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14 Self Care Gifts to Unwind in 2022
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 22, 2022Share on Pinterest A quick look at the best self-care gifts
Best gift for tired feet: Naturally London Spa Pedicure BundleBest gift for the outdoors lover: Ursa Major National Parks Soap SetBest gift for better sleep: Mauli Sleep Dharma Pillow MistBest gift for the tub: Esker Restorative Bath KitCoziest self-care gift: Seek & Swoon Decorative ThrowBest gift for meditation: Kate McLeod Grounding StoneBest gift for pampered hands: Bare Hands Gift SetBest gift for head-to-toe pampering: Formulary 55 Botanical Bath & Body Gift SetBest gift for a beauty lover: Amika Gotta Have It Bestseller Mask Indulgence SetBest gift for facial pampering: CBD Face MaskBest gift for constant relaxation: Ellia Aroma DiffuserBest gift for beauty sleep: Brooklinen Silk Eye MaskBest relaxation gift: Pacifica Body and Pillow MistBest gift for mental health: The Five Minute JournalEver heard the expression, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? You can’t care for others before you’ve cared for yourself. That’s where self-care comes in. While self-care can look different for everyone, the act is all about taking time to nurture yourself right here, right now. And anyone who has mastered the art of self-care knows it’s essential. Without caring for yourself first, you’re running on empty, with zero energy, focus, and strength to care for others. Self-care is important for everyone. If the holidays are approaching, your loved one has a birthday coming up, or you’re looking to treat yourself on a random Tuesday (we’re all for that), this collection of our favorite self-care essentials can point you in the right direction to find something to buy. What is self-care
Self-care is often mistaken for self-improvement. But instead of working to fix something about yourself, self-care is about nurturing yourself just as you are. The idea of indulging yourself is often considered self-care, but this practice isn’t supposed to be an excuse for bad behavior. In other words, anything excessive — too many cocktails, hours upon hours of scrolling social media, or eating way too many desserts — doesn’t fall into the realm of self-care. There’s one other thing to remember about self-care. You don’t need lots of time or money to do it. It can be as simple — and as restoring — as a walk in a park, a few minutes of mindful breathing, or a quiet, calming bath. How we chose the best gifts for self-care
We based our self-care gift ideas on products designed for pampering. And to cover everyone, we also aimed for options that work with all budgets. Pricing guide
$ = under $30$$ = $30–$70$$$ = over $70 Healthline s picks of the 14 best gifts for self-care
Best gift for tired feet
Naturally London Spa Pedicure Bundle
Price: $$$Who it’s best for: people who prioritize a holistic lifestyle This trio from Naturally London is designed to soak, exfoliate, and moisturize hard-working feet. It includes three nourishing products for a soothing experience:detoxifying foot soak to soften and cleansemoisturizing foot polish to smooth dry, rough skinhealing foot balm to hydrate and protect The female-, veteran-, and Black-owned company focuses on botanical foot and hand care. This means their products have no synthetic colors, artificial fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, petroleum, waxes, or micas. Pros
specifically designed for cracked, dry feetfree shipping on orders over $99 Cons
more expensive than comparable options Shop Now at Naturally London Best gift for the outdoors lover
Ursa Major National Parks Soap Set
Price: $$Who it’s best for: a sustainable lifestyleYour outdoorsy friend will love this set of three soaps inspired by America’s most iconic national parks. The Zion, Acadia, and Redwood bar soaps are vegan and all-natural. They’re made with clean ingredients and no petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, silicones, or polyethylene glycols. The grounding, energizing scents help turn shower time into a self-care ritual. And as a bonus, 5% of every purchase supports the work being done by the National Parks Conservation Association. Pros
made with botanical ingredients native to the parksgluten-free, vegan, cruelty-free Cons
currently out of stock (s of September 20, 2022) Shop Now at Ursa Major Best gift for better sleep
Mauli Sleep Dharma Pillow Mist
Price: $$Who it’s best for: anyone who wants to fall asleep more quicklyIn our busy lives, a restorative night’s sleep is definitely a form of self-care. This pillow mist is blended with bergamot, chamomile, lavender, vetiver, geranium, clary sage, and marjoram. The calming botanicals are designed to be subtle yet soothing. Your gift recipient can spritz this mist onto their pillow to help create a tranquil sleep environment. And bonus — this pillow mist is free from parabens and synthetic fragrances, with packaging made from recycled materials. Pros
made with nature’s most soothing botanicalssubscribe and save option availablevegan, cruelty-free, and 100% natural Cons
customers report extremely slow shipping time Shop Now at Mauli Rituals Best gift for the tub
