It’s almost that time of year again when the air is perfumed with the scent of mince pies, fairy lights twinkle in every window and you find yourself on a mission to find gifts that don’t scream last-minute Tesco run.
This festive season, why not avoid the stress of panic buying on Christmas Eve Eve and make the gifts yourself? Not only is it a great way to save some pennies, it’s also incredibly fun and a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Especially if you’re getting crafty with soaps—they’re super easy to make, smell incredible and are as practical as that trusty pair of slippers everyone secretly loves to get.
Eager to get stuck into a new soap-making project? To help you get started, we’ve rounded up our best Christmas soap scents and pinpointed exactly who we think they’d delight.
A quick guide to making your own Christmas soaps
Before we run you through our fragrance top-picks, here’s a speedy guide to whipping up your festive soaps if you’re a newbie to the craft.
- Grab your gear: You’ll need a melt-and-pour soap base (glycerine, shea butter, whatever floats your boat), fragrance oils, moulds and any fun extras like dried herbs or colours.
- Melt the base: Chop your soap base into chunks, then melt it in the microwave in 30-second blasts or over a double boiler. Stir until it’s all silky smooth.
- Add your scents: Time to personalise your creations with fragrance! Bear in mind that the maximum amount you can add is 3% of the total soap weight or the maximum allowed by the IFRA standards under category 9, whichever is lower. So for 500g of soap, that would be a maximum of 15g unless the IFRA percentage is lower. Start by adding a small amount, mix it in, and give it a sniff to see if it's festive enough for you. Remember, don’t go full Grinch on the scents—it's always easier to add more fragrance than to try and take it out, so start small and build up the scent gradually.
- Mix in the goodies: Throw in your colours, dried herbs or whatever you’ve got to add some pizazz. Stir it all together, making sure the festive feels are spread evenly.
- Pour and chill: Pour your fragrant mixture into moulds, tap them on the counter to pop any bubbles, and let them cool. It’s basically a waiting game now.
- Pop, wrap and wow: Once set, pop them out and wrap each one in plastic to prevent any sweating. Then, wrap them up in something snazzy, add a tag and boom—you've got an instant handmade gift that’s ten times better than anything you'd find on the high street.
And there you have it: soaps that smell like Christmas, made by you. Easy, fun and way more personal than another set of novelty socks.
11 Christmas soap scents for every family member
Now for the main event: Christmas soap scents. We’ve put together a line-up of our favourite ones and matched them with who we think they’d suit best. But hey, these are just our suggestions—you know your family better than we do. So mix and match as you please; these scents can work for anyone on your list.
Christmas Berries (for Mum)
What it smells like: A festive fusion of blackcurrant, lemon peel, fir needle, rose, nutmeg and plum, it's like that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you're curled up by the fire with a cuppa and mince pie, watching 'It's a Wonderful Life' for the umpteenth time.
Why it suits: Mums deserve the world, but the closest we can get this Christmas is a handmade gift—even better, one that smells AMAZING. This complex blend of festive fruits and spices feels luxurious and indulgent, perfect for the woman who always puts everyone else first.
Gifting tip: Wrap it in a festive tea towel (she'll appreciate the practicality) and maybe slip in a handwritten note telling her how much you love her. Because, let's face it, a bit of heartfelt soppiness never hurt anyone, especially at Christmas.
Wise Men (for Dad)
What it smells like: A comforting blend of frankincense, amber, cedar and a touch of earthy patchouli. It's like that peaceful feeling of church on Christmas Eve, mixed with a hint of his favourite aftershave.
Why it suits: Dads are often the quiet backbone of the family, the ones who keep everything ticking over. 'Wise Men' is a nod to their strength and dependability, a fragrance that's both calming and reassuring. It's a subtle, no-nonsense scent that gets the job done, much like Dad himself.
Gifting tip: Pair it with a good book or a bottle of his favourite whisky. It's a gift for him to enjoy in his shed or man cave, a moment of peace and quiet away from the Christmas chaos.
