How To Make Christmas Penguin Soaps – Easy Melt & Pour Recipe For Holiday Gifts

All you need to do is melt a pre-made soap base, customize it with color and fragrance, and pour it into fun molds. In less than an hour, you’ll have adorable soap bars ready to wrap and share.

For this recipe, we’re using a penguin mold, perfect for winter and Christmas themes. You can also pick your favorite molds, scents, and colors to make each batch unique.

If you want something quick, festive, and handmade, these DIY holiday soaps check every box. They’re festive, functional, and, best of all, incredibly easy to make, even if you’ve never tried soap making before.

Why Melt and Pour Soap is Perfect for DIY Christmas Gifts

If you’ve ever admired homemade soaps but felt intimidated by the idea of making your own, melt and pour is the perfect solution.

Here’s why this method is especially great for Christmas DIY projects:

Beginner-Friendly and Safe: Melt-and-pour soap making involves no lye, no curing, and no complex steps. Just melt the base, add your touches, and pour.

Quick Results: Soaps set in hours, not weeks. You can make and gift them the same day.

Easy Holiday Customization: Easy to customize for the holidays with fun molds like penguins, colors, mica, or glitter, and seasonal scents like peppermint, pine, or spiced orange.

Budget-friendly: A few supplies and a reusable mold let you create many soaps for less than store-bought gifts.

Great for all ages: A kid-friendly melt and pour soap recipe that’s safe enough for supervised kids, and a low-stress, creative project for adults.

In short, melt-and-pour soap making is a stress-free, versatile way to create Christmas gifts that are both beautiful and practical. Once you try it, you may find yourself experimenting with new molds, scents, and designs all year long.

What You Need to Make Christmas Penguin Soaps

This recipe makes about 16 mini penguin soaps using the penguin mold mentioned. They’re the perfect size for little hands and make adorable Christmas gifts for kids.

½ pound Goat’s Milk Melt-And-Pour Soap Base – Gentle and moisturizing, goat’s milk soap base is ideal for sensitive skin, making it a great choice for kid-friendly gifts.

1 tablespoon Blue Mica Powder – Adds a cheerful winter-blue color with a soft shimmer. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference, from bold to subtle shades.

10 drops of Essential Oil – For a festive twist, use a Christmas essential oil or blend that’s safe for children.

Penguin Silicone Mold – This is what gives the soaps their fun, festive shape.

Double Boiler – It helps to melt the soap base gently without overheating and scorching.

Heatproof Measuring Cup or Bowl – For melting the melt-and-pour base.

Mixing spoon or spatula – To stir in color and oils.

Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol – Optional, but helps eliminate bubbles on the surface of your finished soaps.

With just these few ingredients and tools, you’ll be ready to create a whole batch of penguin soaps that are cute, colorful, and kid-approved.

Tip: If you’re making these for kids, stick to gentle oils and avoid strong, spicy ones like cinnamon or clove, which can be too harsh for sensitive skin.

How To Make Penguin Christmas Soaps: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making melt-and-pour soaps is quick, easy, and a lot of fun. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of cheerful penguin soaps.

Step 1: Prepare the Soap Base

Cut the goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap base into small, even cubes about one inch in size. Smaller pieces help it melt faster and evenly, so no chunks remain.

Step 2: Melt the Soap Base

Place the cubes into a microwave-safe glass container such as a heatproof measuring cup. Heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the base is completely melted and smooth.

Watch the soap as it melts. It should become clear and liquid, with no remaining chunks.

If you prefer, you can also use a double boiler on the stovetop.

Gentle heating is key to preventing scorching.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

Let the melted soap base cool for a few minutes, then stir in about 10 drops of your chosen essential oil. (See options below)

Step 4: Add Color

Stir in 1 tablespoon of blue mica powder. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed and no clumps remain. The shimmery blue gives your penguin soaps a magical winter look, but you can leave them plain or use another color if you prefer.

Step 5: Pour Melted Soap Into Molds

Carefully pour the liquid mixture into your penguin silicone mold. Tap the mold gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. If you have a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, lightly spritz the tops to help clear surface bubbles.

Step 6: Let the Soaps Set

Allow the molds to sit undisturbed until the mixture is fully hardened. This usually takes a few hours, but for the best results, leave them to set overnight. The longer you wait, the firmer and shinier the soap bars will be.

Step 7: Unmold and Enjoy

When the soaps feel firm to the touch, gently pop them out of the silicone mold. Flex the mold if needed, and push from the bottom for a perfect release.

Your adorable homemade Christmas penguin soaps are ready to brighten up holiday sinks, stockings, or gift baskets.

Notes & Variations

Kid-safe first: Always choose essential oils that are safe for children. Avoid strong, spicy oils like cinnamon or clove.

Molds: This particular penguin mold tray is no longer available, but that’s okay. You don’t need a penguin mold – snowflakes, Christmas trees, or stars also work beautifully.

