Christmas Sugar Scrubs DIY Recipe for Easy Holiday Gifts

These Christmas Sugar Scrubs are simple to make, lovely to give, and just right for softening winter-worn skin.

Whether you’re wrapping up gifts for neighbors or setting aside a jar for your own bath-side shelf, each recipe is a small act of seasonal joy.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for details.

A close-up of sugar scrub jars tied with decorative ribbons and displayed alongside gingerbread cookies and candy canes.

Why You’ll Love This DIY

Simple Enough for a Snowy Afternoon – These recipes are easy to make, even if you’re short on time or crafting experience. A warm kitchen, a wooden spoon, and a bowl are all you need.
Custom Scents, Your Way – From peppermint to gingerbread, you can tailor each batch to your favorite holiday notes—soft and sweet or spiced and bold.
Made for Gifting (and Keeping) – Whether you’re tucking jars into stockings or setting one beside your bathtub, these scrubs bring a little luxury to the season.
A Cottagecore Touch to Self-Care – With ingredients you likely already have and a pinch of creative joy, this is self-care wrapped in simplicity and love.

If you’re gathering handmade ideas for the season, you might also love these Homemade Fire Starters—practical, pretty, and perfect for cozy evenings by the hearth. Or take a peek at this DIY Dried Orange Garland—a classic cottage Christmas touch that fills the house with warmth and citrusy cheer.

A hand scooping gingerbread-scented sugar scrub into a small jar with holiday labels.

A closer angle of sugar scrub jars stacked and decorated for Christmas gifting, surrounded by cozy holiday accents.

A bowl of golden-brown sugar scrub mixture on a festive tablecloth, surrounded by holiday decor like dried oranges and gingerbread shapes.

FREE PRINTABLE LABELS

Get Your Christmas Sugar Scrub Label Set — Sent Straight to Your Inbox!

Sign UP!

Materials You Will Need

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – For gentle exfoliation; white sugar gives a finer scrub, while brown sugar adds a rich, warm texture
Coconut Oil – Melted and cooled; offers creamy moisture and binds the scrub beautifully
Tapioca Starch – Optional, but keeps the scrub light, smooth, and easy to scoop
Vanilla Extract – Adds a sweet, comforting note that softens both spice and mint scents
Molasses – Used in the gingerbread scrub for richness and true seasonal depth
Ground Spices – Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves infuse the eggnog scrub with cozy warmth
Essential Oils – Think ginger, clove, cassia, nutmeg, and peppermint—classic holiday aromas
Mixing Bowl – For stirring your soft, slow-made scrubs by hand
Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Gentle and simple for combining ingredients
4 oz Glass Jars – Perfect for storing or gifting in festive, small-batch portions

Tip: These scrubs are beautifully forgiving—if the texture feels off, just adjust as you go. A little more sugar will thicken it; a touch more oil will soften it. Don’t stress over perfection. Making something by hand is meant to feel a little rustic, a little messy, and deeply satisfying.

Cottage Living Newsletter

Join the Cottage Living Community

Seasonal recipes, cozy cottage projects, simple from-scratch living, and gentle inspiration for homemakers who crave a slower rhythm rooted in home and heart.

Sign ME UP!

Project Tips

Cool the Coconut Oil First – Let your coconut oil cool to room temperature before mixing. Warm oil can melt the sugar and leave your scrub too runny.

Mix Sugar Textures for Best Results – Try using both granulated and brown sugar for a scrub that feels both soft and slightly gritty—perfect for dry winter skin.

Add Essential Oils Slowly – A little goes a long way. Add essential oils one drop at a time, especially with strong scents like clove or peppermint.

Adjust the Texture as You Go – If your scrub feels too oily, stir in a bit more sugar. If it’s too dry, a small spoonful of coconut oil will help.

Seal and Store with Care – Spoon scrubs into clean, airtight jars. Press gently to avoid air pockets and store in a cool, dry place. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months.

A Hand holding a group of finished sugar scrub jars with festive labels and decor, perfect for holiday gifting.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sugars and tapioca starch (if using). Stir gently to blend and remove any clumps.
Drizzle in the cooled coconut oil and vanilla extract. If you’re making the gingerbread scrub, add the molasses here as well.
Sprinkle in any ground spices called for—nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves—depending on the recipe you’re using.
Add essential oils slowly, stirring as you go. Start small and adjust to your desired scent strength.
Check the texture. If it feels too dry, add a little more coconut oil. If it’s too wet, stir in extra sugar a bit at a time.
Spoon the scrub into clean, airtight jars. Press gently to eliminate air pockets, seal with a lid, and add your decorative touches.

Note: Don’t worry if you’re missing a specific oil or spice—these scrubs are wonderfully adaptable. You can adjust scents, textures, and ingredients to suit what you have on hand. Just be sure to store your scrub in a cool, dry place and use within 1–2 months for best freshness. Homemade gifts don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be made with care.

Recipe Variations

Create a Spiced Orange Scrub – Use sweet orange essential oil with a hint of clove and cinnamon for a festive, citrus-forward twist.
Make a Cozy Vanilla Blend – Skip the stronger spices and go for a soft blend of vanilla extract and vanilla essential oil for something simple and calming.
Try a Mocha-Inspired Version – Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a dash of ground coffee for a rich, warming scrub with a deep, earthy scent.
Blend Sugars for Texture – Use a mix of white and brown sugar to get both a gentle exfoliation and that rich, molasses-like texture perfect for winter skin.
Create a Trio Gift Set – Package one jar of each: Eggnog, Candy Cane, and Gingerbread—wrapped with ribbon and the included printable labels for a thoughtful handmade gift.

