An Herbalist’s Guide to Winter Break

Stepping out of routines and slowing down in the colder months may be a welcome or dreaded challenge, especially if the littles are home and itching to be entertained. But here’s the secret: it’s not just the children who need playtime. It’s us too! We’re the littles. Let’s play!

Year-end breaks are the perfect time to experiment with simple herbal crafts that bring warmth, beauty, and a bit of whimsy into the season. These projects not only keep idle hands happily occupied but also invite us to connect with plants in new and creative ways. Whether you’re seeking calming rituals, family-friendly fun, ideas for a holiday crafting party with friends, or gifts made with heart, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Here are a few timeless treasures to explore this winter:

Hand-Poured Herbal Candles

Hand-poured herbal candles are a cozy, creative way to bring light and fragrance into your home. With a base of beeswax or soy wax, you can add dried herbs, flower petals, or a few drops of essential oil to create candles that are both beautiful and aromatic. The process involves gently melting the wax, blending in your chosen botanicals, and pouring into jars or molds with wicks. Children may enjoy sprinkling in herbs or helping decorate jars, while adults will appreciate the calming ritual of crafting something both practical and decorative. The result is a candle that brightens dark evenings, fills the room with natural fragrance, and avoids the synthetic ingredients often found in store-bought versions. For step-by-step instructions, see DIY Hand-Poured Candles. 

Aromatic Plant Wands

Mood-lifting herbal wands are simple bundles of herbs, like rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), sage (Salvia officinalis), lavender (Lavandula spp.), or cedar (Cedrus), tied together and left to dry. Gathering sprigs and wrapping them with twine doubles as a lighthearted foraging trip and simple craft for children and adults alike. The whole family can appreciate the calming scents and beauty these wands bring. Once finished, they can be waved to release their natural scent, displayed as rustic décor, or even used in gentle smoke rituals. Additionally, you can incorporate a plant wand into your holiday gift-wrapping for a special from-the-heart botanical flair. For more ideas and variations, check out Make a Plant Wand to Clear Holiday Stress and How to Make Lavender Plant Wands.

Fresh Rosemary Wreaths

A fresh rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) wreath brings beauty and fragrance into any space while carrying the symbolism of remembrance and friendship. With a simple wire or grapevine base, sprigs of rosemary, and a bit of floral wire or twine, you can craft an elegant wreath to hang on the wall, display as a centerpiece, or give as a thoughtful handmade gift. The process of layering the sprigs is creative, calming, and results in a timeless decoration you’ll enjoy year-round. For step-by-step inspiration, visit our post: How to Make Your Own Fresh Rosemary Wreath.

Framed Botanicals

Pressed flowers and herbs transform into framed botanical art that preserves a bit of summer’s bloom through the winter. Arrange dried herbs or flowers between panes of glass, secure them in place, and frame for a simple, elegant piece of art. These make thoughtful gifts, unique decorations for your own home, and can even be turned into keepsake cards. For full instructions and inspiration, see our Framed Botanicals tutorial.

Winter Lanterns

Crafting winter lanterns is a magical way to brighten long nights with a warm, handmade glow. Using simple glass jars, you can add pressed flowers, herbs, or even snippets of evergreen to create delicate designs that come alive when lit from within. A tea light or LED candle placed inside turns each jar into a soft, fragrant lantern—perfect for table settings, windowsills, or a cozy evening ritual. For more inspiration on bringing light to the season, follow our step-by-step tutorial for making a beautiful winter lantern with pressed flowers. 

Herbal Wrapping Paper

Swap plastic ribbons and glossy paper for herbal gift wrap. With a simple roll of kraft paper, you can stamp botanical designs using fresh herbs or natural inks, then embellish with sprigs of evergreens, rosemary, or tucked-in dried flowers for a rustic, heartfelt touch. The process is simple, creative, and endlessly customizable, plus it makes each package feel like a thoughtful gift in itself. For step-by-step ideas and inspiration, see our DIY Herbal Wrapping Paper Craft Tutorial.

Fragrant Ornaments

For a project even preschoolers can join in, try cinnamon-applesauce ornaments. Made from just two ingredients, cinnamon and applesauce, these ornaments are made by mixing these into a dough that is rolled out and cut with cookie cutters into festive shapes. After drying or baking at a low temperature, they harden into beautifully rustic decorations that smell delightful, hang perfectly on the tree, and make sweet handmade gifts for friends and family. Find all the details in How to Make a Fragrant Cinnamon Applesauce Ornament. And for a unique twist, try our Homemade Squash and Cinnamon Dough Holiday Ornaments.

Dream Sachets and Pillows

Dream pillows are small, fragrant sachets filled with calming herbs that invite rest and peaceful sleep. Traditionally, they’re tucked beneath or beside the pillow so their gentle aroma can soothe the senses through the night. Dream pillows can also be added to drawers to impart calming fragrances to clothing. Lavender (Lavendula spp.) is a classic choice for relaxation, while mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is often added to inspire vivid dreams and deeper reflection. Making them is as simple as sewing or filling a small fabric pouch with dried herbs, then stitching or tying it closed. These dreamy little bundles make thoughtful gifts or cozy additions to your own bedtime routine. For step-by-step instructions, see our tutorials on Lavender Sachets and Dream Pillows, and Mugwort Dream Pillows.

Scavenger Hunt

Bundle up and head outside for an intentional outdoor search for winter beauty. A nature scavenger hunt invites children (and grown-ups, too!) to slow down and notice the small wonders of the season—like pinecones, seedheads, moss, or animal tracks. Use a checklist or camera to capture what you find without gathering or disturbing nature, and see who can spot the most treasures. It’s a simple, joy-filled way to connect with the natural world, get fresh air, and awaken a sense of wonder even in the quiet of winter.

Take your exploration a step further with our printable scavenger hunt guide— enjoy the search in one outing or spread it out over the season. Download our Little Naturalist’s Winter Scavenger Hunt Guide here. 

Family Spa Day

Create a botanical-infused spa day for the whole family and enjoy some rest, relaxation, and playful fun! Using herbs, flowers, and natural ingredients, you can mix soothing bath salts, nourishing body butter, body scrubs, and even give one another an herbal-infused pedicure! Kids may also enjoy making their own herbal sock bath—a cozy, herb-filled soak that’s quick and easy to put together. Add cucumber slices for tired eyes and calming music to complete the experience. You’ll create special memories, unwind together, and celebrate the beauty of nature’s ingredients.

Natural Dyes

Imbue organic fibers with earth’s gorgeous hues through the art of natural dyeing. Using plants like acorns, avocado, onion, and elderberry, you can create rich tones that reflect nature’s beauty—no synthetic dyes required. From coloring fabric and yarn to tinting paper or ribbons, each batch is a little creative experiment. For ideas and inspiration, explore our guide on How to Use Dye Plants: Plant Projects for the Home.

In Closing, 

Winter break doesn’t have to be a restless or routine affair. With a few simple supplies and a sprinkle of botanical inspiration, you can fill your home with fragrance and creativity while making memories that last far beyond the season.

If you’re inspired to keep the creativity flowing, explore the Maker’s Holiday Herbs & Spice DIY Intensive in The Herbarium. This special series walks you through a collection of festive, hands-on herbal projects, like aromatic spice blends, herbal gifts, and cozy seasonal recipes, each designed to help you slow down and savor the season. You’ll find beautiful tutorials, printable recipes, and plenty of herbal inspiration for making and sharing.