About us

Founded by Monica in Oxfordshire in 2024, Nesso Gifts is a family-run studio creating handmade soaps, bath bombs, and resin accessories — made with genuine care, from ingredients to packaging.

Why the name     

Nesso Gifts is named after Nesso, a small village on Lake Como, tucked between Como and Bellagio. It has its own quiet charm — streams running through it, and a famous bridge where locals go to swim. It's where I'm from, and naming the business after it was my way of carrying that place with me, wherever I am now.

Why it started

Living with eczema and asthma, I became increasingly aware of what was actually in the everyday cosmetic and home fragrance products around me. I wanted things I felt genuinely comfortable using in my own home — without unnecessary chemicals or artificial ingredients. What began as a personal search for better alternatives slowly became the foundation of Nesso Gifts.

I've always loved crafting. What started as making products for family and friends grew into something bigger, encouraged by the people closest to me. The goal was simple: make beautiful, handmade products my own family would genuinely use — and be proud to share with others.

Where it began

Nesso Gifts started at our kitchen table, with a handful of handmade creations. One of my clearest memories from those early days is my very first market, in Wantage.

The weather was terrible — wind, rain, and me, absolutely terrified. I didn't know how to put up a gazebo, how to display anything properly, or whether a single person would stop at my stall. Two fellow traders, John and Peter, came to my rescue, helped me set everything up, and gave me the encouragement I needed on a day I felt completely out of my depth. I've never forgotten their kindness.

About an hour later, there I was, standing behind my table, my voice shaking, asking a customer if I could help them choose a soap. People wanted to know how the products were made, and who had made them. When I told them it was me, they were genuinely interested — in the knowledge, the care, and the passion behind each product.

I made a few sales that day. But what I really walked away with was confidence.

Where we are now

Many of those first customers came back. They shared feedback, told friends and family, and became regulars — some of them feel like part of the Nesso Gifts family today.

As the business has grown, the values haven't changed. We choose suppliers who share our commitment to cruelty-free, environmentally conscious practices. We source materials within the UK wherever we can, use eco-friendly packaging, recycle responsibly, and work to minimise waste at every stage.

In 2025, we launched our online store, so customers across the UK could discover our handmade creations from home — without losing the personal relationships that built this business in the first place.

In 2026, we introduced our handmade resin collection: bottle openers, bottle stoppers, hair claws, hair pins, keyrings, coasters, pens, bookmarks, and more. It came from wanting something more colourful and personal than the mass-produced accessories we kept seeing on the high street.

Whether it's a soap, a bath bomb, or a resin keepsake — every piece is made by hand, with care, and a genuine love for the craft.

Thank you for being part of the Nesso Gifts story. From my family to yours.

 

Why Nesso Gifts is different?

It is genuinely handmade from the founder Monica in small batches and keeps a close eye on quality. She uses cruelty-free and environmentally conscious suppliers. Monica sources materials from the UK where possible and eco-friendly packaging with minimal waste where possible.

Are the products safe to use?

Yes, both bombs and body soaps each have a cosmetic safety report. The wax melts, the  car and home diffusers carry full safety labelling. If you have sensitive skin or known allergies please check the ingredients list on the product page before purchasing

What gifts do you recommend for vegan friend of family member?

Our handmade soaps, bath bombs, soya wax melts, car and home diffusers are made with plant-based and mineral ingredients, so they make thoughtful gifts for a vegan friend or family member. 

For anyone:

  • Handmade soap: shea butter, almond oil, coconut oil and olive oil, gently scented with essential oils.
  • Bath bombs: a fizzy, relaxing soak made with bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, kaolin, Epsom salt and sweet almond oil.
  • Soya wax melts: a cosy, plant-based way to scent a home.
  • Home air fresheners: a reed diffuser base scented with essential oils.
  • Resin coasters, bookmarks and keyrings: handmade and long-lasting.
  • A gift set: soap, bath bomb and wax melt together.

For him

  • A handmade soap
  • A resin bottle opener or bottle stopper
  • A resin pen paired with the journal
  • Car freshener 

For her

  • A bath bomb and soap pairing
  • A resin pen paired with the journal
  • A soya wax melt or home air freshener

How long handmade soaps can be stored?

