Last month, a friend of mine celebrated her 30th birthday.

Finding the perfect gift for someone is not always easy, especially when you're on a budget.

I had noticed that she really, really loved taking baths (I mean, who wouldn't when you have such a beautiful tub?!), so I decided to make her a personalized bath ritual kit.

I had seen one of these kits at a local shop, but their price range was a little to high for me. So instead, I just purchased the candle, sage and crystal there and made my own bath salts, body scrub and ritual card.

I reused the box and tissue paper of my latest online purchase, took out my favorite washi tape, calligraphy ink & nibs, and voilà!

I had so much fun that afternoon! I kept asking Octave to come over and look at how cute everything was. I'm such an annoying studiomate!

To me, putting time and effort in making a personalized gift means so much more important than buying the most expensive gift.

I was happy to support a local shop, a local candle maker (whom I met at a flea market a couple days later) and craft a personalized gift for someone I care for.

Now if you'd like to make your own bath ritual kit, here are my bath salts and body scrub DIYs.

And if you also want to make your own candle, here's a link to my soy candle DIY.

BATH SALTS

Taking a hot bath after a long work day is a great way to relax, breathe and take some time for yourself. Light a candle, put on some music, lock the door, and enjoy!

Active time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min

Supplies

• 2 cups epsom salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup finely ground pink Himalayan salt
• 40 drops of your favorite essential oils

Tools

• Measuring cups
• Jars

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Fill the jars and close them tightly.

Notes

My favorite essential oils for bath salts are citrusy but I've also been using a lot of mint lately to fight a nasty cold and breathe better.

BODY SCRUB

A little body scrub goes a long way. Get rid of dead cells, hydrate your skin and get out of the bath all smooth and invigorated!

Active time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min

Supplies

• 1 tablespoon room temperature coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons finely ground pink Himalayan salt
• 3-4 drops essential oils

Tools

• Measuring spoons
• Jars
• Fork

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a fork.
2. Fill the jars and close them tightly.

Notes

Rose essential oil seems to be a favorite for body scrubs. You can mix a bigger batch ahead of time if you, for example, are making party favors for guests. Just multiply the volumes by the number of guests. Or just prepare your mixture and use it on the spot with this recipe.

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Photographs by Octave Zangs for Conscious by Chloé.