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The 56 Best Self Care Gifts for Feel-Good Holiday Shopping in 2024

These thoughtful, feel-good gift ideas will instantly boost your mood, and include a little something for everyone on your nice list.

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Best Self Care and Wellness Gifts of 2023

InStyle / Marcus Millan

The idea of gifting self care may seem like an impossible task. Afterall, it’s tricky to present a friend or family member with more hours of sleep, more time for hobbies, and less work or life stress. However, the idea behind these self care gifts is to create small moments of calm—the coziest flared leggings we’ve ever tried, a hydrating face mask for a bit of pampering, or new running shoes to encourage that newly discovered 5K goal. 

Holiday Shopping Deals

We also thought about self-care through the lens of the everyday; upgrading your current home or experiences to feel more taken care of and happy in your surroundings. Whether you’re shopping for fitness fanatics, bath soakers, meditation loyalists, avid journal-ers, or expert snugglers, these wellness-minded gifts are thoughtful and practical — and will certainly boost your loved one's mood.

InStyle Tested

For Better Sleep

For At-Home Spa Vibes

For Meditation & Relaxation

For Dreamy Soft Skin

For Personal Development

For Working Out Your Stresses

For Getting Away

For Upgrading the Ordinary

InStyle Tested

Applying hand cream may seem mundane, but slathering on a rich lotion can transform an otherwise mindless task into a mood-enhancing moment. We’re fond of the Shea Butter Hand Cream from L’Occitane, which earned the top spot out of 30 other options in our best hand creams test for its plush texture that quickly fortified our hands and kept them feeling soft for hours on end.

Commonly used during treatments at your dermatologist, red light therapy increases collagen production, resulting in the reduction of fine lines, inflammation, and redness when used regularly. With new technology, LED therapy masks are becoming more accessible for at-home use, and this one from HigherDOSE is a favorite. We admit there’s a bit of sticker shock with this gift, but it’s worth the investment. Think about it this way: It costs just as much as one high-end facial and lasts for years.

We’ve pretty much lived in these Lululemon leggings ever since they nabbed the top spot in our flared leggings test, and we doubt anyone would resist adding them to their wardrobe. The buttery soft fabric is extremely durable and comfortably hugs the body in all the right places — no slipping or sliding here.

The Dagne Dover toiletry bag will deliver beautifully compartmentalized peace of mind when on the go. The genius design includes removable zippered interior pouches, side slip pockets, a detachable mesh insert, and convenient elastic loops within that help keep everything in place — from makeup to teeth whitening strips. The water-resistant neoprene fabric is also impressively durable, holding its form even after being smushed to fit into tight suitcases.

The Kitsch satin pillowcase feels as soft and luxurious as any — but at half the cost. It comes in a selection of calming tones and chic marbled prints that complement any bedscape, and delivers all the same hair smoothing benefits as its pricier counterparts. The satin fabric stays cool and refreshing to the touch, so anyone can rest in comfort and style, night after night.

If you’re still questioning what all the Dyson fuss is about, this striking ultra-blue powerhouse dryer will set the record straight. Yes, it’s a splurge, but tis’ the season (right?), and can you really but a price tag on a lifetime of good hair days? The gorgeous high-power dryer comes loaded with five attachments including a concentrator, diffuser, wide tooth comb, a flyaway attachment, and a gentle air attachment, which give you flexibility to conquer just about any hair type and master any hair style. The long, narrow handle fits comfortably in your hand and the lightweight feel makes it easy to maneuver without your arms getting shaky. The powerful dryer boasts 1600 watts and results in a bouncy, salon-worthy blowout that will continue to help you validate your investment. 

If a trip to the nail salon isn’t in the cards for you, this at-home gel nail kit delivers a solid dose of manicure pampering at home. The three-step process is easy to follow, and hard to mess up, with results that rival the real deal salon experience, in a fraction of the time. It comes stocked with everything you need to master a professional-looking manicure from your counter, including an LED lamp, top and base coats, a nail file, nail buffer, and one color polish. The best part: it dries hard, smooth, and streak-free in 30-seconds (of curing under the light). The kit will last about 10 manicures and can pair with any of the 21 gel polishes in the range (sold separately).

For Better Sleep

While getting a great night’s sleep starts with a comfy mattress, quality sheets are the key to waking up feeling refreshed and renewed. We get the most restful sleep when we curl up in Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets. The ultra-soft fabric is made of bamboo viscose, a hypoallergenic material that is not only breathable, but also moisture-wicking, making nighttime hot flashes a thing of the past. They’re available in an assortment of colors, including classic white, but we’re partial to the immediately relaxing sage hue.