Most handmade soaps remain at their best up to 2 years or longer. Over time they can lose some fragrance due to the use of essential oils that have a natural and delicate fragrance, so you may notice the scent softening as the soap ages.

How long handmade bath bombs can be stored?

Handmade bath bombs are usually at their best within about 6 months and are generally fine for up to 12 months. After that they’re not unsafe, but they gradually lose fizz, scent and colour.

A few things affect this:

  • Moisture is the main enemy. Bicarbonate of soda and citric acid start reacting with humidity, so a bath bomb stored somewhere damp can go soft or lose its fizz early.
  • Essential oil is volatile, so the scent will soften over time.
  • Sweet almond oil can eventually go off, which is another reason not to keep them for too long.

Storage tips for customers

  • Keep them wrapped or in a sealed container until ready to use.
  • Store somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.
  • Avoid keeping them in the bathroom, where steam and humidity build up.

Can soya wax melts be reused?

Yes! Soya wax melts can typically be enjoyed over 2–3 uses, depending on the fragrance and how long you melt them each time.

You can reuse the wax until the fragrance is no longer noticeable when warmed. Once the scent has faded, it's time to replace the melt with a fresh one. The wax may still look and feel the same, but the fragrance has been released.

A little tip: Avoid mixing different wax melts unless you'd like to create your own unique fragrance blend!

Can wax melts be used on an electrical burner?

Yes!  Soya wax melts can be used in both electric wax warmers and traditional tealight burners, provided the burner is designed for wax melts.

Electric burners gently warm the wax without a naked flame, making them a popular alternative to tealight burners. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and never add water to your wax melts.

Nesso Gifts tip: Allow the wax to cool and harden before removing it, and replace it when the fragrance is no longer noticeable.

Wax Burner or Home Diffuser: Which Should You Choose?

If you love making your home smell lovely but aren't sure whether to choose a wax burner or a home diffuser, here's a little guide to help you decide.

  • Wax Burner

If you enjoy changing fragrances depending on your mood, a wax burner is a great option. You can choose your favourite soya wax melt, enjoy the fragrance while you relax, and switch it off when you're finished.

  • Home Diffuser

If you prefer your home to smell lovely throughout the day without having to switch anything on, a home diffuser could be the right choice. The reeds release fragrance gradually, giving your home a continuous scent.

What if you're sensitive to fragrance?

I know that fragrance isn't for everyone, and some people find strong scents overwhelming. If that's you, it's worth thinking carefully about which option you choose.

A wax burner gives you more control over when you use a fragrance, while a reed diffuser releases its scent continuously. However, both release fragrance into the air and can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals. If you have asthma or find that fragrance affects your breathing, avoiding fragranced products may be the best option.

So, which would I choose?

  • Wax burner: If you like trying different fragrances and changing them whenever you fancy.
  • Home diffuser: If you prefer a continuous fragrance without needing to warm wax.
  • Neither: If fragrance causes you discomfort or breathing problems.

At Nesso Gifts, we believe everyone should choose what feels right for them and their home. 

It's all about finding the little things that make your home feel special.

Why are handmade soaps more expensive than supermarket soaps?

At Nesso Gifts, I believe the ingredients and the time spent making each bar really matter. My handmade soaps are made using organic ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil and shea butter.

Each bar is made using the traditional cold-process method and cured for at least six weeks before it's ready to sell. Unlike mass-produced supermarket soaps, my soaps are made in small batches, with care taken throughout the process.

The price reflects the organic ingredients, the time spent making each batch, the six-week curing period, packaging and the costs of running a small independent business.

So, what are you paying for? You're choosing a traditionally made soap with organic ingredients, made in small batches rather than on a mass-production line. The curing process helps create a firmer bar that, with proper care, can last longer. Keeping your soap dry between uses will help it last, too.

Supermarket soaps have their place, and their large-scale production helps keep prices affordable. Handmade soap offers a different choice for people who value organic ingredients, traditional soap-making and the care behind a small-batch product.

When you buy from Nesso Gifts, you're not just buying a bar of soap; you're supporting a small independent business that puts time, thought and care into every batch.