The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Self Care
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Self Care
With only 12 days left until Christmas, you might find yourself scrambling to pick up those last-minute gifts for everyone on your shopping list. It’s also possible you’re counting down the days until you have a moment to breathe and relax. Whether you need the perfect gift for a loved one or are hoping for some personal rest and recovery once the holidays are over, this guide provides 12 self care gift ideas you don’t want to miss!
12. Facial Steamer
A few months ago, I gifted a facial steamer to a friend and then I promptly gifted one to myself. There are so many options to choose from, and after some research, I felt confident in my choice of Vanity Planet’s Ionic Facial Steamer. It allows you to use essential oils as part of your self care routine and even comes with a bunny ear headband to keep your hair pulled back. The steam is relaxing on any given day and feels especially great if you’re feeling stuffed up during the winter months!
11. Yoga Class Subscription
Whether you know an avid yogi or are buying for someone who has never heard of downward dog, a yoga class subscription might be the perfect self care gift. Yoga helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation and mindfulness – it’s exercise, stretching, and meditation all rolled into one. If you have a yoga studio nearby, you can support a local business and reach out about gift certificates for a single class or subscription. Otherwise, there are several online yoga platforms such as Yoga Downland which are great for reaping the benefits of yoga right from the comfort of your living room.
10. Gratitude Journal
When someone suggests self care, don’t we all usually start dreaming of a day away at the spa? But in my everyday life, I’ve found one of my favorite and best self care practices is keeping a gratitude journal. I have a simple blank journal in which I list three things I’m grateful for each night before I go to bed. It isn’t time-consuming, and I’m always a little amazed at my list of three even when a warm chocolate chip cookie is what sometimes tops the list after a long stressful day. If you’re looking for a little more, some journals like this one by Anthropologie offer extra prompts for day recaps and intention setting. When gifting #10 from this guide, you’ll wrap a journal, but you’ll gift the practice of mindfulness.
9. Candles & Scents
Candles and room sprays create a relaxing environment and make great holiday gifts. This year, opt for soy candles that are natural, non-toxic, and phthalate-free. With Laurel Mercantile candles, you can feel confident you’re gifting not only a pleasant scent but one made with good-for-you ingredients.
8. Silk Pillowcase
Chances are you’ve heard the rave about silk pillowcases – they prevent wrinkles and frizzy hair and can help keep your skin and hair hydrated! I have a handful of friends who use silk pillowcases, and I can guarantee they won’t be switching back to a cotton one anytime soon. Give the gift of restful, beautifying sleep with a silk pillowcase.
7. At-Home Massage
Whether your muscles are sore from yesterday’s four-mile run or hunching over a computer all day at the office, an at-home massager like the VYBE Massage Gun helps relieve pain and soreness. Without getting up from the couch, you can work out any stress or tension. If you buy this for someone on your Christmas list, chances are you’ll buy another one just for you.
6. Bath Time Goodies
Give the gift of bath time! Set yourself or a friend up for a relaxing night of bathing complete with bath salts and a bath tray. These epsom bath salts are scented using essential oils, and they help support immune system health. If you’re on a budget, consider gifting homemade bath salts. Complete the gift with a bath tray that can hold a good book, a glass of wine, or a laptop playing your favorite binge-worthy show.
5. Calm App Subscription
If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, a Calm app subscription will have you or a loved one enjoying the benefits of meditation long after the holidays are over. Those who practice meditation experience better sleep, improved memory and attention, and reduced levels of stress and anxiety. The Calm app provides hundreds of mindfulness programs so beginners or advanced users can choose ones that work best for them.
4. Rest & Recovery Activities
Taking time to rest and relax is one of the simplest ways we can take care of ourselves. Sometimes after a long day, nothing sounds better to me than mindlessly watching a rerun of Grey’s Anatomy. When I want to be intentional about resting though, I prefer a more mindful activity. The following always help me relax in a fun and creative way and make for great gifts: adult coloring books, paint by numbers, or puzzles.
3. Healthy Cookbooks
When I eat well, I feel well. Don’t get me wrong: I enjoy indulging in sweets and treats as much as the next person. However, I feel my best when I prepare and eat nourishing meals. Cookbooks are great to encourage yourself or others to get creative with your cooking and try yummy recipes versus picking up takeout. A friend of mine who is a nutritionist enjoys cooking with the Love & Lemons cookbook, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of some of the delicious meals she’s made from it.
2. Spa Gift Certificate
All the gifts recommended in the guide thus far are great for at-home self care, but nothing is quite like enjoying an afternoon at the spa. Whether I get a facial or full-body massage, I always feel pampered leaving a spa appointment. Search for any nearby spa and inquire about a gift certificate – most will offer certificates for their full range of services!
1. TheraBox Subscription
Still unsure about what self care gifts to give yourself or a loved one this year? I saved the simplest solution for last: a subscription box that surprises you monthly with 6-8 self care products. Goodies include journals, essential oils, aromatherapy, and clean beauty skincare. They offer different affordable subscription plans from month-to-month up to a year. With TheraBox, you can enjoy your Christmas gift into the middle of spring or summer next year!
With only 12 days left until Christmas, we’ve got you covered! Take care of yourself and your loved ones this holiday with a self care gift from our holiday gift guide! Do you have other self care gift ideas? Let us know here.
Taylor Stawecki is a 20-something Michigander with a love for the great outdoors and written word. She spends her weekdays working for a digital marketing company and as a freelance copywriter. In her free time, you can find her reading, writing poetry, running, watching a Grey’s Anatomy rerun, or spending time with her family and friends. As an old soul, she enjoys collecting salt and pepper shakers and cuddling up in oversized sweaters.
