The Handmade Holiday Gift Everyone Actually Wants
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luxury Homemade Hand and Body Cream
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
Question: What’s the best homemade gift you’ve ever received (or given)? Bonus points if it wasn’t fruitcake.
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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?
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
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!
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?
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
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
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.
thank you 🙂
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!
I think that may say more about your giftees than your lovely homemade gift 😉
Is there something else I can use other them Vaseline?
I don’t use Vaseline.
I suggest that you find a product that promises deep intensive care and healing, that satisfies you.
Possibly Aquaphor?
Great idea, Angela!