The real meaning to holidays, the "giving of the self", shows up in the home made gift.

Here are three easy-to-make but very lush Home-Spa items that you can place your own signature on as the gift giver and personalize for the gift recipient.

They are:

--Bath Jelly
--Soap Balls (lavender or rosemary)
--Cream Perfume

You can make these with your favorite essential oils and other easy-to-get ingredients.

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Bath Jelly

You will need:

--One packet unflavored gelatin
--3/4 Cup water
--1/2 Cup bath gel base
--Your favorite essential oil
--Glass jar with lid (empty peanut butter jar) or other clear container
--Optional small plastic bath toy if for child

Directions:

--Empty the packet of gelatin into a mixing bowl. Set aside.
--Boil water
--Pour hot water into mixing bowl
--Mix with gelatin powder - allow to completely dissolve
--Very slowly stir in the bath gel base
--Add 6 to 8 drops of essential oil
--Mix all very gently and do not beat
--Pour into clear container
--Place small toy inside jar
--Refrigerate until it is set - approx 4 hours
--Place label on jar that has your designer name and directions on how to use which are:

Put 2 Tablespoons in palm - make loose fist and place under running bath water.

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Soap Balls

You will need:

--2 bars unscented vegetable-based soap (or the equivalent in odds-and-ends)
--1/2 cup dried lavender blossoms or loose rosemary (fresh or dried)
--5 drops essential oil (lavender or rosemary)
--1/4 cup warm water

Directions:

--Grate soap (with cheese grater) into a large bowl
--Add the lavender blossoms or dried rosemary to the grated soap.
--Add essential oil to the soap mixture, combining thoroughly.
--Add the warm water and stir.
--Roll heaping tablespoons of the mix into balls.
--Place on a cookie sheet and allow to air-dry completely, which will take approximately 2 days.

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Cream Perfume - Sacred Holiday Scent "Blend of the Three Kings"

You will need:

--2 tablespoons grated beeswax
--2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
--1 teaspoon total of essential oils

Directions:

--Melt beeswax in glass pan over boiling water or double boiler
--Add sweet almond oil and blend together thoroughly
--Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding essential oil
--Fill small clean, dry glass jars with the solid perfume.

Blend of the Three Kings
15 drops frankincense
6 drops myrrh
3 drops sandalwood

--If you want a firmer result add 1 tablespoon of distilled water.