Integrating meditation into daily routines can help calm and rebalance the mind and amplify feelings of peace. Beginning a meditation journey can be challenging, but following along with guided meditations, like the options found on the Calm app, can help. Calm offers guided audios designed for focus, stress, and sleep, in a wide range of times (so you can start with two minutes instead of 10). Plus, they offer an array of mindful movement videos, calming music, and classes taught by mindfulness experts — all at the push of a button.

Whether you’re shopping for a frequent traveler or someone that could use more restful sleep on the regular, a silk eye mask is a great pick that will reduce distractions and encourage a deeper sleep. Aside from blocking out light, the soft fabric also holds moisture close to the skin, so eyes look more refreshed come morning, too.

This super-soft blanket encourages all the cozy feels in more ways than one. For starters, it elevates an ordinary snuggle session into a healing experience that instantly calms and relaxes. It’s almost like gifting a big bear hug. It weighs about 10 pounds, so it provides all the anxiety-reducing benefits without feeling buried, and the faux fur fabric is the kind of silky softness we can’t stop petting. It’s also cruelty-free and made from 90% recycled material, so your loved one can cozy up with a clear conscience.

There are tons of soft, breathable fabrics that exist on the market today, but Eberyjey’s aloe cotton upped the ante on comfortable loungewear. The aloe-infused viscose fabric is a natural plant-based fiber that doesn’t just feel delicious on skin, it’s also sustainable, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable. The comfy jumpsuit style is as cozy as pajamas, but with a flattering smocked waistband, scoop neck, and convenient pockets that make you feel more put together. It’s the type of cotton we dream about — marrying cozy comfort with a cool, slinky vibe, so anyone will look and feel fabulous even if they don’t leave the house.

There are so many things to love about this blanket — starting with the fact that it’s absolutely humongous. The plushness extends 10 feet by 10 feet (for reference, that’s even bigger than a blanket for a king-sized bed), meaning the whole family can comfortably snuggle up without a shoulder or toe to go uncovered. Then there’s the fabric: It’s made of extra soft microfiber that strikes a perfect balance delivering cloud-like softness, while still feeling lightweight and breathable. Added bonus: It folds up impressively compact (despite its grandiose wingspan) to fit in a storage ottoman or washing machine.

This elegant Vitruvi ceramic diffuser adds a touch of modern style that instantly calms the aura of any room you place it in—and that’s before you dabble with the essential oil blends to put inside. It features 4-hour and 8-hour run times so you can transform your space into a tranquil escape day or night. The artful stone design serves as a sophisticated home accent and delivers soothing aromatherapy (using water and vibrations, instead of heat) to diffuse calming essential oils throughout your space. 

One touch of this luxe pillow is enough to understand there’s more to it than just a supremely cushioned fluff for your head. The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow is designed with a special 37.5 technology which uses active particles of volcanic sand to keep your core temperature at the ideal 37.5ºC and 37.5% humidity. It works by attracting and diffusing moisture from your body before it turns to sweat, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable for a sound night of beauty rest. And unlike some temperature-regulating pillows, which only incorporate the tech into the inner fill or outer cover, this one incorporates it into both elements for a noticeably better cooling result.

There’s something about these slim-fit Copper Pearl pajamas that makes you feel stylish and put-together, even when you’re winding down at the end of a long day. The snuggly knit fabric is as cozy and breathable as any high-quality pajama set, but this set is cut to compliment your shape, instead of aimlessly draping over to disguise it. It gently hugs and bends with the contours of your body, giving this set a fashionable fit that’s hard to come by in pajamas.

We truly hate the mornings, but wake-up lights make the process of waking up a little less painful. This version allows anyone to customize their morning alarm with multiple sounds and sunrise options. It also features wind-down mode before bed, which guides you through relaxing breathing exercises and helps you fall asleep more peacefully with a sunset stimulation.

For At-Home Spa Vibes

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, applying skincare can become a meditative practice. Incorporating facial tools, like this jade roller from Knesko Skin, can turn a simple routine into a luxe self-care ritual. Jade is known for its healing and balancing properties, and in this tool, it stimulates lymphatic drainage and promotes a smoother, firmer complexion.

Feet are one of the most common places to hold stress, and because getting weekly foot massages or pedicures isn’t exactly attainable, having an at-home foot spa at the ready is the next best thing. This compact option from Best Choice Products has all the features of a professional-grade machine — including motorized shiatsu rollers, a built-in pumice stone, and red light therapy — to rejuvenate tired feet.

Few things compare to the feeling of cozying up in a plush robe. This one from Parachute is made from ultra-soft Turkish cotton and the oversized design makes it feel like a personal blanket.

