Easy Homemade Spa Gifts from the Garden

Create Fragrant Bath & Body Treats with Essential Oils

These homemade gifts are surprisingly simple—and fun—to make. Photos: Suzanne DeJohn

Recipes in This Article

• Bath Bombs
• Herbal Bath Salts
• Soothing Salve
• Room/Linen Spritzers
• Melt-and-Pour Soap

By Susan Romanoff, Peggy Geier, and Suzanne DeJohn

Recipients will appreciate the care and thoughtfulness of these one‑of‑a‑kind gifts. They’re fast and easy—our creative team made them all in one morning! Consider doubling recipes so you can keep some for yourself.

Bath Bombs

Sometimes called bath fizzies, these effervescent treats bubble and fizz in the tub, adding luxury to an evening soak. Herbs and essential oils make them soothing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup citric acid
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• Witch hazel in a spritzer bottle

Citric acid (a fine white powder) is available in bulk herb sections at natural food stores, canning supply shops, or online. Coconut oil is found at natural food stores and many supermarkets. Swap lavender for other combinations: rose petals + rose oil, or calendula petals + grapefruit oil.

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together baking soda and citric acid.
2. Stir in dried lavender flowers.
3. Melt coconut oil and mix with essential oil; drizzle into dry ingredients, blending thoroughly with your hands.
4. Spritz lightly with witch hazel, mixing after each spritz, until the mixture holds together when squeezed (like damp sand).
5. Pack firmly into molds (muffin tins, silicone molds, or plastic ornaments). Let dry 24 hours, then gently remove.
6. Store in an airtight container.

Herbal Bath Salts

Ingredients

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 1 cup sea salt
• ½ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup dried herbs (lavender, rose, chamomile, calendula)
• 10–15 drops essential oil (matching herbs)

Directions

1. Combine salts and baking soda in a bowl.
2. Crush dried herbs slightly and stir in.
3. Add essential oil and mix well.
4. Package in jars or cellophane bags; include a muslin bag for bath use.

Soothing Salve

Ingredients

• 1 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil
• ¼ cup dried calendula flowers
• 1 ounce beeswax
• 5–10 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional)

Directions

1. Place oil and calendula in a glass jar; cover and set in a warm spot (or a double boiler on low) for 2–3 weeks, shaking daily. Alternatively, heat gently in a double boiler for 2–3 hours.
2. Strain oil through cheesecloth; discard flowers.
3. Return oil to double boiler, add beeswax, and heat until melted.
4. Remove from heat, stir in essential oil if using.
5. Pour into small tins or jars; let cool completely before capping.
6. Label with ingredients and use for dry, cracked skin or minor rashes.

Room/Linen Spritzers

Ingredients

• 2 oz distilled water
• 1 oz witch hazel or vodka
• 15–20 drops essential oil (lavender, citrus, peppermint, etc.)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a 4 oz spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spritz on linens, in closets, or as a room freshener.

Melt-and-Pour Soap

Ingredients

• 1 lb glycerin or goat’s milk soap base
• Dried herbs, flower petals, or oatmeal
• Essential oil (1–2 drops per bar)
• Soap molds

Directions

1. Cut soap base into cubes; melt in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
2. Stir in herbs/petals and essential oil.
3. Pour into molds; spritz with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.
4. Let harden completely (1–2 hours), then unmold.

These garden‑inspired gifts are a delight to give and receive. Enjoy the process and the results!