There is something extra special about a gift that encourages someone to slow down and take a little time for themselves. These DIY bath soak tea bags are just that! Made with simple ingredients like dried flowers, oats, and Epsom salt, they turn an ordinary bath into a little at-home spa experience.
Think of them as a giant cup of tea for your bathtub! Instead of steeping herbs in a mug, you fill a little muslin or organza bag with your favorite bath ingredients, tie it up with a pretty ribbon, and let it steep in warm bathwater.
They’re inexpensive to make, easy to customize, and absolutely lovely when packaged with a handwritten kraft paper tag. I made two different varieties: Lavender Rose Spa Soak and Gentle Skin Oat Bath.
Whether you’re making them for Christmas gifts, Mother’s Day, a teacher appreciation gift, or just because, these little bath tea bags are a thoughtful handmade gift anyone would love to receive.
Supplies You’ll Need
CLICK HERE for a list of everything I use.
● Empty muslin tea bags or small organza bags suitable for bath use
● Epsom salt
● Dried lavender buds
● Dried rose petals
● Old-fashioned rolled oats or colloidal oatmeal
● Dried calendula or chamomile flowers (optional)
● Twine or ribbon
● Kraft paper gift tags
1. Lavender Rose Spa Soak
A little floral relaxation for the end of a long day.
This blend combines fragrant dried lavender and rose petals with Epsom salt for a pretty, floral bath soak.
Ingredients:
● 1/2 cup Epsom salt
● 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
● 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
Instructions:
1. Combine the Epsom salt, lavender, and rose petals in a small bowl.
2. Gently mix everything together.
3. Spoon the mixture into a bath tea bag, filling it about two-thirds full.
4. Pull the bag closed and tie with twine or ribbon.
5. Add a kraft paper tag with the name of your bath blend.
The dried rose petals make these especially pretty, and the lavender gives them that classic spa-inspired feel.
2. Gentle Skin Oat Bath
A simple, comforting soak with soft, natural ingredients.
This variation is a little different from the floral blend. Oats make a lovely addition to bathwater and create a soothing, milky-looking soak. I added dried flowers for a little extra color and charm.
Ingredients:
● 1/2 cup finely ground oats or colloidal oatmeal
● 2 tablespoons dried calendula or chamomile flowers
● 2 tablespoons Epsom salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. If using regular rolled oats, pulse them in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder.
2. Combine the ground oats, dried flowers, and Epsom salt.
3. Spoon the mixture into a bath tea bag.
4. Tie closed with twine or ribbon and attach a little gift tag.
The finely ground oats help create a lovely milky bath, while the dried flowers make the little bags look beautiful.
CLICK HERE for all the materials to make this fun DIY.
How to Use Bath Soak Tea Bags
Using these is just as easy as making them!
1. Run a warm bath.
2. Place one bath tea bag under the running water or let it float in the tub.
3. Give it a gentle squeeze occasionally to release the ingredients.
4. Soak, relax, and enjoy!
When you’re finished, simply remove the bag and discard the contents in the trash or compost where appropriate.
Packaging Your Bath Tea Bags for Gifts
This might be my favorite part! I love how something so simple can look so pretty with just a few thoughtful details.
I used small clear organza bags, tied them with natural twine, and added kraft paper tags with handwritten names. You could also use little muslin bags, which give them a more traditional tea-bag look.
A few ideas for packaging:
● Tie two different bath blends together with ribbon.
● Place several bags in a small kraft gift box.
● Add a wooden bath brush or handmade soap.
● Package them with a candle and a cozy pair of socks for a little self-care gift basket.
I especially love the idea of pairing the Lavender Rose Spa Soak with the Gentle Skin Oat Bath to create a little spa gift set.
A Few Helpful Tips
● Choose the right bags: Make sure your bags are large enough to hold the ingredients and are made from materials suitable for bathing.
● Grind your oats finely: This helps them disperse in the water rather than leaving large pieces behind.
● Keep everything dry: Store finished bath tea bags in an airtight container until you’re ready to gift them.
● Avoid adding too much fragrance: The natural scent of dried flowers is lovely on its own. If you choose to add essential oils, use a properly formulated bath-safe product rather than putting undiluted oils directly into the bath.
● Don’t skip the tag: A little handwritten label makes these feel like a special, thoughtful gift.
One note: These are for external bath use only, not for drinking. Avoid using botanicals or ingredients that may irritate your skin, and rinse the tub after use.
The Sweetest Little Handmade Gift
I think the best handmade gifts are often the simplest ones. They don’t have to be expensive or complicated to feel thoughtful.
These little bath soak tea bags are a fun afternoon project, use ingredients that are easy to find, and can be customized in so many different ways. Make a few for your gift closet, package them up for Christmas, or keep one tucked away for yourself.
Because sometimes a little time to relax is the nicest gift of all!