Lighting a candle is a quick way to extinguish anxiety. Our current go-to is Comfort Zone from Anecdote Candles. We love its soothing blend of coffee, orange blossom, and cedarwood that feels like a hug and helps us recharge.

Few things epitomize self-care like a warm bath, and these convenient, clever bath bombs only add to the pampering soak experience. Just one fizzing bath tablet transforms any bathroom into a comforting, aromatic escape. The scent is a delicate jasmine rose, which is both calming and romantic, and the moisturizing bath tablets leave skin refreshed and soft, thanks to a trio of conditioning oils — jojoba, safflower, and hemp seed.

When life gets exhausting, these brightening eye masks deliver an instant pick-me-up melting away dark circles and puffiness that surface from any late nights or early mornings. The hydrogel film feels instantly cooling on skin and soothes on contact, with noticeably smooth, brightened results in 10 minutes. The powerhouse formula contains impressive humectants, like glycerin and red algae extract, that hydrate and plump the delicate under eye area, and a dose of allantoin and avocado extract that reduce inflammation and give skin a refreshed radiance. It’s a quick and effective way to indulge in self-care at home, and the 100 percent biodegradable design dissolves in warm water adding a bonus sustainable feel-good factor we can get behind.

Scalp massages can stimulate blood circulation, reduce tension, and ultimately help de-stress. With its pretty design, this jade comb from Mount Lai elevates the entire experience, and it works well with all hair types.

For Meditation & Relaxation

The Little Words Project bracelets are the official friendship bracelets of Taylor Swift and N*SYNC, which make them hard not to love. But nostalgia aside, these customizable beaded bracelets are adorable, and their newest 14K Gold Vermeil Little Layers collection are the shinier, more sophisticated take on the layering classics. The bracelets feature a sterling silver base, coated in a thick layer of 14K gold for a glamorous high-quality look and feel, without a fancy price tag. This heart by the yard design is the delicate reminder to spread love, which is exactly the kind of giftable messaging we like to get behind.

Mastering mindfulness is one of the most powerful self-care practices. These cards provide beginners and experts alike with prompts that are easy to follow and designed to help soothe anxiety and reduce stress at a moment's notice. The deck features everything from deep breathing exercises and positive affirmations to visualization exercises that quickly calm the mind.

While it’s possible to meditate from anywhere, creating a space with calming energy makes the practice more beneficial. So rather than sitting on hardwood or any old pillow (which probably isn’t too comfortable), elevate the experience with a dedicated meditation cushion. This one from Florensi promotes circulation, eases lower back pain, and can also be used in yoga to encourage better form.

Acupuncture is an effective way to naturally heal the body, as well as promote physical and mental well-being. It can also be scary for those afraid of needles. Acupressure, on the other hand, provides similar benefits, sans needles. Plus, it doesn’t require a trained professional. Acupressure beginners will love this uncomplicated mat from WTHN. It’s covered with pointy (yet gentle!) stimulators that can alleviate back pain and stress, supply an energy boost, and even support deeper sleep.

Sharing gratitude with others is proven to boost well-being, and this adorable boxed set of assorted greeting cards is stocked with sweet sentiments for all of life’s moments, big and small. The polka dot box includes 12 foil-printed cards in a variety of pretty patterns to match every occasion from birthdays and thank yous, to congratulations, and even simple hellos. Think of it as the unexpected feel-good gift idea that keeps on giving and spreading joy.

This clever 32-piece memory game is a fun way for your favorite family memories to live on in game form. The thick circle game pieces are personalized with 16 photos for a custom flip-and-match game that the whole family can enjoy. It’s simple, yet creative, and a bit nostalgic too, making it the unique, thoughtful gift idea that will be remembered.

For Dreamy Soft Skin

Aside from pedicures, foot care tends to be left on the wayside. Tenoverten is here to change that with this handy little salve, housed in a handheld chubby stick that is impossibly easy to use. Infused with antibacterial botanical oils and vitamin E, the convenient balm locks in moisture and works to repair dry, cracked soles. When feet need some extra TLC, it can also be used as an intensive overnight treatment.

When it comes to luxury self-care gifts, cuticle oil probably isn’t top of mind. JINsoon’s Primrose + Honeysuckle Healing Cuticle Oil is one of those small, everyday luxuries that you’re always awfully glad to have. Its nourishing formula rescues dry cuticles and brittle nails overnight. The sweetly-scented oil scored high in our at-home test, and every person we’ve gifted it to doesn’t go a single night without massaging it into their nails.

