Hello! Im very new to the hobby and this forum.. Out of curiosity, what do the serious soap hobbyists do with all your excess soap? There's really only so much a family can use, and my friends/ neighbors aren't sharing my enthusiasm. I'm planning on making (a lot) more as I love the whole chemistry/art behind it, and I want to learn as much as I can! Did any of you ever find yourselves in this predicament?
What do you do with all the soap?
- Thread starter Keds45
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Cellador
Well-Known Member
I am in that predicament now. I give soap to almost everyone- the cashier who rings up our groceries twice a week, the ladies at my dining divas group, and I give my friends & family extra to give away (it's well labelled).
If I really get too much stored, I plan to donate.
If I really get too much stored, I plan to donate.
I have found a couple of places to donate. I just wrapped and labeled 36 bars on Friday, and they will be donated tomorrow. I give friends and family as much as I can, with my blessings if they want to share with others. I'll occasionally leave a few bars in my mailbox for our mail carrier. DH is even giving a few bars here and there to people as a little thank you for things. The staff at my dental office and chiropractor office get some. During the holidays I can really unload...er...gift to everyone I come in contact with.
Nursing home twice yearly: Nurse Appreciation Day in May and Christmastime. I bring enough for all staff to take their pick.
Hubby's co-workers about twice a year, plus now and then a specific co-worker or two who show positive interest.
Doctor visits: I sometimes bring enough for two bars per staff member. Our family doctor has a small staff, so it's not a lot of soap.
Maid service thankyou: I travel a lot, and often stay for extended stays in some locations. I prepare a small gift basket of handcrafted soaps with a thank you note, so they know it is for them and not something I just accidentally left behind.
Granddaughters teachers/ counselors.
Occasionally clerks where I shop when I think of it because they showed interest.
DIL to give to her family as gifts because she loves my soap and has a big family who are always gracious and welcoming whenever I see them.
Host/Hostess gift: I prepare a gift basket of soaps for the host family when I attend a get together in someone else's home.
Hubby's co-workers about twice a year, plus now and then a specific co-worker or two who show positive interest.
Doctor visits: I sometimes bring enough for two bars per staff member. Our family doctor has a small staff, so it's not a lot of soap.
Maid service thankyou: I travel a lot, and often stay for extended stays in some locations. I prepare a small gift basket of handcrafted soaps with a thank you note, so they know it is for them and not something I just accidentally left behind.
Granddaughters teachers/ counselors.
Occasionally clerks where I shop when I think of it because they showed interest.
DIL to give to her family as gifts because she loves my soap and has a big family who are always gracious and welcoming whenever I see them.
Host/Hostess gift: I prepare a gift basket of soaps for the host family when I attend a get together in someone else's home.
Kamahido
Paladin of Soap
I donate my factory seconds to the local homeless shelter.
I don't sell, but still like to label my soap since it is often shared with others by family and friends that I give it to. I list everything, largest to smallest amount and I list sodium hydroxide.
jcandleattic
Well-Known Member
that's why I started selling - to get rid of the excess, and yet, I still end up with tons of soap. I donate to women's and children's centers, and homeless shelters. They are always beyond excited and happy to receive them.
dixiedragon
Well-Known Member
I give a bunch away to my co-workers at Christmas. I want to donate to my local foodbank but they won't return my call. I am hoping to avoid having to wrap all of them!
jcandleattic
Well-Known Member
Have you tried just showing up with them? I never have results with places like that calling me back (because they think it's a sales call even though I always state and enunciate clearly "DONATION") - but have never been turned down at the door.
In My Soap Pot
Member
I’m not a hobbyist, but I don’t sell my soaps either. I make quite a bit of soap for my blog (tutorials) and I always have tons of soaps. Because I don’t want to sell, for various reasons, I donate my soap to charities. Last Christmas I gave soaps to the Salvation Army to put in their Christmas parcels. And churches love them to put in blessing bags.
