The holiday season: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. That’s why everyone (including yourself) could benefit from a little self care. It looks different for every person; some people might enjoy exercising, while others need a multi-step skin care routine.Giving your loved one a gift that’ll improve their wellness routine can be a meaningful way to show them how much you care. To help you find the perfect self care gifts for everyone on your list, we rounded up ideas we think are worth considering based on our previous coverage and products we’ve tried.
Best beauty and wellness gifts
Below, we rounded up wellness products we have tried ourselves that we think you and your recipient will love, as well as highly rated and expert-recommended items we’ve previously written about. To help you sift through these gift ideas, we compiled them into the following categories:
- Beauty and wellness gifts to up their skin care routine
- Beauty and wellness gifts to up their hair care routine
- Beauty and wellness gifts to create a pampering oasis
- Beauty and wellness gifts to get cozy
- Beauty and wellness gifts to decompress and relax
- Beauty and wellness gifts to get them moving
Beauty gifts to up their skin care routine
Laneige Divine Lip Duo Set
This set comes with the expert-recommended and NBC Select staff favorite Lip Sleeping Mask (in peppermint) and the brand’s Lip Glowy Balm (in berry.) The lightweight lip mask and creamy lip balm both have hydrating ingredients like shea butter to moisturize your loved one’s lips throughout the day and overnight.
Glow Recipe Plum Hydration Heroes Kit
Give the gift of hydration with this NBC Select staff favorite lip mask and face moisturizer. The mask is great for your loved ones because it gives them a second to indulge in self care by treating their lips to this thick, glossy overnight treatment. According to the brand, it also comes with a hydrating lightweight moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to add and lock in moisture.
Olehenriksen Radiance Retreat Skincare Favorites Set
This trio ups your gift recipient’s skin care routine with the brand’s best-selling serum, eye cream and moisturizer. The vitamin C serum helps brighten and even skin tone, while the eye cream brightens the under-eye area and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. The moisturizer helps hydrate and strengthen the skin throughout the day, according to the brand. If your loved one isn’t into serums, the moisturizer and eye cream also come in a mini duo as well.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
These gel under-eye patches are a favorite among our skin care experts because they come neatly stacked in a container, which means your loved one can easily take them on the go. They’re also simple to use: They’ll need to apply it on dry, clean skin and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, according to the brand. During that time, the patches reduce the appearance of fine lines and any darkness in the area thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine and marshmallow root extract, according to Peter Thomas Roth.
Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
If your loved one is a skin care enthusiast, this gua sha tool can be a great addition to their routine. Gua sha has several benefits, including relieving tension in the jaw, contouring and sculpting the face and promoting lymphatic drainage, according to the brand. Rooted in Chinese medicine, gua shas can be made from various stones, including rose quartz and amethyst. This specific one is made out of jade stone, which is naturally cooling and associated with attracting tranquility, balance and harmony, according to Mount Lai.
Solawave Wand
Solawave makes some of our favorite skin care devices, including their LED face mask. Your gift recipient can use this 4-in-1 wand, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. All they have to do is swipe the device across their face in upward and outward motions on their forehead, cheeks, under-eye area, jaw, neck and upper lip, according to Solawave.
TheraFace Pro
With this skin care device, your loved one can give themselves an at-home facial. The TheraFace Pro focuses on lifting and firming the skin while relieving any tension, according to the brand. It does so because of its attachments, including a microcurrent ring, cleansing ring, LED lights and three percussive therapy attachments so they can use their tool in any way they choose.
Beauty gifts to up their hair care routine
Olaplex Vibrant Shine Healthy Hair Kit
For the hair care enthusiast, consider gifting them this quartet of Olaplex products that target cleansing, strengthening, smoothing and adding shine to your hair. The kit comes with a full-size hair oil and three minis, including a pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo and leave-in treatment.
