DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts: 14 Cozy Holiday Jars Everyone Will Want to Unwrap

DIY sugar scrub gifts are the cozy homemade present everyone is talking about this fall. A whipped gingerbread body scrub video passed 806,000 views within days of being posted on October 24, and a spiced orange scrub reel reached 850,000 views after October 17. It makes sense: these jars cost very little, take minutes to mix and smell exactly like the holidays. Line up a few pretty jars, tie on some twine and you have thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, coworkers and grandmas. We gathered 14 festive ideas, from gingerbread and peppermint to hot cocoa and lavender, plus simple tips for toppers, scoops and labels. Every recipe uses kitchen basics and a simple base you can remember by heart..

Why DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts Are Everywhere This Year

Look at a table like this and you can almost smell the cinnamon and orange. That cozy feeling is exactly why DIY sugar scrub gifts are taking over feeds right now. The base is easy to remember: two parts sugar to one part oil, plus a little scent from your spice drawer. From there you can make gingerbread, peppermint, cocoa or orange, all in matching jars. Make a big batch in one afternoon and your gift list is done. Which scent would you mix first..

You will need: Granulated or brown sugar, a light oil such as coconut, sweet almond or grapeseed, a mixing bowl, a spoon and small clean glass jars with lids.

How to make it: 1. Mix 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of oil in a clean, dry bowl. 2. Stir in your spice or a few drops of vanilla. 3. Spoon into dry jars, close tightly and add a label with the date.

DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts: Whipped Gingerbread

This is the scrub that started the buzz. You can watch the idea in this whipped gingerbread scrub reel, which passed 806,000 views in just a few days. Whipping coconut oil first makes it light and fluffy, then brown sugar and a pinch of warm spices turn it into gingerbread in a jar. Keep the spices to a small pinch, because a little goes a long way. As with any homemade scrub, it is for external use only, so test a small patch of skin first and skip it on broken or sensitive skin. Who on your list loves gingerbread?

You will need: Half a cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon and ginger, a hand mixer and a jar with a gingham ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Whip soft coconut oil with a hand mixer until fluffy. 2. Fold in the brown sugar and a small pinch of spice. 3. Spoon into a jar and tie on a red gingham bow.

Spiced Orange Scrub

A spiced orange scrub reel reached 850,000 views after it was posted on October 17, and the bright color is half the charm. Finely grated dried orange zest gives little flecks of color and a fresh, sunny smell. Use dried zest, not fresh juice, so the scrub stays dry and lasts longer. A twine bow and a slice of dried orange on top make it gift ready. Would this brighten a gray winter morning for someone you love?

You will need: Two cups of white sugar, 1 cup of light oil, 2 teaspoons of dried orange zest and a jar with twine.

How to make it: 1. Dry orange zest on a plate for a day until crisp. 2. Mix sugar, oil and zest well. 3. Pack into a jar and top with a dried orange slice.

Candy Cane DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts

Red and white layers make this scrub look just like a candy cane. Split your base into two bowls, tint one with a tiny drop of soap colorant or a pinch of beet powder, and spoon the layers into a tall jar. A drop of food grade peppermint flavoring is enough for scent. Kids love helping with the layers. It is one of the most photographed DIY sugar scrub gifts of the season. Who would love a peppermint jar?

You will need: Sugar and oil base, a tiny bit of red soap colorant or beet powder, peppermint extract and a tall clear jar.

How to make it: 1. Make the base and split it into two bowls. 2. Tint one bowl red and add one drop of peppermint to each. 3. Spoon alternating layers into the jar and press gently.

Vanilla Sugar Cookie Scrub

Among DIY sugar scrub gifts, this one smells exactly like a tray of sugar cookies cooling on the counter. Plain white sugar, a light oil and a splash of vanilla make the base, and a tiny sprinkle of colored sugar on top makes it look like frosting. A gold lid adds a little sparkle. It is gentle, sweet and loved by almost everyone, which makes it perfect for teachers and coworkers. If you like scented gifts, our DIY Christmas soap ideas pair beautifully with this jar. Which color sprinkles would you choose?

You will need: Two cups of white sugar, 1 cup of light oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, colored sugar and a jar with a gold lid.

How to make it: 1. Mix sugar, oil and vanilla until it looks like wet sand. 2. Spoon into the jar and smooth the top. 3. Add a thin line of colored sugar on top and close the lid.

Hot Cocoa Scrub in a Mini Mug

Pour a cocoa scrub into a small mug and you have a gift that feels like a warm hug. Mix a little unsweetened cocoa powder into brown sugar and oil for a rich chocolate color and smell. The mug becomes part of the gift, so pick a pretty one from the thrift store. Add a tiny wooden spoon and a ribbon on the handle. It pairs perfectly with a packet of real hot cocoa. Who on your list is a chocolate lover?

You will need: One cup of brown sugar, half a cup of oil, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, a small mug and a tiny wooden spoon.

How to make it: 1. Mix the brown sugar and cocoa powder first. 2. Stir in the oil until evenly brown. 3. Fill the mug, add the spoon and wrap it in clear cellophane.

DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts for Thanksgiving Hosts

Thanksgiving is on November 26 this year, and a pumpkin spice scrub makes a lovely hostess gift. Use brown sugar for color and a very small pinch of pumpkin pie spice for scent. A kraft paper tag tied with twine keeps the look simple and warm. Bring it along with a pie and you will be invited back for sure. It is one of the easiest DIY sugar scrub gifts to make in bulk. Who is hosting you this year?

