Bath salts are such an easy way to turn a long day into a relaxing evening. Just 2 tablespoons of this Relaxing and Restoring Bath Salts added to bathwater can help calm your thoughts, restore peace and some moisture, and clear your mind before bed or for a midday soak.
I try so hard to come up with fun activities for each day with my Toddler. It often seems we have one thing we try to accomplish or place we try to go each day. It’s just one of the ways I keep my sanity with a toddler.
I also really love to give fun, creative, and usable gifts. Most of the people we give little “happies” or special gifts to are ladies. They are grandmothers and aunts. They are the ladies at church that love this Little Man. They are our sweet friends at the Mary and Martha Center. We are so thankful for so many friends who love and invest in our little boy. It’s hard to come up with a gift from a toddler to a grown-up, but this bath salt mix was the perfect way to get him involved in the project and made him more excited to give the gifts himself.
I’ve always said I want to raise a kind and respectful son who loves others (and sometimes uses his manners!). And, I think teaching him to give creative and thoughtful gifts and learn generosity is a big part of that. My mom demonstrated that for me from a young age and I know that is why its a core part of who I am, and such a big desire to pass on.
Bath salts are a great gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, as a party favor for a little girly theme event, or even special presents around the holidays. You can mix and match the oils you use to match the occasion, your favorite scent, or a need of the recipient.
We did a relaxing and restoring scent, but you could look for rejuvenation or floral, citrus, or herby mixtures. The sky really is the limit on where you can go with this. The biggest thing is doing something to get your kiddo involved and make sure it’s all about the recipient and making something comforting they will love.
Relaxing and Restoring Bath Salts
Materials
- 2 cups Epsom Salt
- 1 cup sea salt (or mix half Pink Himalayan Salt)
- 1 tablespoon Vitamin E oil
- 20 drops orange essential oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 1/2 cup dried lavender buds
- 1 cup baking soda
- 4 half pint glass jars or containers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together salts. (use a metal or wooden utensil to stir this recipe)
- Add in Vitamin E oil and essential oils.
- Stir together until completely combined. (or use a metal whisk to break up the lumps)
- Add lavender buds and baking soda.
- Stir softly to gently mix.
- Scoop into jars or containers.
- Add label and decorations.
- Use 2 tablespoons in a regular-sized drawn bath.
Notes
-Orange and Lavendar with orange zest and lavender buds
-Orange oil with dried Rosemary and Thyme
-Orange and geranium Citrus based oil products should not be stored in plastic containers.
Ways to get toddlers involved in gift-giving
It’s easy to get toddlers involved in gift-giving and decorations with just a few preparations and a lot of patience.
Up to this point, its been a lot of sit at the table while I do this. But recently my toddler has really taken a liking to color and he doesn’t care if it’s a crayon or pen. So, when I write thank you notes from him or we send special birthday cards, I set him in a chair at the table and let him color on the envelope. Sometimes he gets crazy and sometimes is just a few marks. I’ll also let him color on the inside flap of the card. It’s just a little touch, but it lets him be part of the process and the recipient loves the little extra touch.
Bath Salts are another great way to get a toddler involved in gift making because they can measure, pour, and stir. “In and out” and dexterity are some skills we are working on and that he loves to play pretend with so, taking those to another level with a real object makes it really fun.
Setting up the situation also makes it easier to pull off the toddler’s involvement in making gifts. Set up an area on your counter or near their high chair where you have all your supplies, measuring tools, and recipe ready. This will make it easier to keep the mixing going while you supervise your kiddo.
I set my little man in the high chair and put the tray on it. Sometimes the activities we do need to be without a shirt on and sometimes it’s with a paint shirt or grown-up shirt turned backward. Set the mixing bowl on the tray and then add ingredients in the first round and give them a mixing spoon. Demonstrate slow stirring and let them have some space and freedom to repeat your activity.
Yes, some may land on the floor, and yes some may get in their hair, but that’s the fun part of being a toddler. You could even include a fun picture of them making a mess with the gift.
Anytime you get a chance, find ways to include your toddler in the activities you are doing.
Anytime you get a chance, find ways to include your toddler in the activities you are doing. Whether it’s sitting in the chair and licking the spatula when you are cooking or helping you sort items for a project. They love to be involved and have something to be proud of accomplishing. They like to know you are proud of them and celebrate all the things they are learning.
