Are you wondering what the best self-care gifts are for friends and family? You’ve come to the right place.
I am very big on a self-care. Not in the most expensive way, as a matter of fact most of my self-care routines and things are done at home by me. Self-care wasn’t always a priority; I think I’ve grown to appreciate it and prioritize it. So much so that I now consider the dollar amount of things I spend on vs how that money could go into improving the quality of my life. Am I just getting old? Who knows. But I still (selectively) shop – more than I wish to. So, there’s that.
This is all to say that, I’ve grown to be a fan of self-care and through this process I’ve learned what I need, what is worth its price tag, and what makes something a great gift. As you go through this list, I will make brand suggestions, but you don’t really have to stick to those brands, you can use this list as a source of inspiration and shop somewhere like TJMaxx. At the end of the day, isn’t the thought truly what matters?
I love this list because I can think of many of my friends and family members who will appreciate something from this list and actually use them. When you can match a gift to the right person it’s perfection and it’s thoughtful. These won’t go to waste, which is also very much on my mind these days. So, let’s get to the best self-care gifts for the season.
This blog post is all about the 11 best self-care gifts for the season, I hope it helps you make your shopping easy and meaningful.
#1 SHEET MASKS & EYE PATCHES
I can’t remember when exactly sheet masks became so popular, but it was somewhere around 10 years ago when K-beauty was all the rage. That hasn’t changed, if anything those masks are more popular now than ever before, and truth is I haven’t flown without a mask in while. You can find some great ones from Dr. Jart at TJMaxx. Then there is the new kid on the block, the Biodance collagen mask. The great thing about this is that it is everywhere and almost everyone has heard about it but not everyone has tried it. As far as eye treatment, my favorite eye patches are from Peter Roth Thomas, the gold & firming one as well as the vitamin C brightening one.
#2 LIP PRODUCTS
Maybe it’s because I can’t live without those things, but I love gifting this combo or trio, whatever you think is best. My favorite lip scrub continues to be the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator as it tastes like sugar and nothing chemical. My favorite lip mask is the Cay Skin Deepwater Lip Mask, it is truly the best and tastes like hazelnut and vanilla (like N-U-T-E-L-L-A, except I wouldn’t bring that home, hah!). I don’t know why this isn’t popular but it does wonders for me. As far as lip balms, I can’t say I have a ride or die (yet) but I’m currently trying the Topicals Slick Salve Glossy lip balm, which is pretty cool. It has the finish or a gloss and quite hydrating, it tastes like mint and that flavor is quite overpowering.
#3 HAND CREAMS
Who doesn’t need hand creams? I think this makes a great gift and you can go really luxurious like the one from Chanel or L’Occitane and Caudalie. Another option is to pick the holiday variety packages of three small sized ones from L’Occitane or Caudalie, they are popular around this time of the year.
#4 BATH BOMBS & SALTS
Those make excellent gifts. I have gifted and received them and they never go out of style, as long as your friend has a bath tub of course!! The ones from Lush are the best in my opinion. The price point is great, and they feel very special and smell amazing.
#5 CANDLES & MATCHES
There are lots of favorites on this list because I truly use all these ideas to make my gifts. But candles are my jam and of course I like what I like. So here is my list. While you can’t go wrong with Diptyque candles and their holiday scents, or Lafco’s Feu de Bois… the Holidays are a time to support small and local businesses and since my first visit to Bryan Park Holiday Market, I’ve been introduced to the Soap and Paper Factory Roland Pine scented candles, diffusers and everything else. The scent was so powerful I remember smelling it as soon as I started walked through the market. I’ve talked about them in a previous blog, but this is a New York State founded by two women. Please support them, this is not an ad.
#6 COZY SLIPPERS & SOCKS
I don’t think you can go wrong with a pair of UGG slippers whether it’s for indoors or outdoors. Everyone appreciates a bit of coziness for their feet. I wear my Tasmans almost daily. Just remember to include your gift receipt as shoe sizing can be tricky.
#7 PAJAMAS
There are many options here and you might have your own favorites. There are several sets I love from J. Crew; I find the short sleeve tops and shorts to be my most worn sets as it gets very hot indoors in the winter. You can go for the poplin version, or the cotton-blend navy option. SKIMS also has a set I’ve been able to see and try one and the fabric is so lightweight and stretchy. All of these sets are on sale now.
#8 BODY MASSAGE VOUCHER
You may have your favorite place where you get your full body massage, and this is more than enough and makes a great gift. But if you want to kick it up a notch, get them a gift card from the Bathhouse, where you can either gift them the cost of a treatment like a full body massage or just the entrance fee. I have talked about the Bathhouse in a separate blog post, and the reason why I think it’s a better gift is because it’s an experience. With the price of one body massage, you can experience a full day of self-care. Just thinking about it makes me want to sign up for another visit. This is my personal opinion, not an ad.
#9 BALA BANGLES
I don’t really own a pair of Bala bangles, but I use them in my workout at Pure Barre quite frequently. For your friend who’s a work out fanatic, or the one who wants to start training this year, I think this makes a great gift for them. They come in a several colors, so you can pick one that matches their closet pantone.
#10 TEA
For the friend who likes tea, you can get them a gift from Fortnum and Mason. Williams Sonoma has a selection of Fortnum and Mason products that they sell both online and in store. I love their tea (who doesn’t). You can go for a selection box or a loose tea leaf box, which is such a great gift.
#11 COZY BLANKET
There are sooooo many brands that make great blankets and throws, I know. But hear me out. Go to a Pottery Barn store and have a feel for their Faux Fur Ruched Throw and tell me if I’m wrong. As a matter of fact, I will update this list if you find me a substitute. Nothing feels and looks more luxurious and cozy than this thing. It has been on my list forever and when I moved into my new place, I wanted to get one. It is on my Pinterest list and it will get added to cart one of these days. Until then, I will check it out each time I visit a Pottery Barn store.
This blog post is all about the 11 best self-care gifts for the season, I hope it helps you make your shopping easy and meaningful.
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. Click here if you’d like to see & follow my Instagram page @girlontheues.
See you next week,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
If this interests you, you might enjoy reading my blog post on how to cope with stress during the holidays, how to keep your New Year Resolutions.
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