When one of our favorite Friends swears by a product, we listen. Courteney Cox’s Homecourt product lineup combines meticulously clean Monica Geller-approved formulas with sleek, minimally designed packaging that add a sense of serenity to our home. The uplifting scent of this hand cream has us feeling like we’re running through a field of wild roses, making it ideal for the warmer months.

There’s something innately cheerful about this bright neon jar, and that’s before diving into the rejuvenating, skin-polishing contents inside. The gritty paste has a sweet, plum-vanilla scent that diffuses throughout the shower as it's scrubbed, creating a warm and inviting aroma that is every bit indulgent. A combination of glycolic and salicylic acid, along with crushed maracuja seeds, chemically and physically exfoliate to slough away dry, flaky patches and promote cell turnover. Despite its impressive skin-buffing abilities, it’s impressively gentle because it was designed to target blemish-prone bodies and even treat bumpy skin concerns like keratosis pilaris.

We keep this body butter right next to our shower so we can slather our skin right after toweling off. With nourishing shea and cocoa butters, it seamlessly softens skin and has a deliciously delicate scent that stays with us throughout the day. We’ve noticed our skin repairing after using this for one week, too, and we appreciate how quickly it works to keep our skin supple and hydrated.

Everyone loves a good lip balm, and one swipe of this is enough to recognize it’s a far cry from your average formula. For starters, the color payoff is perfection. It’s tinted just enough that your lips get a healthy — and beautifully even — application of pigment, without scaling too bright or too bold. It feels silky and conditioning on lips thanks to hydrating shea butter, raspberry seed oil, and coconut oil, which keep lips from cracking or flaking; but it’s not so buttery that the color disappears after a few minutes. It strikes the ideal combination of comfort and color that keeps lips pillow-y and polished.

Slathering on a face mask may be the epitome of self-care, but few feel as nice as MUTHA’s Rebirth Vernix Mask. Packed with squalane, collagen, and amino acids, the lush gel-cream formula sinks into skin, leaving it looking soft and supple.

For Personal Development

Tapping into the artistic side of the brain can actually reduce stress signals, but we understand that not everyone’s skills are Picasso-level. Luckily, the art made on the Buddha Board isn’t meant to be displayed. Just a bit of water is all you’ll need to paint away stress. As it dries, your masterpiece fades away, along with every bit of anxiety.

Know someone who thinks self-help books are stuffy and outdated? This thoughtful guide on the principles of manifesting will convince them otherwise. Author Roxie Nafousi describes manifesting as a mindset and she outlines comprehensive ways to invite abundance into our lives so we can reach our full potential.

This pretty notebook simplifies gratitude journaling into a few short form ‘happy notes’ that are easy to stick with. The prompts make prioritizing mental health an easy and digestible daily practice that anyone can look forward to each day. Plus, the journal features plenty of lined pages for free-form writing, note taking, and jotting daily to-dos. It even comes with a stamped envelope and blank note card to spread those happy vibes to others, which is exactly the kind of pay-it-forward kindness we love.

While there’s something to be said for a good, old-fashioned page-turner in physical book form, there’s a lot more to be said for the convenient, sleek design of a Kindle e-reader that stores a library of literature in the palm of your hand. “I found that I read even more books now that I made the switch to an e-reader. I know, I know, there's something about the feel and smell of pages, but hear me out: E-reader books are often less expensive and it's so easy to download several before a long trip so you're never without your next read,” shares Bauer.

For Working Out Your Stresses

This is not an average yoga towel — and that’s precisely what we love about it. The meticulous design is ultra-absorbent, slip-resistant, and fast drying so anyone can stay cool and comfortable even while sweating through their vinyasa transitions. The towels come in a vast range of statement patterns that go far beyond the looks of a typical towel. These gorgeous designs are reminiscent of artwork one might hang in their home, and the zen vibes are sure to add a little something extra to a daily yoga practice.

If a deep tissue massage is your loved one’s go-to spa day splurge, this at-home percussion therapy massager will be their new favorite gadget. The pulsating dampener can be targeted anywhere on the body, relieving points of pressure, and melting away tension and muscle soreness. “I love using it on my neck and shoulders especially after a day hunched over my computer. I also used it a ton on my hips and glutes during marathon training. It can feel intense — like foam rolling — but the release is pretty instantaneous,” says Shannon Bauer, Commerce Director at InStyle. It is also known to improve muscle recovery, sleep, mobility, and even stress. Score!