Ouai Detox Shampoo & Leave-In Conditioner Hair Set
Give the gift of hair care balance with this clarifying shampoo and moisturizing leave-in conditioner. The Select Wellness award-winning shampoo is suitable for all hair types and helps cleanse and remove oil, debris and product buildup, according to the brand. Then your loved one can follow it up with the moisturizing, heat protectant, detangling and frizz-reducing leave-in.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
For those who want to give their hair some extra love, this expert-recommended hair mask is suitable for all hair types. It hydrates the hair, reduces frizz and protects it from future damage, according to the brand. You can also purchase it in a mini size or, if you know your recipient loves this product, you can buy it in a larger value size.
Gisou Honey Glow Icons Bestsellers
Hydrate, add shine, tame flyaways and frizz with these honey-infused hair products. The bundle comes with a hair mask to deep condition and hydrate your hair, hair oil to hydrate, boost shine and control frizz and hair perfume to give your hair a subtle floral scent. Your hair isn’t the only thing benefiting in this set; it also comes with the brand’s lip oil to hydrate and plump lips, according to the brand.
Crown Affair Sleek Styling Duo
If your gift recipient loves to have a slick and sleek updo, look no further than this duo from Crown Affair. In this set, your loved one will get the Finishing Gel, which is great for styling, smoothing and polishing, according to the brand. They’ll also receive The Brush No. 00, handmade from Italian beechwood and ethically sourced boar bristles. I use both products in my routine and it has never made achieving a slick back ponytail so easy — the combination creates a flawless look and since the brush is so big, it makes the styling process faster.
Dyson Airwrap
Help to make styling your loved one’s hair easy by gifting them this Dyson Airwrap which can curl, dry and shape their hair without causing heat damage or unwanted frizz, according to the brand. Suitable for all hair types, this comes with three-speed settings, three heat settings and six attachments to help achieve the style in mind.
Self care gifts to create a pampering oasis
Hatch Restore Sound Machine and Smart Light
This sunrise alarm clock can gently wake them up in the morning with a gradual sunrise light and soothing sounds of nature rather than a noisy alarm clock. It also includes curated content channels with music, rest exercises and sleep stories to help them drift away after a long day, according to the brand.
Tsrarey Sunset Lamp
Gift the perfect ambiance with this sunset lamp that illuminates the room with hues that mimic the sunset. The lamp is easy to use; all they have to do is plug the USB cable into a compatible box and then your loved one can rotate and adjust the placement and size of the halo.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
This Vitruvi Stone Diffuser adds the scent of their favorite essential oils to their home. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio uses this device almost every day, and she loves its minimalistic matte ceramic design that fits neatly on top of her nightstand. It’s available in six colors, including sky, white and charcoal.
Nest New York Lime Zest & Matcha Candle
Take a moment, close your eyes and breathe in. The notes of lime zest, green tea, sage and bergamot can create a mood-boosting oasis in your recipient’s home. I light this candle to immerse my home in a fresh citrus scent. You can burn it for up to 60 hours and, when done, you can reuse the jar as an attractive piece of home decor, according to the brand. It’s available in a diffuser form and three sizes, including mini, standard and large.
Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
Help elevate their bath routine with this bamboo caddy tray, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 28,900 reviews on Amazon. The adjustable tray has space for items like a wine glass, phone/tablet, book, candle holder and even snacks like chocolates, according to the brand.
Self care gifts to get cozy
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
This Slip sleep mask is a Select staff favorite due to its soft and cooling silk material. The mask is available in colors like black and pink and a contoured version if your loved one needs more eye space for their lashes.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw
Give your recipient the gift of ultimate comfort and warmth with this throw blanket. It’s available in 12 colors like pearl, graphite and cream. Its 100% polyester microfiber makes it easy for your loved one to clean because all they need to do is throw it in the washer and dryer without any extra additives like fabric softener, according to the brand. You can even take it further and get them the matching robe.
Thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Getting cozy and falling into a deep slumber may be easier with this pillow spray. Gift your loved one this spray, which can help improve overall sleep and ease sleep anxiety with lavender, camomile and vetivert oils, according to the brand.
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
This satin pillowcase can prevent hair breakage, tame frizz and reduce irritation, according to the brand. The Select Bed & Bath Award winner is cooling to the touch and remains that way, so you don’t have to worry about your gift recipient running hot while they sleep, according to Select staff. It’s available in 22 colors and prints and comes in two sizes to perfectly encase your pillow regardless of the size, according to Kitsch.
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set
Upgrade your loved one’s sleep by giving them these cozy, lightweight and durable 100% long-staple cotton sheets. Although they may feel stiff initially, these comfortable sheets become softer after a few uses, according to NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. You can purchase sheets that match their room decor because this set comes in six sizes and 14 colors and patterns.
Old Navy Cozy Faux-Fur Cross-Strap Slippers
While bedding and pajamas take the reins when feeling cozy at home, your feet are just as important. These slippers from Old Navy have a cushioned footbed for support and a faux-fur upper that provides a soft, plush feel, according to the brand. You can purchase it in three colors, including cloud cover, play clay and fleur de sel.
Ugg Scuffette Slippers
Lounge comfortably with these suede and shearling house slippers. The Ugg footwear has a sheepskin collar, lining and insole for warmth, comfort and lightweight breathability, according to the brand. The slippers are available in five colors and eight sizes; however if your gift recipient wears half sizes, consider ordering the next size up, according to Ugg.
Anthropologie Terry Bubble Headband
As your loved one winds down or prepares for the day, being in cozy attire from head to toe can be essential. This terry fabric bubble headband is comfortable, not heavy and does the job of getting my hair out of my face, which adds to the cozy and self-care environment I try to create.
Skims Soft Lounge Sleep Set
This lightweight sleep set from Skims is made of soft modal ribbed fabric that your loved one can wear to bed or to lounge around the house. The set has a 4.7-star average rating from over 300 reviews at Skims and comes in nine sizes ranging from XXS to 4X.
Stars Above Pajama Set
If your loved one wants to balance being cozy without being overly warm, consider gifting them this pajama set which includes a short-sleeve button-down top and matching shorts. The soft and breathable modal-blend two-piece set is available in five colors and comes in 10 sizes, from extra small to 4X.
The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Robe
This Select Bed & Bath winner is a Select staff favorite because of its versatility, lightweight fabric, and coziness. The 100% cotton robe can be worn on various heights and you can wear it to lounge around in or use it to dry off after a shower. The robe comes in three colors and three sizes, including small, medium and large.
Self care gifts to decompress and relax
Papier Wellness Journal
This guided wellness journal spans 12 weeks and can help your loved one reflect on their goals, habits, intentions and gratitude. Some pages include wish lists of books to read, shows and movies to watch and places to visit, while others focus on the day ahead with the help of prompts.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
This e-reader allows your loved one to decompress and read their favorite books from the comfort of their home or take them wherever they go. The 6.8-inch screen has a thin border and glare-free display so that it feels like you’re reading a physical book, according to NBC Select staff. It also has an adjustable warm light to minimize eye strain, a waterproof design to minimize any damage and a battery life that lasts up to 10 weeks on one charge, according to Kindle.
Jiggy Picnic a la Plage
One of my favorite ways to practice self care is by disconnecting from my phone and putting together a puzzle. This 800-piece option is relaxing and thought-provoking, and your loved one can take the time to embark on the journey alone or with friends. Plus, they’ll have a beautiful picture and a sense of accomplishment.
Good Morning, Good Night Card Deck
Give the gift of a good morning and good night with this 78-card deck that focuses on mindfulness, relaxation, and self-care. Each card is double-sided, color-coded and marked with a sun or a moon so that your loved one knows which side to follow for that portion of their day. The 150+ prompts vary from mantras, yoga stretches, reflections and more.
