There’s something special about a handmade gift, especially during the holidays. Instead of adding something random to their stocking, you took the time to melt, mix, pour, wrap, and create something that feels personal. And when that gift smells good too? Even better.
We’ve rounded up five of our favorite DIY aromatherapy gifts you can make at home with simple ingredients, cozy scents, and a little creativity. From nourishing skin-care to grounding roll-ons, there’s something here for everyone on your list: coworkers, sisters, secret santas, neighbors, teachers, and the friend who already “has everything.”
Turn on a holiday playlist, grab your essential oils, and let’s make gifting feel fun again!
1. Snowflake Soap Bars
These look like the kind of soaps you’d find in a tiny winter boutique except you made them at home. And they’re way easier than they look!
All you need is a melt-and-pour soap base, your favorite essential oil (lavender is a winter classic), and a snowflake silicone mold. Melt the base, stir in your oil, pour, and let them set overnight. Once they’re set, just pop them out of the mold to reveal the snowflake design.
Package them in a small tin or wrap them in kraft paper with ribbon. It’s a small gift that feels really thoughtful.
Video tutorial: Stay tuned! Our step-by-step video will be out Thursday on our YouTube Shorts channel and Instagram Reels.
2. Essential Oil Roll-Ons
Roll-ons are a great way to personalize a gift because you can blend scents based on someone’s personality. Your friend who is always on the go? A bright, fresh citrus blend. Someone who loves a quiet night in? Something grounding and warm.
Add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oils to a roller bottle and fill the rest with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil to dilute the essential oils. Shake gently to combine. That’s it! Such a simple gift, but it looks beautiful when you label it and pair it with a little note.
Video Tutorial: Need a step-by-step? Check out our recent Citrus Woods Roll-On Perfume tutorial on Instagram Reels here!
3. Candy Cane Lip Scrub
If you want something sweet and festive, a candy cane lip scrub is perfect. It feels fun, it smells like winter, and it’s one of those gifts people actually use.
Make a small batch with white sugar, raw honey, crushed candy cane, Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, and a couple of drops of Peppermint Essential Oil. Spoon into a cute little jar and you’ve got the sweetest holiday gift for a stocking stuffer or something fun to tuck into a gift bag.
Video Tutorial: Need a step-by-step? Check out our recent Candy Cane Lip Scrub tutorial on Instagram Reels here!
Tip: Make an extra batch for yourself. You deserve a little treat too.
4. Lavender Body Butter
Nothing says “slow down and take care of yourself” like a jar of creamy body butter. It’s rich, cozy, and feels like such a treat during the dry winter season.
Melt your base oils (like shea butter and coconut oil), stir in Jojoba Carrier Oil and Lavender Essential Oil, and whip until fluffy. Let it cool, scoop into a jar, and add a little handwritten label. It looks like something from a spa and you made it from your kitchen.
Video Tutorial: Need a step-by-step? Check out our full in-depth tutorial on YouTube here!
Tip: Lavender and sweet almond oil make a soft, calming combination, great for nighttime use.
5. Simmer Pot Mason Jar
A simmer pot in a jar is a simple way to give someone the gift of cozy holiday scents. It looks adorable in a mason jar and is perfect for anyone who loves a warm, inviting space.
Fill the jar with your favorite ingredients like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and fresh rosemary. Tie or add a few essential oil bottles to the jar to customize and boost their scent.
All they have to do is add the ingredients to a pot and bring to a slight simmer to fill their home with cozy aromas.
Tip: Pair the jar with a candle lamp warmer for an easy way to release the aromas right at home without needing the stove.
DIY Gifting Tips
A few simple things we’ve learned along the way:
- Label everything - scent combos, ingredients, and how to use
- Keep gifts cool while they set
- Store in airtight containers before wrapping
- Use high-quality essential oils and carrier oils for best texture
- A small ribbon goes a long way in making it feel special
- Pair your gift with a handwritten card
And the most important: don’t stress about perfection. Handmade gifts are loved because they’re handmade.
Build Your Own DIY Kit
If you want to make more than one of these, having a multi-pack of essential oils makes it so much easier. You can mix scents, try new blends, and customize each gift based on the person. We like having a set on hand during the holidays so we can make a few different DIYs at once to save time and feel more creative.
Whether you’re gifting to five people or twenty, these little projects make the holidays feel a little more personal… and your home will smell amazing while you make them. A few simple ingredients, some favorite scents, and a little time is all you need to create gifts that feel thoughtful and handmade.
Ready to start your DIY gifting? Shop essential oil kits and more this holiday at sparoom.com.