Homemade Hand and Body Lotion for Holiday Gifting • Everyday Cheapskate

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If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a “homemade” gift that looked like it belonged in a kindergarten craft fair, let me stop you right there. This homemade hand and body lotion isn’t that. It’s elegant, luxurious, and the kind of gift your friends will subtly hint about every holiday season. Simple to make, easy on the budget, and absolutely worth giving (and yes, you’ll probably want to keep a jar for yourself).

If you’ve never tried making holiday gifts before, this might be the year that changes. And if you’re already the Shohei Ohtani of handmade gifting, well, consider this your walk-off home run. It’s that lovely, that useful, and, best of all, that effortless.

Each jar costs around $5, less than a latte, and everything you need can be picked up at the grocery store, drugstore, or online. No scavenger hunts, no special skills, just a few minutes of mixing and scooping. And trust me: once people get a jar, they’ll come back asking for more. Around here, no one hints for socks or wine in December. They hint for this lotion.

Ingredients for Homemade Hand and Body Lotion

To make this rich, long-lasting hand and body lotion (or call it cream if you prefer), here’s exactly what you’ll need:

1. Bath & Body Works Body Lotion (8 oz.)

Bath and Body Works A Thousand Wishes, Body Lotion, 8 oz

This is the star of the show. I use A Thousand Wishes with Shea Butter because it has just the right balance of hydration and subtle fragrance without being overwhelming. Packaging changes from year to year, but the formula is consistent. Stick with this line for best results. You’ll notice the difference.

2. Vitamin E Skin Care Cream (4 oz.)

Fruit of the Earth Vitamin-E Cream Tube, 8 oz

I recommend Fruit of the Earth for quality and value. The tube is usually 8 oz., so just squeeze out half for this recipe and save the rest for your next batch. Vitamin E not only boosts skin health but also extends the shelf life of your lotion.

3. Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion (18 oz.)

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Body Lotion, 18 oz

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Moisturizing Lotion is my go-to. Any unscented baby lotion will work, but fragrance-free is key here. Mixing random scents with A Thousand Wishes is a gamble you don’t want to take.

4. Fragrance-Free Hand Lotion (32 oz.)

Jergens Ultra Healing Dry Skin Lotion, 32 oz

I use Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer. It’s cost-effective, fragrance-free, and blends beautifully. Yes, it’s a big bottle, one full quart, so grab your biggest mixing bowl before you start.

5. Intensive Repair for Very Dry Skin (5 oz.)

Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion, 5 oz

Eucerin Intensive Repair is a powerhouse for hydration, especially in dry winter months. I don’t know of a substitute that performs quite like this one, so I suggest sticking with Eucerin if possible.

Save $1.31

Fruit of the Earth Vitamin-E Cream Tube, 8 Ounce

Save $0.98

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Body Lotion for...

Jergens Ultra Healing Dry Skin Lotion, Hand and...

Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion...

Equipment You’ll Need

Simple, straightforward, and everything you need to get started without overcomplicating it.

A large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or hand whisk
One gallon-size zip-top plastic bag (or similar)
Small containers for your lotion—6 oz., 4 oz., 2 oz., or whatever works. Pump bottles are fine too if that’s what you have on hand.

6 oz Cobalt Blue PET Plastic Jar with Black Smooth...

4 oz Cobalt Blue PET Plastic Low Profile Jar with...

(12 pack) 2 oz Cobalt Blue Plastic Jar with Black...

4 oz Cobalt Blue Glass Boston Round Bottle with...

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine ingredients

Dump all five ingredients into a large mixing bowl in the amounts listed above.

2. Whip it

Grab your electric mixer or whisk and blend until smooth, about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a creamy, even consistency.

3. Prepare your “piping” bag

Transfer the lotion into a gallon-size zip-top bag using a spatula. Seal it, then snip a tiny corner at the bottom to create a simple, homemade piping bag. Genius, right?