Chronicle Books Mindful Dice Set
Another way for your gift recipient to treat themselves to a morning of unwinding and decompressing is by rolling this dice set. With six color-coded dice, there are 36 practices to partake in and many combinations to perform, according to the brand. These practices include meditations, mantras, movement, journaling, breathwork and more.
Geocentral Meditation Stones
If your loved one is beginning their meditation journey or regularly practices, this 7-stone set can help guide them through it. It includes stones like rose quartz for calmness and self-love, fluorite for clarity and emotional well-being, sandstone for creativity, ease mental distractions, and more, according to the brand.
Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Shower Steamers
On the days I want to relax or when I’m feeling a little stressed, I unwrap one of these shower steamers and place it on the floor of my shower where it’s not in the direct stream of water. The scents of eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils fill the shower and create a spa-like experience from the comfort of my home.
Lush Cosmetics Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar
Bring a massage directly to your recipient by gifting them this massage bar. The bar helps reduce the discomfort of achy and sore muscles with the help of ingredients like peppermint and cinnamon oil (which creates a warm and tingly sensation) and aduki beans (which massage the muscles just like your fingertips,) according to the brand.
Calm
Calm is an NBC Select Wellness Award winner for best meditation app andis a great way to ease the mind into a restful state throughout the day and before bed, according to our staff. The app provides a range of meditations, storytelling and soundscapes, and the premium subscription grants full library access.
Headspace App Subscription
Another way to gift your loved one the chance to unwind and relax is by purchasing a Headspace subscription. The app helps prioritize mental health by offering guided meditations, stress relief and management programs, nighttime routines, focus music, yoga, and more. You can give a three-month subscription or a full-year one.
Self care gifts to get them moving
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
This yoga mat is a great gift for those who are active or beginners looking to start practicing meditation or yoga. The NBC Select Wellness Award winner is made from a thick material with a no-slip texture for comfort, and it’s also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, according to the brand. It comes in six colors to fit your loved one’s style.
The Sculpt Society X Stakt Mat
This 2-in-1 gift gives your loved one month-long access to The Sculpt Society and a Stakt yoga mat that suits the movements and methods of the online fitness membership. The Sculpt Society has over 600 online workouts and classes, including sculpt, dance cardio, yoga, full body and more for your gift recipient. The lightweight mat has a foldable design to adapt to your workout and offer support throughout your movements like giving extra cushion on your wrists, according to the brand.
Lululemon Double Roller
Although it’s important to get moving, another form of self care is knowing when to take the time to relax and let your body recover. A Select staff favorite, this two-in-one foam roller helps release tension in different body parts. Your loved one can separate this roller into two, with the exterior designed to target arms and legs, while the interior roller helps relieve tension in the back using a deep ridge design. If your loved one is active and travels frequently, consider purchasing the travel-size version.
Bala Bangles
These Select Wellness Award winners add resistance to your workout because the silicone-wrapped steel adds 1-pound or 2-pound to your ankles or wrists. According to NBC Select staff, these are versatile so you can place them where you want and use them for any exercise including walks, yoga, pilates and more.
Therabody Theragun Mini
Gift a personalized at-home massage with this portable massage gun. According to the brand, your loved one can target different areas of the body to relieve muscle tension and stiffness with three speed settings. If you think they’ll enjoy a larger version of this massage gun, consider the Theragun Pro, which has six attachments and five-speed levels.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 can keep your loved one in the know about all things related to their health by tracking their workouts, sleep schedule, heart rate and more. If you have an Apple watch, you can challenge them in friendly competitions, which can get you both moving.
Why trust Select?
Bianca Alvarez has been covering beauty for a year and has written about various wellness topics, including skin care routines, body washes and clarifying shampoos. For this piece, she rounded up expert-recommended products, highly rated ones and NBC Select staff favorites.
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