel for at least 10 minutes. Leave the mask on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Repeat once a week. Store the mask in a cool, dark location away from children and pets.
Citrus Flora Perfume
Finding the perfect perfume can be a difficult task and sometimes you can't find exactly what you're hoping for. A personalized perfume makes a great gift unlike anything that could be found in stores.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 3 ounces of Distilled Water
- 4 ounces of High Proof Alcohol
- 1 teaspoon of Vegetable Glycerin
- 1 teaspoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 30 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 30 drops of Lime Essential Oil
- 26 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Vanilla Fragrance Oil
Directions
Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Spritz all over your body for a sweet floral scent. Shake before each use. Store in a cool, dark location away from children and pets.
Diffuser Ornament
Holiday decor is always a great gift to receive and a handmade touch makes it all the better. These fun felt diffuser ornaments are a great way to help your loved ones access the beneficial properties of essential oils during the holiday season at home.
Supplies
- Sheets of Felt in holiday colors
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Black Fabric Marker
- 6-8 inches of Yarn or String per ornament
- 10ml Bottle of your loved one’s favorite essential oil or blend
Directions
Cut the felt sheets into fun holiday shapes, 4-6 inches in size. Use the fabric marker to add details. Punch a hole toward the top of each ornament. Put the yarn through the holes at the top. Package along with the bottle of essential oil and include a card explaining how to use it.
To Use
Place 5-10 drops of essential oil on the felt and allow it to dry. Hang the ornament on your Christmas tree, from your mantel, or anywhere in your home that needs a fragrant holiday touch. Reapply as needed.
Smoothing Salt Scrub
Combatting dry skin can be a constant struggle during the cold winter months. A salt scrub can make a great simple gift to help your loved ones keep their skin smooth and soft.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Sea Salt
- ¼ cup of Sweet Almond Oil
- ¼ cup of Vegetable Glycerine
- 40 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 35 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Myrrh Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
Directions
Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir together thoroughly. Scoop into jars or another airtight container. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the ingredients.
To Use
Aromatherapy Heating Pad
Winter aches and pains can affect many people in our lives and it's nice to give gifts to help ease them. This aromatherapy heating pad allows them to relieve those pains while enjoying the soothing scent of essential oils.
Supplies
- 1 yard of Flannel Fabric
- 1-3 cups of Uncooked Rice
- 10-20 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Scissors
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
Directions
- Cut fabric into 2 squares of equal size.
- Stack fabric squares with print sides together and carefully sew around the edges, leaving a 2 inch opening. Turn fabric outside in.
- Add essential oils to uncooked rice and fill the bag with scented rice mixture.
- Sew the opening closed and use your hand to evenly distribute the rice throughout the pad into a relatively flat shape.
To Use
Place pad in the microwave and heat in 20 seconds increments until you achieve the level of heat you desire. Place on area causing pain on and off for 20min increments.
Minty Smooth Lip Balm
Lip balm is something that is always useful and needed, especially in dry cold weather. These simple minty lip balms can be made in larger batches for the perfect stocking stuffers for your family.
Ingredients
- Lip Balm Tubes or Small Tins
- ¼ cup of Beeswax Pearls
- ⅓ cup of Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil
- 30 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
Directions
- Add beeswax, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil to a double boiler and heat until beeswax is completely melted, stirring throughout.
- Remove from heat and stir in essential oils.
- Carefully pour the mixture into your containers and allow to cool and harden for a few hours. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the ingredients.
Sore Foot Rub
Sore, aching feet can be an unfortunate side effect of our busy lives and running around preparing for the holiday season. This simple foot rub allows you to give the gift of relief to those in your life that may be feeling that pain.
Ingredients
- 4 ounce Amber Glass Bottle
- ½ cup of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 24 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 24 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Directions
Add essential oils and apple cider vinegar to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle up with the coconut oil and shake well to combine. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Add a few drops to your hands and massage into tired, sore feet. Shake before each use. Store in a cool, dark location away from children and pets.
Roll on Cologne
Men often have more limited options when it comes to natural self care and fragrance options. This woodsy, spicy roll on cologne is a great way to introduce the many benefits of essential oils to the men we love.
Ingredients
- 10 ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle
- 10 ml of Fractionated Coconut oil
- 4 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Clove Bud Essential Oil
Directions
Add the essential oils to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the rollerball and cap and gently shake. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the container with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Roll across your skin on wrists and neck. Shake before each use. Store in a cool, dark location away from children and pets.
Lavender Bath Melt
We have people in our lives who love to take care of others and leave little time for themselves. These lavender bath melts are perfect for our friends who need a little push to relax and indulge in some self care.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Cocoa Butter
- 1 ounce of Jojoba Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Dried Lavender Buds
- 50 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
Supplies
- Heat Safe Bowl
- Pot or Double Boiler
- Spoon
- Small Silicone Molds
Directions
- Heat cocoa butter and jojoba oil on a double boiler until the cocoa butter is completely melted, and the cocoa butter and jojoba oil have combined.
- Remove the combination from heat and stir in lavender essential oil.
- Place a small number of dried lavender buds into each cavity of your silicone mold.
- Pour the melted butter and oil mixture into each mold. Allow it to harden at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator for thirty minutes to one hour.
- Wrap them in saran wrap or in a plastic bag. Optional: Add a card with the gift or a decorative label on the wrap with the instructions for use and ingredients.
To Use
Place one bath melt under warm running water. Adding the bath melt while your bath is filling up will allow the oils to disperse more evenly throughout the bath water. Your tub may be slippery. Use caution while getting in and out of the tub.
Clay Diffuser Necklace
We all know someone who just can’t get enough of essential oils and all of their amazing benefits. This diffuser necklace is perfect for the essential oil lover in your life to take aromatherapy with them wherever they go.
Supplies
- Air Dry Clay
- Small Cookie Cutter (the size and shape you want your pendant to be)
- Straw
- Jewelry Cording
- Wax Paper
- 10ml Bottle of your loved one’s favorite essential oil or blend
- Optional skewer or rubber stamp
Directions
- On a surface covered with wax paper, roll out your clay until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Press the cookie cutter into the clay to create your pendant shape. Use the straw to create a hole at the top of the pendant shape for the cording.
- Use a rubber stamp to imprint a design if desired or a skewer to gently carve a more simple design.
- Allow the pendant to dry overnight.
- Cut the desired length of cording and string through the hole in the pendant. Tie a knot to secure.
- Gift wrap the necklace along with the bottle of essential oil and include a card explaining how to use it.
To Use
Place 3-5 drops of essential oil on the pendent and allow it to dry. Reapply as needed.