Personal Care a Growing Passion - And Gift Idea

(MS) - The spa industry is a booming one. Over the last three years, visits to spas have increased by 16 percent. More than half of the men and women visiting spas to engage in facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and restorative baths do so for relaxation purposes, say reports by Intelligent Spas. What's more, many spa visitors want to recreate the services and relaxation values of spa visits in the comfort of home.

Building upon this idea, gifts involving personal care can appeal to many on your holiday shopping list. Plus, gifts of this type can be put together to meet a variety of interests and budgets. Here are a few ideas:

· Pampered pedicures. Feet take the brunt of daily activity. That's why routine pedicures can keep them in top shape and provide comfort. Pedicures can be done at home with a few supplies, easily packaged into a gift basket. Fill a gift basket with nail clippers, cuticle pushers, cotton balls and swaps, nail polish remover, moisturizing foot lotion, warm fuzzy socks, as well as a Microplane® Foot File. The Microplane® Foot File has been described as a "must have" foot-care product by users around the globe. The product features 95 tiny files that create a bi-directional exfoliating system that quickly and safely removes dry or callused skin. The end-result is baby soft, smooth, beautiful feet. For a set that is already prepackaged, making gift-giving a snap, try the Microplane® Essentials Gift Set, featuring moisturizing cream, spa socks, and the patented Microplane® Foot File.

· At-home facial. There are many products sold at area department stores and even drug stores that offer the convenience and lower price of a facial at home. From exfoliating facial scrubs to mechanized devices that slough off the signs of aging, you can find items to cater to your gift recipient. Complete the package with a CD of relaxing music, gentle cotton cleansing pads and makeup remover.

· Merry massages. Professional spa employees are certified in massage therapy and make easy work of loosening up muscles and melting away stress and tension. However, similar results can be achieved at home with a few handy items. For massage-lovers, recreate the spa experience with a gift of a luxe robe, candles, scented (or unscented depending upon sensitivity) massage oil, and a book of massage basics. If you're gifting a romantic partner, include a certificate for your massage services.

· A pampered day out. Treat a friend or family member to a day out by purchasing a gift card to his or her favorite spa or personal-care salon. A simple massage or pedicure "on you" will be appreciated. When offering pedicure gifts, a complementary present is a Microplane® Foot File, which is more gentle and safe than straight-razor callus shavers, and more sanitary than the pedicure tools used on all of the salon's clientele.

For more gift ideas and information about Microplane® Foot Files in Canada, visit www.microplaneintl.com.

CAPTION: Treat someone special to the gift of pampered feet. This foot file is just one of the items packaged in this convenient gift set.