With the holidays fast approaching, you might be wondering what to get your stressed-out and anxiety-riddled friends and family members. Or maybe you’re looking for some pre-holiday self-care gifts for yourself. We don’t blame you—everyone needs a little treat this time of year, especially this year. Self-care might seem like a luxury, because self-care gifts often come at a higher cost. However, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful. And just because self-care has “self” in it, doesn’t mean that self-care is selfish. It’s like performing an act of kindness for yourself or others—even from a distance. Whether it’s for yourself or your friend, giving someone a gift you know they’ll enjoy and might make their life a little better and more comfortable is a pretty great feeling.
Unfortunately, though, most of us aren’t able to whisk our friends and family away to an exotic spa vacation to unwind this year. But don’t you worry: The best self-care gifts out there are affordable because the last thing little luxuries should do is stress you out after the credit card bill comes in. We’re talking $50 or less, to be exact, and that’s totally worth it if you ask us.
Here is a list of the best self-care gifts you can give at any time of the year — birthdays, the holidays, when someone isn’t feeling well or has lost a loved one — any time they can use a little extra TLC (which is basically every moment of 2022). The only problem is these self-care presents are so affordable you might wind up keeping them for yourself, so you’ve been warned. From the chicest period products to some luxe skin-care items, your life is about to get a whole lot more zen. Of course, that’s totally fine and you deserve it — so maybe just order a few to begin with.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Earnest Living, Key West Aloe, and QVC are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
-
The Most Gorgeous Essential Oil Diffuser
Image Credit: Earnest Living. This uniquely designed diffuser is the ultimate way to add color, calming smells, and winter aesthetics all in one. Snag this diffuser that lets you create your own calming smell quickly (essential oils not included, but you can find great ones on Amazon!), all for less than $30? Some features included that we love: It has auto shut-off, so in case you leave it running in the morning, or if you prefer it only runs for a short period of time while you’re falling asleep, it’ll turn off on its own; you can choose from seven colors to really set the mood in your room; it’s really, really easy and seamless to use (no Bluetooth or WiFi requirements here).
-
Bath Products That Smell Like Vacation
This bath and body set will have them covered from head to toe in coconut-scented products that call to mind beach escapes. Coconut shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion (in that order, obvs) comprise this sample-sized gift set that comes with its own TSA-approved travel case so they can take their self-care on the road.
And if coconut isn’t their thing, Key West Aloe also sells its Essentials To Go set in Key Lime, Mango or Aloethera.
-
Dearfoams Slippers
Dearfoams (one of the star brands in Oprah’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide) knows how to make a slipper. This shearling slipper not only looks like an UGG knockoff, but it’s quite possibly even more comfortable than a real UGG. Thanks to the EVA soles, these are foot-friendly, and outdoors-friendly (thanks to the grippy outsole). But we highly recommend wearing these inside, on the couch, with a mug of hot tea.
-
A Heated Back Massager
This portable back massager irons out knots in your neck, shoulders, mid, and lower back while applying heat that feels oh-so-heavenly. Prop this up against a pillow as you read or watch TV — it’s the next best thing to going to a professional spa for a massage.
-
Toptier Cast Iron Teapot
Image Credit: Toptier. Tea can really be the ultimate form of self-care, so why not get a stylish one like this gorgeous green and gold cast iron teapot?!
-
Buttery Soft Jammies
Image Credit: Ekouaer. At some point, we all stopped wearing actual pajamas in favor of oversize high school gym T-shirts and sweatpants. It’s probably time to invest in a nice pair for yourself or someone else, especially now that it’s all we really want to wear these days. This set will elevate your tired sleeping wardrobe, but be warned, they might want you to hit that snooze button even more.
-
Meltdown Blemish Treatment
Image Credit: Blume. Just one drop of this facial oil is supposed to help treat blemishes, but that’s not all it does. As a bonus, this calming treatment is also great to rub on the temples for a headache. So, whether they suffer from chronic headaches or just want to give them something to treat them when they come up, they’ll be thankful you gifted them this.
