Looking for a unique DIY holiday idea? This easy to follow DIY Liquid Hand Soap tutorial is the perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list.

When I was about seven years old, I wanted to give my mom a really nice Christmas gift. I remember feeling guilty that she gave me such nice gifts (like dolls and games and new clothes) – and all I ever gave her was necklaces made out of yarn and buttons, pictures that I had colored, and other simple homemade gifts.

In the weeks before Christmas, I remember asking her what she wanted for Christmas. She replied, “Oh Haley honey – just make me something homemade! Homemade gifts are the best gifts”.

Although she said it with conviction, I didn’t buy it. Why would a homemade gift be better than getting something shiny and new? What could I possibly make that would compare to something purchased in a store?

Today, 20-some years later, I know exactly what my mom was talking about. As I grow older, I realize ultimately how little satisfaction material things give me.

Sure, I love getting new stuff as much as anyone else. But ultimately, these items don’t make me happy. I realize that the times that I am most happy are the times I spend with the people I love. And when I can’t physically be with the people I love,

I get satisfaction from making gifts or food for them. Usually this involves baking something rich and decadent, but a good craft of DIY project can also be fun and is much appreciated by the recipient.

DIY Liquid Hand Soap

This homemade hand soap is really fun and easy to make. I found the idea in Richard Blais’ cookbook, Try This At Home: Recipes From My Head To Your Plate. This is one of the most bang-for-your-buck homemade gifts out there. A travel-size bar of soap turns into a huge batch of liquid hand soap.

 

DIY Liquid Hand Soap

Although the texture of the liquid soap isn’t exactly like the stuff you buy in the store, it cleans your hands just the same.

And you can customize it by adding essential oils. Give it a try for yourself. Or better yet, make a batch, put it in a pretty soap dispenser, and give it away as a gift.

Here is what you need:

1 bar unscented soap
1 gallon water
1 tsp essential oil such as lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, etc. (optional)
Cheese grater
Large soup pot
Soap dispensers (this makes a huge batch)

 

Step 1: Using a cheese grater, grate the soap into a large bowl.

Handmade Holidays

Step 2: Bring water to a boil over high heat. Add soap and stir until dissolved. This will take about two minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and allow to cool, stirring every five minutes or so.

DIY Soap

Step 3: Stir in extract, if using. Pour soap into soap dispenser. If the soap is a little too thick for your liking, use a hand mixer and beat until smooth.

If you want a smaller amount of hand soap, simply use a half gallon of water and a travel size bar of soap. This recipe is very adaptable.

I hope you have fun making this liquid hand soap, and I hope your recipients love it. Make your gift extra special by putting it in a pretty soap dispenser and placing it in a sparkly gift bag. And if you decide to keep it all for yourself – more power to you! Enjoy.

Have you ever tried to make your own liquid hand soap?

 

Other DIY gifts you can make:

PIN FOR LATER:

Haley

Haley

I'm here to show you that cheap cooking can be really, really good. You can eat well and on a budget - I do it all the time! Aside from my love of cooking, I’m also a die-hard bargain hunter who is always looking for creative ways to save money. I frequent thrift shops and garage sales, scope out clearance racks, and scour eBay for great deals. I also look for ways to cook really great food without spending a lot of money.
Haley

Latest posts by Haley (see all)

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HOME LIFE

Ever feel like you just can't keep up? Our Living Well Starter Guide will show you how to start streamlining your life in just 3 simple steps. It's a game changer--get it free for a limited time!


If you love this resource, be sure to check out our digital library of helpful tools and resources for cleaning faster, taking control of your budget, organizing your schedule, and getting food on the table easier than ever before.