Life can be so chaotic and stressful that finding time for yourself often feels impossible. Maybe even selfish. But self care is so important! How can you take care of others without first taking care of yourself? Your needs matter, too.
Below are self-care gift ideas that will help you (or a loved one) relax, recharge, and feel your best.
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Books, Journals and Planners Self Care Gift Ideas
The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store
I had to start this list with Cait’s story because she has been a major inspiration to me for years. I followed along with her two-year shopping ban through her blog but was still in awe of all of the things she accomplished. Her story will encourage you to live more and hold onto less.
Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are
If you want to be more present in your everyday life, this beautifully illustrated journal offers a creative approach to help you do just that. Use the exercises and quotes found throughout this guided meditation journal to escape the stress and pressure to be perfect, and instead be present and enjoy what matters most to you.
Zen as F*ck: A Journal for Practicing the Mindful Art of Not Giving a Sh*t
This journal proves that self-care doesn’t have to be boring. Full of “cathartic-as-f*ck activities” and gorgeous illustrations, this down-to-earth approach to mindfulness is perfect for those who are interested in selfcare – and don’t mind a little profanity.
Hard Cover Notebook/Journal
If guided journals aren’t your thing, a simple notebook with ruled or dotted pages (perfect for bullet journaling) can do wonders for your well-being. Fill the pages with your thoughtful ideas, reflections, to-do’s, doodles, dreams, plans, or whatever your heart desires. This journal is designed to be durable so you can take it with you wherever you go.
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
Gretchen Rubin is one of the best-known authors in the self-help genre, and it’s easy to see why! In this book, she shares what worked (and what didn’t) when she spent a year trying to find more happiness in her life. After reading this, you will want to steal her ideas and start a happiness project of your own.
Self Care Gift Ideas To Eat or Drink
4 lbs. of the Candy You Ate as a Kid Gift Box
Buy It Now from Old Time Candy!
You’re never too old for candy, so why not order a 4 lbs. assortment of it? Choose any decade between 1950-1990, and get over 70 pieces of candy from that time delivered straight to your door.
Herbal Tea Box
Tea is a well-known stress reliever and this tea box gives you 9 varieties to choose from. Enjoy the teas on their own or create your own custom blends. Don’t worry, these are caffeine-free so they won’t interrupt your sleep.
Stainless Steel Summit Water Bottle
It’s no secret that drinking water is incredibly good for you. From boosting your immune system to preventing cramps and headaches, the benefits of proper hydration go on and on. This makes this copper insulated water bottle one of the best gifts out there – especially because it comes in 8 different sizes, 24 different colors, and has a variety of lid styles. And Simple Modern donates at least 10% of their profits to charity. #winwin
Window Vegetable Garden Kit
Practice self care by caring about something else. Start your own indoor garden! This kit includes everything you need to start growing 5 varieties of your own fresh vegetables, including Radish, Pea shoots, Sunflower, Salad, and Wheatgrass. Improve your mood, your cooking, and your decor!
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Self Care Gift Ideas To Help You Sleep Better
White Noise Machine
Sleep is one of my absolute favorite things. Getting even one bad night’s sleep turns me into a grumpy, stressed mess. If you have loud neighbors or train-tracks outside your bedroom window as I do, a white noise machine will help block out all that noise so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It also works great to help you focus when working or studying. This model comes with different sound options and volume control, so you can find the perfect level you need.
Tri-Core Pillow
I suffered from migraines for years (turns out my neck is abnormally straight). I tried everything to get some relief – doctors, medication, better ergonomics – and then I tried this pillow. The tri-core design correctly aligns your spine and supports your neck while you sleep, giving you both a good night’s sleep and relief from neck, shoulder, and back pain. I am such a huge fan of this pillow, I could write a whole post about how it changed my life! #gamechanger
Luxury Body Pillow
Body pillows are often marketed towards pregnant women, but they are awesome at reducing pressure and providing support for anyone looking to get a good night’s sleep. The cover helps keep you cool while the memory fiber stuffing contours to your body.
Weighted Anxiety Relief Blanket
Weighted blankets can help children and adults that suffer from anxiety, insomnia, or autism. I’ve yet to try one for myself, but people say it’s like being hugged all night long. Studies have shown that grounding your body while you sleep and simulating deep pressure touch therapy can help to reduce stress hormones, increase dopamine and serotonin, and help you sleep better. It’s important to note that weighted blankets are considered a medical device and therefore aren’t recommended every one, particularly those suffering from respiratory or circulatory conditions.