You will need: Two cups of brown sugar, 1 cup of light oil, a small pinch of pumpkin pie spice, a jar, twine and a kraft tag.

How to make it: 1. Mix sugar and oil, then add the spice slowly and sniff as you go. 2. Fill the jar and close it tightly. 3. Tie on a kraft tag with a short thank you note.

Coffee Scrub in a Mason Jar

For coffee lovers, DIY sugar scrub gifts get a bold twist. Mix used and dried coffee grounds or fresh fine grounds into sugar and oil. The smell is rich and wakes you right up. A mason jar with a blank kraft tag on twine looks rustic and handsome, so this is also a great idea for the men on your list. Make sure the grounds are completely dry so the scrub does not spoil. Coffee scrub can stain grout, so it is best used in the shower and rinsed well. Who needs a coffee jar?

You will need: One cup of sugar, half a cup of fine coffee grounds, half a cup of coconut oil and a mason jar with twine.

How to make it: 1. Dry used grounds on a baking sheet overnight. 2. Mix with the sugar, then stir in the oil. 3. Pack into the jar and add a tag with the date.

Lavender and Oat Scrub

For a calm, spa style jar, soft purple, a little texture from oats and a sprinkle of dried lavender buds make one of the prettiest DIY sugar scrub gifts. Blend the oats into a fine powder first so they mix in smoothly. Lavender buds on top look lovely, but keep them to a small sprinkle. This one is perfect for a friend who loves a slow bath on Sunday nights. Dried lavender is the scent here, no oils needed. Who in your life deserves a quiet evening?

You will need: Two cups of white sugar, 1 cup of light oil, a quarter cup of blended oats, dried culinary lavender buds and a jar.

How to make it: 1. Blend the oats into a fine powder. 2. Mix sugar, oats and oil together. 3. Fill the jar and sprinkle a few lavender buds on top.

Rainbow DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts Kids Can Make

This bright rainbow jar is the perfect project for kids who want to make gifts for grandparents. Split the base into small bowls and tint each one with a tiny bit of soap colorant. Then let the kids spoon in the layers. Every jar comes out a little different, and that is the fun. Have a grown up handle the colorants and keep it unscented for gentle little hands. Of all the DIY sugar scrub gifts here, this one gets the biggest smiles. Which colors would your kids pick?

You will need: Sugar and oil base, soap colorants in rainbow colors, small bowls, spoons and a clear jar.

How to make it: 1. Split the base into six small bowls. 2. Have a grown up add a tiny drop of color to each and mix well. 3. Let kids spoon thin layers into the jar in rainbow order.

Fabric Scrap Jar Toppers

A circle of fabric over the lid makes any jar look handmade and special. Use plaid, gingham or tiny florals from your scrap bin. Cut a circle a few inches wider than the lid, center it on top and tie it with twine or a rubber band hidden under ribbon. It takes seconds and instantly makes DIY sugar scrub gifts feel like they came from a country market. Which fabric would you use for yours?

You will need: Fabric scraps, pinking shears or scissors, a bowl to trace, twine and your filled jars.

How to make it: 1. Trace a circle about 2 inches wider than the lid. 2. Cut it out with pinking shears for a zigzag edge. 3. Center it on the lid and tie it tightly with twine.

A Mini Wooden Scoop on Every Lid

A small wooden scoop tied to the lid is a thoughtful touch for DIY sugar scrub gifts, because it keeps wet fingers out of the jar. Water is what makes a homemade scrub spoil, so a scoop really helps it last. You can find tiny scoops in bulk at craft stores or online. Tie it on with jute twine and you are done. It also makes the gift look complete and a little fancy. Will you add scoops to your batch?

You will need: Small wooden scoops, jute twine and your finished jars.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the twine twice around the jar neck. 2. Slide the scoop handle under the twine. 3. Tie a neat bow to hold it in place.

Ornament Vials to Hang on the Tree

Tiny glass vials with cork tops are just the right size for a sample of scrub, and they look adorable hanging on the tree. Fill each one with a different flavor and tie on a red ribbon loop. Guests can pick one to take home, or you can tuck them into holiday cards and stockings. Use small plastic vials if little children or pets are around the tree. Which color vial would you hang first?

You will need: Small glass or plastic vials with cork tops, a small funnel, scrub in several colors and thin red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Use a funnel to fill each vial almost to the top. 2. Press the cork in firmly. 3. Tie a ribbon loop around the neck and hang it on a branch.

How to Package DIY Sugar Scrub Gifts in a Basket

Pair a jar with a soft washcloth, a battery LED tea light and a sprig of pine and you have a complete spa basket. Add a small tag with the base ratio and a use by date, so your friend knows what is inside. Homemade scrubs without water usually keep for a few weeks in a cool, dry place. Remind them to keep water out of the jar and toss it if it smells off. As with any homemade scrub, it is for external use only, so test a small patch of skin first and skip it on broken or sensitive skin. Who will get your first basket?

You will need: A small basket, a jar of scrub, a washcloth, a battery LED tea light, a pine sprig, ribbon and a small tag.

How to make it: 1. Line the basket with the folded washcloth. 2. Nestle the jar, LED light and pine sprig inside. 3. Tie a bow and add a tag with the ingredients and a use by date.