Gingerbread Cookies (for Sisters)
What it smells like: A warm, inviting blend of orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, buttery biscuits and vanilla. It's like the sweet chaos of building gingerbread houses as kids—the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
Why it suits: Sisters are often our partners in crime, the ones we share secrets and laughter with. 'Gingerbread Cookies' is a playful, joyful scent that captures the spirit of sisterhood. It's sweet and comforting, with a touch of spice that adds a bit of personality—just like your sister.
Gifting tip: Team it with a cute mug and a packet of her favourite biscuits for a Christmas treat. It's a gift that encourages her to take a break, put her feet up and indulge in a little bit of festive cheer.
Candy Cane (for Brothers)
What it smells like: A refreshing blast of peppermint, crisp and invigorating. It's like that minty tingle you get after brushing your teeth, but in a good way—wake-up-and-seize-the-day fresh.
Why it suits: Let's face it, your brother probably has enough Lynx Africa to last him a lifetime. This Christmas, give him something a bit more grown-up. 'Candy Cane' is a playful yet sophisticated scent that'll make him feel fresh and ready to tackle whatever the holidays throw at him.
Gifting tip: Bundle it with a new flannel or a cosy pair of socks. It's a subtle way to encourage a bit of self-care, even for the most low-maintenance of brothers.
Jolly Berry (for Aunties)
What it smells like: A festive blend of fir needle, mulberry, rose, vanilla, and cinnamon. It's like a cosy winter walk through a snow-dusted forest, with a hint of mulled wine warming you from the inside out.
Why it suits: Aunties are often the fun-loving, slightly mischievous members of the family, always up for a laugh and a good time. 'Jolly Berry' perfectly captures their playful spirit. It's festive without being too over-the-top, and has just the right balance of sweetness and spice—a bit like your Auntie herself.
Gifting tip: Gift it with a colourful scarf or a pair of woolly gloves. It'll keep her warm and cosy during those winter outings, reminding her of your thoughtfulness every time she catches a whiff of its dreamy aroma.
Citrus, Musk & Patchouli (for Uncles)
What it smells like: A zesty burst of citrus, balanced by warm musk and earthy patchouli. It's like a freshly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea, invigorating yet comforting, with a touch of old-school charm.
Why it suits: Uncles are notoriously difficult to buy for. They either have everything they need, or they're so laid-back they insist they don't want anything. But trust us, even the most stoic uncle will crack a smile when they receive this thoughtful gift. 'Citrus, Musk & Patchouli' is a classic, masculine scent that's both refreshing and grounding. It's a fragrance that says "I care", without being overly sentimental.
Gifting tip: Pair it with a good quality shaving kit or a bottle of his favourite craft beer. It's a practical yet indulgent gift that he'll actually use and appreciate.
Mandarin, Lavender & Amber (for Grandma)
What it smells like: A gentle blend of sweet mandarin, calming lavender, and warm amber. It's like a cosy afternoon spent knitting by the fire, a cup of tea steaming on the table beside a vase of fresh lavender.
Why it suits: Grandmas deserve all the love and pampering in the world. 'Mandarin, Lavender & Amber' is a soft, comforting scent that's as gentle and nurturing as she is. It's a fragrance that evokes feelings of warmth, serenity, and nostalgia, perfect for the woman who always makes you feel at home.
Gifting tip: Pair it with a soft, fluffy blanket or a beautiful scented candle. It's a gift that encourages her to relax and unwind, reminding her how much you cherish her presence in your life.
Spiced Maple & Citrus (for Grandad)
What it smells like: A warm, inviting blend of spiced maple, zesty citrus, and a hint of woodsy notes. It's like a cosy evening spent in his favourite armchair, a pipe in hand and a good book open on his lap.
