MAKE IT CUTE

Instead of spending moolah on soap molds, start saving round-bottomed plastic containers that might be getting tossed out. (Sour cream containers are perfect—just make sure to clean them thoroughly before using them as molds.) Get a brick of white, scent-free glycerin soap from the craft store. Break it into chunks, and put it into a plastic bowl in the microwave on high at 30-minute intervals until melted. Add several splashes of peppermint extract or an essential oil your bestie will love plus a few drops of vanilla. Pour about one inch of soap mixture into each mold. Put in a drop or so of red food coloring, and mix thoroughly for pink or stir ever so slightly with a toothpick for a swirly effect. Let soaps harden before removing from molds. Wrap in a sheer fabric or cellophane like candies…but be sure to let your girls know these goodies aren’t edible!

No need to unwrap this gift. These sachets are for tossing straight in the tub. Take squares of any meshy fabric, and spoon scoops of oatmeal or dried lavender onto the centers. Gather up the edges and tie with ribbon. These are for one-time use only—they can get moldy if used repeatedly, so add a tag that says so. Give a few to each friend.

Give a deserving bud a spa-day-at-home. Fill a basket with washcloths, candles, soaps and such. You can score all of this beauty booty at the dollar store for under $10.