If you're anything like me, nothing compounds anxiety quite like the tidings of holiday cheer rising over the horizon. No matter how you celebrate, the winter holidays can be overwhelming with emotions, expectations, and expenses. They are supposed to be about showing love to friends and family, but figuring out gifts for everyone on your shopping list is all too often a source of anxiety. That's why my holiday presents are going to be something I know won't disappoint this season: self-care gifts. The best self-care gifts are an opportunity to tell your friends and fam, "Hey, I see you, and I appreciate you." And best of all? That kind of thoughtfulness is available at all kinds of budgets.
Now, we understand that the act of self-care varies from person to person. For my mom, it looks like a cozy pair of slippers or indulging in a fancy box of cookies. For my brother-in-law, it's a smart mug that keeps his coffee warm all morning. My sister? It's splurging on new workout clothes for her morning boot camp. And for me, it's a long bubble bath and some time spent with a powerful suction vibrator. Maybe your list is stacked with someone who cares more about morning meditation and journaling. Whatever their self-care looks like, we hope we can at least help you get rid of your own holiday stress with this list of self-care gift ideas — perhaps, you'll be inspired to grab a little extra something, something for you, too!
So, if you've been nervously wondering how you're going to make it through the next gift-obsessed weeks, it's time to take a deep breath, relax, and browse the 23 best self-care gifts for every budget. That way you can give the gift of TLC without breaking a sweat. You deserve it!
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At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Best Self-Care Gifts Under $30
24K Gold Eye Mask, $24.99 $16.98
A perfect size gift for a stocking stuffer, these under-eye cooling patches de-puff and brighten your skin in only 20 minutes. Plus, they make you feel super-fancy.
Treat your face to skin-care excellence with this sampler from Peter Thomas Roth, which features five best-selling masks. Since full-size masks are way more of an investment, it's a great way to figure out what kind makes your skin feel its best.
Sink your teeth into this delectable array of goodies from the world-famous Levain Bakery. Its cookie assortment is filled with not only its renowned chocolate chip but also dark chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal. A perfect splurge for any sweet tooth.
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This candle melts into a smooth massage oil that feels like pure luxury against your skin. Available in two scents (and unscented), it sinks in quickly, never feeling greasy or sticky, and just gives you pure relaxation. For an extra-spicy night, finish your self-massage with Maude's chic (and back-in-stock) three-speed Vibe.
Best Self-Care Gifts Under $50
Filled with 12 benefit-promoting blends, this sachet wheel is a perfect gift for the person who enjoys the ritual of a calming tea before bed. We also love how cute the tin is.
Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers, $39 $31.20
These Turkish cotton slippers are a staple in my mother's apartment. Every visitor gets a pair when they come to visit, and it automatically makes them feel swaddled in cozy self-care.
The Sill Money Tree, $68 $41
Nothing sets a relaxing scene quite like a new plant. Curate the perfect calm mood in your home with a bouquet from The Sill, which you can have delivered right to your door. We love this money tree plant as a thoughtful self-care gift, which is also said to bring good luck and fortune.
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Spiritual and physical wellness meet at Pink Moon. The wellness brand's mission is to showcase eco-friendly holistic products based in traditional Chinese medicine in an accessible way. For the crystal-curious, we recommend gifting this rose quartz gua sha tool, which comes with a how-to guide.
Nothing says R&R quite like cozying up in front of a crackling fire. But in case you're not willing to commit to buying a whole-ass fireplace (although there are options for that!), this firewood-scented candle from Votivo is a great choice. With up to 75 hours of burn time, it'll last longer than a real fire, too.
Explore the world of regional wine with a monthly subscription to Wine Awesomeness. Or browse its pre-curated gift boxes for an even easier experience. Either way, you can't go wrong. Cheers!
Best Self-Care Gifts Under $100
Bathtime lovers can't get enough of this bath oil from Susanne Kauffmann, which has a calming mixture of botanicals that promise to turn your tub into a luxury spa. Not only that but the botanical blend helps promote circulation and deep relaxation. It's truly a splurge-worthy wellness gift.
