Hello, beautiful readers! In this issue:

• Fizzy homemade bath bombs

• Easy custom bath salts for giving or enjoying

• Luxurious sugar scrubs for the shower

• Something pretty for dessert

• More gifting ideas

Unwrapping the joy 

When you create something with your own hands, you're adding something magical to each gift. Even slight imperfections give it your own, unique signature. 

The joy of DIY goes far beyond the giving – the act of creating and sharing beauty can quiet a busy mind, and may even reconnect us to traditions that span generations. In a world where shopping is only as personal as the websites we visit, choosing to make something by hand becomes an act of love.

Plop, plop. Fizz, fizz.

Bath bombs, aka “fizzies,” are gratifying to make, and can be a perfect activity to enjoy with a grandchild, friends, or by yourself.   

Most basic recipes call for everyday ingredients, including essential oil, food coloring, and muffin tins – either plain or decorative. I’ve only tried green tea bombs. Freshly scented and rich in antioxidants and detoxifying properties, these offer a relaxing experience. 

Next time, I’ll use a plain bath bomb recipe and add some fresh herbs or blossoms to the bottom of the mold to see if I can recreate the bombs pictured above. First, I’m ordering a bath bomb mold kit that comes with round molds and assorted coloring powders for the best results. It runs about $15. A few pointers: 

• Tightly pack the mixture into each mold or muffin tin, and then set for at least 4 hours before inverting them. For optimal results, leave the bombs to dry overnight. 

• Be sure your food coloring is non-water-based, such as a powdered dye. If not, the bath bomb mixture will start to fizz away before you can get it into the molds.

• If you add too much liquid, it will also cause the mixture to fizz away.

• To decorate the bath bombs, sprinkle some dried lavender buds, fresh herb leaves, or dried flower petals on the bottom of each empty cavity and then pack the mixture. 

Now, package your bath bombs so they’re ready to give. This one-minute video has some easy, eye-catching ideas.

Soaking it all in

Bath salts for the tub and sugar scrubs in the shower add a soothing touch of frangrance. Add a few candles and calming music, and your bathroom transforms into a luxurious spa experience. 

Bath salts are easy and inexpensive to make, and the results are gratifying. It’s a beautiful gift that keeps giving, soaking away aches and pains, reducing inflammation, and inducing sound slumber. Bath salts can detoxify, exfoliate, and soften skin, and improve hydration.

Sugar scrubs feel wonderful on the skin – even sensitive skin – as the crystals gently remove dead skin cells, attract hydration, brighten skin tone, and stimulate circulation. You can vary the ingredients, like with this yummy strawberry cream version. Sugar scrubs should be stored in an airtight container.

Be imaginative with your packaging. Consider antique salt or cheese shakers, usually found in antique shops, garage sales, and the like. I fell in love with these unique containers.

You can also find a variety of interesting, inexpensive bottles on Etsy and eBay.  And don’t rule out small spice jars or these fun chemist jars.

Something pretty for dessert

We’re wrapping up this week with something short and sweet. These dainty shortbread cookies are bursting with fresh strawberry and lemon, making each bite a treat. Bake these for yourself, or package a few to include in a gift box with your home-crafted bath bombs, salts, and sugar scrubs. Also sure to delight, these shortbread cookies with edible flowers are almost too pretty to eat!

More gifting ideas

40+ Unique Gift Basket Ideas for Any Occasion

How to Make a Gift Basket: A Step-by-Step Guide

15 Eco-Friendly and Zero-Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas

We look forward to building this tapestry of experiences with you.