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The Ultimate Christmas in July Gift Guide

The Ultimate Christmas in July Gift Guide

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If you’re anything like me, you know that the best handmade gifts can’t always be made at the last minute. Some projects—like cold process soap—need weeks to cure, while others simply take time to gather supplies, create, and package with care. That’s exactly why I love celebrating Christmas in July. It’s the perfect excuse to start planning for a handmade holiday without the stress of a December rush.

Over the years, we’ve hosted some unforgettable Christmas in July gatherings, complete with hilarious White Elephant exchanges that have become family legends. (Yes, the giant Christmas sweater and that infamous pair of underwear made the rounds for years!) Those memories are part of what makes this tradition so much fun.

Whether you’re planning your own Christmas in July celebration or you’re simply someone who likes to get a head start on holiday gift-making, this guide is filled with ideas to inspire you.

Inside, you’ll find handmade gift ideas, natural products I genuinely love, trusted companies I enjoy supporting, and time-tested DIY recipes that are perfect for gifting. I’ve also included a few special splurge-worthy finds if you’re looking to treat someone—or yourself—to something extra special.

From healthy ingredients and beautiful handcrafted products to DIY gifts you can start making today, there’s something here for every maker and every gift list.

Now, let’s dive in and start planning a handmade holiday you’ll actually enjoy creating.

Table of Contents

  • Gold Jewelry for Gifting
  • Handmade Holiday Soap Recipes
  • Luxurious Lotion for Gifts
  • Handmade Soap for Men
  • Herbal Lip Balm Recipes
  • Facial and Body Scrubs
  • Homemade Candles
  • Diffuser Oil Blends
  • Homemade Herbal Teas
  • Handmade Gift Basket Ideas
  • Creative Gift Wrapping & Packaging
  • Final Thoughts

1. Gold Jewelry for Gifting

I actually love the combination of handmade with something polished. It’s an earthy, yet elegant look that’s natural and classy at the same time. Whether it’s a delicate necklace, a pair of simple earrings, or a meaningful bracelet, jewelry has a way of becoming part of someone’s everyday life and become even more special if they are high-quality pieces that are passed down from generation to generation.

If you’re looking for a gift that feels both elegant and personal, this gold jewelry is a wonderful choice. It’s perfect for moms, sisters, friends, teachers, or anyone who appreciates classic style that will last for years to come.

2. Handmade Holiday Soap Recipes

Homemade soap is one of my favorite gifts to make because it’s both beautiful and practical. The only catch is that many cold process soaps need four to six weeks to cure, making Christmas in July the perfect time to start creating.

Whether you love festive scents, herbal ingredients, or naturally colored bars, making soap ahead of time means you’ll have plenty of gorgeous gifts ready when the holidays arrive. Package them with ribbon, kraft paper, or a handmade label for an extra special touch. You can also try some from my shop now.

3. Luxurious Lotion for Gifts

A rich, nourishing lotion is always a welcome gift during the colder months. Homemade lotions made with quality oils and butters feel incredibly luxurious while giving friends and family something they’ll actually use every day.

From lightweight lotions to rich body creams, there are plenty of recipes to suit every skin type. Pair a handmade lotion with coordinating soap or lip balm to create a beautiful spa-inspired gift set. Make your own with my recipes or get some from my shop.

4. Handmade Soap for Men

Finding thoughtful gifts for the men in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. Handmade soaps with earthy, woodsy, citrus, or spicy scents make practical gifts that feel just a little more special than anything you’ll find on a store shelf.

These soaps are perfect for husbands, dads, brothers, grandfathers, or coworkers. Add them to a gift basket with a shaving brush, beard oil, or handcrafted wooden soap dish for a gift that’s both useful and memorable.

5. Herbal Lip Balm Recipes

Lip balm is one of those small gifts that everyone appreciates. They’re inexpensive to make, easy to customize, and perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors, or adding to larger gift baskets.

Using nourishing oils, beeswax, and herbal infusions creates lip balms that feel wonderful while avoiding unnecessary ingredients. Once you start making your own, you’ll probably find yourself keeping a few extras for your own purse or pocket, too.

6. Facial and Body Scrubs

Sugar and salt scrubs make wonderful homemade gifts because they’re quick to create and instantly feel like a little luxury. They’re perfect for encouraging a little self-care during the busy holiday season.

From gentle facial scrubs to exfoliating body scrubs scented with essential oils, there are endless ways to customize them. Package them in reusable glass jars with festive labels, and you’ll have a gift that’s both beautiful and practical.

7. Homemade Candles

Few things create a cozy holiday atmosphere quite like a beautiful, naturally scented candle. Making your own allows you to choose natural waxes, favorite fragrances, and containers that match your personal style.

Candles make wonderful standalone gifts or can be paired with soap, lotion, tea, or a favorite book for a thoughtful gift basket. They’re one of those handmade gifts that people enjoy long after the holidays are over.

8. Diffuser Oil Blends

Essential oil diffuser blends are a simple way to fill a home with comforting seasonal aromas. Whether you enjoy warm spices, fresh evergreens, bright citrus, or calming lavender, creating custom blends lets you personalize every gift.

Bottle your favorite combinations in small glass bottles with handwritten labels or include printable blend recipes alongside a diffuser. They’re thoughtful gifts for anyone who enjoys creating a peaceful, welcoming home.

9. Homemade Herbal Teas

There’s something comforting about curling up with a warm cup of herbal tea on a cold winter evening. Homemade tea blends are easy to customize using dried herbs, flowers, and spices, making them a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Package loose-leaf blends in glass jars, reusable tea tins, or kraft bags with brewing instructions and a handwritten note. Pair them with a favorite mug, local honey, or homemade cookies for a cozy gift that’s sure to be appreciated throughout the season.

