Thrifty Gifty #13—Spa Salt Scrub

After seeing it on several blogs, I picked up some epsom salt at Dollar Tree a couple weeks ago to use as “snow”, so I had some sitting around and at some point it occurred to me to make a salt scrub.

I discovered a whole bunch of “recipes” on the web, and no two of them were alike, so I just decided to wing it.

I used safflower oil, because Walmart didn’t have sunflower, and I didn’t want the olive oil smell. I think you really could use any kind of oil you wanted to, although I did see a couple warnings not to use mineral or baby oil (clogs pores or something).

I got the epsom salt and sea salt at Dollar Tree. This sea salt is very fine; I was expecting it to be a little coarser. Again, I think you can use any combo of salts you like. (As an aside: I don’t think I’d really want to use sea salt from San Francisco Bay for food purposes, but maybe that’s just me.)

With no hard and fast rules to be found, I just filled the jar with salt and added oil until the consistency seemed right. Essential oil can be used for scent. I tried pure vanilla extract, which is not the same as essential oil, and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.

This one is just a mock-up for this post. I’ve decided to make this for teacher gifts, so I’m going to head to Hobby Lobby to look for some nice jars (with my 40% off coupons, of course), and I think I’ll include a vintage spoon. I was going to search the thrift stores for jars, but decided it would be easier at this point just to go where I know I’m going to find what I need.

I’m also going to pick up some real essential oil at the health food store. I saw one person who used vanilla and orange for a Creamsicle scent. Doesn’t that sound yummy? Lavender would also be nice. Some people add a little food coloring too.

So, there are a lot of variables here, but the basic ingredients are just a few dollars. I think it will make a fun and appreciated teacher gift!