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3 DIY Gift Baskets

Choose your theme: Personalized treasures, soothing relaxers, or a winter escape kit

Miranda Jones
1 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Give 'em a break

A basket containing spa-inspired stress relievers is the perfect gift at the hectic holidays. Pier 1 Imports has dozens of totes and containers to choose from.

Click ahead to see how to put this gift basket together.

2 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Bath scrub

Create a scrub from 1/2 cup each Epsom salts and sugar, plus 1/4 cup sunflower oil, and place inside a pretty glass mason jar.

3 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Lavender sachet

Use dried lavender and a small muslin bag to form a sachet.

4 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Travel candle

Repurpose candy or mint tins as candles: Simply melt wax and add a wick (available at craft stores).

5 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Add

Add a few store-bought items to round out your spa-inspired gift basket, such as:
  • Ultra-comfy ballet slippers (from $25; Zappos.com).
  • Organic eye mask (from $25; Etsy.com).
  • A little tissue paper and maybe some ribbon, and your basket is good to go.
6 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make it personal

Present monogrammed items in a canvas tote (such as those from Bambina di Cioccolato; $18) bearing the recipient’s initial.

7 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Paperweights

Stencil river rocks with white rub-on transfers (available at craft stores).

8 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Handkerchief

Hand-stamp a linen napkin to lend your recipient's next dinner party an impossibly swanky air. (And to make sure you get an invite!)

9 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Add

Add a few store-bought items to round out your personalized gift package:

  • Colorful pencils (from $12.99 for 12, explicitlyyourspencils.com).
  • Personalized notepad (from $35 for a set of 5; Papersource.com).
  • Don't forget to hand-write the gift tag for the most personal touch of all.
10 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Let's get lost

Pull together items for the ultimate weekend escape in a heavy-duty basket or tote--consider one in durable felt.

11 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Marshmallows

Give homemade marshmallows in a cellophane bag, or choose another sweet treat to share from your kitchen--you almost can't go wrong with the gift of something home-cooked.

12 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Make: Etched glasses

Use etching cream (available at craft stores; instructions here) to add a personal message to glassware.

13 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Add

When it's too cold to go outside, these store-bought items will provide hours of indoor entertainment:
  • Playing cards ($4)
  • Ultimate Book of Card Games ($17; amazon.com--or consider patronizing your local bookstore)
14 /14 Photography by Thomas J. Story

Add

Hot cocoa and a warm wool blanket will ensure your gift recipient a comfy, cozy winter: