How to Build a Self-Care Gift Basket (Spa Gift Basket Ideas)

A self-care gift basket is a small collection of things that make an evening feel slower: something for the bath, something for the skin, something small to finish. You don't need a ready-made basket. Pick one item from each step below, put them in a box, basket or tote, and add a handwritten note.

Step 1: something for the bath or shower

• UpCircle Bath Salts with Epsom, Sea and Himalayan Pink Salt.
• Napa Soap Co Bath Salt Soak, Mandarin Chardonnay.
• Spongellé's Everything Nice gingerbread set, for people who prefer showers.

Step 2: something for the skin

• Hand cream: Spongellé Coconut Verbena or UpCircle Hand Cream with Hibiscus Flowers.
• Body lotion: Poofy Organics Lavender Hand & Body Lotion.
• A rich balm: Grazly Original Tallow Manuka Honey Balm or an unscented tallow balm.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying moisturizer while skin is still damp after a bath or shower, so a bath gift and a cream make a natural pair.

Step 3: a finishing touch

• A lip balm, such as Poofy Organics Lemon Sugar.
• A nail polish in a cozy shade, such as The Chateau.
• Add your own: a candle, a favorite tea, a book or warm socks.

Three budgets

• About $40: bath salts, a hand cream and a lip balm.
• About $70: bath salts, a body lotion, a lip balm and a nail polish.
• About $100: a bath soak, a tallow balm, a hand cream and a lip balm.

Wrapping it

A shallow basket, a shoebox lined with tissue, or a reusable tote all work. Put the tallest item at the back, fill the gaps with tissue or a folded towel, and tie on the note. If you'd rather not build one, our gift sets come ready to give, and every pick above is in self-care gifts.

FAQ

What do you put in a self-care basket?

Something for the bath or shower (bath salts or a body-wash sponge), something for the skin (hand cream, lotion or balm), and a small finishing touch like a lip balm.

How much should a self-care gift basket cost?

A thoughtful basket can be built for about $40 with three items. Around $70 to $100 lets you include a body lotion or a tallow balm.

What is a good spa gift for someone with sensitive skin?

Choose products labeled fragrance-free. The AAD notes that "unscented" products can still contain chemicals that mask odors, and recommends testing any new skin product on a small area first.

When should I order for Christmas?

Orders usually ship from our brand partners in 1 to 4 business days. For US delivery before December 25, we recommend ordering by December 4. Our digital gift card is delivered by email straight after checkout, so it works right up to the last minute.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to test skin care products
• American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and ask a dermatologist or doctor about skin or health concerns.