Relax and Get (or Give) a Gift That Pampers

A woman caught up in the holiday rush or mired in a winter rut might enjoy a gift that allows her to relax or re-energize. Such luxury comes in many price ranges.

Pampering pure and simple can be had in the Donna Karan Bath & Body collection, natural ingredients that smell faintly of vanilla and have luxurious descriptions--with prices to match. Consider these: Cashmere body lotion, velvet body cream, chiffon body powder, washed silk body cleansing lotion and satin bath bar. Suggested retail is $15 to $65 each at fine stores nationwide.

Nivea’s collection of moisturizing shower gels, creme soap and bath and body oils offer a bit of luxury for less. Treat your skin to ocean breeze, rain forest or chamomile scent for $1.99 to $4.99 suggested retail at pharmacies and mass-market merchandisers.

Pampering on a higher plane might include five days and four nights at Back in Shape at Round Hill, a spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where you can shape up without distractions. Prices start at $1,560 plus air fare for one person, including all meals, exercise classes, hikes, yoga, swim, massage and facial.

Or consider a gift certificate for beauty treatments at a local salon. It usually costs around $100 for a facial, makeup, manicure and pedicure.

Some products cater to those who like time at home alone, such as those from Repechage and Alfred Sung Spa Collection. Repechage’s “Spa on the Go” skin care relies on seaweed and sea water to re-energize and detoxify. The kit is $79, spas and salons worldwide. Alfred Sung Spa, an all natural and biodegradable line of spa products for hair, face and body, range from $13 to $40 at major department stores.