Please note that the price fluctuates depending on the size, weight, and style selected.
Sherpa Fleece Reversible Blanket
This is a #1 best seller on Amazon. I mean, just look how ridiculously soft this blanket looks! It’s reversible design includes a flannel side (available in various colours) and a plush, lightweight sherpa side to keep you warm at night or while cuddling on the couch.
6 Piece Bamboo Bed Sheet Set
My bamboo bed-sheets are by far my favorite. They are soft, light, and just feel so much more fresh and crisp than other sheets I’ve tried. They are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking, meaning they are more breathable than other cotton sheets. The set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and four pillow cases in various colors.
Blackout Window Curtains
Blackout curtains help to block out lights and sounds, which makes them perfect for the bedroom. Plus they help protect your floors and furniture from sun damage and saves you money on heating and cooling costs. They come in various sizes and colors to match your needs. We have this exact set in our living room and it does an amazing job!
Sleep Eye Mask
An eye mask isn’t just useful for airplanes. They can provide total darkness without putting pressure on your eyes or face, which makes them perfect for sleeping and for coping with migraine headaches. Designed with comfort in mind, the soft, adjustable head-band fits different head sizes and can be tightened or loosened to fit your needs and improve your quality of sleep.
Wake Up Light Alarm Clock
Ugh, that dreaded alarm clock buzzer. What a terrible way to start your day. Why not wake up naturally and feeling more refreshed with a light therapy lamp alarm instead? By mimicking a sunrise, you will wake up gradually instead of being jolted awake. And don’t worry, this one includes a back-up alarm, just in case.
Reed Essential Oil Diffuser Set
Aromatherapy products are well known for helping you relax and get a good night’s sleep. Which is why you should add a reed diffuser to your bedroom. It will gently and continuously diffuse the fragrance oil of your choice for up to 120 days, without the use of batteries or electricity.
Spa-Like Self Care Gift Ideas To Help You Relax
Bath Bomb Gift Set
Nothing says self-care more than taking a long, hot luxurious bath. Throw in a bath bomb to make it even better. Your skin will feel moisturized and will smell amazing! This kit includes 12 different scents to choose from.
Vanilla Bath and Body Set
Bath sets make the best selfcare gift because they include everything you need to have a mini spa day at home. I chose a vanilla-scented one because vanilla is my favorite, but there are so many different ones available you can easily personalize the scent to their taste.
Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray
Elevate your bath with a book, glass of wine, or cup of coffee. Maybe light some candles, too. With a bath caddy, you don’t have to worry about dropping anything in the tub.
High Pressure 3-way Rainfall Shower Combo
If you’re more of a shower person, why not upgrade that boring old showerhead of yours? A 3-way rain shower with 6 different settings makes it easy to customize to your liking.
Premium Face Masks
A 20 pack of face masks gives you 6 different options depending on your face care needs. They each provide their own unique benefits but leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, and radiant.
PediMask Kit Foot Masks
Treat your tired feet with these foot peels made of all-natural ingredients and botanical extracts. No scrubbing needed. Simply slip your foot into the peel, sit back for an hour and your feet will be restored and smooth.
Foot & Pedicure Spa
I really need to buy this! It’s a foot soaker and massage in one so you can treat your feet while you watch “just one more episode”. This is especially useful for those of us with ticklish feet or who don’t like having their feet touched, but still want to relax.
Extra Large Bath Towel Set
I received some oversized towels as a gift (thanks, mom!) and I’ll never go back to boring old regular towels. This set includes 8 pieces, making it perfect for couples or so you’ll always have a clean back-up. What better way to end a relaxing bath or shower than by wrapping yourself up in a plush, oversized towel?
Please note: the price has changed on this specific item since publishing and it is now slightly above $50 – but there are plenty of different sets available!
Back Scratcher & Scalp Head Massager Set
We have a head massager, and omg it’s amazing. Like when you get your hair shampooed by your stylist. And this one comes with a backscratcher, too. So relaxing!
Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager
But why settle for just a head massager, when you can get a deep tissue massage at home for a fraction of the cost of one visit to a massage therapist, instead? With 4 different massage heads specifically designed fit right where you need it, you can relieve pain all over your body.
