Shaving Soap Recipe: A Father’s Day DIY

Not all of our DIY endeavors are ideal for the more masculine folks in our lives, which can make Father’s Day a bit tricky for those of us who are inclined to handcraft gifts for every holiday.

Enter Anne-Marie Faiola and her delightfully gender-neutral and Father’s Day-ready Handmade Beauty Box Shaving Soap Recipe.

Shaving soap set itself apart from standard soaps through the addition of bentonite clay. The clay is included to help the, “razor slip and slide smoothly and cleanly along the skin.”

We all know shaving can irritate the skin, so in addition to the smoothing addition of bentonite clay, this recipe (taken from the CreativeLive class, Make Your Own Bath and Beauty Products) includes chamomile extract, which acts as an anti-inflammatory on the skin, and olive oil which contains vitamins A and E.

As Anne-Marie says, “we really do want to leave a beautifully moist skin behind.” The heaviness of olive oil helps us to do exactly that.

Ingredients:

2 lbs foaming bath butter

1 ounce bentonite clay

1 ounce chamomile extract

4 ounce. olive oil

.7 ounce tobacco and bay leaf fragrance oil

Supplies:

Eight 4 ounce bail jars

Sanitized mixing bowl

Hand mixer

Steps:

Whip foaming bath butter in sanitized bowl to soften it.

Scrape down the bowl.

Add olive oil and chamomile extract.

Beat on low to medium speed until homogenized and fluffy

Add bentonite clay and fragrance oil and hand mix to integrate the powder.

Beat until fluffy.

Scoop into cosmetic-grade bail jars and enjoy!

To use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of soft shaving soap to a clean, damp face. Massage into skin until it forms a foamy lather. Using warm water will help soften the follicles for a closer shave. Shave as usual and rinse with warm water.

There is no curing and no dry time. This shaving soap is ready to gift as soon as you finish it and it is kid-friendly, so you can have tiny hands help during the process.

To learn more about making your own bath and beauty products, check out Anne-Marie’s complete class on CreativeLive.

Article contributed By Rachel Gregg

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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