If you’re anything like me, you know that the best handmade gifts can’t always be made at the last minute. Some projects—like cold process soap—need weeks to cure, while others simply take time to gather supplies, create, and package with care. That’s exactly why I love celebrating Christmas in July. It’s the perfect excuse to start planning for a handmade holiday without the stress of a December rush.
Over the years, we’ve hosted some unforgettable Christmas in July gatherings, complete with hilarious White Elephant exchanges that have become family legends. (Yes, the giant Christmas sweater and that infamous pair of underwear made the rounds for years!) Those memories are part of what makes this tradition so much fun.
Whether you’re planning your own Christmas in July celebration or you’re simply someone who likes to get a head start on holiday gift-making, this guide is filled with ideas to inspire you.
Inside, you’ll find handmade gift ideas, natural products I genuinely love, trusted companies I enjoy supporting, and time-tested DIY recipes that are perfect for gifting. I’ve also included a few special splurge-worthy finds if you’re looking to treat someone—or yourself—to something extra special.
From healthy ingredients and beautiful handcrafted products to DIY gifts you can start making today, there’s something here for every maker and every gift list.
Now, let’s dive in and start planning a handmade holiday you’ll actually enjoy creating.
Table of Contents
- Gold Jewelry for Gifting
- Handmade Holiday Soap Recipes
- Luxurious Lotion for Gifts
- Handmade Soap for Men
- Herbal Lip Balm Recipes
- Facial and Body Scrubs
- Homemade Candles
- Diffuser Oil Blends
- Homemade Herbal Teas
- Handmade Gift Basket Ideas
- Creative Gift Wrapping & Packaging
- Final Thoughts
1. Gold Jewelry for Gifting
I actually love the combination of handmade with something polished. It’s an earthy, yet elegant look that’s natural and classy at the same time. Whether it’s a delicate necklace, a pair of simple earrings, or a meaningful bracelet, jewelry has a way of becoming part of someone’s everyday life and become even more special if they are high-quality pieces that are passed down from generation to generation.
If you’re looking for a gift that feels both elegant and personal, this gold jewelry is a wonderful choice. It’s perfect for moms, sisters, friends, teachers, or anyone who appreciates classic style that will last for years to come.
2. Handmade Holiday Soap Recipes
Homemade soap is one of my favorite gifts to make because it’s both beautiful and practical. The only catch is that many cold process soaps need four to six weeks to cure, making Christmas in July the perfect time to start creating.
Whether you love festive scents, herbal ingredients, or naturally colored bars, making soap ahead of time means you’ll have plenty of gorgeous gifts ready when the holidays arrive. Package them with ribbon, kraft paper, or a handmade label for an extra special touch. You can also try some from my shop now.
3. Luxurious Lotion for Gifts
A rich, nourishing lotion is always a welcome gift during the colder months. Homemade lotions made with quality oils and butters feel incredibly luxurious while giving friends and family something they’ll actually use every day.
From lightweight lotions to rich body creams, there are plenty of recipes to suit every skin type. Pair a handmade lotion with coordinating soap or lip balm to create a beautiful spa-inspired gift set. Make your own with my recipes or get some from my shop.
4. Handmade Soap for Men
Finding thoughtful gifts for the men in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. Handmade soaps with earthy, woodsy, citrus, or spicy scents make practical gifts that feel just a little more special than anything you’ll find on a store shelf.
These soaps are perfect for husbands, dads, brothers, grandfathers, or coworkers. Add them to a gift basket with a shaving brush, beard oil, or handcrafted wooden soap dish for a gift that’s both useful and memorable.
5. Herbal Lip Balm Recipes
Lip balm is one of those small gifts that everyone appreciates. They’re inexpensive to make, easy to customize, and perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors, or adding to larger gift baskets.
Using nourishing oils, beeswax, and herbal infusions creates lip balms that feel wonderful while avoiding unnecessary ingredients. Once you start making your own, you’ll probably find yourself keeping a few extras for your own purse or pocket, too.
6. Facial and Body Scrubs
Sugar and salt scrubs make wonderful homemade gifts because they’re quick to create and instantly feel like a little luxury. They’re perfect for encouraging a little self-care during the busy holiday season.
From gentle facial scrubs to exfoliating body scrubs scented with essential oils, there are endless ways to customize them. Package them in reusable glass jars with festive labels, and you’ll have a gift that’s both beautiful and practical.
7. Homemade Candles
Few things create a cozy holiday atmosphere quite like a beautiful, naturally scented candle. Making your own allows you to choose natural waxes, favorite fragrances, and containers that match your personal style.
Candles make wonderful standalone gifts or can be paired with soap, lotion, tea, or a favorite book for a thoughtful gift basket. They’re one of those handmade gifts that people enjoy long after the holidays are over.
8. Diffuser Oil Blends
Essential oil diffuser blends are a simple way to fill a home with comforting seasonal aromas. Whether you enjoy warm spices, fresh evergreens, bright citrus, or calming lavender, creating custom blends lets you personalize every gift.
Bottle your favorite combinations in small glass bottles with handwritten labels or include printable blend recipes alongside a diffuser. They’re thoughtful gifts for anyone who enjoys creating a peaceful, welcoming home.
9. Homemade Herbal Teas
There’s something comforting about curling up with a warm cup of herbal tea on a cold winter evening. Homemade tea blends are easy to customize using dried herbs, flowers, and spices, making them a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Package loose-leaf blends in glass jars, reusable tea tins, or kraft bags with brewing instructions and a handwritten note. Pair them with a favorite mug, local honey, or homemade cookies for a cozy gift that’s sure to be appreciated throughout the season.
Gift Baskets
If you’re wondering how to put these all together, then consider making a few different categories and making a gift basket. Gift baskets are incredibly popular around the holidays because they let you combine several small handmade items into one thoughtful gift.
There are many times throughout the year to create gift baskets. Some great ideas include:
- New neighbor welcome basket
- Spa gift basket (soap, lotion, lip balm, scrub, candle)
- Tea lover’s basket (herbal tea, mug, honey, candle)
- Men’s grooming basket
- Hostess gift basket
Make all of your gifts or find Handmade Gifts in my Shop.
Handmade Gift Packaging Ideas
Presentation makes handmade gifts feel even more special.
Include ideas like:
- Kraft boxes
- Mason jars
- Muslin bags
- Twine and dried orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Handmade gift tags
- Wax seals
- Reusable baskets
Get beautiful gift-wrapping ideas and make handmade wrapping paper here.
Whether you’re making a single thoughtful gift for Christmas in July or planning an entire handmade Christmas, I hope these ideas inspire you to start creating now. A little planning in July can make the holiday season feel far less stressful—and much more enjoyable.
I’d love to hear what handmade gifts you’re making this year, so leave a comment below and share your favorite Christmas in July tradition!
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