Esker Restorative Bath Kit
Price: $$$Who it’s best for: natural homesThere’s a reason bath time is considered a form of self-care. This restorative kit from Esker can be a great addition to that ritual. It has items designed to give your gift recipient a tranquil bath, including:a hand poured candle in a custom terrazzo vesselEsker body oilEsker body wash All items are packaged in a plastic-free box, and the set is designed for all skin types. Esker uses organic ingredients that are Leaping Bunny certified. You can pair this bath set with the Esker body plane, a tool inspired by Greek and Roman bathhouses, for a gift that will soothe and smooth. Pros
15% off your first orderskin care quiz available to verify which products are best for youmade with natural ingredients Cons
doesn’t have many customer reviews to know if it’s worth the price Shop Now at Esker Coziest self-care gift
Seek & Swoon Decorative Throw
Price: $$$Who it’s best for: consumers who value sustainability Feeling snug and cozy in a favorite blanket is a wonderful way to nurture yourself. These knit throws from Seek & Swoon can be part of that experience. Each throw is made with cotton-poly blends or recycled yarn. The materials come from a second-generation, family-owned knitting mill. The designs are influenced by scenic places and come in three sizes, including baby, standard, and jumbo. Whichever you choose, your gift recipient will be cozy. Pros
made in the USA from recycled materialsnumerous options for colors and patternsfree shipping within the U.S. Cons
on the pricier side Shop Now at Seek & Swoon Best gift for meditation
Kate McLeod Grounding Stone
Price: $$Who it’s best for: natural beauties These body stones are solid lotion bars that soften on contact with skin. Cocoa butter and nourishing oils help leave the body soft and fragrant, but the self-care component is in the application. Body stones are designed to be warmed in the hands and then glided along the body before massaging into the skin. These waterless moisturizers are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Each body stone starter kit comes with the stone and a reusable bamboo container, making it a great gift. Plus, it’s available in a mini size if you’d like to gift a few different scents. Pros
multiple size options available, including refillssustainable, vegan, recyclable, and plastic-free Cons
free shipping is only available for subscriptions, or orders over $75 Shop Now at Kate McLeod Best gift for pampered hands
Bare Hands Gift Set
Price: $$Who it’s best for: homebodies Taking time to pamper the hands is another form of self-care. It’s a chance to relax and practice a little mindfulness. Bare Hands developed the “no makeup” look for the hands, and this set can help your gift recipient have a relaxing, DIY dry gloss manicure at home:the Polishera cuticle oil pen, which can be scented or unscenteda chamois clothtwo orange wood cuticle pushers All of these tools come packed in a cozy flannel pouch. Pros
includes everything you need for a professional manicure at homeachieve a natural, high gloss shine without paints or solvents Cons
can require some self-training Shop Now at Bare Hands Best gift for head-to-toe pampering
Formulary 55 Botanical Bath & Body Gift Set
Price: $$Who it’s best for: anyone who wants a full-body spa day for an affordable priceThis botanical bath and body gift set is made for giving. It comes with a moisturizing shea butter soap, shea butter hand and body creme, and a sparkling bath tablet, all tucked into a botanical print box. Sets are available in six scents, but we’re partial to the clean, zesty fragrance of the Aloe Leaf & Mint option. Whatever you choose, this can be a thoughtful way to encourage your gift recipient to thoroughly pamper themselves from head to toe. Pros
vegan, certified cruelty-free, and paraben freehigh quality ingredients Cons
scent can be overwhelmingly strong Shop Now at Formulary 55 Best gift for a beauty lover
Amika Gotta Have It Bestseller Mask Indulgence Set
Price: $$Who it’s best for: someone experiencing hair dryness and damageA good hair mask is a common way to self-care. This set from amika includes three options for all hair types: the Soulfood nourishing mask for deep conditioningthe Flash instant shine mask for quick shinethe Kure multitasker for intense repair All three masks are color safe and free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil. Plus, all amika products are vegan and cruelty-free. Pros
cruelty-free and vegangood for all hair types Cons
limited edition and currently out of stock Shop Now at Kohl’s Best gift for facial pampering
CBD Face Mask
Price: $Who it’s best for: anyone looking for natural calming effectsUnwind for the night with this CBD face mask made with broad-spectrum CBD. With powerful spa-quality ingredients packaged into an easy-to-use sheet mask, this product promises to help hydrate, tone, soothe, and purify tired and stressed skin. The mask has a 10-minute activation time. The face mask has five formulation options, from charcoal for brightening to rose for moisturizing. The masks are suitable and effective for all skin types. Pros
medically approvedchoose from five formulation optionsmade in the U.S. Cons