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Self-care can't always be bubble baths and massages. Sometimes it's taking a yoga or dance class, going for a run, or lifting weights at the gym. Nothing makes exercising a little more fun than a pair of new leggings, and these buttery-soft best-sellers from Lululemon feel like a hug for your thighs.
Cozy Earth Waffle Knit Joggers, $160 $96
Oprah-approved joggers are the ultimate in holiday lounging. We love that this waffle-knit pair is as comfy as pajamas, but its tapered leg and flat waistband are stylish enough to wear out and about. A double win!
Best Self-Care Gifts Under $150
I know what you're thinking: An $100 mug?! Ridiculous! But hear us out. This smart mug can keep your beverage of choice warm for up to an hour and a half, meaning you can have your luxurious cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa at the perfect temperature every morning...forever. If that's not self-care, I don't know what is. This Amazon best seller has rave reviews that also claim it's the best gift anyone's ever received, FWIW.
Lelo Sona Cruise 2, $149 $119.20
If you're one of the few R29 readers not yet initiated into the cult of Lelo's Sona 2 Cruise, it's time to remedy that. The "clitorally mindblowing" suction vibrator uses sonic waves to stimulate your clit deeper than other similar products on the market, resulting in stronger and longer orgasms for (extremely happy) users. Grab it while it's on sale, and pair it with a bubble bath for an unforgettable self-care gift.
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Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket, $169 126.75
Did you know that a weighted blanket can lead to better sleep and actually help improve your mental health? The deep pressure puts your body into "rest mode" — which is why we're obsessed with this ultra-luxurious weighted throw blanket from Brooklinen. Not only does it block out light and feel smooth against skin, but it helps us wake up more rested.
Your beauty routine deserves an upgrade. Why not dip your toe into luxury skin care with this kit of best-selling minis from cult fave Hanacure. With over 11k 5-star reviews espousing its magical benefits (an instantly glowing complexion is among them), you know it lives up to its hype.
Best Self-Care Gifts Under $200
Open up your heart chakra with these rose quartz earrings from Monica Vinader. The semiprecious stone supposedly promotes feelings of self-love, all while adding a totally glam element to any outfit. Talk about multi-tasking!
Theragun Mini, $199 $149
Work out the tensest knots and muscles with this compact Theragun. It's ultra-portable, has a run time of over two hours, and has a nearly perfect 5-star rating. Oh, and did we mention it's on sale right now? Daily massages have never been more accessible.
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We know that bedding doesn't really scream "exciting" when it comes to self-care, but hear us out. Better sleep means less stress, and we promise a new level of comfort when you slide between Ettitude's signature sateen sheets. Made from 100% bamboo, these sheets aren't just sustainable; they're also breathable and totally worth their price tag. Don't just take our word for it, though: This set has over 5,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating.
Best Self-Care Gifts $200 & Up Worth The Splurge
Is there anything more luxurious than sitting around in your finest silk? How about getting a silk lounge set that you don't have to take to the dry cleaners? That's right, this uber-soft duo is totally washable and looks just as good sitting on the couch as it does while you're out and about town.
Aupen Nirvana, $340
Swifties everywhere will recognize this purse from recent photos of the songstress, who's declared this handbag her current go-to. We can think of multitudes of reasons why: its supple leather, quirky shape, comfortable braided strap, and the wide array of available colors. All we know is that carrying this shockingly affordable Swift-approved bag will help us achieve inner peace.
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Bring the sauna to you with Higherdose's flagship heated blanket. It is a mental and physical wellness essential for winter, according to the R29 shopping team's two superfans. "I had been going to the Higherdose SoHo location five or so times and realized immediately I loved how I felt both during and after my sessions, but couldn't justify shelling out $65 per session," says Samantha Baker, R29's former VP of Commerce and Partnership. "Then I saw that they released an at-home blanket version and figured even though the price tag is high, it would quickly pay for itself after 10 at-home sessions. I'm so glad I made the leap, as I've been using it two times a week for the past two years and can absolutely tell a difference in my energy and mood post-use."
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