[DiannC]

Ok, I have a wonderful SIL who has always been very generous (for example, she got me a Prada bag for my birthday). She has always been so sweet and kind to me, through all the highs and lows I've been through.
She knows we aren't in a good financial situation right now so I know she's not expecting anything huge, but I still want to get her something.

She lives in a tiny apartment in Manhattan so space is an issue for her. She works for a company that sells picture frames and the like so I can't get her decorative stuff (she has more then enough because of the samples she gets for work). She makes quite a bit of money so whenever she wants or needs anything she just buys it for herself so I am stumped.

I had my little one paint her a long sleeved t-shirt and put her handprints on it, which I thought was cute, but I need to get her something from me. I've put it off for way too long because I was trying to think of something really great to get her and now I'm stuck! I have no ideas at all!

I am hoping the wonderful folks on AFC can help me brainstorm!

[shnn18]

I think taking her out to dinner would be a nice gift. She probably would just enjoy some girl time with you.

[kimmyann123]

how about a nice gift basket,with all girly stuff for her...

[lovechelle27]

have u been doing any of the 'free' stuff (at wags)? a basket w/ lotion, shampoo/conditioner, candles... a 'pamper yourself' gift and if she has a husband and kids, a 'coupon' book with coupons she can redeem like: few hours of babysitting so they can go to dinner alone, etc... that might be a 'cheap' gReAt gift, i know i'd redeem these! good luck!

[kimmyann123]

i did a q book for my dh for xmas 1 year,ill never do that again i had to start writting void across them because he tried to re-use! the nerve

[hotmama111]

Make her a free photo book from CVS. Or order her some personalized cards from Vista Print. Or make her a gift basket of Glade products from Target !

[Dominochic]

Did you get in on any of the deals for free/cheap Air iMotions or Glade Sense & Sprays? You could make her a basket of smell-goods for her home.

Or you could make some bath salts. They're super easy - (I borrowed these directions from Get Free Budgeting Help at BetterBudgeting.com Since 2001 - Save More, Spend Less and Get Out of Debt!)

In a large glass or metal bowl, stir together...

2 cups Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt - or 1 cup of each (Do not use table salts, they will dry out skin! And when using Dead Sea Salt, be sure to remove any dark pieces that may have slipped through processing.)

1-2 teaspoons of baking soda, if desired (Makes skin soft.)

10-12 drops of essential oil (Lavender is best for a relaxing bath, Vanilla and Eucalyptus are also fabulous!)

You can also add a small amount of food coloring paste (the kind used for cake decorating) if desired, but it's not necessary. I prefer not to use coloring, but it's up to you. This is your own homemade bath salt, make it however you want!

Next...

After you have stirred the salt really well (do this for at least two minutes; the more you stir the more the wonderful scent begins to come through!), pour into pretty glass jars and attach lids.

For the Glass Jars...

Use clean mason jars, baby food jars, or even spaghetti and jelly jars. They are all perfect for homemade bath salt! You don't even need to spend extra money on expensive jars!

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you!!

[kimmyann123]

oh im so making that for xmas gifts,thx!!!

[Dominochic]

Originally Posted by kimmyann123

oh im so making that for xmas gifts,thx!!!

Haha, thanks! I had forgotten about making these until I saw this post. Now I'm thinking I have a use for all the baby food jars my husband laughs at me for keeping!

[threelittlecupcakes]

Originally Posted by Dominochic

Did you get in on any of the deals for free/cheap Air iMotions or Glade Sense & Sprays? You could make her a basket of smell-goods for her home.

Or you could make some bath salts. They're super easy - (I borrowed these directions from Get Free Budgeting Help at BetterBudgeting.com Since 2001 - Save More, Spend Less and Get Out of Debt!)

In a large glass or metal bowl, stir together...

2 cups Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt - or 1 cup of each (Do not use table salts, they will dry out skin! And when using Dead Sea Salt, be sure to remove any dark pieces that may have slipped through processing.)

1-2 teaspoons of baking soda, if desired (Makes skin soft.)

10-12 drops of essential oil (Lavender is best for a relaxing bath, Vanilla and Eucalyptus are also fabulous!)

You can also add a small amount of food coloring paste (the kind used for cake decorating) if desired, but it's not necessary. I prefer not to use coloring, but it's up to you. This is your own homemade bath salt, make it however you want!

Next...

After you have stirred the salt really well (do this for at least two minutes; the more you stir the more the wonderful scent begins to come through!), pour into pretty glass jars and attach lids.

For the Glass Jars...

Use clean mason jars, baby food jars, or even spaghetti and jelly jars. They are all perfect for homemade bath salt! You don't even need to spend extra money on expensive jars!

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you!!

Is fragrance oil the same thing as essential oil?

[Dominochic]

I know they're not the same thing, but I also know that you can use essential oils to make lotions/etc. so I think they'd be fine! Check out these sites for additional info, though (I just googled them )
http://http://www.pioneerthinking.com/lc_eos.html

http://http://www.thebodyworker.com/...ntial_oils.htm

[Dominochic]

I have a couple different essential oils from my husband's work (he works at Nature's Sunshine), if anyone is interested. I'll mail them to anyone who wants one if you'll just pay the cost of shipping (like a buck?)

*Bergmot
*Sunshine Blend

They are both citrus-y scents - they're absolutely fabulous. PM me if you want one (or both) 1/6 fl oz

[DiannC]

Thank you everyone!

She's single and lives in New York and I live just outside Cleveland so babysitting and out to dinner are out, but I love the basket ideas and as long as I'm careful they will ship well.

Thanks everyone!