The Magic of Handmade Holiday Gifts

Every year around this time, I find myself reaching for lavender, ribbons, and gift boxes scattered across my workbench. There’s something special about gifting something handmade — it feels intentional, like you poured love and care into every detail.

Whether it’s for your best friend who needs a little me-time, your mom who does everything for everyone, or even yourself (because let’s face it, you deserve a break too), these Holiday Spa Gift Ideas for Her are all about slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying a touch of indulgence.

Let’s dive into some of my favorite ideas straight from my studio shelves — and yes, most of these you can make yourself or buy ready-made to simplify your holiday prep.

💜 1. Lavender Spa Gift Box

There’s a reason lavender tops every gift list I make — it’s timeless, calming, and smells like pure comfort. I love gifting a Lavender Spa Box because it suits anyone, from a stressed college student to a grandmother who loves her nightly baths.

Inside my own boxes, I usually include:

• Lavender Shower Steamers – find the supplies in my DIY Skincare Essentials Amazon list (affiliate link).
• Lavender Body Butter – rich, non-greasy moisture that melts into dry skin.
• Dried Lavender Flowers – Organic Culinary Lavender (affiliate link) for sachets, bath soaks, or decor.
• Lavender Linen Spray – a spritz on the pillow helps her unwind after long winter days.

Maker Tip: Tie the box with raffia and slip a sprig of dried lavender under the bow for a farmhouse-style finish.

If you’d like to create your own shower steamers, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Making Shower Steamers eBook — it walks you through the process from start to finish.

2. DIY Sugar Scrub Kit

One of my favorite DIY projects to gift is a Sugar Scrub Kit. It’s creative, easy, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a little “hands-on” fun. I once made a batch with peppermint fragrance and tucked it into small 4oz jars for my daughter and her friends — they were obsessed.

To assemble your own:

• Foaming Bath Butter Base → Get it here (affiliate link)
• Fine sugar, fragrance oils, and pastel mica powders (Marblers Cosmetic Grade (affiliate link))
• BakeRoyal Silicone Spatula Set → Amazon link (affiliate link)
• Wilton 12-Inch Pastry Bags → Shop here (affiliate link)

Watch next: DIY Whipped Sugar Scrub Video Tutorial — I show exactly how to pipe it fluffy and smooth.

If you’re short on time, you can pre-make the scrub and package it in Clear Cosmetic Jars (affiliate link) — still beautiful, still thoughtful.

3. Cozy Bath Bomb Collection

Nothing says “spa night” like watching a bath bomb fizz away in warm water while candles flicker nearby. I started gifting bath bombs years ago and now I can’t stop — they’ve become my signature holiday treat.

My favorite blend for winter is Pumpkin Spice & Oatmeal Milk & Honey — cozy, creamy, and comforting. If you want to make your own, grab my Pumpkin Bath Treats Recipe Guide eBook — it includes both bath bomb and truffle recipes.

You’ll need:

• Citric Acid → Roots Circle All Natural (affiliate link)
• Baking Powder (Arm & Hammer Bulk) → Shop here (affiliate link)
• Golden Apple 9oz Clear Plastic Cups → Amazon link (affiliate link) for cute single-bath packaging

Presentation tip: Nestle four bath bombs into Best Packaging for Handmade Skincare & Gifts (affiliate link) gift boxes with shredded crinkle paper and a gift tag.

4. At-Home Facial Gift Set

We all have that friend who loves skincare — the one who glows year-round. For her, a DIY Facial Gift Set is thoughtful and practical.

What I love to include:

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser → Get It Here (affiliate link)
• The Ordinary Serums for Healthy Skin → Shop Here (affiliate link)
• White Kaolin Clay Powder → Amazon link (affiliate link) for gentle detoxing
• Reusable mask brush, soft spa headband, and a small mirror

I like to write a little note that says, “Apply mask, sip tea, breathe deeply.” Sometimes it’s the reminder that matters most.

5. Relaxation Gift Basket

When I can’t decide, I just combine everything I love into one basket. I call it the Relaxation Spa Basket, and it’s always a hit.

Include a mix of:

• Eucalyptus & Lavender Shower Steamers (energizing yet soothing)
• Himalayan Pink Salt Bath Soak → Shop Himalayan Chef Salt (affiliate link)
• Lavender Honey Lip Scrub – See the recipe blog
• Glass Tea Infuser Kettle → Shop the Kettle (affiliate link)

Finishing touch: add a mug, a few sachets of chamomile tea, and wrap it in clear cello tied with a satin bow.

If you want to see how I package my gift baskets, check out the Holiday Spa Gift Ideas for Her video on the Vermont Lavender YouTube channel (link coming soon!).

🎁 Shop the Look

Browse my Amazon lists for inspiration and easy holiday shopping:
👉 DIY Skincare Essentials – Amazon List (affiliate link)
👉 Best Packaging for Handmade Skincare & Gifts (affiliate link)

Related Posts

• DIY Rose Gold Bath Bombs – Sparkle Up Your Self-Care Routine
• 10 Dry Skin Care Routine Steps | Daily Skin Care at Home
• Top 10 Self-Care Routines & Ideas – Reduce Stress for a Healthier You

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me and my small business! Your contributions help keep my passion for natural skincare, lavender, and creativity thriving. I only recommend products I trust and love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Share Your Results!

Have you created a spa gift box or handmade skincare gift this holiday season? I’d love to hear what you made!
Share your results in the comments below, and tag @VermontLavender on social media.

Looking for more? Visit our shop for high-quality lavender essential oils and other skincare essentials. Shop Now