Homemade Bubble Baths and Bath Salts
When money is tight, you may not be able to purchase all of the things you’d like to at Christmas. Luckily giving doesn’t have to cost much. Handmade bubble baths and bath salts are easy to make, inexpensive and something many people on your Christmas list will enjoy.
You can make bubble bath mix for one or in bulk, depending upon how many people you have on your list. Below are recipes for large quantities as well as an individual bath. You’ll need the following ingredients for bulk quantities:
* 1 cup baking soda
* 1 cup cream of tarter
* ¼ cup corn starch
* 2-5 drops essential oil
Reduce the ingredients to 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 2-3 drops of essential oil for single baths.
Mix all of the ingredients in a jar except the essential oils; this will be added at the time of the bath to keep the baking soda from neutralizing the scent. When ready for a bath, use a few tablespoons of the mixture, along with a few drops of essential oil.
If the people on your list like fizzy baths, you can make their bath time dreams come true. Here’s how:
* 8 ounces corn starch
* 8 ounces citric acid
* 16 ounces baking soda
* 1 teaspoon fragrance oil
Combine the corn starch and citric acid until well incorporated. Add the fragrant oil to the desired strength and then blend in the baking soda. Store the fizzy bath crystals in a tightly covered jar. For a bath, use ¼ to ½ cup per bath.
Make fruity bath salts by combining 3 quarts of Epsom salt and 3 envelopes of non-sugar powdered drink mix. (Do not use the type with sugar.) You can create a visual treat as well as bath treat by using three different ‘flavors’ of powdered drink in one quart of Epsom salt. Layer the salt in a glass jar, seal it carefully and add a bow.
Oatmeal baths are great for those with itchy or dry skin, particularly in winter months. Combine 4 parts Epsom salt, 2 parts sea salt, 1 part non-fat powdered milk, 1 part ground oatmeal and a few drops of essential oil. Place the mixture in a jar with a lid. To enjoy the bath, add 1/3 of the mixture into warm bath water. Depending upon the scents you use, these can be made for both men and women.
Giving doesn’t have to cost much if you’re willing to create handmade bubble baths and bath salts. You probably have many of the ingredients in your home right now. The remaining ingredients aren’t expensive. With a little bit of time and effort you can create great gifts to give to your loved ones.
