As children, many of us crafted DIY spa baskets out of resourcefulness. Our budgets were tight and our gift access was limited—we had little choice but to piece together something with our own two hands. These days, though, we’re no longer restricted by our meager allowances and our lack of drivers’ licenses, and DIY gifts have taken on a new kind of significance. DIY Spa gift baskets are no longer the kind of thing we throw together out of necessity—they’re a one-of-a-kind present we put immense thought and effort into. Because really, what better way is there to show someone you care than to customize an indulgent gift just for them?
Every great spa gift basket promises indulgence and convenience in equal measure. Indulgence, because treating oneself is inherent to the spa experience. And convenience, because there must be some reason you decided to get them a spa gift basket rather than a trip to the actual spa, right? Maybe they have a hard time finding a few spare hours to dedicate to pampering, or maybe they prefer the comfort of their own home. Whatever the reason, you’re not merely inviting your loved one to treat themselves—you’re inviting them to do so in a way that’s genuinely convenient for them. From fun slippers and a robe to bath bombs and calming teas, there are more than enough options to give them a self-care moment. And there’s something really beautiful about the empathy built into that gesture.
Given how absolutely individual a person’s idea of “luxury” is, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to assemble a DIY spa gift basket. There are a few core elements worth considering, but you’re going to have to go off-book. Some products will deserve extra basket real estate (like their favorite pack of wine), while others will deserve none at all. Just keep your loved one at top of mind, and trust that it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with whatever DIY spa basket you create.
A version of this article was originally published December 2019.
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Frizz-Free Pillowcase
The ultimate beauty hack? Beauty sleep, of course! One of the best ways to maximize those eight hours of rest is ensuring you’re sleeping on a hair-friendly pillowcase. One of these pure silk pillowcases can reduce friction and also prevent those unwanted “sleep lines” from forming on your face.
Mani Essentials
Our homes are basically full-service spas these days, so make sure your DIY spa basket includes some mani must haves! Everyone needs this mighty serum duo to give dry hands and cuticles some TLC. Cactus flower moisturizes without feeling greasy or heavy, and the compact sizes don’t take up valuable medicine-cabinet real estate.
Me-Time Essential
The core of any spa basket (DIY or otherwise) is the bath. The luxurious, romantic, idyllic bath. So a natural place to start is with bath soaks or salts.
Find a bath soak or bath salt in a palette and fragrance your loved one is sure to adore. It’ll become the centerpiece of your spa gift basket.
Happy Hour Treat
Now we’re talking. Complete their next-level bathtime situation with a bottle (or a few!) of their favorite wines. They can take a personal quiz, and Winc will suggest wines for them to try based on their taste preferences.
Cozy Up
A pair of slippers is no use without an equally snuggly robe to match. This chic Turkish cotton robe from Parachute takes loungewear to an entire new level. The gift recipient just may never want to take it off.
Take a Chill Pill
Bath bombs are simultaneously widely beloved and often-overlooked. Many of us enjoy bath bombs, but since they’re not a necessity, we never think to stock up on them.
Throw an extremely photogenic bath bomb (or two) into the mix, like these chic versions from Ouai. They’re a spa gift basket staple (and they’re sure to look great on your loved one’s Instagram).
Chic Soaps
A bar of soap? In this day and age? Though genuine soap bars may seem unnecessary in our body wash-filled world, there’s something inherently romantic (and a little pretty) about them.
Not only do they look and smell nice, but they’ll make your loved one’s spa experience feel a little more authentic. Whereas a regular, ol’ body wash might dampen the mood, a luxurious bar of soap will only elevate the fantasy.
Something Soft
No at-home spa would be complete without a snuggly pair of slippers to make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. Obviously, we’re going to go with this trendy pair from Koolaburra by UGG. TBH we might wear these outside too.
Exfoliation to the Rescue
Though exfoliation is a generally accessible thing, many of us regard it as a luxury—the part of the pedicure we always look forward to, the service we always book at the spa. (Again, anything that falls outside our daily and weekly routines tends to fall by the wayside.)
Help your loved one bring that luxury home with them by gifting them an exfoliating scrub in one of their favorite scents. We love this one because it’s made with nourishing coconut oil and basically makes you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway even if youre in the dead of winter. And rest assured knowing you’ve made shower time feel a little more special.
