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9 Fabulous Ayurvedic DIY Holiday Gifts: Thoughtful, Handmade Wellness Gifts for Your Loved Ones
- Belinda Baer. Ayurvedic Practitioner at Wise Woman Ayurveda
- Dec 10, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Nov 26
Updated 11/25/25
The holiday season is a time for connection, love, and sharing joy with family and friends.
If you’re looking for thoughtful, unique, and sustainable ways to spread cheer, Ayurvedic DIY holiday gifts are an excellent option.
Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, these gifts combine natural ingredients and wellness principles to create items that promote balance, health, and happiness.
Explore ideas for Ayurvedic DIY holiday gifts that are easy to make, affordable, and filled with care.
Over the past 14 years as an Ayurvedic practitioner, I’ve developed dozens of simple DIY recipes to support seasonal balance. I personally make many of these gifts for friends and family, especially during the holiday season, as a way to share wellness with intention.
In this post:
3. Ojas Balls
Why Choose Ayurvedic DIY Holiday Gifts?
Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing from India, emphasizes balance and harmony in mind, body, and spirit.
Ayurvedic principles prioritize natural ingredients, personalization, and love, which are all qualities that make for meaningful holiday gifts.
By crafting DIY holiday gifts with Ayurvedic principles in mind, you can tailor your presents to the recipient’s needs while avoiding the environmental impact of mass-produced items.
Here are some reasons Ayurvedic DIY gifts are a perfect choice for the holidays:
• Personal Touch:
Handmade gifts show thoughtfulness and effort.
• Natural Ingredients:
Using Ayurvedic herbs, oils, and spices ensures your gifts are free from harmful chemicals.
• Customizable:
Ayurvedic gifts can be tailored to suit different constitutions (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
• Sustainable:
Eco-friendly materials reduce waste and promote mindful consumption.
Ayurvedic DIY Holiday Gift Ideas
1. Homemade Ghee
Ghee, a clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking, offers numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Rich in healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, ghee supports brain function, reduces inflammation, and promotes heart health by improving cholesterol levels (NIH).
The butyrate content in ghee has been linked to improved gut health by enhancing the gut lining and promoting healthy digestion (Lifespa).
Ghee's high smoke point (around 485°F or 250°C) makes it an ideal cooking fat, as it does not break down into harmful free radicals at high temperatures, unlike some other oils.
It also has a rich, nutty flavor, which can elevate dishes without the need for excessive seasoning.
Ghee is believed to have Ayurvedic healing properties, supporting detoxification, boosting metabolism, and improving the absorption of nutrients.
Overall, when used in moderation, ghee can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
While a more complicated ghee-making process involves making yogurt and then churning the yogurt to extract the fat, before cooking the fat to make ghee, a simple ghee made from butter can be a lovely gift.
You can use this recipe for Ghee:
Before it cools completely and solidifies, place the ghee in a small glass mason jar, then add a bright bow for a special gift.
Offer this gift with recipe cards for your favorite meals that use ghee, or choose a few of my recipes to share.
2. Herbal Tea Blends
Create personalized herbal tea blends designed to balance specific constitutions.
Many of the herbs below are linked to Athreya Herbs, a site that I personally use and recommend to my clients.
Use coupon code wisewomanayurveda at the Athreya Herbs checkout to recieve 15% off your entire order.
Tea blend examples:
• Vata Tea:
Warm and grounding spices can be used to pacify Vata dosha.
Blend:
1 part Ginger Powder
2 parts Cinnamon Powder
2 parts Cardamom Powder
Steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Pitta Tea:
Cooling and calming spices can be used to pacify Pitta dosha.
Blend:
1 part Fennel Powder
1 part Rose Petal Powder
1 part Licorice Root Powder
Steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Kapha Tea:
Invigorating spices can be used to pacify Kapha dosha.
Blend:
3 parts Tulsi Powder
1 part Black Pepper Powder
1 part Clove Powder
1 part Ginger Powder
Steep for 5-10 minutes.
Package the tea blend in glass jars or kraft paper pouches accompanied by handwritten instructions for brewing.
Gift with an extra fine tea strainer or reusable cotton tea strainer bags.
Include a note about the health benefits of the ingredients to add a personal touch.
With my training from the Kripalu School of Ayurveda and in India, I design these recipes not just for their beauty, but also for their energetic properties. Each herb, food, and method is chosen to align with Ayurvedic principles and to support doshic balance safely.
3. Ojas Balls
Ojas balls are a traditional Ayurvedic remedy made with a blend of natural ingredients, including nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and herbs, believed to enhance vitality and overall health.
They are considered a powerful food to boost Ojas, the subtle energy responsible for immunity, juiciness, vitality, strength, and longevity.
Learn more about Ojas with this post:
Try this recipe for making Ojas Balls:
Place the Ojas Balls in a large glass mason jar with a bow to make a delicious DIY holiday gift for your friends and family.
4. Glowing Face Clay
Ayurvedic face clay is a natural skincare treatment made from herbs and clays, commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic practices to cleanse, detoxify, and rejuvenate the skin.
