Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

Quick & Easy Herbal Christmas Gifts

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you are finding yourself feeling caught off guard and scrambling for thoughtful gift ideas, rest assured that there is still time to make meaningful, heartfelt presents. These quick herbal DIY gifts can be assembled in an afternoon, yet still feel personal and thoughtful. These simple projects require minimal prep time but deliver maximum thoughtfulness.

The Beauty of Simple Gifts

Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the simplest ones. In a world that often feels rushed, overwhelming, and filled with commercialism and mass-produced items, handmade herbal gifts bring us back to what matters most: caring for one another’s well-being.

Herbal Bath Gifts

Simple Herbal Bath Tea Bags

One of the quickest bath gifts you can make is herbal bath tea bags. These are perfect for anyone who loves a relaxing soak in their tub.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28

Supplies:

• Large muslin tea bags or drawstring muslin bags (2x3 inches or larger)

• Dried herbs of choice

• Ribbon or twine

• Gift tags

Loosely fill each muslin bag with about ¼–½ cup (depending on the bag size) of your selected herbal blend, tie closed with a ribbon or some twine, and attach a decorative tag: "Toss into tub as it is filling with warm water and let it steep to create a relaxing bath experience."

Calming Bath Tea

• 2 parts dried lavender

• 2 parts dried lemon balm

• 1 part dried rose petals

• 1 part dried chamomile

Soothing Bath Tea

• 2 parts rolled oats

• 2 parts Epsom salts

• 1 part dried calendula

• 1 part dried chamomile

Muscle Soak Bath Tea

• 2 parts dried peppermint

• 2 parts dried calendula

• 1 part dried rosemary

• 1 part dried orange peel

• ½ part dried ginger

Quick & Easy Herbal Bath Salts

Bath salts come together in minutes and make beautiful layered gifts in clear jars.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. -Psalm 4:8

Base Recipe:

• 3 cups salt (Epsom, sea salt, Himalayan, or a blend)

• ¼ cup baking soda (skin soothing)

• ¼ cup dried/powdered milk (optional for additional skin soothing)

• ¼ - ½ cup dried, coarsely ground or powdered herbs of choice

• 2-4 Tbsp carrier oil of choice (such as jojoba, almond, moringa)

• 10-12 drops essential oils (optional)

In a large bowl, mix salts, baking soda, and herbs together. In a separate container, blend the oil and essential oils (if using) together, then combine the oils with the herbal salt, stirring thoroughly. Package in small air-tight jars, with a cute gift tag: "Use ¼ - ½ cup of bath salt for a regular-sized bath or 1-2 Tbsp per foot soak. Caution: the oil can cause the tub to be slippery; be sure to wipe down the sides of your tub after draining."

Lavender Dream Bath Salts

• Following the base recipe

• ¼ cup dried lavender buds, powdered

• 8 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil

• 4 drops Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) essential oil

Citrus Garden Bath Salts

• Following the base recipe

• 4 Tbsp dried orange peel, powdered

• 4 Tbsp dried peppermint leaves, coarsely ground or powdered

• 6 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil

• 5 drops thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool) essential oil

Forest Therapy Bath Salts

• Following the base recipe

• ¼ cup dried rosemary, powdered

• 5 drops Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil

• 5 drops black spruce (Picea mariana) essential oil

  

  
  

Culinary Herbal Gifts

Custom Herbal Blends

Gather small jars, create cheerful labels, and put together sets of flavorful herbal seasoning mixes.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! -Psalm 34:8

Savory Garden Seasoning

• 3 parts dried chives

• 2 parts dried basil

• 2 parts dried thyme

• 2 parts dried parsley

• 2 parts rosemary (finely ground)

• 1 part garlic powder

Spicy Bagel Seasoning

• 2 parts dried minced onion

• 2 parts dried minced garlic

• 2 parts fennel or celery seeds

• 1 part poppy seeds

• 1 part coarse sea salt

• 1 part cracked black pepper

• ½ part red pepper flakes

Ranch Seasoning Mix

• 2 parts dried parsley

• 2 parts dried dill

• 2 parts dried chives

• 1 part garlic powder

• 1 part onion powder

• 1 part dried basil

• ½ part black pepper

• ½ part sea salt

Gourmet Herbal Salts

Herbal salts elevate everyday cooking and make impressive gifts, especially when mixed and matched with the herb blends above.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! -Psalm 119:103

Lemon Rosemary Salt

• 3 parts coarse sea salt

• 2 parts dried lemon peel, powdered

• 1 part dried rosemary, powdered

• 1 part cracked black pepper

Garlic Herb Salt

• 3 parts fine sea salt

• 3 parts paprika

• 2 parts garlic powder

• 1 part dried parsley

• 1 part dried thyme

• ½ part cracked black pepper

Sage Seasoning Salt

• 3 parts sea salt, smoked if available

• 2 parts dried sage

• 1 part dried thyme

• 1 part dried rosemary, powdered

• ½ part cracked black pepper

Beautiful on grilled meats, roasted root vegetables, and butternut squash.

Stovetop Simmer Pot Kits

These fragrant kits bring instant holiday cheer and make the house smell amazing. Package in a mason jar along with a tag: "Add contents to a pot with 4+ cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, adding water as needed. Fills your home with the scent of Christmas!"

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. -Ephesians 5:2

Classic Christmas Simmer Pot

• 2 parts dried orange, sliced

• 2 parts dried rosemary

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks per gift jar

• 1 part whole cloves

• 1 part star anise

• 1 part dried juniper berries

Winter Woods Simmer Pot

• 3 parts fresh or dried evergreen needles (fir, pine, or spruce)

• 3 parts dried lemon, sliced

• 1 part juniper berries

• 1 part allspice berries

• 1-2 cinnamon chips per gift jar

• 2-3 bay leaves per gift jar

Apple Pie Simmer Pot

• 4 parts dried apple, sliced

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks per gift jar

• 1 part whole cloves

• 1 part dried ginger pieces

• 1 part star anise

Citrus Spice Simmer Pot

• 2 parts dried orange, sliced

• 2 parts dried lemon, sliced

• 2 parts dried lime, sliced

• 2 parts dried rosemary

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks per gift jar

• 1 part whole cloves

• 1 part cardamom pods

Creating Gift Labels and Tags

Your labels should include:

• Product name

• Instructions for use

• Ingredients list (important for allergies)

• Date made and shelf life (1 year, or less if an ingredient had a shorter shelf-life)

Note: Recipes use 'parts' for easy scaling.

One 'part' = your chosen measurement (1 tsp, 1 Tbsp, ¼ cup, etc.).

For example: 2 parts lavender + 1 part chamomile could be 2 Tbsp lavender + 1 Tbsp chamomile

Final Thoughts

With just over two weeks until Christmas, now is the perfect time to gather your supplies and start creating. “Other gift ideas not listed here that are also wonderful options include: herbal hot cocoa, winter skin care products, tea blends, melt-and-pour soap, scented candles, and eye pillows.

Turn on some Christmas music, invite the kids or a friend to help, and have a fun time!

What will you make first?