-
Baby Foot Lavender-Scented Exfoliant Foot Peel
Image Credit: Amazon. Have someone on your list who can’t stop watching pimple-popping videos? They’ll love this Baby Foot exfoliating foot peel, which lets them be right in the action as they watch layers and layers of dead skin flaking off their feet. And if they can’t get their usual pedicures at the moment, they’ll appreciate this satisfying gift even more.
-
Zenni Blokz Glasses
Image Credit: Zenni. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member’s exposure to blue light from electronic devices (TBH everyone could use these while working from home right now), these chic glasses from Zenni are a great option. You can pick out various frames and other lens options for a fully customized look made just for them. Make sure to select the blue-light protection option as it’s not automatically added. Their eyes will thank you!
-
Rechargeable Hand-Held Deep-Tissue Massager
Image Credit: Amazon. Most people love a nice massage but can’t always afford to get one professionally — or as of late, even have the option to go get one in person. This might be the next best thing to the pro version, and it costs less than one trip to the spa. You might just even prefer this handy tool instead of your monthly spa visit.
-
Maui Flip-Flops
Image Credit: Okabashi. Do you know someone who loves wearing flip-flops but hates how they make their feet feel? If you do or you have someone with plantar fasciitis on your shopping list, they’ll love these comfy versions. Available in nine colors, you can even grab a few so you can match every outfit in your summer wardrobe. The material is non-slip and even machine washable, so you can freshen them up as needed.
-
Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls
Image Credit: Amazon. Most people know the feeling of having sore feet, and there’s no reason you have to live with them like that. Let’s just say, it’s not a pleasant feeling. For just $12, you can give your feet some sweet relief with these massage balls that are great for helping your feet recover after a long day. Finally, you can eliminate muscle knots and tension without having to go get a foot massage.
-
Blister Blocker
Image Credit: Solemates New shoes are great, but can be a (literal) pain to break-in. This handy blister-prevention balm will let you dance the night away in a pair of stilettos you only break out a few times a year, and also let your feet get used to that new pair of boots. What’s more thoughtful than giving them the gift of comfort?
-
Screen-Shot-2023-11-07-at-3.03.33-PM
Image Credit: Nordstrom Sleep’s one of the most important parts of everyone’s self-care routine, so help them drift into dreamland with one of these ever-popular silk sleep masks. This one’s definitely more of a luxury item, but the second they slide this quality fabric onto their heavy eyelids, they’ll wonder how they’ve ever slept without one. It’ll help block out bright light in the mornings so they can get that extra beauty sleep.
-
A Cool Canteen
Everyone can drink some more H2O, so encourage them to stay hydrated with this fun canteen by Corkcicle. The leak-proof design makes it a must for on-the-go use, and the triple-instulated design ensures that cold drinks stay cold for up to 25 hours and hot ones, well, hot for up to 12 hours. The ergonomic, flat sides make it easy to grip and the non-slip material will keep it from falling out of your hands.
-
Quip Toothbrush
Image Credit: Quip Yes, we’re suggesting giving someone a toothbrush as a gift. (Or just keeping it for yourself). The sleekly designed battery-operated electric toothbrush guides you through a full two-minute brush, leaving you feeling like you’ve stepped out of the dentist’s office (but without the bill). The striking metal accents kinda make it look more like a piece of art than a dental tool, too.
-
Palermo Body Botanical Steam
Image Credit: Palermo Body. This herbal blend of healing florals will instantly put you into relaxation mode. Sure, it will look gorgeous sitting atop your bathroom countertop, but it also provides plenty of soothing benefits to your skin. It can help reduce inflammation and hydrates skin so it’ll be healthy and glowy. Simply add hot water to the organic mixture and drape a towel over your forehead to take in all the rejuvenating steam. Sit back and relax for 15 minutes, and it’ll open your pores and give you a much-needed spa moment at home.
