Use for 'smelly' gift?

frugalfairy_3

Saw Ma-in-law at the weekend and she kindly gave us our Christmas presents. She bought me a giant box of different lavender lotions and potions for the bath etc, which was very kind of her as I know she finds it difficult to (a) get into town and do any shopping these days and (b) find anything for me, for some reason . The set consists of body lotion, shower gel, bath gel, balt salts, soap petals, soap and a face flannel (is she trying to tell me something?).

My problem is that I have very sensitive skin and to be honest I can't really use any of this stuff, except maybe the body lotion if it's not too highly perfumed. I'm going to use the shower and bath gels in my soap pumps in the bathroom and downstairs loo, and can obviously find a use for the flannel but then I'm stumped as to what to do with the bath salts, soap petals and the bar of soap - I always use liquid soap because of the mess that bath salts and bars of soap leave everywhere.

I don't really have anyone I can give this stuff to either - so has anyone got any OS moneysaving and fantabulous ideas as to what I can do with it? I appreciate her spending her time and money on me so don't just want to dispose of it unkindly.

Thanks!
FF xx

dannahaz

Package it nicely and try selling on Ebay?

Pollybear

This was on the Christmas board :

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=336842

tinselfairy

Could they be put in with clothes in a chest of drawers to be used like those smelly sachets.

Donated to a charity shop.

Of if you make those shoe box gifts to send off to children they could be used in one made up for an older girl.

MrsTinks

Send it all to me!!!!

Joking aside bath salts are very nice so maybe they can be used in a hamper for someone? In fact I'd consider doing a "relaxation hamper" for someone with those add an oil burner and some lavender essential oil and wrap up nicely Don't have to wait for a birthday or anything you could just give it to someone whom you think is having a stressful time

lynzpower

keep the soap. I find it invaluble for boiling up with water in a pan when Ive burnt something onto it- works a charm

frugalfairy_3

Thanks, everyone, some great ideas there. I've never heard of using soap to get burnt off stuff off pans, Lynzpower, will probably definitely try that since I burn things on a regular basis :eek: .

There's going to be a lot of old ladies smelling of lavender round here :rotfl:

Thanks again,
FF x

Bogof_Babe

I don't know what soap petals are, but imagine they are like what used to be called soap leaves - little slivers of soap, like shavings, about the size of a credit card. (I remember in the 50's going to public loos with my mum, where you could get a soap leaf and a paper towel from a dispensing machine for 4d (about 1.5p)

Anyway, I would carry a couple suitably packed (got a tiny mints tin or similar?) in my handbag, for hand-washing if you happen to be out and about and there is no soap provided in the cafe/pub etc. I know you have sensitive skin, but hands are usually less likely to react I'd think, as they get into contact with so many chemicals etc. during the day.

(Did anyone mention donating the unwanted things to a hospital or old peoples' home?).
Edit: Ah, yes, somebody did on the linked thread. Must read links before posting .