Looking for holiday gift ideas? Try a bath gift basket!

With the holidays approaching, we're getting into the spirit of gift giving, spreading joy and happiness around our neighbors. This year, we may not be able to be as generous as we would like, but with careful thought, you can design a bath gift basket pleasing to both men and women. That cashmere sweater for your best friend may be way out of reach. Still, our holiday spirit cannot be crushed! Here are some ideas on bath gift baskets that will satisfy both your gift-giving spirit and your pocketbook.

Everyone is stressed out, to some degree. Just put yourself in your friend's shoes and think about what anti-stress measures you might yourself enjoy. How about a hot, relaxing bath? At the end of the work day, you're burned out. You need to kick back and get a little uninterrupted time for yourself, right? Well, you're not alone. All of your friends are in the same boat. A bath gift basket can make all the difference between an ill-tempered, stressed out person and a laid back, cheerful personality. Why shouldn't you be the one to effect such a change?

When you assemble the contents, think luxury. Include several pouches of herbal bath additives. A pouch of lavender, set under the running bath water, makes a soothing, relaxing blend. A lavender eye pillow quickly relieves a headache. A lightly scented bubble bath, or bath beads, provide relaxation, as well as skin-softening agents that make the bather feel coddled in the lap of luxury.

Any bath gift basket worth its salt should contain beeswax candles. The scent is subtle and fragrant, contributing to a well relaxed sense of being. Candles burning in the bathroom are both soothing and romantic.

Now, what else is missing? Something to drink, while lying in this hot bath, while covered in soothing herbs and fragrant candles. Tailor the beverages to your friend's taste. Add an exotic variety of coffee, tea, wine or a fine brandy. Such an addition completes your bath gift basket. Think about it. Wouldn't you love to be immersed in a divinely warm bath of lavender, surrounded by fragrant candles, sipping a cup of your favorite beverage? Also an assortment of fine soaps never hurts. Scented, glycerine, lavender or oatmeal soaps serve a variety of purposes. Suit your choices to your recipient.

A bath gift basket is one that keeps on giving, long after the holidays are over. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, but oh so inviting and memorable! You're giving a gift of love and caring. Your giftee will be enchanted!