4. Fill your jars or containers

Gently squeeze the bag to fill each jar. Take your time. It’s easier to control the flow than to try and scoop messy globs.

5. Personalize your creation

Add small labels or tags with your own message or fun name. Your signature lotion deserves a signature touch.

6. Embellish as desired

A ribbon, a bit of twine, or a handwritten note makes your gift feel special without a lot of extra effort.

MORE: 8 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas for the Holidays

That’s it. Beautiful, homemade gifts that are genuinely impressive because you’ve just created a high-quality hand and body cream (or lotion… whatever you like to call it).

Because all the ingredients except the Bath & Body Works lotion are unscented, your finished product has a soft, subtle fragrance, pleasant and classy, never overpowering. Perfect for anyone on your list.

This recipe makes roughly 65 oz. of luxurious lotion. Your exact yield may vary depending on how vigorously you whip it. Aim for 3–5 minutes of mixing: just enough to achieve a creamy, even texture. Whip it too long, and you risk splitting the lotion or making it watery.

MORE: 5 Easy DIY Body Scrub Recipes Using Pantry Ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I use the exact brands shown?

For the Bath & Body Works Body Lotion or Cream, yes. That’s the key ingredient that makes this homemade lotion truly luxurious. For the other ingredients, stick close to the type and quantity shown; proportions matter. If you only find a 15-oz. fragrance-free hand lotion, using two (30 oz.) works just fine. You’ll just end up a couple ounces short overall. But whenever possible, aim for the sizes listed for best results.

Where can I find pretty jars with lids?

Plastic jars with lids are perfect for this project (I don’t recommend glass... less forgiving if you drop one). You can find them on Amazon (see links above) or at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Walmart, or Target. Small pump bottles work too if you can match the size.

Can I use products that aren’t fragrance-free if I can’t find the exact ones?

I’d avoid that if possible. Mixing fragrances can create an odd or downright unappealing result. I haven’t tested fragrance combinations, so if you try, consider it experimental. Worst case? You might have to toss it. Fortunately, all ingredients are widely available at supermarkets, drugstores, or online, so sourcing fragrance-free options is usually easy.

diy homemade hand and body lotion recipe how to female hands

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4.67 from 6 votes

Luxury Homemade Hand and Body Cream

The homemade gift you’ll actually want to receive! High-quality, lightly scented, non-greasy, and perfect for gifting. Elegant, practical, and simple to make.

Prep Time15

Cook / Whip Time5

Total Time20

Category: DIY, Make Your Own

Cuisine: DIY, Gifts, Homemade, How-To

Yield: jars (4 oz. each)

Materials

8 oz. Bath & Body Works Body Lotion any fragrance (A Thousand Wishes is recommended)
4 oz. Vitamin E cream any brand
18 oz. Fragrance-free baby lotion any brand
32 oz. Fragrance-free hand lotion any brand
5 oz. Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion

Instructions

Empty all five containers into a large mixing bowl.
Use an electric hand mixer or whisk to whip until fully combined, about 5 minutes. Avoid over-whipping to prevent a split or watery texture.
Transfer the lotion to a large zip-top bag. Seal the top, then snip off a small corner of the bottom to create a simple piping bag.
Squeeze the lotion into jars or containers of choice. I love 4-oz. cobalt blue jars with black lids—they look elegant and gift-ready.
Give your lotion a name and create small labels or tags with your message.
Add ribbons, stickers, or twine for a polished look. Optional, but fun.

Notes

This recipe yields about 66 oz., or 16 jars of 4-oz. lotion. Your yield may vary slightly depending on whipping technique.

The final lotion is lightly scented thanks to the Bath & Body Works base; it’s subtle and universally appealing.

If you plan to gift in winter, store jars in a cool, dry place to maintain texture.

Experimenting with jar colors or personalized tags is a simple way to elevate your presentation without extra cost.

