How To Calculate The Price Of Your Soaps

Knowing how to much to charger for all your hard work and expensive ingredients isn’t as straight foreward as you might think. So, is there a set rule? perhaps a formula to follow? Check out this article from the Soap queen with some great advice to help you come to a conclusion.

Is selling homemade soap profitable? Yes, it can be, make sure you factor in your hours of work, and also don’t be tempted to give away freebies to friends and family, start how you mean to go on.

So how much money can you make selling soap? This really depends on how much soap you can produce. I have seen small soap makers have to turn down large wholesale orders because they simply could not produce enough soap to meet the order. Some solutions are outsourcing your soap making, renting larger premises, or taking on some staff to help you produce large wholesale orders.

Is soap-making a hobby? If you make money from it, then it is not a hobby it doesn’t matter how small, it is a business the moment you turn a profit or sell a single block.

Where should you sell your handmade soaps? Start small, start local, then you do not need to worry about postage and packaging. Seek out small craft fairs or booths, making sure you have enough stock for the day. Hand out business cards, maybe make some small samples for people to try or smell. As your business grows, increase your options. Consider selling on Etsy or on a local Facebook marketplace group. You will not grow your handmade soap business overnight, so take it slow and steady.

Move over bath bombs—this Christmas, there’s a new mischief-maker in the tub.

If you’re looking for a clever twist on traditional Elf on the Shelf antics or a laugh-out-loud handmade gift, this Elf on the Shelf Soap is a crowd-pleaser. Featuring a mini elf trapped inside a block of clear soap, it’s festive, funny, and totally unexpected. Whether you use it as a prank, a stocking stuffer, or a bath-time surprise, this project will have kids and grownups giggling all the way to Christmas.

Plus, it’s easier than it looks! This DIY uses melt-and-pour soap, which means no lye, no curing, and no mess—just melt, pour, and giggle.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Soap DIY

Kid-safe and skin-friendly – uses gentle melt-and-pour base
No special tools needed – beginner friendly
Great gag gift or stocking stuffer
Customizable scent and color
Perfect for Elf on the Shelf setups or party favors

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into holiday DIYs, this soap project is as fun to make as it is to use.

Supplies You’ll Need

To make one (or more) “Trapped Elf” soap bars, gather these easy-to-find materials:

½ lb clear melt-and-pour soap base

1 mini Elf on the Shelf figurine (around 3–4” tall)

Microwave-safe measuring jug or double boiler

Soap fragrance oil (peppermint, sugar cookie, or vanilla – optional)

Soap-safe colorant (green, red, or clear tint)

Silicone soap mold (rectangle preferred)

Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle (to eliminate bubbles)

Soap glitter (optional but cute!)

Craft stick or spoon for stirring

Note: Avoid fabric elves unless they’re completely sealed in plastic wrap! The soap base can soak into fabric and cause mildew.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make Elf in a Soap Block

Step 1: Melt the Soap Base

Chop the clear melt-and-pour soap into small chunks.
Place in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 2: Add Fragrance & Color

Add a few drops of skin-safe soap fragrance oil and stir.
If using colorant, choose a light hand—too much tint will make your elf hard to see inside the soap.

Step 3: Pour the First Layer

Pour about ¼ inch of the soap mixture into the base of your silicone mold.
Spritz with rubbing alcohol to pop surface bubbles. Let it cool just enough to form a film (2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Place the Elf

Carefully press your elf upright or seated into the semi-set layer.
Now slowly pour more melted soap around the elf, being cautious not to melt any parts of it.
Leave the elf’s hat poking out—or fully encase it for a “totally trapped” effect!

Step 5: Final Spritz & Cool

Spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol to pop any final bubbles.
Let the soap set at room temperature for about 1 hour or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.

Step 6: Unmold & Wrap

Once solid, gently unmold your soap bar.
Wrap in plastic wrap or shrink wrap to keep it fresh and prevent surface sweating.

Fun Ways to Gift or Display

This mischievous soap makes the perfect stocking stuffer, Secret Santa gift, or Elf on the Shelf surprise. Here are some ideas to level up the presentation:

Pair with a mini washcloth and gift tag that says:
“Naughty Elf Soap – He Got What He Deserved!”
or
“Free the Elf… One Wash at a Time!”
Place it next to your Elf’s usual spot for a hilarious bathroom setup
Add to Christmas Eve boxes as a silly self-care treat
Create a batch for teacher gifts or classroom party favors

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