3 DIY Gift Baskets

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.

• $17.70 for set of six; heathceramics.com

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.

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

• Handmade travel candle instructions

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

• 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.

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

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

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!)

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.

• $32; Etsy.com

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

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.

• Glasses $2.95 each; pier 1.com

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

• Playing cards ($4)
• Ultimate Book of Card Games ($17; amazon.com--or consider patronizing your local bookstore)

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

• Dark hot-cocoa mix ($18 for 12 oz.; recchiuti.com).
• Motor Robe wool throw ($100; pendleton-usa.com).
• Optional warm hug (priceless).