Why it suits: Grandads are a national treasure, full of wisdom, bad jokes and Werther's Originals. 'Spiced Maple & Citrus' is a comforting, nostalgic scent that's as dependable and heart-warming as he is. It's got that classic, old-school charm, with a hint of sweetness to remind you he's a softie at heart.
Gifting tip: Pair it with a vintage pocket flask or a personalised mug with his favourite catchphrase. It's a gift that'll make him chuckle and reassure him that you care.
White Christmas (for Girlfriends)
What it smells like: Kick off with lavender—fresh as a frosty morning without the need to scrape your car windows. Then it slips into a seductive mix of ylang-ylang and clove, wrapping up with a hit of white floral that’s as sophisticated as a New Year’s Eve at home, but in pyjamas instead of party dresses.
Why it suits: This is for the girlfriend who keeps you sane when you're about to lose it over tangled Christmas lights. 'White Christmas' is her in a bottle: effortlessly elegant, a bit spicy and just enough cheer to make even the coldest days feel warm. It’s ideal for the lady who can make a winter coat and wellies look like the height of fashion. Plus, a handmade gift like this? Straight into the good books, guaranteed.
Gifting tip: Include a cosy pair of slippers and an invitation for a quiet evening in, complete with the promise of a Christmas movie night with mulled wine on continuous pour.
Winter Walks (for Boyfriends)
What it smells like: It kicks off with a brisk blast of ozone mixed with a medley of peppermint, spearmint, and wild berries, like stepping out into a crisp winter morning when the world is still quiet. The scent then shifts into a heart of spices and rounds off with a comforting hug of musk and fir balsam.
Why it suits: Tailored for the boyfriend who treats his skincare routine like a sacred ritual and believes a good beard oil is worth its weight in gold. 'Winter Walks' matches his refined taste and his knack for turning self-care into a high art. It’s the perfect scent for a guy who knows the power of a good fragrance and a polished look, whether he’s on a brisk walk or just chilling at home.
Gifting tip: Throw in a stylish scarf along with this scent and include a note promising an actual winter walk, complete with a stop for hot chocolate (or perhaps a pub visit to really warm up).
Cranberry Appletini (for Friends)
What it smells like: Starts with a lively zap of orange and mandarin—just the kick you need, like the first sips of a cocktail at happy hour. The middle notes of plum and cranberry add a cheeky tartness, while the comforting finish of raspberry and apple is as cosy as a pub chat by the fire.
Why it suits: Perfect for your mates who light up a room and keep the banter flowing. 'Cranberry Appletini' captures the essence of those lively pub nights and lazy Sunday brunches. It's a scent that’s as bold and bubbly as their laughter, and just as essential to your weekend plans. Plus, a handmade gift like this shows way more thought than anything you’d grab off the shelf at Boots.
Gifting tip: Pair it with a quirky set of drinking jars or a DIY cocktail kit. Add a card that promises the next round’s on you, setting up the plans for another memorable night out!
And that’s a wrap on our Christmas soap scents for this year! With this line-up, you’re ready to tackle your gift list in a way that’s personal, creative and completely unique. From Mum’s luxurious blend to your best friend’s bold and alluring fragrance, each soap brings its own little bit of festive magic.
Over to you—happy crafting!
No more frantic shopping aisles or generic gift sets that end up regifted; this year, you’re bringing a personal touch that’s practical and heartfelt. Remember that soap-making isn’t just about the finished product; it’s also about taking a moment to slow down, get stuck in and make something with your own two hands. Plus, it’s a lovely festive activity to help you get into the Christmas spirit!
So, whether you’re gifting to Mum, your best mate or even keeping one for yourself, you’re putting in your time, effort and a bit of love with every bar—and this makes your gift more thoughtful than anything shop-bought. Who knows? You might just start a new holiday tradition or spark your own side hustle.
Just a heads up: This guide is intended for crafters making soaps for loved ones. If you are dreaming bigger and thinking of selling your creations, there's some legal stuff you'll need to know.