Make this bath salts recipe and put in a gifty tin

Lately, my kids and I can’t get enough of our nightly detox baths, which let the troubles of the day slip away. But typical bath salts wrapped up in wasteful plastic packaging can contain synthetic chemicals like methylenedioxypyrovalerone that endanger your health and leave you feeling hyped-up and anxious.

Make your nighttime ritual peaceful and good for you (and your kids) by whipping up your own bath salts. Light a candle, then throw in some Epsom salts and magnesium flakes for a skin-enhancing boost; coconut or other oils to keep your skin soft; and a pinch of essential oil--you can even spice it up with a little cinnamon or ginger flakes--then prepare to feel invigorated. (Purchase in bulk at Costco and other retailers to stock up on bath salt supplies.)

Detox baths flush out toxins, strengthen our immune system, and help muscles and nerves function properly (all great for growing kids). They also help with acne, headaches, and insomnia--not to mention plain old bad moods!

Bath-Time Bliss Soaking Salts

2 cups Epsom salts
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup Dead Sea salt (optional)
30 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
2 tablespoons oil of choice (coconut, almond, jojoba, argan, etc.)

Mix all ingredients in a medium-size, reusable bowl; store in an airtight jar. Use 1/4 cup per bath.

You can store your salts in our eco-friendly ECO dipper, which we sell in cost-saving packs. And perfect the holidays: Fill packs with your soothing DIY bath salts, and you’ve got the perfect gift for your besties, teachers, and holiday party hostesses. After they finish the salts, they’ll have a nontoxic snack container at the ready. Hint: Avery makes a 2 ½-inch round sticker that works great as a gift tag, so you can check six people off your list and share the bliss. Happy holidays indeed!

Here’s to a nice, long (and healthy) soak!

For more eco-friendly body care inspiration, check out our Eco Beautiful Girls Gift Guide.