DIY Herbal Gifts for the Holidays

Reviewed by Dr. Judith Thompson, ACHS Dean of Herbal Medicine

This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something heartfelt, handmade, and meaningful. A gift created with intention, using natural, responsibly sourced botanicals, and wellness-inspired ingredients from the Apothecary Shoppe, is perfect for thoughtful, meaningful gifting. Our Quality Promise ensures each product is rigorously sourced and tested for therapeutic-grade purity and ethical production.

Here are three DIY herbal gift ideas you can easily make and package yourself!

1. Soothing Herbal Bath Salt Blends

This gift is luxurious yet accessible, inviting relaxation, which is especially nice during the busy holiday season. It shows you took time and care, and uses botanicals from a trusted source.

What you’ll need:

• A base of Epsom salts, mineral bath salts, sea salt, or Himalayan pink salt.

• Dried botanicals from the Shoppe’s herb collection, such as:

• Calendula flowers Calendula officinalis

• Lavender flowers Lavandula angustifolia

• A carrier oil or base oil (e.g., sweet almond or apricot kernel) if you like a lightly scented/oily finish.

• A few drops of essential oil (for example: Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile, or one from the “warm & cozy” collection).

• Mason jars or glass bottles with a cork or screw top, plus tags or ribbon for holiday packaging.
  
  

Instructions:

1. Measure 1 cup of the salts into a mixing bowl.

2. Add 2 Tbsp of the dried botanicals (e.g., calendula + lavender) and gently stir.

3. Add 5-10 drops of your essential oil and stir again until uniformly scented.

4. If using carrier oil, add ½ tsp and stir, so the salts have a light sheen.

5. Spoon the mixture into your jar or bottle, then seal it.

6. Decorate with a fun label such as “Relax & Restore Bath Salts.” Add the instructions: “Add ½ cup to a warm bath, soak 20 min, and breathe deeply.”

7. Wrap with a ribbon and include a small wooden scoop if desired.

2. Custom Herbal Tea Blends

Tea is timeless. It invites a cozy moment, evokes comfort, and feels personal when you blend it yourself. It also showcases the high-quality herbs from the Apothecary Shoppe.

What you’ll need:

• Dried herbs from the Apothecary Shoppe, such as:

• Chamomile Matricaria recutita

• Calendula Calendula officinalis

• Rose Petals Rosa centifolia

• Elderflower Sambucus nigra

• Yarrow Achillea millefolium

• Peppermint Mentha ×piperita

• A loose-leaf tea tin or small glass jar with a lid.

• A unique label: e.g., “Winter Warmth Herbal Blend” or “Evening Calm Tea”

• A tag with steeping instructions: “Use 1 tsp per cup, steep 5-7 min in hot water.”
  
  

Instructions:

1. Choose 2–3 herbs and mix in approximately equal parts (or weighted by what you like).

• For an “evening calm” blend, use chamomile + lavender + rose petals.

• For a “winter immune-support” blend, use elderflower + yarrow + peppermint.

2. Blend thoroughly and transfer into the jar/tin.

3. Add your label and instructions. 

4. Decorate with ribbon or craft paper for a rustic, natural look.

5. Optional: include a beautiful Glass Herbal Tea Pot as part of your gift
   
   

3. Herbal Infused Body Oil or Massage Oil

This gift provides a soothing, handcrafted treat that nourishes the skin and delights the senses. It’s perfect for self-care or a romantic experience to share.

What you’ll need:

• A base/carrier oil (e.g., apricot kernel, sweet almond, grapeseed).

• Dried herbs from the Apothecary Shoppe to infuse, such as:

• Calendula Calendula officinalis

• Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis

• Comfrey leaf Symphytum officinale

• A small amber glass bottle (dropper or roller) or dropper bottle for body oil.

• Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer.

• A label: “Holiday Herbal Body Oil” or “Relaxing Massage Oil.”
  
  

Instructions:

1. Lightly crush 2 Tbsp of your dried herb and place it into a clean glass jar.

2. Pour ½ cup carrier oil over the herbs and seal the jar.

3. Let it infuse in a warm sunny spot for about 1 week (shaking once a day).

4. Strain out the herbs through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer and pour the infused oil into your amber bottle.

5. Label and decorate your bottle. Include the usage suggestion: “Apply a few drops after a bath or use for a shoulder/neck massage.”
   
   

Bundle Ideas for Gifting

• Combine the bath salt and herbal tea in a small gift basket for a “Relaxation Night In.”

• Pair a body oil and dried herb bundle for a “Self-Care Sunday” theme.

• Create a trio: “Relax (bath salts) + Restore (body oil) + Sip (tea)” in one festive box.
  
  

Join Our Holiday Herbal Webinar

Want to dive even deeper into holiday herbs and essential oils? Join us for the End-of-Year Hands-on Holiday Oil and Tea Party on December 11th at 11 am PT! This interactive ACHS webinar will explore why certain botanicals are beloved during the holidays, how they can support the body, and will feature live demonstrations on safe, creative ways to use them in your own seasonal projects.

Purchase supplies for these recipes from the Apothecary Shoppe now, and you’ll be able to craft your creations during the live webinar! Register for the webinar.

Happy creating and happy holidays!