Herbal Gifts: Your Complete Guide

Meaningful handmade gifts, budget-friendly ($3-10 vs. commercial $20-50), personal connection, shares herbal knowledge, sustainable/eco-friendly, accessible using NZ herbs.

Creating Beautiful, Useful Gifts with Herbs

Making herbal gifts is one of the most rewarding aspects of herbalism. Whether you’re creating medicinal salves, decorative wreaths, or fragrant room sprays, homemade herbal gifts show care and intention in a way store-bought items simply can’t match.

This guide covers both practical herbal remedies and beautiful decorative items — all simple enough for beginners but special enough to treasure.

Why Make Herbal Gifts?

Personal and meaningful: Handmade gifts show you’ve invested time and thought
Cost-effective: Often cheaper than store-bought equivalents, especially if you grow your own herbs
Customisable: Tailor to the recipient’s needs, preferences, and sensitivities
Sustainable: Natural, often package-free, with minimal environmental impact
Educational: Introducing friends and family to herbalism in an accessible way
Important: Always include clear labels with ingredients, uses, and any safety warnings. This is essential for anyone with allergies or sensitivities.

Part 1: Practical Herbal Gifts (Remedies and Wellness)

1. Healing Herbal Salve

Why it’s a great gift: Everyone needs a good all-purpose healing balm. Perfect for dry hands, minor cuts, chapped lips, and small skin irritations.

What you need:

1 cup herb-infused oil (see method below)
30g beeswax pastilles (or grated block beeswax)
Optional: 5-10 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree)
Small tins or jars (30-50ml size)

Herb options for the infused oil:

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Skin healing, anti-inflammatory
Plantain (Plantago major): Draws out splinters, soothes irritation
Comfrey leaf (Symphytum officinale): Tissue repair (external use only)
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Nerve pain, bruises
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Wound healing, stops bleeding

Making herb-infused oil (folk method):

Choose your oil: Olive oil is excellent and shelf-stable (12+ months). Sweet almond or sunflower oil also work well.
Fill a clean, completely dry jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herbs (fresh herbs can cause mold)
Cover completely with oil, leaving no air gaps. Dried herbs will expand
Steep for 4-6 weeks in a sunny windowsill or warm spot, shaking daily for the first two weeks
Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing well to extract all oil
Store in a dark bottle in a cool place (shelf life same as base oil, typically 6-12 months)

Quick method (if you need oil faster):

Combine herbs and oil in a jar
Place jar in slow cooker with water halfway up the sides
Heat on low for 4-8 hours (jar lid loose, not sealed)
Strain when cooled

Making the salve:

Melt beeswax into infused oil using a double boiler (heatproof bowl over simmering water)
Standard ratio: 1 part beeswax to 5 parts oil (softer consistency). For harder salve, use 1:4 ratio
Test consistency: Dip a spoon in mixture, place in fridge for 1 minute. Adjust if needed (add more oil for softer, more wax for harder)
Remove from heat. Once slightly cooled (but still liquid), add essential oils if using
Pour into clean, dry tins or jars. Let cool completely before capping (prevents condensation)
Label clearly: “Healing Herbal Salve – Calendula & Plantain. Apply to clean, dry skin as needed. External use only. Best within 12 months.”

Shelf life: 6-12 months depending on oil used. Discard if rancid smell develops.

Cost (NZ):

Dried calendula: $8-12/50g
Beeswax: $15-25/500g
Olive oil: $10-15/litre
Small tins: $1-3 each
Total for 6-8 salves: ~$15-25

2. Soothing Herbal Tea Blend

Why it’s a great gift: Easy to make, beautiful to look at, and actually useful. Everyone appreciates good tea.

Relaxation Blend:

2 parts dried chamomile flowers
1 part dried lemon balm
1 part dried lavender buds
1/2 part dried mint (optional, for flavour)

Digestive Blend:

2 parts dried peppermint
1 part dried fennel seeds
1 part dried chamomile
1/2 part dried ginger pieces

Immune Support Blend:

2 parts dried elderflower (or elderberry)
1 part dried thyme
1 part dried rosehip
1 part dried echinacea (optional)
Dried orange peel for flavour

How to make:

Mix dried herbs in a large bowl
Transfer to attractive jars (mason jars with fabric tops work beautifully)
Create a label with:

Name of blend – Ingredients – Brewing instructions: “Use 1-2 teaspoons per cup. Steep 10 minutes covered. Drink 1-3 cups daily.” – Any contraindications (e.g., “Not during pregnancy” if applicable)

Add a tea infuser tied to the jar with ribbon (optional but thoughtful)

Shelf life: 12 months if stored in airtight containers away from light

Cost (NZ): $10-20 per 100g blend depending on herbs

3. Sweet Dreams Pillow Mist

Why it’s a great gift: Elegant, easy to use, feels luxurious. Perfect for people with stress or sleep issues.

