DIY Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub Recipe + Holiday Gift Packaging Ideas

Whip up this sugar scrub in under 15 minutes, then use the creative packaging ideas below to give your homemade gifts an impressive, professional look. Whether you’re making treats for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or your closest friends, this Christmas tree sugar scrub is about to become your go-to holiday gift.

And if you really want to wow someone? Pair this scrub with my Christmas tree bath bombs for a complete forest-fresh spa gift set!

What Makes Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub a Perfect Gift

Here’s why this particular gift checks all the boxes:

It’s budget-friendly without looking cheap: You can make multiple jars for the cost of one store-bought spa product, but with thoughtful packaging, your gifts will look like they came from a boutique.

It delivers that spa-luxe experience: There’s something inherently indulgent about a homemade body scrub. The recipient feels pampered and cared for—exactly the feeling you want your gifts to convey.

You can make it weeks ahead: Unlike baked goods that go stale or fresh ingredients that spoil, sugar scrubs have an excellent shelf life. Make a big batch in early December and check everyone off your list in one productive afternoon.

It’s easy to personalize: Different jars, ribbons, and labels mean you can customize the presentation for each recipient while using the same basic recipe.

Everyone can use it: This sugar scrub recipe works in the shower or at the sink. It’s a thoughtful gift for friends, family, coworkers, and teachers.

Sugar scrubs are one of my favorite homemade gifts to give during the holidays. They’re surprisingly affordable to make in batches, they feel incredibly indulgent to receive, and honestly, who doesn’t love a little spa treatment during the busy holiday season?

The Secret Ingredient In This Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub Recipe

The magic of this sugar scrub is in the scent – that authentic fresh-cut Christmas tree aroma that brings back memories of decorating the tree, sipping hot cocoa, and cozy winter evenings.

For this recipe, you’ll use a Christmas tree essential oil blend that combines several evergreen oils to create that perfect, nostalgic fragrance. In this guide, you’ll find a few different essential oil blends that smell like Christmas trees. While there are different variations, but the classic combination typically includes pine, fir needle, and cedarwood oils.

These woodsy, aromatic oils create an incredibly long-lasting scent in this recipe. This is because the sugar granules actually help hold the fragrance, so your gift recipients will enjoy that Christmas tree aroma every time they open the jar.

The scent isn’t overpowering in the shower, but it’s definitely present enough to create a calming, forest-fresh atmosphere during their scrub routine.

The best part? Unlike actual Christmas trees that drop needles everywhere, this version stays perfectly fresh all season long!

Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub Recipe: Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 14 ounces. That’s enough for one generous gift jar or two smaller jars.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup Granulated White Sugar
• ¼ cup Carrier Oil (sweet almond, fractionated coconut, or jojoba work beautifully)
• 1 tablespoon Pine Needles, finely chopped (optional, for visual appeal and texture)
• 20 drops Christmas tree essential oil blend

For the Christmas Tree Essential Oil Blend: Use 10 drops pine, 6 drops fir needle, and 4 drops cedarwood. You can also check out my full Christmas Tree Blend guide for other variations!

How To Make Homemade Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub Step By Step

Step 1: Combine The Oils

Start by adding your Christmas tree essential oil blend to your carrier oil in a small bowl or measuring cup. I like to use a glass measuring cup because the pour spout makes transferring to the sugar much easier later.

Stir the mixture gently with a small spoon or swirl the container to ensure the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the carrier oil.

This pre-mixing step is crucial. It prevents hot spots of concentrated essential oil in your final scrub, which could be irritating to skin.

The reason we mix oils first rather than adding them separately to the sugar is all about even distribution. Essential oils don’t naturally want to disperse in sugar; they need the carrier oil as a medium. By combining them first, you ensure every scoop of scrub has the same wonderful Christmas tree scent.

Gift-Giving Pro Tip: When making multiple batches for gifts, mix all your essential oils into all your carrier oil at once in a larger container. This ensures consistency across all your jars. Nobody wants to receive a scrub that’s noticeably weaker or stronger than their friend’s!

Step 2: Add Oil Mixture to Sugar

Pour your sugar into a mixing bowl that’s large enough so you have enough room to stir without sugar flying everywhere.

Make a small well in the center of the sugar (like you’re making a volcano) and pour your scented oil mixture directly into that well.

Then, using a sturdy spoon or spatula, begin stirring gently from the center outward, gradually incorporating the dry sugar into the oils.

Keep stirring until the mixture is completely combined and has a consistent “wet sand” texture throughout. You should be able to squeeze a handful and have it hold together, but it should still feel granular and crumbly, not paste-like.

If your mixture seems too dry and the sugar isn’t sticking together at all, add a teaspoon of carrier oil.

If it seems too wet and feels more like a paste rather than a scrub, add a tablespoon more sugar.

The key here is patience. Don’t rush the mixing. Uneven distribution means some parts of your scrub will be oily while others are dry and unscented.

Gift-Giving Pro Tip: For a more luxurious presentation, use superfine sugar for half of your sugar measurement. This creates a scrub with varied texture. It’s a nice touch that elevates your gift to “spa-quality.”

