There’s a reason homemade gifts always win—they feel a lot more personal and a lot less last-minute.
This year, why not trade the tired socks-and-chocolate combo for your own lovingly crafted creations instead? Not only will you save a bit of money but you’d also be doing the planet a favour.
Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about gifting something you’ve made with your own bare hands—or if you’re running a business, offering customers something truly unique for their stockings.
From fragrant wax melts and candles to homemade jams and rustic hand warmers, these ideas are thoughtful, budget-friendly and way more exciting than the usual high street finds.
Safety first
When creating homemade stocking fillers like candles, soaps, and scrubs, it's really important to make sure the fragrances you’re using are safe and suitable for the intended product. Always refer to the IFRA certificate for the fragrance oil you’ve chosen—this document outlines usage limits and ensures your product remains skin-safe and compliant with industry standards.
For example, oils designed for candles might not be suitable for skincare products like lip balms or sugar scrubs. Stick to fragrances that are specifically labelled for cosmetic use when crafting body care items. Taking a little extra time to check can make all the difference in creating safe, high-quality gifts.
7 stocking fillers to make at home
Homemade stocking fillers hit different. They’re thoughtful, creative and completely customisable. Whether you’re crafting for loved ones or selling to customers, these ideas hit the sweet spot between “how lovely!” and “how handy!”.
Wax melts
Wax melts are SO simple to make (you can see how it’s done here). These little scent powerhouses are a winter favourite, filling homes with comforting fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla or eucalyptus (provided that you’ve got the fragrance load nailed).
All you need is wax, fragrance oil and a mould—get creative with shapes and colours to make them stand out. Bonus: they’re a brilliant way to use any excess wax left after making candles!
Natural lip balms
Cold weather = chapped lips, and that makes lip balms a perfect stocking filler. Mix beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter. Pour the mixture into small tins or tubes, and you’ve got a practical gift with a personal touch—perfect for fending off the winter chill.
Handmade candles
Candles are always a crowd-pleaser, especially during the festive season. You could go for mini jar candles with classic Christmas scents like cinnamon, orange or pine, or get creative with sculpted candles shaped like Christmas trees, stars or perhaps something completely unrelated!
Personalise them with rustic, handwritten labels, or add glitter to your wax for a touch of holiday sparkle. Just be sure to use glitter that’s specifically designed for candles—like our non-flammable, wax-safe options—to keep everything safe and burn-friendly. If you’ve never made candles before, get started with our beginner’s guide.
Hand warmers
Cold fingers are no joke in winter, and that’s where these little lifesavers come in. DIY hand warmers are as practical as they are adorable. All you need is some fabric (dig out those Christmas prints), rice and a needle and thread. Stitch up small pouches, fill them with rice and seal them up.
Microwave for a few seconds, and they’re ready to go. They’re perfect for slipping into coat pockets on icy morning commutes or just keeping hands warm during an outdoor mulled wine session.
Cute soaps
Who wouldn’t want a handmade soap that’s almost too pretty to use? These are the kind of stocking fillers that really show you’ve put effort into them.
Start with a melt-and-pour soap base, add a few drops of fragrance oil for a custom scent and mix in natural exfoliants like coffee grounds or dried flowers. Pour into festive moulds—stars, snowflakes or something fun like a pine tree—and you’re good to go. (Psssst, we’ve rounded up 17 soap ideas here.)
Practical and Pinterest-worthy, they’re perfect for adding a touch of handmade luxury to everyday rituals.
Clay fridge magnets
Move over store-bought fridge magnets—these handmade beauties are the upgrade every kitchen needs. Mould them into festive shapes like tiny gingerbread men. Or, go for year-round favourites like flowers, animals or abstract designs.
All it takes is air-dry clay, some paint, a bit of gloss and magnet strips. Want to step it up? Add textured patterns with lace or stamps, or try metallic paints for a chic finish.
Homemade jams & chutneys
If you’re looking for a gift that feels warm, nostalgic and a little bit fancy, homemade jams and chutneys are the answer. Fill jars with the likes of caramelised onion chutney or zesty orange marmalade, dressed up with handwritten labels and a ribbon.
They’re surprisingly simple to make: just some seasonal fruit or veg, a dash of spice and a bit of time. Wrap them in a mini hamper with crackers or cheese, and you’ve got a yummy stocking filler.
DIY beard balms
Winter isn’t kind to beards—dry air turns them from suave to scruffy fast. Enter DIY beard balm: a thoughtful stocking filler that’s equal parts practical and personal.
Blend beeswax, shea butter, and nourishing oils like argan or jojoba for a balm that tames and softens. Go the extra mile with scents—try cedarwood for that outdoorsy vibe or bergamot for a fresh, citrus twist (remember to make sure your fragrance is safe for this purpose).
Pack it into a sleek tin and slap on a handmade label (bonus points for a punny name).
Crocheted coasters
Crocheted coasters give serious Cottagecore vibes and they fit nicely into Christmas stockings. Pick up your crochet supplies and try your hand at brightly coloured granny squares, cream rounds or even festive snowflakes that align with the seasonal magic. Use durable cotton yarn, and you’ve got a super cute and thoughtful gift that’s made to last—not to mention an undeniably useful gift for us avid tea drinkers.
Sugar body scrub
Winter skin needs all the help it can get, and a DIY sugar scrub is the ultimate glow-up in a jar. Mix granulated sugar with coconut oil for a natural exfoliant that’s as simple as it is effective. Want to level it up? Add a few drops of vanilla or peppermint fragrance oil for a scent that’s either cosy or refreshing. Package it in a glass jar with a ribbon, and suddenly, “exfoliating” sounds like a treat, not a chore.
This Christmas, get creative with your stocking fillers
Remember, the best gifts come from the heart (and sometimes, from your own kitchen!). Whether you're a crafting novice or a seasoned pro, there's something on this list for everyone. There’s not long left before the big day, so grab your supplies, put on some festive tunes and start making your DIY stocking fillers.
Don’t forget to tag @ni_candlesupplies on Instagram so we can credit your creativity!