What you need:

2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
1/2 cup vodka (or witch hazel)
1/2 cup distilled water
Small spray bottle (50-100ml)

Method:

Infuse: Place herbs in small jar, cover with vodka. Seal and steep 1-2 weeks in dark place, shaking daily
Strain: Press herbs well to extract all liquid
Dilute: Mix strained liquid with equal parts distilled water
Bottle: Pour into spray bottle
Label: “Sweet Dreams Pillow Mist – Shake gently. Mist onto pillows and linens before sleep. Avoid direct contact with eyes. External use only.”

Variation: Add 5-10 drops lavender essential oil for stronger scent

Shelf life: 3-6 months. Refrigerate to extend

Cost (NZ): $8-12 per bottle

4. Kitchen Hero Digestive Salt

Why it’s a great gift: Combines cooking and wellness. Great for foodies who appreciate artisan products.

What you need:

1/2 cup quality sea salt or flaky salt
1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds
1 tablespoon dried rosemary, finely crumbled
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried mint

Method:

Mix thoroughly in a bowl
Funnel into jar or salt shaker
Label: “Digestive Finishing Salt – Use on roasted vegetables, meats, soups. A pinch after meals aids digestion. Store in cool, dry place.”

How it works: Fennel seeds traditionally aid digestion and reduce bloating. Rosemary and thyme add flavour while supporting digestive function.

Shelf life: 12+ months

Cost (NZ): $5-8 per jar

Part 2: Decorative Herbal Gifts (Beauty and Ambiance)

5. Natural Room Spray

Why it’s a great gift: Immediate, practical, feels like a luxury product.

Method:

Same as pillow mist but with different herb combinations

Uplifting blend:

Rosemary + lemon peel + sage

Calming blend:

Lavender + chamomile + rose petals

Festive blend:

Cinnamon + orange peel + cloves + star anise

Important: Always use vodka or witch hazel (not just water) to help scent disperse and prevent mold

6. Stovetop Simmer Pot Gift Jar

Why it’s a great gift: Incredibly simple, makes whole house smell welcoming.

What you need:

Clean, attractive jar
Dried aromatics layered beautifully:
2 cinnamon sticks – 2 tablespoons whole cloves – Dried orange or lemon peel strips – 2-3 bay leaves – Optional: star anise, allspice berries, dried rosemary

Method:

Layer ingredients in jar for visual appeal
Create instruction tag: “Add contents to small pot with 2-3 cups water. Simmer on low heat, adding water as needed. Enjoy the beautiful natural scent! Do not leave unattended.”

Variations:

Autumn: Cinnamon, apple peel, cloves, nutmeg
Spring: Lemon peel, rosemary, lavender, mint
Winter: Orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, pine needles

Shelf life: 12+ months for dried materials

Cost (NZ): $5-10 per jar

7. Herbal Welcome Wreath

Why it’s a great gift: Classic, beautiful, retains scent for months.

What you need:

Wreath base (grapevine, straw, or wire ring)
Florist’s wire
Dried herbs and flowers:
Rosemary (structure and scent) – Lavender – Yarrow – Bay leaves – Strawflowers – Optional: eucalyptus, honesty seed pods

Method:

Make small bunches of herbs (5-7 stems each)
Attach to base: Lay bunch on wreath, wrap florist wire tightly around stems and base
Overlap bunches as you work around the circle, covering previous stems
Fill gaps with individual sprigs or larger flower heads
Finish with ribbon if desired

Tips:

All materials must be completely dry to prevent mold
Use herbs with woody stems for structure (rosemary, lavender, bay)
Add colorful dried flowers for visual interest (strawflowers, yarrow)

Shelf life: Will last years but scent fades after 6-12 months

Cost (NZ): $15-30 depending on materials

8. Pressed Herb Art

Why it’s a great gift: Timeless, personal, captures garden memories.

What you need:

Flat flowers and leaves to press:
Feverfew, chamomile, yarrow – Ferns, sage leaves, lavender spikes – Pansies, violas
Heavy books or flower press
Shadow box frame
Acid-free paper or fabric background

Method:

Press: Arrange plants between paper sheets inside heavy books. Stack more books on top. Wait 2-4 weeks until completely dry and flat
Design: Arrange dried plants artfully on background paper inside frame
Secure: Use tiny dot of acid-free glue or let glass hold in place
Frame and gift

Tips:

Press when flowers are at peak
Avoid thick, fleshy plants (they won’t press well)
Label with plant names and pressing date for sentimental value

9. Herbal Bath Tea

Why it’s a great gift: Spa-like, relaxing, easy to use.

What you need:

Muslin bags or large tea bags
Dried herbs:
- Relaxing bath: Lavender, chamomile, rose petals, oatstraw
- Muscle soak: Rosemary, sage, eucalyptus, peppermint
Skin soothing: Calendula, chamomile, oats, lavender

Method:

Mix herbs in desired combination
Fill muslin bags with 2-3 tablespoons mixture per bag
Tie securely with string or ribbon
Package 3-5 bags together with instructions
Label: “Herbal Bath Tea – Hang bag under running tap or toss in tub. Steep 10 minutes before bathing. Compost used herbs.”