expensive shipping for an affordable product Shop Now at CBD FX Best gift for constant relaxation
Ellia Aroma Diffuser
Price: $$$Who it’s best for: essential oil loversUse the Ellia Aroma Diffuser to help your home smell calm and feel peaceful all day long. Create your own personalized aroma with the essential oil(s) of your choice. The diffuser is quiet, provides ambient color-changing light, and has up to 10 hours of continuous runtime so that it will last all day long. The diffuser comes with a remote and an AC adapter. The diffuser itself is made from ceramic and wood to match any space. Pros
beautiful lighting optionsseller communicates well Cons
users report that it dies quickly for the pricedoesn’t include essential oil samples Shop Now on Amazon Best gift for beauty sleep
Brooklinen Silk Eye Mask
Price: $Who it’s best for: frequent travelersGive the gift of better shut-eye with the Mulberry Silk Mask from Brooklinen. According to the brand, sleeping with the luxurious Mulberry Silk protects your skin and hair from friction damage. The material is breathable and cool to the touch, so you won’t sleep hot. The mask features a charmeuse weave and a gentle elastic band. It helps prevent creases around your eyes, and it’s machine washable for easy cleaning at home. Pros
multiple options for colors and patternssoft and silky Cons
too tight / doesn’t block enough light (according to some reviewers) Shop Now on Brooklinen Best relaxation gift
Pacifica Body and Pillow Mist
Price: $Who it’s best for: lavender loversThis 4-oz. pillow mist is made in the U.S. with globally sourced ingredients. It smells like lavender with a hint of rose — the perfect aromatherapy blend to help you get a good night’s sleep. To use the pillow mist, spray a light mist onto your body, pillow, or sheets before going to bed. This plant-powered, water-based spray is appropriate for all skin types. Pros
can help with nightmarescreates a relaxing environment for sleep Cons
only available in lavender scentscent may not last long (according to some reviewers) Shop Now on Amazon Best gift for mental health
The Five-Minute Journal
Price: $Who it’s best for: your writer friendStart your day off on the right foot and end it with gratitude by using this painless, science-backed Five-Minute Journal. The journal is full of structured exercises to help you focus on the positive and become more mindful of who you are. The journal’s cover is made of linen fabric, while the pages are created from recyclable paper. With 1.7 million copies sold around the world, the journal is undated so you can start it at any time during the year. Pros
encourages self-reflection and time alonemultiple color options Cons
if used daily, only lasts 6 months Shop Now on Intelligent Change How to choose the best self-care gift
Choosing the best self-care gift for a friend (or yourself!) can seem like a big decision. You can make it easier by considering your friend’s interests and hobbies, then look for a gift that relates to something they enjoy. You’ll also want to consider your budget, how long the gift will last (is it a small bottle of lotion that will run out quickly?), and whether the brand you’re purchasing from is sustainable and high quality. Frequently asked questions
How do I make a self-care kit for a friend
To make a self-care kit for a friend, consider your friend’s hobbies and interests. Do they enjoy going out and being active, or are they a homebody? What line of work are they in, and how do they prefer to relax? Try to purchase items that line up with activities your friend enjoys. However, don’t stress about it too much! At the end of the day, your friend will love whatever you get them. What are some good self-care kits
If you want to assemble a good self-care kit, try picking a theme to center the box around. You could design a “spa day in a box” and buy pampering products. Or encourage your friend to take an evening off by creating a “movie night” self-care kit with a DVD, popcorn, and other movie snacks. What do you write in a self-care card
If you’re writing a self-care card to somebody you love, encourage them to take the time they need to care for themself. Remind them that resting isn’t lazy. Taking good care of yourself — physically, emotionally, and on every level — is productive, and incredibly important! Tell your loved ones that you care about them, you’re thinking of them, and you want them to experience well-being in every aspect of life. Takeaway
With gifts like these, you or your loved ones can enjoy a little “me time.” Self-care is important, and these thoughtful gifts will serve to remind people of that — and encourage them to actually make it happen. Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com. Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2022 How we vetted this article
HistoryOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 23, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Melissa Lee Medically Reviewed By Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Copy Edited By Naomi Farr Oct 28, 2021 VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 22, 2022 Read this next
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