Lifestyle

Last Minute Gift Idea: a Self-Care Kit For Someone You Love + How to Create One

Self-Care Kit is something everyone should have.

Seriously.

Especially those of us who struggle with slowing down and taking some time out, just for ourselves.

This year is the first year where we are pretty much done with our gift shopping, weeks before Christmas.  Most of the gifts are already wrapped, sitting under the tree. I won’t lie, it feels good. Much better than wrapping them while also blow-drying your hair when already running late for the Christmas Eve dinner (because that’s how I used to do things). I have to say that both Mark and I are pretty proud of ourselves this year.

So, what do you get for someone who already “has everything,” works hard and rarely has time to do something nice for themselves?

Well, this year I had quite a few people on my list who I know could use some Self-Care in their lives so I created little Self-Care boxes for them (I already talked about my own Self-Care Kit in this post).

I think that this is such a nice idea, especially in this day and age when we’re constantly rushing, working and taking care of everyone else but ourselves.

FOR THE SOUL + MIND

One of the first things you should think of when creating a Self-Care Kit for someone, is what do they enjoy doing most? Do they love skincare, do they like sports, is there anything in particular that they struggle with at the moment, like an injury? What are some things that they don’t get to do for themselves too often?

I always love to throw in a little bit of everything, mix things up, I especially love giving books and journals to those friends who find themselves feeling a little lost. There are so many books that I could say changed the way I think and helped me find gratitude- I love gifting those to others. Some of my favorites are:

Spirit Junkie– I am a huge fan of Gabby’s work and I can honestly say that this book helped me transform a very unhealthy relationship I had with myself. Anyone who needs a little guidance towards Self-Love would love this book.

Style Your Mind– this is actually sort of a workbook/lifestyle guide for women that really helps you get to know yourself a bit better and realize your potential. If anyone close is going through a tough time, like a job loss, broken relationship, this is something that can help them feel more inspired and empowered.

The Magic– a great book to gift anyone who wants to start practicing gratitude, this is, without a doubt, one of the books that have completely changed my life.

One of my other must-have Self-Care tools are also my diffusers and ever-growing collection of essential oils. Lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are my favorites. You can also get little sampler sets like this one. When I first started getting into essential oils, most of the diffusers were very simple and basic-looking, but now you can buy pretty ones like this one which is very nicely designed and looks gorgeous.

FOR THE BODY

The first thing that probably comes to your mind when you think “Self-Care” is a long bath. This is why my Self-Care gift baskets are also always filled with a ton of good-smelling, skin-soothing bath products. Bath bombs, shower and bath gels, candles- anything that makes you feel a bit more relaxed and at ease and tickles all your senses.

Massage tools are also awesome to throw in your Self-Care kit/gift basket and they start at just a few bucks. You can pick between a reflex foot massagerscalp massage tool, massage roller, facial massager, or even a facial sonic massage tool.

For anyone who suffers from back problems/tense muscles, a foam roller is also a great gift. Trust me, nothing feels better at the end of the day than some deep tissue massage when you’re struggling with pain and tension- this is something that’s been saving me since I’m unable to workout post my accident.

I think that one of my favorite gifts I’ve received in recent years was a set of comfy PJs, a king-size owl blanket, and a thick, cozy robe, all gifted to me by my mom (moms know best, don’t they?). I mean those are some pretty basic and simple things, but if you can find great quality items that will last years, it makes for such a great gift. I always jump in those PJs when I’m having a crappy day and it makes me feel better in an instant.

I remember being little, my grandpa would always put our socks and gloves on a warm radiator during winter, so that when we left for school in the morning, we’d be all warm and cozy. Even as an adult, when I’m having a tough day, I just throw my favorite set of PJs in a dryer for a few minutes and put them on. It might seem silly, but it kind of reminds me of those carefree days where you didn’t have to worry about things like mortgage, or dealing with a difficult client at work, or having a little fight with someone close.

If you want to gift something more on the fancy side, you can also go with a luxurious eye mask or a silk pillowcase and/or a designer candle.

When it comes to Self-Care gifting, the possibilities are endless, and the cool thing is that you can customize your gifts, depending on the person you’re giving them to. You can also gift a spa certificate or a class membership. Cute mugs, a unicorn cushion, a fun pair of warm socks will also do the trick.

Self-Care has become a bit of a buzzword in the recent years, but I still know that a lot of us find it difficult to sit still and some of us just spend most of our time taking care of others, and putting ourselves last (looking at you, Mom!!) A little Self-Care gift box can be a gentle little reminder to someone you love that their wellbeing, good mood, and mental fitness is just as important as them taking care of others.