Cost (NZ): $2-5 per bag

Making Your Gifts Special

Presentation Matters

Jars and bottles:

Recycle attractive jars (clean thoroughly)
Buy simple ones from craft stores ($1-3 each)
Fabric over lid tied with twine = instant charm

Labels:

Handwritten adds personal touch
Or design and print on computer
Include: Name, ingredients, date, how to use it, shelf life

The personal note:

Small card explaining why you chose this gift for them
Share a memory connected to the herbs
Makes it truly special

Budget-Friendly Tips

Forage:

Plantain, yarrow (for salves)
Pine needles, eucalyptus (for decorative)
Always identify correctly, get permission, avoid polluted areas

Grow your own:

Calendula, lemon balm, mint grow easily in NZ
Lavender, rosemary are perennials
One plant provides years of material

Buy in bulk:

Dried herbs from Lotus Oils NZ, Cottage Hill Herbs
Split orders with friends
Much cheaper than small packets

Reuse everything:

Jars from your kitchen
Ribbons from received gifts
Paper bags for wrapping

Gift Ideas by Recipient

For the stressed friend:

Lavender pillow mist
Relaxation tea blend
Stress relief salve (with lemon balm-infused oil)

For the gardener:

Healing salve (for scratches, cuts)
Herbal wreath from garden plants
Seed packets with pressed flower cards

For the foodie:

Digestive salt
Herb-infused olive oil (culinary)
Stovetop simmer pot

For new parents:

Gentle calendula salve (for baby’s skin)
Relaxation tea
Room spray (gentle scents)

For the elderly:

Muscle rub salve (with arnica, ginger)
Digestive tea
Easy-to-use room spray

Safety and Best Practices

Always include:

Complete ingredient lists (for allergies)
Clear usage instructions
“External use only” if topical
Expiration dates
Storage instructions

Avoid:

Making medical claims (“cures,” “treats”)
Gifting to pregnant/breastfeeding people without checking herb safety
Using fresh herbs in oil preparations (mold risk)
Gifting without clear labeling

Quality control:

Smell test: If it smells off, don’t gift it
Visual check: No mold, cloudiness, or separation
Make fresh: Don’t gift items approaching expiration

Summary: The Gift of Herbs

Making herbal gifts is about more than the final product. It’s about:

Connection to plants and seasons
Sharing knowledge and skills
Creating something meaningful with your hands
Building community through plant medicine

Start simple:

One salve or tea blend
Practice on family first
Build confidence and skills
Expand your repertoire gradually

Remember: The best gift is one made with intention. Don’t worry about perfection. The fact that you made it by hand, thoughtfully chose the herbs, and personalised it for the recipient is what makes it truly special.

NZ Sourcing

Dried herbs:

Lotus Oils NZ (online): Comprehensive selection
Cottage Hill Herbs (online)
Herbshop NZ (online)
Health food stores: Most towns

Containers:

Spotlight, Kmart: Jars, tins, bottles
Bin Inn: Bulk containers
Online: Aliexpress (if ordering ahead)

Growing:

Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds: Herb seeds
Local garden centres: Herb seedlings

Budget-Friendly Herbal Gifts

Ultra-low-cost gifts ($1-5 each):

Dried herb bundles: Garden herbs (rosemary, lavender, thyme) + twine = $0-2
Herbal tea blends: Foraged/garden herbs + recycled jar = $0-3
Seed packets: Saved seeds + envelope = FREE
Herbal sachets: Dried lavender + fabric scrap = $0-2

Low-cost quality gifts ($3-10 each):

Herbal balms: DIY balm (calendula, lavender) = $3-5 per tin
Infused honey: Local honey + garden herbs = $6-10
Bath salts: Epsom salts + dried herbs + essential oil = $3-5
Herbal vinegar: Apple cider vinegar + herbs = $4-6

FREE herbal gifts:

Garden herb bundles (rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender)
Seed packets from your garden
Foraged herb tea blends (nettle, dandelion, elderflower)
Pressed herb bookmarks
Plant cuttings (mint, lemon balm, lavender)

Seasonal gift ideas (budget):

Christmas: Rosemary wreaths (FREE garden clippings)
Winter: Fire cider ($20-30 batch = 6-8 gifts)
Spring: Seed starting kits ($5-10 each)
Summer: Lavender bundles + calendula balm ($3-5 total)

Packaging (free/low-cost):

Recycled jars/tins
Brown paper + twine
Fabric scraps for sachets
Handwritten labels

NZ budget note: Commercial herbal products $20-50 per item. DIY herbal gifts $1-10 each with better quality and personal touch.

References

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine (3rd ed.). Dorling Kindersley.

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing.

Green, J. (2000). The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual. Crossing Press.

Grieve, M. (1931). A modern herbal. Dover Publications.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

Disclaimer: Does not represent rongoā Māori methods. For rongoā knowledge, consult Te Paepae Motuhake.

Medical Disclaimer: These gifts are for general wellness and minor skin irritations only. They are not medicine and do not replace professional healthcare. Anyone with allergies, sensitivities, medical conditions, or who is pregnant/breastfeeding should check ingredients before use.

Note on Pricing: All prices mentioned in this guide are approximate and based on New Zealand suppliers as of December 2025. Prices vary by supplier, season, and market conditions. We recommend checking current prices with your local suppliers.