Links for ingredient sources and a photo tutorial are included in the full post.

Question: What’s the best homemade gift you’ve ever received (or given)? Bonus points if it wasn’t fruitcake.

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Last update on 2026-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Diana H Bryan says:

November 4, 2025 at 6:54 am

I made this years ago, and kept a couple of extra jars for myself — one of which I misplaced. Years later, it still smells and feels wonderful. My question: I could have sworn this contained Shea Butter. Of course, I can’t find “the original” recipe, if it was in fact different. Was it different in 2016-2018 roughly? If so, how?

Mary Hunt says:
November 5, 2025 at 5:33 pm

This is the original recipe and the one I’ve made every year since a dear reader introduced it to me. No shea butter. You may be recalling another recipe, however that DOES contain shea butter: DIY Shaving Cream
- Diana H Bryan says:
  November 8, 2025 at 2:45 pm
  
  Thanks for the reply! It must be that the A Thousand Wishes bottle says it contains shea butter that stuck in my head. Glad I didn’t finalize my order for shea butter before searching out the recipe. Thanks again!

Kasi Isherwood says:

September 17, 2024 at 11:07 pm

Reducing wrinkles naturally is something I’m very interested in. I’ve heard argan oil can help. Has anyone used it with good results, or do you have other natural treatments to recommend?

Mary Hunt says:
September 18, 2024 at 12:13 am

I personally don’t have any experience but some quick searching makes me think it could have good results. Here’s a great article from WebMD

Carol Hill says:

December 18, 2023 at 11:29 am

Hi Mary –

My question: How long will your Luxury Homemade Hand and Body Cream last. I’m wondering if I can make it now and hold it until next Christmas (I’ve already given out most of my Christmas gifts this year, but I can’t wait to try this recipe.)

Also, I’ve found that the Vaseline Intensive Deep Moisture Cream has been hard to find – I wonder if it’s been discontinued. I have found Vaseline Intensive Care All Purpose Cream With Vaseline Jelly & Vitamin E and wondered if it was the same thing.

There isn’t anything that you’ve suggested that I haven’t LOVED!! I’d love to see some more product recommendations! I can’t even remember all the products you’ve recommended that I’ve bought…and I haven’t been disappointed by any of them! Eufy, Shark, a stroller (that baby is now 11 years old, so it was a long while ago), an iced tea maker…that’s all that comes to mind at the moment but I know there’s more!…Keep up the great work!

Thanks,
Carol

Mary Hunt says:
December 18, 2023 at 11:48 am

Hi Carol … The hand and body lotion will last a very long time. I’ve never had it go “bad” or separate before it was all gone. I’m talking a year or longer! Should it change in texture, just whip it up and back to its desired fluffiness. I’d store it in a cool place if you have that option. Thanks for your kind words! Means a lot to me. Oh, and yes you are right about the Vaseline product. The option you cite will work well.
- carol Hill says:
  December 19, 2023 at 9:01 am
  
  thank you 🙂

Sharon Ditton says:

October 24, 2023 at 6:56 am

I hate to be a downer Nellie, but I made this a couple years ago and added it to pretty baskets I was making for Christmas and received virtually NO responses neither positive or negative. I say this just to warn people to not be surprised if they don’t get the thanks they should. I loved the lotion and plan to make it again, except this time it will be just for me!

Mary Hunt says:
October 24, 2023 at 9:37 am

I think that may say more about your giftees than your lovely homemade gift 😉

Sheri says:

October 20, 2023 at 4:36 pm

Is there something else I can use other them Vaseline?
I don’t use Vaseline.

Mary Hunt says:
October 21, 2023 at 10:42 am

I suggest that you find a product that promises deep intensive care and healing, that satisfies you.
- Angela says:
  October 21, 2023 at 6:39 pm
  
  Possibly Aquaphor?
- Mary Hunt says:
  October 22, 2023 at 9:43 am
  
  Great idea, Angela!