Drop It Like It’s Hot
Tea bags can be a pain (and produce excess waste), so these fully dissolvable drops are a life-saver. These dessert flavored options are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth.
The 2020 Touch
This year and for at least the year to come, the ultimate gift is going to be hand sanitizer (and a chic face mask). We don’t love that they tend to be drying, but these genius ones from Touchland are moisturizing so your hands don’t have to suffer.
Mask Up
Face masks have become a staple of the modern self-care routine (and no, we’re not talking about these ones), and we’d be remiss to leave them off our list.
If your loved one is sheet mask-averse, it still might make sense to throw one in the mix. These Patchology ones include three masks to target different skin concerns, so it’s a foolproof gift if you don’t know what their skin type is. Or, opt for something silly or photogenic, so at the very least, your loved one can have fun wearing it (even if they think it’s total BS).
Something Sweet
Sheet masks tend to be more fun and games, so if you really want to give their skin some TLC, we suggest including this kind of mask as well. Consider this birthday-cake-sprinkle wash-off mask a party on their face, so it’s perfect for a birthday gift basket. It’s not just all looks, though: The hyaluronic acid will help plump their skin so they’ll be glowing.
A Little Retinol
A little retinol goes a longg way, and it’s not just something you should use when you’re older. This cult-fave overnight eye mask version is made with real avocado, so we recommend gifting this instead of leaving them to make their own DIY version.
Moisturizing Matcha
Moisturizing is basically always a good idea—especially as the temperatures drop (and dry skin season looms overhead).
Treat your loved one to a face moisturizer like this ultra-rich one, body butter, or fluffy cream. (Or triple up and buy all three.) Lotions tend to be no-fail gifts, so there’s no real need to limit yourself here.
Smell the Roses
Whether you’re finishing up your makeup routine or you need a mid-day pick-me-up, a facial spray is the definition of luxury that everyone needs in their spa routine at home. We love this rose water one from Brandless, which is hydrating and alcohol-free so it won’t dry you out. Make sure to stock up on other essentials at Brandless while you’re at it!
Roll it Out
Facial rollers are supposed to help with lymphatic drainage, but if that’s not actually the case, they’re just downright relaxing to use. Take things to the next level and leave it in your fridge for that facial-like cooling sensation that can help reduce puffiness, especially under the eyes.
Shower Gloves
Odds are, your loved one has a go-to washcloth (or even, a go-to washcloth set). But that’s no reason not to throw fancy gloves or a sponge into the mix.
Not only will it give them something to enjoy their body scrub with, but it will also further glamorize the spa basket experience. A fancy pair of gloves or a sponge will create separation from the norm—and further offer the escape any trip to the spa would.
Luxe Locks
While your loved one is cozied up in their incredibly glamorous bath—and sporting that adorable face mask you gave them—they need something to do with their hair. Thankfully, spa-worthy hair products are abundantly on offer.
Give your loved one a conditioner bar, a hair oil, a hair mask—or some combination of the three. The spa tends to be a face- and body-centric place, but the hair deserves a little love, too.
Make Scents
No spa is complete without a signature scent, and this one will be the cherry on top of the stunning gift basket you’ve assembled. How better to set the idyllic spa mood than to light an incredibly calming candle?
Dose of Vitamin C
Vitamin C isn’t just something you should take in capsule form. Treat someone to this facial peel that hydrates, tones, and can even skin tone. Glycolic acid exfoliates while Vitamin C and Indian Fig protect against free radicals and also can ehance skin clarity.
Sleek Hair
Sometimes, you need to call in back up when it comes to dry, dull hair. A sleek hair oil like this one from Olaplex is a must for damaged locks and will make taking care of hair feel a lot more special.
Pretty Pouch
One can never have too many cosmetic pouches, and this stylish leather one that says “My Stuff” is a hoot. It’s available in four delicious shades so you can keep up with your gift basket color scheme.
Some CBD Oil
What would a spa basket be without CBD these days? TBH, we’d buy a galllon of it if we could but this 1000 MG version will do just fine. This royally chic CBD oil can be incorporated into your beauty routine by putting it directly on your face or you can ingest it.
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