Almost Free Spa in a Bag Gift

Everyone is on a tight budget these days and now more than ever, people are more understanding with regards to receiving more frugal and thoughtful gifts. Here is something you can do for a friend or family member that may not cost you a dime. I call it the spa bag but it can be a beauty bag too.

The idea is to get as many good samples as possible and I mean the fancy stuff. Two stores that come to mind are Lush and The Body Shop. Both stores are always eager to give out samples so if you go there perhaps once or twice a week, try collecting samples of nice products. Hit the department stores for samples of creams and perfumes as well. Kiehl's also gives out samples as well as Aveda (sometimes). If you already shop at Sephora.com, they send good samples with every order as well.

If you plan it out well you can have a spa in a bag which includes: body scrub, mask, eye cream, face cream or serum, body cream, shampoo, conditioner, foot cream, and perfume. Then they have all they need for a "Day at the Spa" in their own home.

You can place the samples in a small basket and perhaps purchase a bath pouf or bath mitt, a small candle and place it in the middle. Another thing you can do is add a fashion magazine to the basket (a lot of them have trial subscriptions where you get 1-2 issues for free before buying).

Right now I have samples from Aveda, Body Shop, Exuberance Beauty, Kiehls and a few other organic companies. You can even go as far as just having a "Facial Spa Bag" and just focus on facial products or even Body Products. I collect samples throughout the year and I am making one of these spa bags for a friend as a thank you gift. Teenagers might really like this one too because often times they don't have the cash to try out these types of products.

This can be a really fun gift for anyone.

By Lisa from Halifax, NS