Self Care Gift Ideas For Your Health and Well-Being
Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
I got an electric toothbrush for Christmas a few years ago, and it’s easily one of the best selfcare gifts I’ve ever received. The simple, short habit of brushing your teeth is both good for overall health and for improving your mood. (Poor oral hygiene has been linked to depression.) And there’s just something so refreshing about having minty-fresh breath.
Cool Mist Humidifier
Perfect for the bedroom, living room, or your office, a cool-mist humidifier can help improve the air quality, help combat any discomfort caused by dry air, and can hydrate your skin.
Burt’s Bees Gift Set
Skincare products really are a great way to pamper yourself from head to toe. The natural ingredients found in this Burt’s Bees gift set will leave you with smooth, hydrated skin.
Reusable Hot/Cold Therapy Pack
A good hot or cold therapy wrap is a fast and drug-free alternative to relieve all sorts of pains, from headaches to injuries to chronic conditions. Use heat for deeper muscle relief or cold to reduce painful inflammation or swelling.
12 Piece Tillandsia Air Plant Kit
Purifying the air in your house can do wonders for your health and well-being. This gift set includes 12 versatile plants that will help filter and clean the air – and looks good doing so. These plants can live without soil, so arrange them in whatever creative ways you’d like.
Self Care Gift Ideas That You Can Wear
Memory Foam Slip On House Slippers
Slippers are the best, aren’t they?! They are perfect for getting comfortable at home at the end of a long day, or for keeping warm in the winter months (without cranking up the thermostat). Available in 4 colors, and various sizes for men and women.
Fuzzy Slipper Socks
Do you know what else are the best? Fuzzy slipper socks! This 5 pack also comes in different colors and patterns (including bows and paw-prints) to match your style. Socks are usually used as a stocking stuffer during the holiday season, but putting on a pair of brand new socks is awesome at any time of the year.
Wonder Woman Knee High Caped Socks
Channel your inner superhero with these caped Wonder Women socks. Yes, the socks have capes! (How fun is that?)
3-Pack of Pajama Pants
Made with extra soft microfiber fleece, these pajama pants are perfect for relaxing and lounging around the house, as well for getting a good night’s sleep. With a draw-string waste and pockets, they make a great gift for both men and women.
Hooded Soft Spa Long Bathrobe
Lounge around your house in comfort with a soft, cozy robe. Featuring a hood for those cold days, large pockets for your phone or a good book, and a belt to get that perfect fit.
Silk Satin Pajamas Set
Pajamas are a great go-to gift idea, especially when looking for something to promote some “me-time”. Great for getting a good night’s sleep, lounging on your day off, and for vacations.
Self Care Activities and Hobbies Gift Ideas
142-Piece Wood Art Set
Take some time to nourish your creative side with this arts and crafts set. Whether you’re brand new or an experienced artist, the various mediums included in this kit will keep you inspired – with a wood case to keep your supplies organized, too.
365 Days of Art: A Creative Exercise for Every Day of the Year
Spend a year developing your creativity, one day at a time with the guidance of this journal. The prompts are easy to follow and encourage you to include a little art into every day. Great on its own, or as the perfect companion to the art set mentioned above.
Color Me Calm Zen Coloring Book
I couldn’t put together a selfcare gift guide without including adult coloring books. They may be a little cliche, but they work. Coloring is relaxing. It’s a creative way to take a few minutes for yourself and expand your imagination.
The Earth Globe 540 Piece 3D Puzzle
There are so many health benefits related to solving puzzles, no matter your age. Improve your mood with every piece you get right (thanks to the release of dopamine), improve your memory, and unwind – all while challenging your brain, improving your self-confidence, and learning a little geography.
Wood Chess Set
I’ve always wanted to learn to play chess. Not to mention how classy a chess set would look on my coffee table. Playing chess will sharpen your intelligence and help you get your mind off of whatever negative is in your life.
Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
Yoga is the perfect self-care activity. It’s great for both your mental and physical health. And it’s totally affordable, especially with the free apps and videos available. Or sign up for a class and foster your social side as well.
Hammock Perfect for Enjoying the Outdoors
Spend some time outdoors relaxing in your very own soft but durable hammock. Promising an easy and adjustable set-up, this made in the US hammock is perfect for camping, hiking, or enjoying your own yard.
