by Randa Morris

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

Bath sets are fun to make, can be personalized to the preferences of the gifts' recipient, and most items are inexpensive to make.

My friend suffers from circulation problems, which often result in cold hands and feet.
Also, anyone with stiff, or sore muscles will appreciate this gift. (Even more if you include a free back-rub)

WARMING OIL- can be created with baby oil, and any combination of "warming" essential oils or spices. These could include lemon, peppermint, ginger, Cinnamon, cloves and especially cayenne pepper. (DO NOT USE ON HANDS)

Milk baths are a special treat. They leave your skin soft and moist. Any combination of dried, aromatic herbs or spices can be mixed in with the milk bath, depending on the recipients preferences.
MILK BATH- simply made by mixing dried, powdered milk, with any combination of spices or herbs (such as Cinnamon and cloves or ginger and rosemary).

Bath Sachets are an aromatic blend of spices that hang on the faucet, or shower-head. As the water runs it passes through the sachet, releases the benefits of the spices, both aromatically and into the water itself.
You will need one lace doily, and a length of ribbon, in your choice of colors, for each sachet.

BATH SACHETS- place Cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and any other spice you choose on the doily. Thread the length of ribbon through outer holes, all the way around the edge of the doily. Draw string closed, until you have a round ball, with the spices enclosed. Tie the ribbon, leaving enough to make a loop at the top, for hanging over water faucet or shower-head.

Chocolate and peppermint are a wonderful combination. Include this "pick-me-up" bubble bath in any homemade bath set, for a little extra fun.

CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT BUBBLE BATH- Mix peppermint essential oil, and a small amount of dried cocoa powder with any brand of baby bath. Shake well. Use as with any bubble bath.

Epsom salts are a time-tested method of easing minor aches and pains, helping with sore/stiff muscles, and just making you feel better. You can color the salts to match the ribbons on your sachets, or just leave them the way they are.

BATHS SALTS- Mix Epsom salts, any type of essential oil and food coloring, if you choose.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER- I use a wicker basket, lined with any patterned fabric. Bottles, jars and empty containers from store bought products such as shampoos, or baby oil, etc... make inexpensive containers for your finished products. Remove all labels by soaking containers in luke warm water, until they peel off. I use self stick recipe labels, write the name of each item, contents, and directions for use, then place the label on the container. Have fun coordinating self-stick labels, basket lining, and doilies, ribbons, bath salt colors etc...

The finished basket will last for a long time, and will look very nice in the recipients bathroom.

For those who want to learn more about how to make homemade bath and body gifts check out The Art of Manufacturing Soaps and Candles, by Kaye Dennan.

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