Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas, Bath Products

People are always looking for easy homemade Christmas gift ideas, but they want to make sure its something people would actually like to receive. This year make a homemade Christmas present that everyone can use. Almost everyone I know use some type of bath and body product. Why not make some homemade bath products for your friends and family this holiday season. Here are a few simple recipes for homemade bath products. They can be made in batches to save time and money.

Homemade Bath salts
What you will need
Epsom salt
Baking soda ¼ cup to 1 cup Epsom salts
Food coloring
Scented oils or perfumes
Wide moth canning jars
Ribbon, labels, cloth for decorating the jar.

In a large bowl combine the Epsom salts (enough to fill a jar), baking soda and food coloring; mix well allowing for an even coloring of the Epsom salts. You can choose to mix some of the salts in different colors. For example maybe you want a Christmas look to the bath salts, you could color some red and leave some white to make them look like candy canes. Add the oils to salts and mix well. Use a spoon to mash any lumps that may have formed. Place the mixture on some way paper and allow to dry for a few hours. Now you can place the salts in a jar that you have decorated. Include a piece of holiday cloth over the lid and tie a ribbon around it to keep the cloth in place. Attach a label with the following instructions,
Add three or four tablespoons to running water.

Stir the water around to mix.
Sit and relax, enjoy your bath.

The bath salts can be made to any scent you like by using different oils and perfumes; Different oils will have different uses. Here are some common oils used in homemade bath products.

Chamomile has a soothing and relaxing effect.
Cinnamon has an energizing, stimulating effect. Works great with citrus oils.
Coriander has a stimulating and revitalizing effect.
Eucalyptus oil has a stimulating clearing effect. This is great to use during the cold and flu season.
Geranium oil has a balancing effect over the mind and body. Its light and flowery scent blends well with other oils.
Grapefruit oil has an uplifting stimulating effect.
Lavender oil offers a relaxing rejuvenating effect, works well with the chamomile oil. These two would make a great nighttime bath salt or bubble bath.
Peppermint oil has a cooling, clearing and rejuvenating effect. Very good for use in the winter, perfect for use in a relaxing foot soak.
Another great homemade gift idea would be a relaxing foot soak.
Peppermint Foot Soak
½ cups Epsom salts
5 drops peppermint oil
3 drops tea tree oil
3 drops lavender
Add ingredients to a pan of warm water and soak feet for 15-20 minutes. This will soothe sore muscles and soften the skin.

You could color the salts if you want using a few drops of food coloring. Then place in a jar and decorate for a wonderful homemade gift.

Homemade bath products can be a great way to save on your holiday shopping this year.