Gift Baskets

If you’re wondering how to put these all together, then consider making a few different categories and making a gift basket. Gift baskets are incredibly popular around the holidays because they let you combine several small handmade items into one thoughtful gift.

There are many times throughout the year to create gift baskets. Some great ideas include:

  • New neighbor welcome basket
  • Spa gift basket (soap, lotion, lip balm, scrub, candle)
  • Tea lover’s basket (herbal tea, mug, honey, candle)
  • Men’s grooming basket
  • Hostess gift basket

Make all of your gifts or find Handmade Gifts in my Shop.

Handmade Gift Packaging Ideas

Presentation makes handmade gifts feel even more special.

Include ideas like:

  • Kraft boxes
  • Mason jars
  • Muslin bags
  • Twine and dried orange slices
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Handmade gift tags
  • Wax seals
  • Reusable baskets

Get beautiful gift-wrapping ideas and make handmade wrapping paper here.

Whether you’re making a single thoughtful gift for Christmas in July or planning an entire handmade Christmas, I hope these ideas inspire you to start creating now. A little planning in July can make the holiday season feel far less stressful—and much more enjoyable.

I’d love to hear what handmade gifts you’re making this year, so leave a comment below and share your favorite Christmas in July tradition!

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How July 4th Sun Damage Can Ruin Your Skin’s Retinol Progress

How July 4th Sun Damage Can Ruin Your Skin’s Retinol Progress

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This year, more of the country will be outside for longer stretches than at almost any other point in summer, and for anyone using retinol, that shift changes the math on their skincare routine. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that speeds up cell turnover, softens fine lines, and triggers new collagen production, changes that take weeks or months to show up, according to a 2025 review in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. The same review explains that ultraviolet exposure breaks down existing collagen and creates new pigmentation and texture damage, which means the two forces, one building and one dismantling, are often happening on the same face at the same time.

Sunscreen is the variable that decides which one wins. Real-world use tends to fall short of what a bottle’s SPF number promises. A clinical study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that people who applied sunscreen at their usual amount, rather than the thicker layer used in lab testing, got less protection than the labeled SPF, and that closing that gap required both a thicker application and reapplying more often than most people do on their own.

Why Retinol Makes Your Skin More Vulnerable to Sun Damage

That gap matters more for retinol users specifically. Retinol thins the outermost layer of dead skin cells to reveal newer skin underneath, and that newer skin has less natural buffer against UV light. Skipping sunscreen on a day at the beach, or underapplying it on an ordinary Tuesday, does not just add a normal amount of sun exposure. It adds exposure to skin that is already more vulnerable than it was before starting retinol.

Paula Brezavscek sees this constantly at her Coral Gables, Florida practice, where she works as a board-certified physician associate specializing in cosmetic dermatology. “If you’re using retinol without wearing sunscreen every day, you’re working against the benefits you’re trying to achieve,” she explains. “I always tell my patients that sunscreen is what protects the results that retinol helps create.”

RELATED: Can Natural Skincare Really Work? Tata Harper Weighs In

There’s a rumor that layering sunscreen over retinol or vitamin C cancels the ingredients out, like they’re elbowing each other for space. Brezavscek says that’s just not true. “Sunscreen doesn’t make retinol or vitamin C less effective,” she notes. “In fact, they work really well together. Vitamin C helps defend against free radical damage, retinol improves skin quality, and sunscreen protects your skin from future UV damage. Each product has its own role, and together they create a much stronger skincare routine.”

What’s trending in skincare

Common Sunscreen Mistakes That Sabotage Your Skincare Routine

The mistakes Brezavscek actually sees in her patients aren’t about ingredients. They’re about habits. “The biggest mistake is only wearing sunscreen when they’re going to the beach or spending the day outside,” she points out. “Another common mistake is not applying enough. Most people use much less than what’s needed to get the SPF protection listed on the bottle.”

Most people don’t apply enough moisturizer or foundation to get real SPF benefits according to Brezavscek. “If you’re using retinol or having treatments like chemical peels or lasers, I recommend using a separate broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning,” she describes. “Makeup with SPF is a nice bonus but it shouldn’t be your primary sun protection.”

How to Protect Your Anti-Aging Skincare Investment This Summer

Part of why sunscreen gets skipped is that the consequences of skipping it are not immediate. Retinol users can see results in the mirror within weeks. Sun damage takes far longer to announce itself, and that lag makes it easy to underestimate. “Many people think they’ll notice the effects right away if they skip sunscreen, but that’s usually not what happens,” Brezavscek says. “Sun damage builds over time. Every day of unprotected exposure contributes to collagen loss, pigmentation, and premature aging.” That gradual timeline is also why skin can keep changing years after a routine has stayed the same, since the damage being addressed today was often set in motion long before it became visible.

RELATED: Plastic Surgeon Highlights the New “Bioidentical” Trend Changing How We Approach Facial Aging

For anyone who has spent real money on retinol, peels, or brightening treatments, your sunscreen habit is not a side note to that investment. “Many of the treatments and skincare products we use are designed to repair existing sun damage and improve skin quality,” Brezavscek explains. “If you’re not consistently protecting your skin from UV exposure, you’re creating new damage while trying to fix the old damage.”

Your fix this weekend is not complicated. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and apply a nickel-sized amount to your face every two-ish hours outside.

Paula Brezavscek is a board-certified physician associate specializing in cosmetic dermatology.

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