Shop The Project

Copper measuring cups and spoons with wooden handles, displayed with coffee beans and spices, ideal for accurate and beautiful baking prep.

Collection of twenty-four small 4 oz clear mason jars with silver metal lids, some filled with candy and spices.

32-ounce bag of 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Cane Sugar with colorful measuring cups and whisk illustration on the packaging

Set of three clear glass mixing bowls in different sizes, nested and arranged on a white background.

Don’t forget to pin this for later!

Three jars of homemade Christmas-themed sugar scrubs in Gingerbread, Candy Cane, and Eggnog scents, decorated with plaid ribbons and rustic labels, perfect for gifting

FAQ’s

Yes, absolutely. These scrubs are easy to adapt. You can play with essential oil blends to suit your preferences—try orange and clove for a cozy citrus twist, or add a hint of vanilla to mellow sharper scents like peppermint.

If stored in clean, airtight jars and kept in a cool, dry place, these scrubs can last up to 2 months. Be sure to avoid introducing water into the jar, which can shorten shelf life.

White granulated sugar creates a finer, softer scrub—perfect for sensitive skin. Brown sugar is coarser and gives a richer, more exfoliating texture, especially nice for the colder months.

Yes! Sweet almond, jojoba, or grapeseed oil are great alternatives. Just make sure it’s a skin-safe carrier oil with a light scent.

No refrigeration is needed. Just store your scrub in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place and keep water out of the jar to prevent spoilage.

More Recipes from the Cottage;

Supplies

Spoon or scoop: For transferring the scrub into jars neatly.
Kitchen towel or mat: To keep your workspace clean.
Large mixing bowls: For combining ingredients evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure each ingredient.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing sugar, oils, and spices.
Clean, airtight jars: Mason jars, glass jars, or small airtight containers for storing scrubs.
Pipette or dropper: For measuring and adding essential oils.
Small funnel (optional): To make transferring scrubs into jars easier.
Ribbon, twine, or labels: To decorate jars for gifting or personal use.

Elements

GINGERBREAD SUGAR SCRUB

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar light or dark
¼ cup coconut oil melted and cool to touch
4 tablespoons tapioca starch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons molasses
7 drops ginger essential oil
1 drop cassia essential oil
2 drops clove essential oil
3 drops nutmeg essential oil

EGGNOG SUGAR SCRUB

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup coconut oil melted and cool to touch
4 tablespoons tapioca starch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 drops nutmeg essential oil
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 drops clove essential oil
A pinch of ground cloves
1 drop cassia essential oil

CANDY CANE SUGAR SCRUB

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup coconut oil melted and cool to touch
20 drops peppermint essential oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

How to Make Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

Combine the Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until evenly blended.
Add the Coconut Oil and Molasses: Drizzle in the melted, cooled coconut oil and molasses. Stir gently until the mixture is fully moistened.
Stir in the Tapioca Starch and Vanilla Extract: Add the tapioca starch and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and thick.
Adjust the Texture: Check the consistency. If it feels too wet, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too dry, add a touch more coconut oil.
Transfer to Jars: Spoon the scrub into clean, airtight jars. Press gently to eliminate air pockets, then seal with lids.

How to Make Eggnog Sugar Scrub

Mix the Sugar and Tapioca Starch: Combine the granulated sugar and tapioca starch in a mixing bowl, stirring gently to blend.
Add Coconut Oil and Vanilla Extract: Drizzle in the melted, cooled coconut oil and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves. Stir well to evenly distribute the warm, festive spices.
Drop in Essential Oils: Add nutmeg, clove, and cassia essential oils one drop at a time, stirring after each addition for even blending.
Adjust the Texture: Check the consistency. If the scrub feels too dry, add a little coconut oil. If it’s too wet, stir in more sugar until it feels just right.
Spoon Into Jars: Transfer the finished scrub into clean, airtight jars. Press down gently to remove air pockets, then seal and decorate for gifting.

How to Make Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

Mix the Sugar: In a mixing bowl, pour in the granulated sugar and break up any clumps.
Add Coconut Oil and Vanilla Extract: Drizzle in the melted, cooled coconut oil and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix gently until the texture is smooth and consistent.
Add the Peppermint Essential Oil: Drop in the peppermint essential oil, stirring after every few drops to evenly blend the scent.
Adjust the Texture: Check the consistency. If the scrub feels too dry, add a bit more coconut oil. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more sugar.
Transfer to Jars: Spoon the scrub into clean, airtight jars. Press gently to remove any air pockets, then seal and decorate for gifting.

Notes

Storage Tips: Store scrubs in clean, airtight jars to keep them fresh and fragrant. They can last up to 2 months if stored at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid getting water into the jar during use.

Adjustable Scents: Feel free to adjust the number of essential oil drops to make the scent stronger or more subtle, depending on your preference.

Customization Ideas: Add a festive touch by layering different colored scrubs in a jar or sprinkling a pinch of edible glitter (safe for skin use) on top for extra sparkle.

Skin Sensitivity: Always patch-test scrubs before using them on sensitive skin to ensure there’s no reaction to the essential oils.

Holiday Gift Idea: Decorate jars with ribbons, twine, or personalized labels to make them perfect for gifting.

Consistency Adjustment: If the scrub feels too dry, add a small amount of melted coconut oil and stir. If it’s too wet, mix in a bit more sugar.

Use Instructions: Apply the scrub to wet skin in a circular motion to exfoliate. Rinse with warm water and pat dry for smooth, hydrated skin.

Homemade Christmas Sugar Scrubs