#WorthIt: Self-Care Gifts for Anyone Who Just Really Needs to Relax

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“Self-care” may be a 2018 buzzword, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Taking care of yourself can mean a variety of things – from taking a moment to meditate, to cook a meal, to take a bath, to read a book, to talking to a therapist – but all these physical and mental caring moments feeling calm, collected, and present, a.k.a your best self.

I think we can agree, this is a good thing. So, why not share these warm and fuzzies with your friends and family this holiday season? In my book, giving gifts of comfort and good vibes is the ultimate way to spread holiday cheer this year.

20 Self-Care Gift Ideas (When You Need Them Most!)

Let’s Get Comfy

• Chunky Knit Blanket: There’s something so irresistibly luxurious about wrapping up in some soft, thick wool. Whether it’s curling up in bed with a book or posting up on the couch for a serious Netflix binge, a comfy blanket will make any moment at home an act of self-love. I can hear the cries of “It’s so squishy!” on Christmas morning now.
• Pajamas: No one relax while wearing a bra or a tight pair of jeans. It’s science. Trust me. Give the gift of something soft to slip into, whether that be a sexy-yet-empowering nightie or a glorified onesie, to anyone who hates pants as much as you do (just only do this with a close enough friend who won’t make it weird).
• Chic Fuzzy Slippers: Know someone who often pines for the early-2000’s days of neon faux fur? Be sure to let them know it’s back with a pair of these adorable purple criss-cross-style slippers.

Set the Mood

• Himalayan Salt Lamp: Admittedly the most hippy-zen thing I’ll include in this list, pink salt lamps give off a soft, warm glow, perfect for an evening of overhead-lighting-free relaxation. Plus, the heated salt crystals supposedly effect the ionization of the air around it, creating a calm environment and increasing serotonin levels. So really, you’re giving your friends the gift of health, right?
• Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser: Our sense of smell is directly related to our emotional state, so filling your space with a calming or energizing, natural scent is a great and hands-off way to give yourself some love. I love that this stylish diffuser doubles as décor (a.k.a. won’t get mistaken for a humidifier), making it a gift that’ll pack twice the punch.
• Fairy Twinkle Lights: Named for the itsy-bitsy size of the bulbs, fairy lights emit a subtle warm glow perfect for cozying up small spaces. These make a great stocking-stuffer or hostess gift option, and can be used to border windows, dazzle a desk space, decorate a bathroom mirror, or used in a table centerpiece.
• The Ultimate Candle: I know I just talked about scent and its effect on mood and relaxation…but I can’t not include one of the best candles of all time. The smell of a Capri Blue Volcano (also known as the Anthropologie candle) can at once lift the spirits and calm the nerves, and literally everyone on the planet thinks it smells good. It comes in a large variety of sizes (think, size of your palm to size of your head), making it the perfect gift for any size occasion.

Time to Pamper

• Bath & Body Products: The OG way to relax: take a bath. Elevate the experience with a perfectly wrapped set of largely natural, cruelty-free bath products from fizzing bath bombs to silky lotions.
• Bathtub Caddy: Ideal for those who aren’t afraid of getting a little pruney, this bath caddy offers a wine glass holder, book stand, phone holder, and plenty of surface area for a loofa (or a bowl of snacks, you know).
• Acupuncture Mat: While I admit I’ve never actually gotten real acupuncture before, I can certainly attest to the benefits of pressure point massage. This mat offers release to anyone who can’t make time in their schedule or room in their budget to book a professional appointment.
• Weighted Eye Pillow: An eye pillow is one of the most underrated relaxation products out there, and another great stocking-stuffer. Filled with flax seed and optionally scented, draping a weighted pillow over your eyes practically forces relaxation for an ideal naptime or evening meditation.

Get Creative & Use Your Mind

• Versatile Planner: Sometimes the best act of self-care is to simply get your shit together. Or help your loved ones get theirs together. The Best Self Co. is especially great for organizing goals, sketching dreams, and planning out your daily schedule, leaving room for some creativity amongst the structure.
• A Good Book: Give the gift of escape with a Book of the Month subscription for three, six, or twelve months with the option to customize. I also love the idea that a gifted book can be gifted again, passed on for someone else to enjoy!
• Watercolor Paint Set: Using your hands, especially in a creative sense, is proven to be therapeutic for mind and soul. This watercolor set includes paint, brushes, and a sketch pad, which is perfect to give as a well-rounded gift for anyone who might like to step away from the screens and work their imagination muscles.
• Time Capsule Letters: Not everyone is a journaling kind of person, but there’s something good for the soul about taking time to write out your thoughts and feelings from time to time. This collection of prompted letters for the self can be mailed to or kept for the self for the day you need to be reminded of something, whether that be in two weeks or two years.
• A Mindfulness App: Pausing, taking a breath, and checking in with the self is just an important an act of self-care than taking a bath or wearing cozy pjs. A monthly subscription to a mindfulness app, such as Stop, Breath & Think, is a great, non-material gift for anyone looking for a guided way to relax and feel their best selves.

Miscellaneous Feel-Goods:

• Tea for One Set: While wine might be first on the list of most reached for beverages to relax, tea comes in at a close second. This adorable nesting teapot and cup set is the perfect gift for any tea enthusiast looking to make their me-time-tea-time even more special.
• Picture Frame: Part of taking care of yourself is reminding yourself of what’s important. Give those who are important to you a chic picture frame – either for them to fill with memories, or with a memory you’ve shared together!
• A Cookbook: We’re often hardest on ourselves when we are alone. Whether you live by yourself, your partner is out of town, or you’re single, sitting home alone can leave too much room for some negative thoughts and feelings to creep in. And while cooking is a great way to keep busy and entertained, it can be a bummer to cook something nice for one person – or at least it used to be! Anita Lo’s Solo: A Modern Cookbook for One is all about returning joy to cooking no matter how many are sitting down to the dinner table.
• A Beautiful Bouquet: Push comes to shove, a stunning floral arrangement is sure to brighten any space and lift anyone up this holiday season.