Self Care Gift Ideas for Your Office or Workspace
Light Therapy Lamp for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can often cause people to feel depressed, especially in the winter months. Light therapy is a scientifically proven way to help counteract these negative effects. Using light therapy can improve your sleep and your mood, give you more energy and help you concentrate better.
Orthopedic Memory Foam Lumbar Support Seat Cushion (Set of 2)
They say that sitting is the new smoking and that sitting all day at your desk could be killing you. (Yikes!) Having a proper ergonomic set-up can help to counteract these negative effects. A set of cushions for your office chair, vehicle, or wherever you sit can do just the trick to provide you support where you need it, reduce pain, and improve productivity.
Bluetooth Headphones
Science has found that listening to happy music while you work can help enhance your creative thinking. Science also says that trying to work in a noisy environment can increase your stress levels. So pop on these comfy, noise isolating headphones and pump up those tunes – without worrying about stressing out your colleagues.
Mini Succulent Plants
Add a little greenery to your desk or office space with succulents. They are easy to care for (because these ones are fake) and provide a bit of style indoors.
Desktop Moving Sand Art Picture
The hypnotic motion of the sand in this art picture is another great stress reliever for your desk. Create specific scenes, or sit back, relax and watch as it forms its own mesmerizing patterns.
Desktop Zen Garden Kit
This desktop version of a traditional Japanese meditative garden provides a little escape for when you can’t escape the 9-5 grind. If you’re feeling nervous or anxious or simply need a mental break, creating meditative patterns in the sand gives you something to focus on and something to do with your hands.
Portable Space Heater
Being freezing cold at work is no fun. A portable space heater is a great way to keep your workspace at a comfortable temperature. This model includes safety features like overheating protection, is very quiet, and can heat up your space in no time.
So there it is! Over 50 totally affordable gift ideas that can easily add a little self care to your life or the lives of your loved ones.
If you’re anything like me, you tend to give a gift card when it comes to buying birthday gifts, Christmas gifts for the holidays, or whenever you need a last-minute gift. Trying to find a more thoughtful gift to give isn’t easy, especially if it’s for someone that’s hard to shop for.
My hope is that with this list you can find great gifts for everyone that matters – even if that person is you.
YOUR TURN:
What’s the best selfcare gift you’ve ever received (or bought for yourself)? What do you think makes the best gift idea from the list above?
Please leave a comment and let us know! And be sure to share your favorite self-care gift idea on social media.
Amanda Kay, the founder of My Life, I Guess, provides valuable career advice and support for anyone striving to make a living and, more importantly, make a life. Whether it's navigating job searches, learning new skills, overcoming unemployment, or dealing with debt, My Life, I Guess has been a go-to resource for career guidance and financial stability since 2013. Amanda's expertise and relatable approach have been featured in trusted publications such as MSN, Credit.com, Yahoo! Finance, the Ladders and Fairygodboss.
HI,
Nice article, I read Zen as F*ck: A Journal for Practicing the Mindful Art of Not Giving a Sh*t, it is great.
Thanks for the content! Keep it up!
Jens
Hi Amanda!
This is a super list of ideas! There are things that I already have and love like a nice big bath robe and a rain shower head. Every one needs these things they are amazing! I am adding most of the rest of this list to my christmas list and sending my mom and boyfriend this link. Thank u
Hey Amanda, I really loved the Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray. But I can’t find it on Amazon. Can you please provide proper URL, please.
Hi Natasha,
Sorry about that! The link (https://amzn.to/2FBAkI9) is for Amazon.com, so if you’re outside of the US, you can still order it – but will have to pay shipping and import fees.
If you’re in the UK, here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2PNE3XL
If you’re in Canada, here’s a similar one: https://amzn.to/2S4YYC8
Hope that helps 🙂
Hi Amanda, thank you for your interesting article on self care gift ideas which is cheap and cost effective as well. these are some products we could really use sometimes.
I got a lot of ideas now that I’ve read your post. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Hi,
I like some of the household items, Socks, Yoga mat, and Bluetooth headset.
ricksawyer488@yahoo.com
Nice items.
I love the bamboo sheet set. So amazingly soft & great wearing
Some great books for my “to read” list!
The bamboo sheet set is nice.
I love so many of the gift ideas! My favourites are the bamboo sheets, the white noise machine and the pj’s! Thx for the chance to win!