Gifts for Adults

This age group isn't over the hill; they're just trying to ease their way down the other side. Some middle-agers are a sandwich generation—feeling the pressure to help teen­age and young-adult kids on one hand and aging parents on the other. A perfect gift for this age group would be a gift of pampering—perhaps something that ensures a tranquil sleep …

Simmering Sleep

Many people agree that herbs and spices have medicinal benefits. Why not make some of these special simmering bath bags for the adults on your guest list. Wrap the herbal bath bags in a gift bag with an aromatherapy candle and scented soaps.

Time frame: Half to one hour

Level: Moderately easy

What you need:

• White organdy material (a translucent, thin material with a tight enough weave to hold salt)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• 3 cups Epsom salts
• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup table salt
• 3 drops of green food coloring
• 1 cup fresh mint or ¹⁄₂ cup dried mint
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Ribbon
• Aromatherapy candles
• Scented soaps
• Gift bag
• Tissue paper

1. Cut the organdy cloth into a six-inch square.
2. In a bowl, mix the Epsom salts, baking soda, table salt, food coloring, mint, bay leaves, and vanilla extract. Spoon about ¹⁄₂ cup of the mixture onto the organdy material.
3. Gather up the ends of the cloth and tie them together with a thin piece of ribbon. Knot the ribbon and tie the ends into a bow.
4. Place the finished bags, candles, and soaps in a gift bag layered with tissue paper.

Stained Glass Votive

They won't have to go to church to enjoy the beauty of stained glass if you make them this colorful candle holder. Tell them to burn a candle in this at night to fully appreciate its beauty.

Time frame: Two to three hours plus two nights to set up

Level: Moderately easy

What you need:

• Mosaic adhesive
• Bag of assorted plastic stained glass pieces
• Rounded glass vase
• Tile grout
• Popsicle stick
• Sponge
• Votive candle

1. Using mosaic adhesive, glue the stained glass pieces onto the glass vase. You can make a definite pattern on the vase or place the pieces randomly. Either way looks nice. Allow this to set overnight.
2. Mix the grout according to manufacturer's directions. Using a Popsicle stick, spread the grout all over the stained glass, filling in the cracks. Allow this to set for about 10 minutes, and then wipe it lightly with a damp sponge to remove the grout from the tops of the stained glass pieces. Allow the grout to set overnight.
3. Place a candle in the middle of the finished vase.