Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Self-Care Treats for your Stocking
As we approach the holiday season, we felt the desire to make our gift-giving a little more mindful.
Rather than the usual list of luxuries, we've put together a holiday gift guide that's all about fostering a positive mental headspace and is perfect to help you prepare for the upcoming year. Our MBODY experts have recommended these gifts specially because they’re an easy way to add some self-care into your daily routine, while also providing relief for common symptoms that can add to stress and anxiety.
Mindful holiday gifts to give yourself (or someone you love)
You worked hard this year and treating yourself is absolutely necessary! We love a good gift that gives in more ways than one, and we’ve hand-selected these self-care essentials to not only help you cleanse your headspace but also tackle bothersome symptoms that could contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Make time to foster little moments of joy and mindfulness throughout everyday life and you'll find that the weight on your shoulders feels lighter. We hope you love these gifts as much as we do, and that they inspire you to cultivate mindfulness all year long.
1. For hot sleepers who are hesitant to try a weighted blanket
Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Where to get it: Luna, $62.99
This breathable weighted blanket is perfect for anyone craving some cozy-stress relief without the risk of overheating. Hot flashes and night sweats make it harder to get a good night’s rest, but the thermo-regulating ability of this 100% bamboo fabric will help keep you feeling cool all night long. It was named the best-weighted blanket by Prevention and Oprah Daily and there are over 3000 five-star reviews.
Weighted blankets mimic a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation, and research has shown they improve sleep, reduce insomnia, and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.
2. For anyone wanting a more comfortable yoga practice
Yoga Zeal Banana Leaf Combo Yoga Mat
Where to get it: Neiman Marcus, $78
Truly a special find! This unique combination of a yoga mat + towel combination offers more padding than traditional mats, making it a great choice for those wanting a little extra padding on the knees. It’s eco-friendly and made from natural rubber backing, with a suede-like feel designed for slip prevention so you can exercise with ease. Plus you’ll love that it’s biodegradable, recyclable, and machine washable!
3. For the one obsessed with aromatherapy
Where to get it: MOXE, $19.99
This daily smell routine kit is a new, fun way to incorporate continual stress relief throughout your day. They have specifically designed 100% pure essential oil combinations to help promote positive moods at every time of day: Breathe, Peace, Energy, Dream. Plus, they even released a migraine-relief nasal inhaler you can add on that may be worth a try.
Aromatherapy is great for centering yourself at stressful times of the day, and some find them helpful in finding relief at the first signs of a headache. Headaches and migraines can be caused by a dip in estrogen levels, similar to PMS headaches before a period. Try using aromatherapy to keep stress low and headaches at bay.
4. For the person who says they don’t have time to journal
Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal
Where to get it: REVOLVE, $29
A team-favorite! This journal is ideal for people who don’t think they’re cut out for journaling because it only takes a short 10 minutes. The easy, powerful prompts give you the space to reflect twice a day: 5 minutes in the morning, 5 minutes evening. The morning gives time to remind yourself about what you’re grateful for and your daily goals, while evenings give space to appreciate the moments of the day and ways you can foster a happier tomorrow. All those little moments really do start to add up!
5. For the person who needs a hobby they’ll stick with
Easy care house plants, pack of 4
Where to get it: Macy’s, $47.99
These houseplants are great for beginners and plant lovers alike! The set comes with 4 indoor plants that are low-fuss to help spruce up your space during these winter months and remind you to care for yourself, as you care for others. Research shows growing indoor plants help to reduce stress, increase feelings of wellbeing, and may even promote a more positive outlook on work.
6. For the one with a hectic, busy life
2023 DELUXE Classic Stress Management Daily Planner
Where to get it: Happy Planner, $38.99
This 12-month planner is not only incredibly customizable but it’s also filled with inspiration for a more stress-free year! You get daily reminders for breathing exercises and habit tracking (also in the MBODY app!), with designated space for important appointments and reminders. Great for anyone looking to organize a busy schedule and ease stress in the new year.
7. For the one who’s always ahead of the skincare trends
Herbivore Botanicals Mushroom Magic Set
Where to get it: REVOLVE, $25
The on-the-go self-care kit for soft, glowing skin! The magic ingredient? Known to hold up to 500x its weight in water, the tremella mushroom helps keep skin hydrated and will leave your skin feeling plump and smooth. This duo is formulated without synthetic ingredients, phthalates, fillers, parabens, or other harmful chemicals that could damage skin. If you’re experiencing dry, irritated skin due to hormone fluctuations, make sure to moisturize regularly to keep the skin’s protective barrier healthy and strong!
8. For the person who needs a fresh mindset
Calm The Chaos Cards by Chronicle Books
Where to get it: Free People, $18.95
We love a good positive affirmation to use throughout the day — and having a physical reminder can be even more helpful for those busy days when things get hectic. Set the card somewhere you can see it so if troubles arise, you’ll be reminded to take a deep breath and calm any negative thoughts that may come your way.
9. For the creative one interested in meditation
Toysmith Deluxe Zen Garden
Where to get it: Macy’s, $34.99
An excellent mindfulness tool, plus it’s a conversation started! This tabletop garden is a fun way to bring an artistic flare to your meditation practice. Draw designs in your zen garden however you please and use it as an opportunity to clear your mind or set an intention for meditation practice.
10. For the one in need of a seasonal pick-me-up
Verilux HappyLight Touch
Where to get it: Macy’s, $83.99
We’re not sure about you, but we’re definitely missing the summer sunshine. A light therapy box can be an easy tool to help give your mood a boost when you’re spending more time indoors or living in a place with less sunlight. This box is affordable and a great way to see if light therapy is for you! Sitting in front of the light for about 30 minutes continuously helps trick your body into thinking it’s getting real UV sunlight for mood-enhancing effects. It’s safe for most people, but if you have a certain condition or take medication that causes sunlight sensitivity, be sure to talk with your doctor first.
Let us know in the comments what you're putting in your stocking this year, and what gift recommendations you want us to do next!
