AA Gifts & Baskets Idea Blog

Posts Tagged ‘homemade spa products’

Aromatherapy has been around for a long time. It’s simply the use of scents to target benefits like relaxation, sleep, well-being, headache relief, etc. If you want to give an aromatherapy gift basket, it’s really easy to make one yourself.

The first thing you should do is choose a scent. If you’re not sure what scent your friend would like, do some thinking. Have you smelled candles burning in her home? What scent and color were they? Does she wear a certain perfume? What does it smell like? These are some clues into some of the scents she may like. If you still don’t have a clue, go with something like vanilla or buttercream which just about everyone likes.

Once you have chosen your scent, choose a vessel to put it all in. Often times inexpensive baskets work well, but you can also place everything in a decorative hat box or other display box that she can use again. If you want to make her a travel basket, put it all in a large cosmetics pouch that zips so she can take it with her on the road.

Aromatherapy baskets can include just about anything. Most include relaxing elements designed to help the recipient de-stress and unwind. Candles with strong but pleasant scents are nice as is incense. You do have to be careful to choose a scent that is meant to relax, like lavender, if you intend it for stress relief. If you give a basket full of peppermint or spearmint scents, the opposite effect will occur. Your friend will be much more alert instead of relaxed. Peppermint makes a great gift to give as an aromatherapy pick-me-up basket for someone at work who always hits that 3:00pm slump.

Arrange all your items on some sort of packing material. This can be shredded paper, recycled Easter basket grass, or even just tissue paper. The idea is to make each product stand alone in its own little spot so the basket doesn’t look thrown together. Include a simmering pot for spices or a candle warmer, which allows wax to be heated without a flame. Great for the office or around kids.

You might want to include soap and a soap dish, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, a neck pillow, or an herbal pillow filled with buckwheat that can be used hot or cold for neck pain relief. There are hundreds of scents and thousands of products to choose from. So your options are limitless when putting together an aromatherapy gift basket. Include natural bamboo towels and face cloths, slippers, or a robe.

Tie it all up with a big ribbon and present it. Your friend will absolutely love getting a basket filled with products she can use right away to change her mood and her day. Whether it’s relaxation or alertness you are going for, research the different scents and what each one is thought to enhance. There are so many out there that you will definitely find one for the lady in your life. Don’t settle for the first one you find. Do some sensory research. You’ll have fun doing it and just may relax yourself, too.

The next time you want to relax and have a little spa time, or want to create a unique spa basket for a friend, you can create your own spa products. It’s much cheaper than going to a spa and you’ll know that you’re going chemical-free. Invite some friends over to make the products with you and then you can all have a relaxing spa night.

Cucumber Eye Gel

Courtesy of Spaindex.com

Ingredients:

• 1/4 large cucumber
• 1 ounce aloe vera gel

Puree the cucumber in a blender (leave a little pulp), strain the mixture into a glass bowl until you have at least 2 ounces. Spoon in just a tad of the pulp from the strainer). Add the aloe vera to the cucumber puree in the bowl and mix lightly. Pour into a clean, sterilized container. After cleansing face, stir mixture gently and apply with a cotton ball to under eye area.  Avoid the eyeball. The shelf life of this product is very limited by the fresh cucumber. It should be used within a few days, and kept refrigerated between uses.

Watermelon Toner

Courtesy of Spindex.com

• 2 Tablespoons fresh watermelon juice
• 1 Tablespoon vodka
• 2 Tablespoons witch hazel
• 2 Tablespoons distilled water

Strain the watermelon juice to get rid of seeds and fruit pieces.  Combine all ingredients in small bowl and stir well. Pour into clean containers with tight-fitting lids. To use: pour a small amount on a clean cotton pad and apply to face. Store in fridge between uses to retain freshness.  Will keep approximately one week.

Chocolate Facial Mask

Courtesy of spaindex.com

This creamy mask is an excellent moisturizer, leaving your skin baby soft. Recommended for normal skin.

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp. heavy cream
• 2 tsp. cottage cheese
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tsp. oatmeal

Mix all ingredients together (a bullet blender is ideal) and smooth onto face. Relax for 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

SpaIndex.com Tip:  You've heard the adage "Never cook with wine you wouldn't drink."  This holds equally true for home spa remedies.  Never use ingredients for your home spa treatments that you wouldn't want to eat.  Your skin, the largest organ on your body, breathes and is porous. It will absorb the properties of the ingredients you are using.  Don't "clean out the fridge or pantry" to create your home skincare remedies.  Use fresh, high quality ingredients for the best results, and do not store the treatment longer than the shelf life of the most perishable ingredient.

Apple-Pear Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Courtesy of Spaindex.com

• 1 tsp apple juice
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 2 T buttermilk
• 1 T rosemary leaves
• 3 seedless grapes
• 1/4 pear
• 2 egg whites

Blend all ingredients in a blender on medium speed for 30 seconds. Using a cotton ball, dab mixture on areas around the eyes and wherever wrinkles have developed. Let dry, then rinse with warm water. Use no more than 3 times a week. Follow with a moisturizer. Cover and refrigerate immediately.  Shelf life: 4 days.

Try these skin care products that you make in your own kitchen and you may never again go back to store-bought products. The results will be fresh, natural, supple -looking skin that’s been pampered by nature, not harmful chemicals. And plus, its fun to get messy in the kitchen brewing up concoctions.

More Spa Articles:

• Make your own relaxing Spa Bath products
• Do It Yourself Home Spa Treatments
• Aromatherapy for Sound Body and Mind
• National Spa Week!

There's nothing more relaxing than unwinding in a steaming hot tub!  Not only is it good for your mood, but you can add products to the water to nourish and moisturize your skin too - perfect for the unforgiving dry winter air!  Here are a few bath recipes you can make at home to soften your skin and lift your spirits!

HONEY MILK BATH
(Great moisturizing and softening bath soak!)

INGREDIENTS:

3 tbs Honey
1 Cup Hot Water
2 tbs of milk power

DIRECTIONS:
Dissolve honey into the hot water and then stir in the powdered milk. Pour the mix into a running bath.

This mix will last 1-2 days in the fridge, but it best used when made.

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FRAGRANT MILK BATH

INGREDIENTS:

2 cup dry milk powder
1 cup cornstarch
1/8 tsp. Fragrance Oil of your choice

Blend together all ingredients in a blender. Add 1/2 cup mixture to hot bath water.

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PEPPERMINT MILK BATH
(Invigorate your body and mind!)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 cups hot water
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

DIRECTIONS:
Mix ingredients together with a whisk until powdered milk is dissolved then pour into running bath.

Use these recipes to make your own spa gift baskets for friends too.  They are sure to appreciate it!