Ingredients such as Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti), neem, turmeric, and sandalwood are often incorporated for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
This clay helps absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and remove impurities, promoting clearer, smoother skin.
It also balances the skin’s natural pH, improves circulation, and provides nourishment with its rich mineral content.
Regular use of Ayurvedic face clay can reduce acne, brighten the complexion, and promote a healthy, glowing appearance.
Blend:
4 parts Fuller's Earth
1 part Brahmi Powder
1 part Rose Petal Powder
1 part Turmeric Powder
1 part Licorice Root Powder
1 part Neem Powder can be added for acne-prone skin.
Directions for use:
After applying oil to the face, create a paste of this blend with either water (for Kapha dosha), milk (for Pitta dosha), or yogurt (for Vata dosha).
Apply to the face.
For deeper cleaning, allow it to remain on the face until it dries, then rinse with water.
For a lighter cleansing or for dry skin, rinse with water immediately after applying.
After mixing the ingredients, place the powder in a mason jar and add a ribbon with holly leaves and berries with a handwritten note containing the directions for use mentioned above.
5. Golden Milk Mix
Golden milk, a traditional Ayurvedic drink, is made by combining milk (or dairy-free alternatives) with turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory spice, and other digestive spices.
This delicious golden milk can help dry up excess mucus during the late winter and spring cold and flu season.
Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, making it effective in reducing inflammation, promoting joint health, and supporting digestion (IJMRHS).
Golden milk is also known to promote relaxation and better sleep due to its calming effects.
This warm, soothing beverage is a natural way to support overall wellness.
Blend:
3 parts Turmeric Powder
3 parts Ginger Powder
3 parts Cinnamon Powder
1 part Black Pepper Powder
2 parts Cardamom Powder
Directions for use:
Boil 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this mixture per serving in milk.
Add honey or another natural sweetener for taste.
Mix the ingredients and place them in a jar or metal tin, adding the directions for use.
6. Spice Blends for Cooking
Ayurvedic spice blends make thoughtful and practical gifts for food lovers.
Create custom spice mixes for cooking, like:
• Vata-Balancing Masala
Blend:
3 parts Ginger Powder
3 parts Fennel Powder
3 parts Cinnamon Powder
3 parts Cumin Powder
1 part Black Pepper Powder
Directions for use:
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of the masala and add more if a stronger flavor is desired.
For rich flavor, this spice blend can be gently cooked in ghee or another oil before the foods are added to the pan.
Alternatively, they can be sprinkled in during the cooking process.
• Pitta-Balancing Masala:
Blend:
3 parts Coriander Powder
3 parts Cumin Powder
3 parts Fennel Powder
3 parts Cardamom Powder
2 parts Turmeric Powder
1 part Black Pepper Powder
Directions for use:
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of the masala and add more if a stronger flavor is desired.
For rich flavor, this spice blend can be gently cooked in ghee or another oil before the foods are added to the pan.
Alternatively, they can be sprinkled in during the cooking process.
• Kapha-Stimulating Masala:
Blend:
3 parts Ginger Powder
3 parts Cinnamon Powder
2 parts Fenugreek Powder
2 part Black Pepper Powder
2 part Pippali Powder
Directions for use:
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of the masala and add more if a stronger flavor is desired.
For rich flavor, this spice blend can be gently cooked in ghee or another oil before the foods are added to the pan.
Alternatively, they can be sprinkled in during the cooking process.
Package the blends in glass jars or tins, and include the directions for use listed above.
7. Ayurvedic Bath Powder
After oiling (Abhyanga), transform your shower into a rejuvenating ritual with Ayurvedic bath powder.
Blend:
6 parts Chickpea Flour
1 part Neem Powder
1 part Calamus Powder (Vacha)
1 part Brahmi Powder
1 part Rose Petal Powder
1 part Turmeric Powder
1 part Licorice Root Powder
1 part Ginger Powder can be added for Vata and Kapha pacification
Directions for use:
After oiling, wet the body in the shower.
Gently apply a small amount of the powder and rub it all over the body to help remove excess oil without stripping the skin of natural moisture.
To gift, package the powders in reusable jars or tins and include a note explaining how to use them, along with a wooden scoop for a spa-like touch.
8. Cumin Coriander Fennel Tea to Ease Digestion
Cumin, coriander, and fennel tea is a soothing herbal blend often used in Ayurvedic practices for its digestive and health benefits.
The tea can help alleviate indigestion, gas, and bloating while promoting a healthy metabolism and encouraging detoxification.
Calming and supportive of overall wellness, this tea is an excellent daily drink for maintaining digestive health.
Mix equal parts of:
Directions for use:
Boil 2 teaspoons of the mixture in 5 cups of water for 10-15 minutes for 2-3 cups of tea or steep 1 teaspoon in an individual cup with hot water for 15 minutes.
Enjoy 1/2 hour before meals, sip it during meals, or drink it 1/2 hour after meals.