Step 3: Incorporate Pine Needles (Optional)

Though optional, adding fresh or dried pine needles gives this Christmas tree sugar scrub an authentic forest-floor aesthetic. Now’s the time to add it if you decide to.

Choose only the greenest, freshest-looking bits for visual appeal. Chop the pine needles into very small pieces using a food processor, spice grinder, or very sharp knife. I’m talking tiny specks, not recognizable needle shapes. The pieces should be quarter the size of a grain of rice.

The pine needles are purely decorative and add a lovely visual confirmation of the “Christmas tree” scent, but they’re completely optional. If you’re unsure about how your recipients will feel about plant matter in their scrub, you can absolutely skip this step. The essential oil blend provides the distinctive aroma that transform this recipe into a Christmas tree sugar scrub.

Sprinkle the chopped pine needles over the sugar mixture and fold them in gently with a spatula, using a scooping and turning motion rather than stirring. This prevents the needles from clumping together in one spot.

Gift-Giving Pro Tip: If you’re gifting a jar of homemade Christmas tree sugar scrub to many people, consider making half your batch with pine needles and half without. Some people love the rustic, handcrafted look of visible botanicals, while others prefer a smoother, more refined appearance. This gives you flexibility to match each gift to the recipient’s aesthetic preferences.

Step 4: Fill Your Gift Jars

Use a spoon to transfer the scrub into your chosen jars, but here’s the technique that prevents mess: hold the jar at a slight angle and spoon the scrub against the side of the jar rather than dropping it straight down from above. This minimizes air pockets and prevents sugar from poofing up and spilling over the edges.

As you fill, use the back of your spoon to press down gently every few spoonfuls. You want to eliminate large air gaps, but don’t pack it down so tightly that it becomes difficult to scoop out later.

Fill your jars to about ¾ full – leave some headspace at the top. This prevents overflow if the jar tips and makes the scrub easier to access.

After filling, use a slightly damp paper towel to wipe the rim and threads of the jar before sealing. Any sugar or oil residue left on the rim will make the jar sticky and collect dust – not the polished presentation you want for a gift! Make sure everything is clean and dry before screwing on the lid tightly.

Gift-Giving Pro Tip: For a beautiful presentation, create a smooth, slightly domed surface on top of your scrub before sealing. Use the back of a spoon to gently shape and smooth the top layer. When your recipient opens the jar for the first time, they’ll see a perfect, professional-looking surface rather than a jumbled mess. This tiny detail makes a surprisingly big impression!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Choosing your Carrier Oil: For gifts that might sit for a few weeks before being opened, I recommend sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil. Both have longer shelf lives so the scrub will stay fresh longer. Avoid oils that go rancid quickly, like grapeseed or hemp seed oil.

Sugar Options: White granulated sugar creates the finest scrub. If you want a slightly more exfoliating version, you can use raw sugar, but it’s a bit rougher on skin.

Scaling the Recipe for Gift-Giving: This recipe is incredibly easy to multiply. I usually make 4-6x batches when I’m creating holiday gifts. Just keep your ratios consistent: 1 cup sugar to ¼ cup carrier oil.

Shelf Life: When stored in a sealed container away from moisture, this scrub will stay fresh for 3-6 months. The key is keeping water out—always include instructions for your gift recipients to use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out product.

Holiday Gift Packaging Ideas

Here’s where you can really let your creativity shine! The right packaging transforms your homemade scrub from “something I made” to “this looks like it came from an expensive boutique.”

Budget-Friendly Container Options

Mason jars with fabric toppers: Use 4-oz or 8-oz mason jars, cut a circle of festive fabric (plaid works beautifully with the Christmas tree theme), and secure it over the lid with twine or ribbon. It’s rustic, charming, and costs pennies per jar.

Dollar store glass containers: Check your local dollar store for small glass jars, candy dishes, or even repurposed candle holders. A simple ribbon upgrade makes them look custom.

Repurposed Jars with Painted Lids: Save those small jam jars or sauce jars! Remove the labels completely, then spray paint the lids in colors like matte gold, forest green, or classic red. Suddenly they look intentional rather than recycled.

Brown kraft jars: These have that trendy apothecary vibe and are surprisingly affordable when bought in bulk online. The natural aesthetic pairs perfectly with the woodsy Christmas tree theme.

Elevated Presentation Ideas

Apothecary-style jars: Look for jars with cork lids or vintage-inspired glass containers. These give your gifts an upscale spa look without breaking the bank.

Amber glass containers: The golden-brown glass looks sophisticated and actually helps preserve the essential oils by blocking light. Pair with a simple cream-colored label for an elegant look.

Wooden lid jars: Containers with wooden or bamboo lids have that modern, eco-friendly aesthetic that’s very on-trend right now.

Coordinated sets: If you’re giving to someone special, create a matching set—package your Christmas tree sugar scrub alongside my Christmas Tree Bath Bombs in a small basket or gift box for a complete spa experience.

