Homemade Bath and Body Gift Ideas

1. Lavender Handcream

1. Lavender Essential Oil, 20 drops
2. Patchouli Essential Oil, 3 drops
3. Jasmine Essential Oil (3% in jojoba oil), 5 drops
4. 100g jar of unscented Base Cream
5. 2 x 500 iu Vitamin E capsules (de Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate – natural source)
6. 1/2 tsp. wheatgerm oil
7. Lavender Water (optional)
8. Glass or plastic spoon or spatula Pin

Pierce the Vitamin E capsules with a pin and squeeze the contents into a jar of base cream. Add the wheatgerm oil followed by the lavender, patchouli and jasmine oils. Stir gently, thoroughly, with a spoon or spatula, ensuring that all of the oils are completely mixed in. Place the lid on the jar and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

2. Bath Salts –

Combine

1. 1/2 cup baking soda
2. 1/4 cup citric acid
3. 1/4 cup cornstarch
4. 3/4 tsp fragrance oil and
5. 2 to 3 drops food coloring (optional).

Mix well, so that the oil is thoroughly distributed through the dry mixture.

3. Lemon Bath Tea

1. 2 parts lemon balm or lemon verbena
2. 1 part lemongrass
3. 1 part lemon peel
4. 1 part peppermint or rose
5. 1 part green tea
6. Lemon or peppermint essential oils

Directions to make: Prepare a clean work surface. Pour the loose herbs into a wide mouth bowl. Combine thoroughly. Then, simply place the loose herbs inside the bag and seal the opening closed with a hot iron for about 10 seconds. Each heat seal pouch can hold about .4 oz. of herbs.

Directions for use: Simply place them in a tub of hot, running water and fill bath half way, let steep for 10 minutes, fill the bath with cooler water to the desired temperature and enjoy your herbal bath! Can be re-used if set out to let dry.4. Candy Cane Bath Salts

Ingredients: 2 cups Epsom salts 1/2 c. sea salt 4-6 drops peppermint oil 2-3 drops red food coloring.

Place one cup of Epsom and 1/4 cup sea salt in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add 2-3 drops peppermint oil. Place the remaining ingredients in a second bowl. Mix all ingredients well. Layer the red and white salts in a clear bottle or jar. Tie with a ribbon and some small candy canes.

5. Cranberry Lip Gloss

1. 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
2. 10 fresh cranberries
3. 1 teaspoon honey
4. 1 drop of vitamin E oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stovetop). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into decorative containers and tie with a ribbon.

6. Glycerine Soaps

1. Glycerin blocks
2. Liquid food coloring
3. Petroleum jelly
4. Cotton swabs
5. Ice cube trays or soap molds

Cut glycerin into chunks, then place in a microwavable bowl. Melt the glycerin in the microwave on HIGH, stirring at 15-second intervals. About halfway through melting, add a drop or two of food coloring. With a cotton swab, coat the inside of the ice cube tray with petroleum jelly. Pour melted glycerin into the molds, filling each section almost to the top. Let cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. The soaps will come out easily. Tie them in cellophane or place in a gift box.

7. Bath Cookies

1. 2 cups finely ground sea salt
2. 1/2 cup baking soda
3. 1/2 cup cornstarch
4. 2 tablespoons light oil
5. 2 eggs
6. 5-6 drops essential oil of your choice

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine all of the above ingredients and then take a generous teaspoon of the dough and form it into a ball. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, until they are lightly browned (do not overbake). Allow the cookies to cool completely. Wrap in cellophane and give as gifts. To Use: Drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath, allow to dissolve.

These gift ideas first appeared in the 2004 issue of ‘Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine‘, a freely downloadable magazine, and is an excerpt from the feature ‘101 Homemade Gift Ideas‘.