-
FCTRY Holographic Umbrella
Image Credit: FCTRY. Kick their run-of-the-mill drugstore umbrella to the curb with this mesmerizing version that’ll have everyone stopping them in the streets. Aside from looking cool, it also has a wide brim so they’re fully covered, and it’s an easy way to spot anyone in a crowd. They’ll never forget to bring their umbrella again.
-
Zee Bullet Vibrator
Image Credit: Dame Products. Nothing says self-care like a vibrator to help them spend some quality time with themself or a partner, and this mini but mighty bullet vibrator is just what they need. With three speeds, they can customize their experience, and it has a rechargeable battery so they can take it on the go. Pleasure has never been more convenient with this small accessory.
-
A Glass Skin Kit
Image Credit: Peach & Lily. Your beauty-obsessed friend (or yourself) will love this mini-size kit that includes some of Peach & Lily’s best products. Put your best face forward with the Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser, the cult-fave Glass Skin Refining Serum, Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream, and the Wild Dew Treatment Essence. Get one for yourself too and consider it the new-and-improved version of a BFF necklace.
-
Turkish Cotton Towels
Get that hotel feel in your own bathroom with these truly elite waffle towels from Brooklinen. These lightweight towels will dry quickly and not feel too hot.
-
Wawaoo Weighted Blanket
Image Credit: Wawoo. If you (or your friend) is having trouble sleeping due to anxiety and stress, this weighted blanket can encourage them to get some much-needed shut-eye. Inside this blanket is glass beads, which are evenly distributed between each pocket. The blanket should weigh roughly 10 percent of your bodyweight, so keep that in mind before clicking “add to cart.”
-
Sweet-Smelling Steamers
Image Credit: Cleverfy. Want a spa moment but don’t have time to fill up the bathtub? Enter: Shower steamers. You place one of these melts in the corner of your shower — but don’t submerge it, then turn on your shower and let the scents of the essential oils wash over you. There are six shower steamers in this set, including lavender, menthol/eucalyptus, vanilla, watermelon, grapefruit and peppermint.
-
A Skincare Sampler
Image Credit: Sephora A good face mask is the easiest way to give yourself a glorious self-care moment. This eight-piece set from Sephora comes with all of the fixings — caffeine masks, clarifying masks, hydrating masks, you name it.
-
Goat Milk Moisturizers
Image Credit: HSN Give the gift of rejuvenated skin with this set of special edition whipped body creams from Beekman 1802. The goat milk formula is creamy and effective for even the driest of patches.
-
Merry & Bright Creams
Image Credit: Kiehl's Kiehl’s is known for its supremely luxurious skincare sets, specifically its masks. This trio gift set comes with three of the brand’s staples: turmeric, clay, and calendula masks. A $70 value, you can shop it for just $47.
-
Stanley 40oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
Image Credit: Stanley Everyone can drink some more H2O, so encourage them to stay hydrated with this internet-famous tumbler. It’s perfect for on-the-go use, thanks to its handy, well, handle. The double-insulated design ensures that cold drinks stay cold for up to 11 hours and iced for two days.
-
Tata Harper 5 Minute Facial Set
Image Credit: Tata Harper Treat someone on your list who needs some TLC without having a ton of time. This duo from Tata Harper includes mini sizes of the Regenerating Cleanser and a Resurfacing Mask, which helps to reveal smoother, clearer skin.
-
Magnesi-om Berry Unstressing Drink
Image Credit: Moon Juice If you need to unwind, try Moon Juice’s Magnesi-om. It delivers three essential types of magnesium, which help to help ease irritability, fatigue, and muscle aches. Plus, the supplement also contains L-theanine, which helps the brain process stress better.
-
A Calming Thread
This Mental Health Embroidery Kit provides an opportunity for creative meditation as you learn a new skill and end up with a beautiful work of art that’s a reminder to release your stress and anything else that bogs you down. Everything is included: thread, needle, hoop and even an instruction booklet.
More Stories from Health & Wellness
Leave a Comment