While most gifting is about maximal wow factor and minimal budget, it’s the thought that really counts. With the booming plastics crisis, why not invite friends and family to reduce their plastic empties and embrace one of the hottest trends in the nexus of beauty and sustainability in 2024 – the proliferation of bar soaps made from premium, clean ingredients for face, body, and hair? With this holiday-themed installment of the bar soap series, explore the latest finds and help loved ones on the journey to reduce plastic with cleansing bars perfect for gifting at all price points, aesthetics, and self care niches.
Botanical Decadence for the Boho Chic
French Lavender & French Green Clay, Rose Geranium and Rose Absolute, or Granulated Orange Peel and Ylang Ylang? How to choose when each sounds more heavenly the next? These botanically and artisanally-sourced fragrance duos and the matching botanically printed packaging by artist Laura Admussen will titillate the eyes and nose of any design-minded familiar who’s also enamoured by nature’s bounty. Made from a nourishing base of coconut, castor seed, and argan oils, these organic, vegan cleansing bars lather into a rich mousse of botanical goodness.
Sangre de Fruta’s limited edition soaps in Garden of Earthly Delights, Head of Roses, and Neroli Noir can be mixed and matched with the line’s shampoos, conditioners, and body washes in the same scents for a unique fragrance profile that’s biodegradable and ocean friendly. The packaging alone will earn these artful bars top placement in any stocking or gift bag.
Vegan Nourishment for Clean Beauty Warriors
For a larger swath of gifting to raise the ecological consciousness of friends and families, Bonuderm’s All Natural Bars are handmade, cold pressed, and sold in bulk. Whether partial to Lavender, Rosemary, or Unscented for Sensitive Skin, the all purpose cleansing powerhouses for face and body lather luxuriously to deep clean and nourish. The plant oil-based bars, free of parabens and other ickies, combine just a few ingredients – saponified oils of coconut and almond, shea Butter, clay and either lavender or rosemary essential oils – for maximum impact and simplicity. For an additional level of cleansing and refreshment, the Texas-based Latina-owned Bonuderm also offers a Hemp Seed Oil & Peppermint Bar at a budget-friendly price point.
Treats for the Hostess with Mostest
If brainstorming for unique gifts to impress that Martha Stewart wannabe in your friend circle who is always fully stocked with the latest skin and body care, kitchen gadgets and tech accessories, the simplicity and traditional watercolor-inspired Christmas designs of Michel Design Works for Stonewall Kitchen will wow with a retro twist. In scents any homemaker and kitchen maven will love, Lemon Basil, Pumpkin Delight, and Lavender Rosemary, the triple-milled, shea butter-based formulas ensure effective cleansing between baking marathons and to prep for cozy Christmas nights in front of the fireplace.
For the Stanley Tucci in your life, the more masculine woodsy, spicy soaps in Sea Salt & Sand, Bourbon & Amber, and Firewood boast packaging inspired by modern photography that will pack a visual punch in any bathroom. For an extra interior design-forward wow factor, add a matching soap dish to keep these extra large, long-lasting bars pristine throughout the holiday season.
Pristine Refreshment for the Workout Obsessed
The most fit in our orbit typically have no shortage of protein bars, electrolyte powders, and muscle salves in their lockers and gym bags. In addition to a new water bottle or fitness-optimizing gadget, they can all appreciate a little treat for detoxing after a sweaty session. Offcourt, a women-owned, functional brand based right here in NYC, specializes in performance personal care products for workout warriors.
In addition to body sprays and gym fragrances, the functional brand has formulated three gently exfoliating soaps for an effective post-workout deep-clean. Fresh Citron + Driftwood, Coconut Water + Sandalwood, and Fig Leaves + White Musk are available individually and in a Trio Pack for the ultimate versatility. Pumice grains in a base of shea Butter and olive oil leave the skin free of sweat, grime, and odors with an uplifting zing for any time of day or occasion.
Merry Christmas & Happy Gifting!!!
