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Natural Bath Salts or "Fizzy" Bath Powders - Unique Home Made Spa Gifts for Pennies

by Lee Hansen

Everyone loves pampering gifts for the bath. When they're made at home you know bath salts and powders are free of chemicals or skin irritants. My daughter made bath salts and bath powders for me when she was in preschool - and again, when she was a budget-concious college student!

Make your natural bath salts extra special by adding a few drops of Mom's favorite fragrance or essential oils to create a delightful aromatherapy experience.

Decorate small jars or canisters with a custom label, lace and bits of ribbon, and you've got a lovely inexpensive home made gift perfect for Mother's Day.

General Directions
Mix up each batch of Bath Salts or Bath Powder ingredients in a large glass or plastic bowl, then pack loosely into small jars or canisters. (You can even use strong, small plastic bags with twist ties or zip tops.) Decorate the containers with a custom label, bits of ribbon or lace, and you've got a lovely inexpensive home made gift perfect for Mother's Day.

Jar Preparation
Use small jars (plastic or glass) with screw-on tops or medium size decorative clear canister jars to package your home made salts after mixing.

Or, recycle small food jars such as those from jam, jelly or baby food, or buy them at a thrift shop, tag sale or discount store. If you decide to use a larger jar or a canister container, you can include a small measuring scoop, too.

Wash the jars and lids thoroughly, remove traces of old labels and dry well inside and out. Paint the lids if desired. Trace around the lid onto the wrong side of the fabric, then cut out a round of fabric or lace about 1 to 2 inches larger than the outline. Fill jar with bath salts, screw on the lid, then wrap the lid with a small piece of lace or fabric. You can add a drop of glue to the middle of the lid to tack the fabric into place if desired.

Packaging
Cut a length of narrow ribbon or yarn and tie it tightly around the neck of the jar to gather the fabric into a ruffle and hold a tag (if desired). Glue a pretty label to the jar (use our free printables or create your own) with instructions and fragrance information and add your own special message.

Bath Salt and Bath Powder Recipes

Mix up your Salts or Bath Powder ingredients in a large glass or plastic bowl, then pack into small jars or canisters (see instructions above).

Fragrant Bath Salts

1 cup Epsom salts
2 drops of essential oil or perfume
3-4 drops of food coloring (optional)

Mix all ingredients well; store in an airtight container. Package in an air tight jar with the top decorated with fabric or lace; attach a small scoop tied to the jar with a ribbon. Include directions for use on label or tag (see below).

To use, sprinkle a generous tablespoon of bath salts into warm running bath water to dissolve the crystals and release the fragrance.

Effervescent Aromatic Bath Powder

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tsp. fragrance or essential oil
3-4 drops food coloring (optional)

Mix all ingredients well in a large plastic or glass bowl. Package in a pretty air tight canister or jar with a small measuring scoop; include directions for use on a tag or label (see below).

To use, sprinkle 2 tablespoons into warm bath water to dissolve and activate the effervescent fizzy aromatherapy. Mmmm... heavenly!