Welcome to part four of my five-part DIY Holiday Gifts Using Essential Oils series. This week we are making gifts to elevate your bath routine to a spa like experience.
You know that week between Christmas and New Year’s when you aren’t really sure what day it is? Well, that is the perfect time to pamper yourself and do some self-care after a busy holiday season. And is there anything more relaxing than a luxurious bath? That is why I think these DIY bath salts, bath bombs, and bath oils make the perfect gifts!
The previous three parts of this series can be found below.
I will be providing the basic recipes for how to make bath salts, bath bombs, and bath oils, but I want to offer you some ideas for essential oils you can use in these recipes.
Lavender
Known for its calming properties, lavender is perfect for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It's a versatile oil that pairs well with other scents for a soothing and floral blend.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has invigorating and refreshing qualities. Ideal for bath salts or bath bombs, it supports clear airways, providing a spa-like experience and a sense of revitalization.
Peppermint
Peppermint is energizing and invigorating. It's an excellent choice for bath bombs, especially for a morning bath to awaken your senses and provide a cooling effect on the skin. Also perfect to add to give your gifts a festive winter holiday aroma.
Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile is renowned for its calming and soothing effects. Incorporate it into bath oils or bath salts for a gentle, relaxing experience, perfect before bedtime.
Frankincense
Frankincense has a warm, earthy aroma and is known for its skin-rejuvenating properties. It adds a touch of luxury to bath oils and contributes to a serene atmosphere. Frankincense is also great for the skin.
Citrus Oils (Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Wild Orange)
Citrus oils are uplifting and provide a burst of freshness. Ideal for bath bombs or bath oils, they create a cheerful atmosphere, promoting a positive mood.
Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang has a sweet and floral scent, known for its calming and aphrodisiac properties. It's a great addition to bath oils for a touch of romance and relaxation.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood has a grounding and woody aroma. Perfect for bath salts or bath bombs, it adds a comforting and earthy element, promoting a sense of stability.
Bergamot
Bergamot has a citrusy and floral scent, known for its mood-boosting properties. Incorporate it into bath products for a refreshing and uplifting experience.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is renowned for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It's an excellent addition to bath salts, providing a cleansing and refreshing feel to your bath.
Vanilla
Lends a sweet and comforting note, enhancing the overall richness of your bath experience.
Douglas Fir
Captures the essence of a winter forest, creating a fresh and invigorating bath experience.
Bath Salts
Let's kick things off with my favorite - bath salts! The beauty of gifting bath salts lies in their flexibility. I get to tailor them to match the preferences of my recipient. What's even better? They're a budget-friendly option that exudes luxury.
Basic Bath Salts Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup unscented Epsom Salts
Directions:
Mix ingredients together
Store in an airtight container or use within 1-week
Pink Himalayan Bath Salts Recipe:
3/4 cup unscented Epsom Salts
1/8 cup baking soda
1/8 cup coarse Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
Directions:
Mix ingredients together
Store in an airtight container or use within 1-week
I normally opt for a glass jar to store my bath salts in, but I have found that
these resealable bags work too and present nicely when gifting. At the end of this article there are more ideas for packaging your creations.
And there you have it! A personalized, pampering bath salt blend ready to transform any ordinary bath into a spa-like retreat.
Bookmark this recipe, because this doesn’t just make a great gift for the winter holidays, but it also makes a great gift for any holiday or birthday. Imagine taking a sick friend a jar of bath salts with Breathe essential oil and some homemade soup. Breathe essential oil is great for supporting open airways and your friend will greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into making something specifically for them. That is the great thing about all the recipes in this article, by changing the essential oils used you can change the experience to meet the needs of the recipient.
Bath Bombs
Can I be honest? My bath bomb recipes rarely turn out how I imagine. Normally they end up being a crumbly mess, they are still usable, but not pretty or presentable enough to gift. There is one recipe that never fails me though and this is the recipe I use every year to make beautiful, moisturizing bath bombs that I am proud to give as gifts.
Calming & Moisturizing Bath Bomb Recipe
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Briefly pulse citric acid in a blender to create a finer powder (optional but creates a less crumbly, sturdy bath bomb).
- Mix baking soda, cornstarch (or arrowroot), and blended citric acid in a bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, mix melted coconut oil and essential oils.
- Mix oil mixture into powdered mixture until well combined.
- Add optional dried lavender leaves (looks beautiful but needs to be strained from bathwater).
- Firmly pack mixture into molds.
- Remove immediately from molds and set on plate to dry for 24 hours before storing.
- Store in airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap followed by tissue paper for gifting.
- Drop one bath bomb into bathwater for a relaxing experience.
