Sugar Scrub Gift Set & DIY Ideas

by: Linda Robison

Sweeten Things Up: Thoughtful Sugar Scrub Gifts & DIY Ideas!

If you're after a gift that's personal, unique, and inexpensive why not make some homemade sugar scrubs? They’re perfect for health-conscious friends and family—and don’t forget to make a batch for yourself!

A gift set that contains homemade sugar scrubs. They are kept beautifully in glass mason jars and cute metal tins. The lids of the jars and tins are tied up with twine and accentuated with decorative ribbons, making it look festive. The sugar scrubs are intended for giving as unique and thoughtful gifts to health-conscious friends and family members. It's a personal touch in the whole DIY idea.

I love how sugar scrubs pamper the skin, with fresh ingredients that exfoliate and soften. It feels amazing.

Got questions about sugar scrubs? I’ve got you covered, from the best DIY recipes to cool, unique gift sets you can find online.

Let’s dive into how to create beautiful, festive sugar scrubs that make for delightful gifts, no matter the occasion!

Transform sugar scrubs into sweet gifts

Sugar scrubs make such thoughtful gifts. You can package them in cute jars and tins (see below for great packaging ideas) or purchase a unique set online—either way, it's always a hit. Speaking of online ...

I recently got this  (Bonblissity Sugar Scrub Candy Cubes), as a gift and I’m absolutely loving them! They transform into a hydrating cleansing lotion, making them a fantastic gift idea—especially for travelers since they’re so compact. Each cube is individual wrapped in cellophane paper, so they look like candy!

Bonblissity Sugar Cubes Scrub

Crafting your ideal sugar scrub gift

Here are the simple steps to create a personalized sugar scrub gift.

1. The Perfect Base: Choosing Your Sugar

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUGARS

Start with a base that fits your needs! For a face scrub, opt for softer sugars like brown or coconut for a gentler texture. If you're creating a body scrub, stick with more granulated types.

Did you know there are over 6 different types of sugar textures? Here’s a list, ordered from the coarsest to the most gentle.

2. The Power of Oils

Next, choose an oil that complements the scrub and is kind to the skin. Coconut oil is a favorite for its moisturizing properties, but almond oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil can also add unique benefits.

Infusing the oil with herbs or essential oils can enhance the experience even more.

3. Get Creative with Scents

The beauty of homemade sugar scrubs is that you can customize them with your recipient's favorite scents. Here are some ideas:

  • Lavender Vanilla: Perfect for relaxation, this scrub combines calming lavender essential oil with sweet vanilla extract.
  • Citrus Burst: Brighten someone’s day with a mix of lemon or orange zest and essential oils for a fresh, uplifting scrub.
  • Seasonal Scents: For holidays, think peppermint or cinnamon for a cozy vibe. Cranberry adds a festive touch with a lovely color. This is perfect if your making Christmas scrub gifts.

4. Adding Color and Texture

A mason jar filled with pink homemade sugar body and face scrub.This sugar scrub was made with white granular sugar, almond oil, mashed strawberry, and beet powder to give it a beautiful rosy glow.

To make your scrubs visually appealing, consider adding natural colorants. For instance:

  • Beet powder for a rosy pink hue.
  • Matcha powder for a lovely green scrub.
  • Cacao powder for a chocolatey treat.

You can also mix in ingredients like dried flower petals, oats, or ground coffee for added texture. This not only enhances the aesthetic but coffee also adds extra skin benefits.

5. Perfect Packaging

Clear, empty mason jars with twine and ribbons wrapped around the neck. The background is a wooden surface with colorful tissue paper.

Presentation is everything! Choose jars or containers that reflect the recipient's style. Here are some fun ideas:

  • Mason jars: Always a classic, these can be dressed up with ribbons. 
  • Tin containers: For a vintage vibe, these are perfect for any season.
  • Clear bags: Fill them with scrubs and tie with festive ribbons for a simple yet charming look.

