Small in size and consumable, but embodying self-care, I love to use bath products as more interesting stocking-stuffers than your average candy cane. I’ve had the chance to try out a few natural skin and body care lines as weather has gotten colder and my skin drier. I know now exactly which standout products will be making it into my own self-care routine and my family’s stockings, and which might belong in your home.
PJ’s Soaps and Bombs
I started this exploration with a few products from PJ’s Soaps and Bombs, a California small business with a focus on tranquility. You can feel the personal attention to this goal in all PJ’s standout products. I loved their fresh and relaxing Tranquil Beach scent, which is available in a bar soap, a rich and hydrating body butter, a sugar scrub, and more. The straightforward formulation of just sugar, coconut, jojoba oil, and fragrance renders the scrub a stress-free gift, and I was particularly impressed with how well it moisturised while exfoliating.
PJ’s also offers some really useful products lots of friends may not have tried yet, such as their shower steamers — a variation on a bath bomb for those who prefer a shower — or a Frankincense and Lemon Cuticle Oil pen. These both are shining new additions into my self-care routine, because as much as I love a soothing product, I’m often too on-the-go for an all-out spa experience. PJ’s makes products with simple but impressive formulations.
Naples Soap Company
Naples Soap Company has made their name with natural and organic ingredients in classic scents, and I got my hands on their Lavender Cult Classics Collection to try their greatest hits out. The undisputed standouts were the shampoo and conditioner bars, which I have to recommend because both did their jobs impressively. I have found in the past that while shampoo bars are generally reliable, conditioner bars tend to be a bit of a dud. Naples proved me wrong with strong formulations in both bars. The natural lavender scent in their sea salt scrub and a thick and creamy body butter duo also impressed.
One product I just had to try was Naples’ fascinating loofah soap, a brand staple that beyond its obvious functionality — soap with loofah pre-installed! — is visually cool. This seems like a perfect way to win over a child with a penchant for play time during bath time, or a brother like my own, less predisposed to fancy soaps and salves.
Sun Basin Soap
Sun Basin Soap has carved out a spot in the industry through a real commitment to its values; not only do they use all natural ingredients and biodegradable packaging, but 100% of their profits go to charity. Already verging on sold-out for the holiday season, their products in light scents such as Eucalyptus Mint and Lemongrass Tea are crafted to impress. The offer that really might supersede stocking status this year is their subscription model, which enables you to gift or craft for yourself a year-round routine. It’s a great way to ring in the new year!
The Standouts
In conclusion, the bath stocking stuffers I think anyone would most love to receive:
PJ’s Soaps and Bombs Tranquil Beach Sugar Scrub
PJ’s Frankincense and Lemon Cuticle Oil Travel Pen
Naples Soap Company Lavender Conditioner Bar
Naples Loofah Pure Paradise Soap
Sun Basin Soap’s Subscription Plan
May your holiday season be merry, bright, and super sudsy!
For more holiday shopping tips, check out our comprehensive gift guide for beauty lovers