Color options: Mica powder adds a festive sparkle, but it’s optional. You can keep the bars plain white for a “snowy penguin” look or experiment with layered holiday colors.

Best Essential Oils for Penguin Christmas Soaps

Scents are what turn a homemade soap project into a true holiday treat. A few drops of the right essential oil can fill the air with nostalgic, cozy notes that make the simple act of washing your hands feel like stepping into a Christmas memory.

Here’s what works best for cheerful, holiday-inspired soap bars.

For Younger Kids (Gentle, Kid-Friendly Oils)

Stick with mild oils that are soothing, cheerful, and gentle on sensitive skin.

• Lavender – Calming and safe, perfect for bedtime baths.
• Sweet Orange – Bright, happy, and uplifting with a holiday citrus twist.
• Fir Needle – Fresh and piney, like bringing a Christmas tree indoors.
• Plant Therapy KidSafe Blends (Calming the Child, Sweet Dreams) – Pre-blended options made with kids in mind.

These oils are ideal if you’re making the penguin soaps as stocking stuffers or gifts for little ones.

For Older Kids and Teens (Festive, Stronger Oils)

For slightly older kids who enjoy bolder holiday scents, you can experiment with traditional Christmas oils:

• Peppermint – Cool, refreshing, and perfect for a candy cane vibe.
• Cinnamon + Vanilla – Warm, cozy, and reminiscent of festive baking.
• Sweet Orange + Clove – A spicy-sweet blend that smells like mulled cider.
• Pine or Fir Needle – Outdoorsy and invigorating, a true Christmas classic.

These Christmas essential oils create a stronger, more festive fragrance that older kids and teens will love.

Festive Essential Oil Combinations

Sometimes, the best holiday scent comes from blending a few oils together. Here are easy blends for Christmas soap batches:

Candy Cane Blend

• 7 drops peppermint
• 3 drops vanilla

Sugar Cookie Blend

• 6 drops vanilla
• 2 drops sweet orange
• 2 drops cinnamon leaf

Wintry Forest Blend

• 5 drops pine or fir needle
• 3 drops cedarwood
• 2 drops sweet orange

Spiced Citrus Blend

• 6 drops sweet orange
• 2 drops clove bud
• 2 drops cinnamon leaf

Tweak the number of drops and oils to find your own perfect mix! Always test on a small batch first to check that the scent is not too strong.

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Penguin Soaps

Even simple melt-and-pour soaps can sometimes give you little hiccups. Here are quick fixes for common issues:

Soap base doesn’t melt evenly – Chunks or hot spots can appear if the soap heats too fast or isn’t stirred enough. Cut cubes into smaller pieces of 1 inch or less and stir often to prevent this problem.

Soap turns cloudy or develops a film – This usually happens when the soap base is heated too quickly and is overheated. To avoid this issue, melt it gently and stir slowly to avoid bubbles.

Fragrance seems too faint – Some oils are naturally subtle. Add a little more essential oil (within safe usage limits) or blend with a stronger scent like peppermint or cinnamon.

Soap sticks to the mold – Lightly spritz the mold with rubbing alcohol before pouring or pop the mold in the freezer for a few minutes to release easily.

Color looks streaky or clumpy – Mica powder can clump or streak if not mixed well. To achieve even coloring, sprinkle mica powder evenly over the melted soap before stirring, and, using a whisk or spoon, stir gently in circles for at least 30 seconds. The soap must be warm enough and fully liquid for the color to blend evenly.

Uneven layers or colors – If layering, let the first layer cool until it’s firm but not fully hard before adding the next one. Spritz rubbing alcohol between layers so they stick.

Bubbles on the surface – After pouring, tap the mold lightly on the counter to bring bubbles to the top. Spraying a light mist of rubbing alcohol on the soap’s surface before it sets helps pop bubbles quickly.

Soap looks dull instead of shiny – A quick spritz of rubbing alcohol right after pouring helps keep the surface smooth and glossy.

Creative Variations Of The Basic Penguin Christmas Soap Recipe

Christmas penguin soaps are fun to make, but the real excitement comes when you start putting your own spin on each batch.

Whether you want to match a holiday color palette, give every soap a personalized scent, or surprise your friends with unique details, there are plenty of ways to customize.

Below you’ll find simple ideas that turn your kitchen into a creative studio, no matter your skill level.

Color Swaps and Layered Effects

Changing colors is an easy way to make your soaps stand out. With melt and pour bases, you can play with shades for endless variety.

• Classic black and white: Try using activated charcoal for black and titanium dioxide for crisp white. These make your penguin molds look traditional and bold.
• Pastel penguins: Mix small amounts of different mica powders – pale teal, light pink, or sunshine yellow – for a playful, pastel lineup that little ones will love.
• Layered look: Pour one color partway into the mold, let it set for a few minutes, then add a second color on top. This works great for giving your penguins “scarves” or little hats.

If you want multi-colored details, use a dropper or a toothpick to concentrate color in smaller areas before filling the rest with your main shade.