Bubble Box set by Sky Organics*

I also like adding a little treat like dark chocolate, some good tea, and a nice handwritten note to the person I’m gifting, just to let them know how much I appreciate them. There are some relationships where saying these things out loud isn’t always easy, and a little note is a great way to make someone feel very special. You can get creative as you want with these- adding some photos, or fun stories or memories.

Do you have anyone in your life who could use a Self-Care kit? And hey, maybe it’s time you create one for yourself if you don’t have one already! Think of it as something that you can reach for and open during a crappy day, or “open in case of an emergency” on those days when everything just goes wrong. 


This post contains affiliate links and/or PR/gifted products. For more info read my disclosure policy.  

25 Comments

  • Reply
    Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
    December 14, 2017 at 2:54 am

    One of the best gifts I ever received was a huuuge panda onesie. The. Single. Warmest. Thing. In. The. World. I love it to bits :)

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      December 22, 2017 at 9:57 am

      OMG I need one of those! I’ve been asking Mark to buy me a onesie for ages, but he just won’t take the hint haha :)

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    December 14, 2017 at 4:39 am

    That is such a nice idea for my mother! She always puts others first and I am guilty of taking advantage of that when I need more help with the kids.

    Anne – Linda, Libra, Loca

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      December 22, 2017 at 9:49 am

      My mom is the same exact way! She can never sit still when she comes over, always trying to clean and rearrange my entire house haha :)

  • Reply
    Natalie Redman
    December 14, 2017 at 4:40 am

    Great post! Love the idea of a self-made self care kit!

    http://www.upyourvlog.com

  • Reply
    Janah Jay
    December 14, 2017 at 6:01 am

    This is such a lovely idea!! Going to put one of these together for my bestie right now! xx

    Janah| http://www.littlelifechanger.com

  • Reply
    Anika May
    December 14, 2017 at 6:35 am

    Love the idea of a self-care kit! Totally a must-have, especially during the darker months of the year. Lovely post xo

    Anika | anikamay.co.uk

  • Reply
    Ellie | PetiteElliee
    December 14, 2017 at 10:23 am

    I am always so late when it comes to present buying. Love these ideas!

    http://www.petiteelliee.com

    Ellie x

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      December 22, 2017 at 9:53 am

      This year is the first time I’m on time with all the gifts wrapped and sitting under the tree- it feels so good haha :)

  • Reply
    Sophie Sierra
    December 14, 2017 at 10:27 am

    This is the loveliest idea ever Paula, so thoughtful and unique :) It’s such a great reminder that we need to take time out for ourselves and a self-care kit is such a fabulous way of allowing us to do that. Gifting books and journals to friends is so considerate and such a sweet idea, it really shows so much thought and care for a present. I’ll definitely have to check out the ones you recommend, you always have such magical taste :D The bubble box set looks so dreamy, all the comforting and gorgeous vibes! <3 <3

    Sophie | soinspo xo

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      December 22, 2017 at 10:02 am

      Thank you so much, Sophie! So glad you liked this idea. I think so many of us work so much these days and spend most of our time taking care of others that we often neglect ourselves. I wish everyone loved receiving books as gifts haha!

  • Reply
    Dina ADina
    December 14, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    The bunny slippers are cute!

    https://dinamighty.com/

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    December 14, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    This is such a lovely idea for a gift, Paula! And it requires a bit of effort which is always lovely to see that the person who’ve given us a present really thought what could make us happy :)
    I have all my presents ready as well, just not wrapped yet as that requires some strong will, haha! x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      December 22, 2017 at 9:54 am

      Thank you, Dagmara! I love personalized gifts too, seeing the effort someone has put into putting the gift together always make me feel so special! Haha wish I could wrap them for you because that’s one of my favorite things to do haha!

  • Reply
    Nadia
    December 15, 2017 at 6:31 am

    What a beautiful post and idea, Paula!! I absolutely LOVE it! I’m one of those people who like to put extra thought into a gift. It might take me longer to figure out exactly what it’s going to be, but once I got it, it’s special! So these recommendations speak to me on that level, babe :)
    xox Nadia
    http://www.mielandmint.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      December 22, 2017 at 9:55 am

      Thank you so much, Nadia! Sounds like you are an incredible gift-giver! It’s always so lovely to see someone actually put some thought and effort into putting together a gift :)

  • Reply
    Olivia Kiernan
    December 16, 2017 at 11:57 am

    such an amazing idea!!! I love thoughtful gifts like these :)

    Olivia Etc

  • Reply
    Lisa Autumn
    December 17, 2017 at 10:03 am

    Ahh this is such a lovely and thoughtful idea! Will keep it for the next year or somebody birthday!

    xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com

  • Reply
    Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
    December 22, 2017 at 9:52 am

    Thank you, Helene! Those bath products smell amazing!

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