Craft Gossip Editors Exclusive Christmas Gift Guide

We asked out Editors to send in their top 2017 Craft picks for the Ultimate Christmas gift guide.

My gadget is a battery-powered Taylor Digital Measuring Cup and Scale Measures. It also can convert both the weight and volume for dry and liquid ingredients. It is also around $19 which works well for those that are on a budget for gift giving.

Bath and Body Blog

I am often asked what is the key to a great bath bomb, it’s all in the mold! Loves bath bomb molds come in different sizes and are affordable.

Katie from our Indie Crafts Blog

We R Memory Keepers®Typecast Typewriter – I think this modern version of the old-school typewriters is really neat and would be so fun to add words and journaling to projects.

Shellie Wilson from our Crochet Crafts Blog

The Yarnit- Crystal Clear yarn bowl resembles a hamster ball but it’s purpose is perfect. It not only allows my yarn to run free it keeps it clean too.

Stefanie Girard – Recycled Crafts Blog

The OttLight I would totally recommend it as having good lighting when crafting puts less strain on your eyes and makes for good color choices.
I have been using planners since 1990 for sketching, writing quotes, saving bits of memorabilia like ticket stubs and clippings from magazines and generally keeping track of my life. A planner makes a great gift especially for a creative person to combine their ideas with their life organizing in one place. Next year I will be using The Badass Planner by Susie Shubert. It had fun graphics and quotes on each page.

Another great gift idea may seem a bit unusual but I can’t tell you how much a grid ruler changed my crafting world.
I was first introduced them when I began quilting but I now use it for paper crafting and even when I am doing construction projects. Once you use a grid ruler you will never go back to a standard ruler again.

Sarah White – Knitting Blog

I love the needle gauge pendants from Debras Garden. They come in an array of colors and can be worn as a necklace or kept on a keychain so you can measure your knitting needles wherever you are and slyly let people know you’re a knitter. The gauge runs from US size 0 to 17 and numbers are lasered on so they can’t rub off.

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here
Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars
Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid
Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy

Ingredients

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt
2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle
10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends)
Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green)
Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms
Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!”
Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store
Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting
Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!”

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely.
Use gloves to avoid stained fingers.
Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon).

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

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