Add-Ins for Texture and Interest

Little surprises inside each soap make your batch even more special. Add-ins give your finished bars texture, a touch of sparkle, or a gentle scrub effect.

Try these fun additions:

• Biodegradable glitter: Sprinkle a pinch into the melted soap or onto the bottom of your mold for a shimmery finish.
• Oatmeal: Stir in a teaspoon for a gentle exfoliating soap that also soothes hands.
• Mini snowflake sprinkles: Edible, decorative sprinkles can go into the soap for a festive look. They dissolve slowly as the bar is used.
• Calendula petals: A pinch of dried flower petals adds a natural touch and looks cheerful peeking out from the soap.

Always check that any add-ins are skin-safe and soap-safe.

Unique Scents for Each Batch

Scents can set the mood for each bar. With essential oils, you have lots of choices beyond classic lavender.

• Holiday spice: Use a blend of sweet orange, cinnamon, and a hint of clove for a warm kitchen scent.
• Frozen morning: Try peppermint and eucalyptus for a cool, crisp aroma.
• Candy-inspired: Blend vanilla and citrus for a sweet, playful note that kids adore.

If you’re feeling creative, pour different scented batches into the same mold. Each penguin can smell completely unique.

Fun with Shapes and Themes

You can make any Christmas-themed soap with this easy melt-and-pour recipe using an assortment of molds in holiday or winter shapes.

Popular choices include:

• Snowmen
• Christmas trees
• Snowflakes
• Polar bears

Make a “winter animals” soap set and mix shapes in a gift bag for a look that feels straight from a holiday market.

Packaging Ideas for Penguin Christmas Soaps

Half the fun of gifting homemade soaps lies in the presentation! A little creativity makes your penguin soaps look extra special in stockings or gift baskets.

Here are some simple, festive ways to package your penguin soaps:

Clear cellophane bags: Clear cellophane bags show off the cute penguin shape while keeping the soap fresh. Tie with ribbon or twine for a cheerful touch.

Holiday tissue or wax paper: Wrap each soap bar snugly, then seal with a sticker, holiday label, or tape. For a personal touch, add a hand-written gift tag.

Patterned wrapping paper: Use leftover gift wrap with a winter or penguin theme. Fold tightly around each soap, then tie with a bow or festive string.

Muslin or cotton pouches: Natural fabric bags give a rustic, cozy look and can be reused. Toss in a sprig of pine, rosemary, or even a cinnamon stick for scent.

For gifting sets of soaps, place several bars in a recycled box or tin. Line the box with paper shreds or tissue to keep each soap secure and prevent scuffs. Stack penguin soaps with their “faces” showing for maximum cuteness.

Personalized touch – Add a small gift tag with the soap name and scent (e.g., Peppermint Penguin Soap or Sweet Orange Penguin Soap).

Finishing Touches for Gifting

A stylish presentation only takes a minute but adds so much to your holiday gift. Try these easy extras:

• Custom labels: Print or handwrite small labels for each soap. List the scent, the ingredients, or a “Made by [Your Name]” message.
• Mini ornaments or charms: Tie a tiny ornament or wooden snowflake onto each bag or box for a charming keepsake.
• Personal notes: Tuck a short holiday message or a “Merry Christmas” card into the package to make the gift feel warm and personal.

If you made soaps with different scents or colors, mix them in one box for a fun variety pack. Stack two or three penguin soaps per gift if you want to give a complete “mini set.”

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your penguin soaps looking and smelling their best until gift-giving time:

Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid direct sunlight or humidity, which can cause sweating or fading.
Wrap individually – This helps prevent scent loss and keeps dust away.

Use within 6–12 months – Melt-and-pour soaps don’t expire quickly, but the fragrance will fade over time. For the freshest scent, use or gift them within the year.

Avoid unwrapped long-term storage – If left out, the soap can attract moisture and lose its crisp shape.

Precautions for Making Christmas Penguin Soaps

Use kid-safe essential oils – Always double-check which oils are safe for children. Stick to gentle oils like lavender, sweet orange, or blends labeled as safe for kids.

Avoid choking hazards – These soaps are small and shaped like penguins, so remind little ones they are not toys or candy. Supervision is recommended if gifting to very young children.

Label clearly – If you’re gifting, include a note that these are handmade soaps to avoid confusion.
Patch test recommended – As with any skincare product, it’s best to test a small area first, especially for children with sensitive skin.

Christmas penguin soaps are quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for a cozy family project. The melt and pour method takes all the guesswork out, allowing you to get creative with colors, scents, and shapes, even if you have never made soap before. These soaps make cheerful gifts that show you care and bring a personal touch to any holiday celebration.

Try this at home with your kids or friends, and see how simple it is to make something joyful and useful.

Share photos of your penguin soaps or experiment with other festive designs and fragrances – you might inspire someone else to join in. Homemade holiday soaps always make the season brighter, both in your home and for anyone who receives them.

FAQ: DIY Christmas Penguin Soaps