Finishing Touches That Make It Special

The little details are what transform good packaging into memorable packaging:

Ribbons and twine: Buffalo check ribbon screams Christmas and coordinates beautifully with the evergreen theme. Natural jute twine gives a rustic, handcrafted feel. Velvet ribbon in forest green or burgundy adds luxury.

Greenery accents: Tuck a small sprig of fresh pine or fir under your ribbon, or attach a tiny pinecone with a dot of hot glue. This reinforces the Christmas tree theme and adds a natural, artisanal touch.

Gift tags: Attach a tag with usage instructions (more on this below) and a personal note. Kraft paper tags with a hand-written message feel warm and personal. Alternatively, print custom tags on cardstock for a more polished look.

Wooden spoons: Include a small wooden spoon or mini bamboo spatula tied to the jar. It’s both decorative and functional—recipients can use it to scoop out the scrub without getting water in the jar.

Wax seals: For an extra-special touch, use a wax seal on your tag or directly on the ribbon. A pine tree, snowflake, or initial stamp looks incredibly elegant and takes seconds to apply.

Creating Labels & Gift Tags

Your packaging isn’t complete without proper labels and instructions. Here’s what to include:

Essential Information for Your Labels

• Product name: “Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub” or “Evergreen Forest Body Scrub”
• Your personal touch: “Handmade by [Your Name]” or “Made with love in [Your City]”
• Date made: Optional but helpful for recipients to know freshness
• Key ingredients: List the carrier oil type and mention “essential oils” for anyone with sensitivities

Usage Instructions Card

Include a small card or tag with these instructions:

“To use: In the shower, scoop out a small amount with dry hands or a clean spoon. Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Use 1-2 times per week for smooth, glowing skin. Keep water out of the jar to maintain freshness. Enjoy your spa moment!”

Design Ideas

Printable labels: Design simple labels in Word or Canva with a Christmas tree icon, pine branch border, or winter greenery. Print on adhesive label paper or cardstock that you’ll attach with double-sided tape.

Handwritten tags: Sometimes the most personal gifts have handwritten elements. Use a nice pen on kraft paper tags and embrace the homemade aesthetic.

Minimalist approach: A simple white label with black text and one green pine branch illustration can look incredibly chic and modern.

Creative Gift Set Ideas

Why stop at just the sugar scrub? Here are ways to create more impressive gift presentations:

The Forest Fresh Spa Set: Combine your Christmas tree sugar scrub with a set of homemade Christmas Tree Bath Bombs, and a snowflake candle in the same scent. Pack all three items in a small basket. Add a soft washcloth in cream or forest green, and you’ve created a complete at-home spa experience.

The Holiday Self-Care Bundle: Package the scrub with a peppermint-scented lip scrub and lip balm, a luxurious whipped hand cream, and a pair of cozy socks in a gift box. It’s everything someone needs for pampering themself during the hectic holiday season.

The Bath & Body Collection: This scrub pairs beautifully with other homemade Christmas-scented products. Bundle it with swirly candy cane bath bombs, gingerbread soap bars, and a rich body butter.

The Teacher Appreciation Gift: Pair a small jar of scrub with a gift card to their favorite coffee shop and a heartfelt note. Teachers especially deserve pampering during the holiday season!

Tips for Gifting Sugar Scrubs Successfully

Timing matters: Make your scrubs 1-2 weeks before you plan to give them. This allows time for the essential oils to fully infuse the sugar while ensuring the product remains wonderfully fresh when you gift it.

Prevent spills & breakage during transport: Fill jars only to about ¾ full to prevent overflow and screw lids on tightly. If you’re packing multiple glass jars in one gift box, wrap each jar in tissue paper or bubble wrap.

Storage instructions: Include a small note reminding recipients to store the scrub in a cool, dry place and always use clean, dry hands or a spoon to scoop out product. Water contamination is the enemy of shelf life!

Personalize for your recipient: Consider what you know about each person. Your yoga-loving friend might appreciate a more minimalist, spa-inspired presentation, while your maximalist sister might love extra ribbons, greenery, and embellishments.

Creating Christmas tree sugar scrubs for holiday gifts is one of my favorite seasonal traditions. There’s something deeply satisfying about spending an afternoon mixing up batches of this wonderfully scented scrub, then watching recipients’ faces light up when they open their gifts.

The combination of that nostalgic evergreen aroma, the luxurious spa experience, and your thoughtful, handmade presentation creates a gift that people genuinely love receiving. And the best part? You can feel good knowing you’ve given something useful and pampering during what’s often a stressful time of year.

If you loved this recipe, definitely check out my tutorial on how to make bath bombs that look and smell like mini Christmas trees. They make an excellent companion gift or a wonderful treat for yourself after all that holiday gift-making! And if you’re planning other homemade presents, my DIY Christmas Hand Cream is another crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for the season.

What’s your favorite way to package homemade gifts? Do you go rustic and natural, or do you prefer elegant and polished?

Pin this recipe for later! Share your finished gifts on social media and tag me. I’d love to see your creative packaging ideas!

Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions