Aromatherapy gift baskets may be the perfect gift for the person interested in holistic approaches to improving health, well being, relaxation and emotional balance. There are a large variety of aromatherapy gift baskets available in stores or online, but you can also make your own, as long as you know what to include in your special basket.

Aromatherapy involves inhaling the essence of, or absorbing into the skin, essential oils derived from plant products for the purpose of health benefits. Essential oils are all natural, and come from a variety of naturally grown plants. The concentrated potency essential oils are diluted when mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, grapeseed oil, cold pressed vegetable oil or apricot kernel oil. Aromatherapy products should be selected carefully to be sure they contain only pure ingredients, and not “perfumes” or synthetic “fragrance oil.”

What should be included in an aromatherapy gift basket? It’s good to have a selection of aromatherapy products. Aromatherapy can be included in many different types of body treatments, including: massage oil, bath oil, salt scrub, facial scrub, bubble bath, shower oil, lotions, candles and aromatherapy sticks for applying to the temples. You may wish to choose the products based on a theme, such as relaxation. Alternately, you can choose a variety for the recipient to have the right product for encouraging balance where it is needed, such as some things for de-stressing, others for rejuvenating, a product for relaxation and something for that romantic mood. It’s also nice to include a book on aromatherapy oils for the recipient to refer to when choosing which product to use.

How can you decide? Start by thinking of the person you are gifting the aromatherapy basket to. What does this person need? Is the person a high-energy do-it-all type? Perhaps relaxation would be a good theme. Is the person employed in a high-stress job? Perhaps an aromatherapy gift basket geared toward de-stressing would best suit this friend. Is the recipient one who has been down lately? Choose products that enhance energy and feelings of well-being. If the person doesn’t seem to have big issues, choose a variety – something for every mood.

What variety of selections is appropriate? Think of treating the whole person. Choose a product for each part – inside, mood, skin and atmosphere. For inside, this means something to eat/drink. Usually tea is the item for this purpose. Mood – this would be something that the recipient can immerse in - bubble bath or shower oil, or a cooling spray. Skin – choose a facial scrub or massage oil. Atmosphere – here we’re talking candles, incense or a pure essential oil for inhaling or rubbing drops into the skin. You may also choose a CD of relaxing music and a book on aromatherapy oils to round out the gift basket to perfection.