- Makes 4-5 bath bombs using these molds.
Bath bombs are an easy way to transform a regular bath into an aromatic adventure for your senses. Not only do these bath bombs smell AMAZING, the addition of coconut oil makes them extra moisturizing.
I've tried 4 different bath bomb recipes and this one is by far my favorite. The base is from the YouTube channel, Our Raw Beauty where I learned that both blending the citric acid and replacing water with more coconut oil makes for a fizzier and more luxurious bath bomb. A bonus with this recipe is that the bath bombs do not need to sit in the molds overnight before removing.
The coconut oil in these can make for a slippery tub so do use with caution. If you would like a recipe option with less coconut oil look for an alternative recipe with less oil and more water like this
Gingerbread Bath Bomb recipe from doTERRA.
Bath Oils
Ah, bath oils – the secret to turning an ordinary soak into a truly indulgent and rejuvenating experience. I create my personalized bath oil blend using my favorite carrier oils and essential oils. Bath oils serve a dual purpose: they nourish your skin and elevate your overall well-being through essential oils. As someone deeply in love with the magic of essential oils, incorporating them into my bath routine has been a game-changer. Whether it's the calming Serenity blend, muscle-soothing Aroma Touch blend, or a custom concoction.
Basic Bath Oil Recipe
Ingredients:
4 oz carrier oil of choice (Fractionated Coconut Oil, jojoba, almond, or a mixture for added benefits)
40 drops doTERRA essential oils
How to Create Your Bath Oil:
Select a carrier oil that suits your skin's needs. Fractionated Coconut Oil is light and absorbs quickly, while almond oil provides additional nourishment.
In a 4 oz glass bottle, mix 40 drops of your favorite doTERRA essential oils. Choose oils based on your preferences and desired effects – calming, uplifting, or perhaps a blend for muscle relief.
Gently shake the bottle to ensure the essential oils are evenly distributed in the carrier oil.
Directions:
Store in a glass bottle – preferably a dark colored one that will protect the essential oils from too much light.
Add 2-3 capfuls or droppers to your bath for an indulgent experience.
Beyond skincare, bath oils bring the power of aromatherapy to your bath. Imagine inhaling the calming scent of lavender or the invigorating aroma of eucalyptus while you unwind. The essential oils in bath oil blends can have various therapeutic effects on your mood, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, or even providing a burst of energy.
Festive Packaging Ideas
Now that you've mastered the art of crafting delightful bath essentials, let's discuss festive packaging. The presentation of your thoughtful creations adds an extra layer of joy and excitement, making your gifts truly unforgettable. Here are some charming and budget-friendly ways to elevate your creations for the perfect festive touch.
Glass Jar
A simple glass jar can transform into an elegant gift vessel. Tie a festive ribbon around the lid, add a personalized tag, and voila – you have a chic and classic presentation. Consider repurposing jars from your kitchen for an eco-friendly touch. Mason jars can be adorned with fabric lids, twine, or even a square of decorative cloth. Attach a handwritten recipe or a heartfelt note to complete the rustic allure.
Ornament
Turn your bath salts into cute ornaments. Fill clear, plastic ornaments with your bath salt creation and secure them with a festive ribbon or twine. These look super festive, but make sure to warn the recipient about picking the ornament up from the top or by the ribbon. The tops do come off easily and will spill the bath salts. Also, remind your recipients to use within one week as the ornaments are not airtight and the essential oils will evaporate.
Simple Festive Bag
For a minimalist yet stylish presentation, opt for reusable fabric bags. These can be found in various colors and patterns, adding a touch of personalization. Tie them with a coordinating ribbon, and you have a gift that's both eco-conscious and visually appealing.
For the bath oils, consider using dropper bottles for a touch of sophistication. These slender bottles can be adorned with festive labels, and a dainty ribbon tied around the neck adds a final flourish. Practical and elegant! I like reusing my Yarrow | Pom oil bottles for this purpose too. Be sure to choose dark colored bottles to protect the essential oils.
Tissue Paper and Ribbon
When presenting your bath bombs, wrap them individually in colorful tissue paper and secure with a bow. Make sure to wrap the bath bomb in plastic wrap before wrapping in tissue paper, this will keep the essential oils from evaporating.
Decorative Box
Consider placing them in a festive box adorned with holiday-themed decorations for an extra touch of glamour.
Remember, the magic of gifting lies in the thoughtful details.
Grab your supplies and take a weekend to make up a bunch of gifts for your loved ones or host a make and take party. I find that making DIY gifts gives me so much joy and I hope you find joy in the making too. If you have little ones, let them be a part of the process and make memories together.
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