Make sure to include a label with the scrub’s ingredients and suggested usage. You could also add a personal note to let your loved one know why you chose this particular scent or color. These jars come with twine and beautiful custom labels.

Or you can wrap the jars with colorful tissue paper. That's what I often do! It's colorful and inexpensive.

6. Occasion-Specific scrubs

a beautiful mason jars with twine and ribbon wrapped around the neck. The jars contain a pink sugar scrub mixture that is glistening. The background is a baby shower party with baby shower gifts, balloons and party decorations.

Tailoring your scrubs to the occasion can make them feel extra special. Here are some ideas:

  • Baby Showers: A gentle chamomile and oatmeal scrub can be a lovely gift for new moms.
  • Wedding Showers: Create a sugar scrub for the couple with rose oil and pink Himalayan salt for a romantic touch.
  • Birthdays: Opt for a fun, vibrant citrus scrub to celebrate another year of life!

FAQ: SUGAR SCRUBS

Question:  How long do homemade sugar scrubs last?

Answer: Homemade sugar scrubs last about 2 to 3 months if stored properly. Since they’re made with natural ingredients and no preservatives, it’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place and use a clean scoop or spoon to avoid introducing bacteria. For scrubs with fresh ingredients like fruit or herbs, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

Question: Can I use brown instead of white sugar?

Answer:  Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white! Brown sugar is softer and gentler on the skin, making it a great option for sensitive areas like the face. White sugar, being coarser, works better for body scrubs that need a bit more exfoliation. Learn more at How to Make Sugar Scrubs for Your Face.

Question: What are the benefits of sugar scrubs and how often should they be used?

Answer: Sugar scrubs are perfect for sweeping away dead skin cells, boosting cell renewal, and leaving skin smooth and soft. They brighten the skin, improve moisturizer absorption, and promote circulation for a natural glow.

How often? It varies by skin type. Once or twice a week works for most; sensitive skin does best with once a week, while oilier skin can handle a bit more. For facial skin, check out my page on sugar scrubs for the face.

Question: Are essential oils safe for sensitive skin?

Answer: Yes, essential oils are safe in sugar scrubs when used correctly! They add a nice scent and bring their own skin benefits, but only use a few drops since they are highly concentrated.

Note: Always dilute them well in a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, to avoid skin irritation.

Some essential oils, like lavender, chamomile, and tea tree, are gentle and commonly used in skincare. Just be cautious with stronger oils, such as peppermint or citrus, as they can be too intense for sensitive skin.

How-To: Sugar scrub recipe ideas

Photo of a bowl containing a mixture of granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, a small amount of mashed cranberries, and zest from an orange. A wooden spoon is next to the bowl and a small empty mason jar and lid.A mixture of granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, mashed cranberries, and zest from an orange.

Here are two festive recipes to get you started:

Cranberry Citrus Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup almond oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (mashed)
  • Zest from one orange

Instructions:

1. Mix everything together well. You might have to mash or puree the cranberries.

2. Transfer the scrub to a jar with a secure lid.

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

A holiday classic and hands-down the most requested one!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (use brown sugar for a softer texture if preferred)
  • ½ cup coconut oil (melted) – keeps skin moisturized
  • 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 2-3 peppermint candies, crushed
  • Optional: a few drops of natural green or red food coloring

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.

2. Place the peppermint candies in a zip-top bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin or heavy object to crush them. (Avoid powdering them—larger bits work better in a scrub.)

3. Mix the sugar, coconut oil, peppermint oil and crushed peppermint candy.

4. Add Color (Optional): If you want a pop of color, add a drop or two of food coloring and mix.

5. Transfer the scrub to a jar with a secure lid.

Takeaway:

Handmade sugar scrubs are not just gifts; they’re a heartfelt expression of care and creativity. Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or simply a “just because” gift, these scrubs are sure to make anyone feel pampered.

So roll up your sleeves, get creative in the kitchen, and spread some love with these sweet treats for the skin!



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