Package the mixed seeds in glass or metal containers and include instructions for preparing the tea.
9. Ayurvedic Foody DIY Holiday Gift Set for the Kitchen
Assemble a DIY holiday gift set with several of the DIY holiday gift ideas mentioned above.
For example, include:
• A jar of homemade Ghee
• One or two of the Spice Blends for Cooking
• One or two of the Herbal Tea Blends
• The Golden Milk Mix
Arrange these items in a basket, a good-quality cooking pot, or a gift box lined with a kitchen towel for a special touch.
Packaging Ideas for Ayurvedic DIY Holiday Gifts
The presentation of your gift can be just as meaningful as the contents.
Opt for eco-friendly and reusable packaging options such as:
• Glass jars, tins, or bottles.
• Recycled kraft paper, paper grocery bags, or fabric wraps.
• Cotton drawstring bags with block-printed designs.
• Dried flowers, holly or pine sprigs, twine, and handwritten labels for a rustic, natural touch.
Tips for Crafting Ayurvedic DIY Holiday Gifts
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients:
Choose organic and sustainably sourced ingredients to ensure the best results.
2. Plan Ahead:
Some gifts, such as homemade Ojas Balls or Ghee, may take time to prepare.
Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
3. Include Instructions:
Provide clear guidelines on how to use or enjoy the gift to make it more accessible and enjoyable.
FAQs: DIY Holiday Gifts
Q: What are some simple Ayurvedic DIY holiday gifts?
A: You can create nourishing, handmade Ayurvedic gifts using natural ingredients and easy techniques. Ideas include herb-infused oils, spice blends, calming teas, and face clay with dried herbs, all rooted in Ayurvedic self-care and seasonal balance.
Q: Why choose Ayurvedic DIY gifts over store-bought products?
A: Ayurvedic DIY gifts feel more personal and intentional. When you create something by hand, like a calming herbal blend or a soothing face mask, you're not just giving a product, you’re sharing a ritual. It also allows you to control ingredient quality, use fresh herbs, and honor Ayurvedic principles of balance and wellness.
Q: How do I pick herbs for an Ayurvedic gift based on dosha?
A: When selecting herbs, think about the recipient’s dosha (constitution):
Vata: grounding, warming herbs like ashwagandha, cinnamon, or ginger.
Pitta: cooling herbs like rose petals, sandalwood, or mint.
Kapha: more stimulating or detoxifying herbs like turmeric, tulsi, or black pepper.
Q: How long do DIY Ayurvedic gifts last?
A: Shelf life depends on the ingredients, but dry blends (spice mixes or teas) often last 1–2 years if kept dry and airtight.
Q: Can I make Ayurvedic DIY gifts if I know very little about Ayurveda?
A: You don’t need to be a practitioner to make simple, nourishing gifts. Focus on easy, safe recipes (like ghee, spice blends, herbal tea blends, or herbal face masks), follow clean methods, and use herbs that are well-known and gentle. These DIYs are an accessible way to share thoughtful, wellness-focused gifts.
Q: What packaging works best for homemade Ayurvedic gifts?
A: Use glass jars/bottles, food-safe tins, or small paper pouches, depending on what you are making. Reusable cloth bags, recycled glass containers, or compostable packaging make the gift feel more conscious and aligned with Ayurvedic values of sustainability.
Q: How can I present a DIY Ayurvedic gift in a meaningful way?
A: Pair your handmade item with a small note that explains how to use it (e.g., “use in your favorite recipes” or “add a teaspoon to warm milk”). Including a little recipe card, packaging in a natural fabric pouch, or combining two items (like a spice blend + ghee) makes the gift feel like a wellness ritual instead of just a jar with herbs.
If these DIY gifts inspired you and you’re curious about bringing more Ayurvedic rituals into your life, whether for self-care, balance, or deeper well-being, I’d love to support you.
You’re invited to book a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with me.
Together, we can explore your unique constitution, design simple daily rituals, and tailor wellness practices that feel deeply nourishing and sustainable.
The Joy of Giving Ayurvedic DIY Holiday Gifts
Ayurvedic DIY holiday gifts are an extension of your care and mindfulness.
By sharing the principles of Ayurveda through your creations, you can inspire your loved ones to embrace wellness and balance in their daily lives.
This holiday season, step away from the commercial frenzy and immerse yourself in the joy of crafting meaningful, sustainable, and health-promoting gifts.
Not only will your efforts be appreciated, but you’ll also find immense satisfaction in knowing that your gifts contribute to the well-being of others.
Happy crafting, and may your Ayurvedic DIY holiday gifts bring light and love to all who receive them!
Please share this post with your friends and family who may benefit from it.
Learn more about how these herbs and spices can be used. My favorite resource is Sebastian Pole's book, Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice, available on Amazon.
Please share this post with anyone you think would benefit from it.
Please note: I’m sharing these DIY recipes for wellness and self-care, not to replace medical or clinical treatment. If you or your loved one has allergies, is pregnant, or has a chronic health condition, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (or other healthcare professional) before using herbal preparations.
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