You’ve likely seen these cushiony soles flooding your news feed and out in the real world. Shoppers continuously rave about the shoes’ cloud-like comfort. This trending sneaker boasts exceptional comfort, a super-sleek design, and convenient no-tie lace system that make for easy slide-on, slide-off maneuvering, without ruining the heel. Each step in these stylish kicks feels weightlessly cushioned thanks to the brand's patented CloudTec system, which uses hollowed tubes to soften every step and cushion feet in a pillow of comfort every time they hit the ground.

There’s no denying the benefits that come from remaining nimble, but if stretching tends to fall off daily to-do lists, this helpful app can assist in re-prioritizing. “My inflexibility has resulted in ongoing aches and pains in my back and hips, but I refused to stretch — until I came across the Stretchit app. I like to follow guided videos, and since I hadn't stretched in so long this is exactly what I needed,” says Mary Honkus, InStyle’s Commerce Editor. Along with daily stretching guides, there are monthly challenges aimed at different areas of the body to help you reach your goals.

Yes, these headphones come at a price, but it’s one that’s matched in quality and comfort. “I owned my first pair of these headphones for four years before they finally gave out, and I swiftly reordered the exact same pair,” Bauer shares. “I use them almost daily on outdoor walks and runs. These sit outside your ear so you can listen to music but still hear cars, bikes, or people around you — it makes me feel safer running alone after sundown,” she adds.

Not all water bottles are created equal and here’s the proof: Every element of the Monos design is made with the purpose to deliver a pure, thirst-quenching sip every time. This self-purifying bottle doesn’t have to live on a charger or take up precious counter space; a single charge will last a full month. Simply swipe a finger over the logo on the lid to activate the powerful purification system, which neutralizes 99.99% of bacteria in three minutes.

For Getting Away

This vibrant patterns and exceptionally flattering lines of the Kenny Flower Napa Dress are so vacation-y, it will make even a night out in your hometown feel like a resort-worthy escape. The gorgeous prints are an updated take on traditional resort-wear, with stylish patterns inspired by different dreamy destinations—like the rich merlot swirl of their newest Belle Glos print inspired by the California Vinyard, the tropical florals of Maui, or the crisp white wash of Santorini. The elegant draping and ruffled straps give it a flowy, flattering style that compliments any shape and can be dressed up or down for a stylish, statement piece fit for any occasion.

Everything about this glowy face mask gets us excited, from the cool jelly texture, to the pretty holographic sheen, and the radiant results. Unlike other sheet masks, which are slimy, drippy, and slippery, this one is mess-free, sitting comfortably on your face and remaining in place until you decide to peel it off. The hydrogel texture feels cool and calming the second it touches skin and blankets it in a cocktail of smoothing and brightening ingredients like niacinamide, willow bark extract, and tea tree oil.

Dagne Dover is the genius brand that simplifies packing into meticulously compartmentalized bags that keep all your goods perfectly tucked with intention. With clever sideslip pockets, removable zippered interior pouches, detachable inserts, and convenient elastic loops, their bags make the essentials easy to find—and hard to forget—taking stress out of packing. Their newest Travel collection features a dual-purpose duffle bag with thoughtful compartments, like a padded laptop slip, and convenient backpack straps for when life gets heavy on the go.

For Upgrading the Ordinary

The Tushy bidet is the self-care gift you didn’t know you needed, but once you treat yourself to the “down there'' rinse, there’s no going back. The convenient attachment turns your regular old toilet into a Euro-style pampering experience. It takes about 10 minutes to install, mounting directly under your existing toilet seat with a knob to adjust the direction and pressure flow of water so it hits your target areas. They also offer a supped up 3.0 model that allows you to control the water temperature for warmer, more spa-like rinse.

This chic frame doesn’t look like a typical digital picture display and that’s precisely what we love about it. The decorative ridged frame looks more like a stylish home accent and boasts all the convenient tech-y features you’d want in a new-age picture frame. It’s simple to set up, has unlimited photo storage, auto-adjust brightening, and includes easy sharing with family and friends so they can add memories into the rotation. The 10.1-inch display is set to landscape orientation, but will automatically show portrait photos side-by-side, and has a built in speaker if you want to share videos with sound too. You can adjust the slideshow timing, with auto-advance options ranging from 15-seconds to 24-hours, and you can rest easy thanks to its automatic turn-off at night.

There are a lot of comfortable sheets on the market that claim cloud-like softness, but one touch of this Comphy Sheet Sets will set the record straight; these sheets reign supreme. The microfiber twill fabric marries the crispness of a freshly made hotel bed, with a cozy, velvet-like softness that is equal parts dreamy and delicate. It’s the kind of silky coolness that calms your senses the moment you touch it, and makes snuggling into bed at night feel more like a spa wellness retreat, which is exactly what it’s modeled after. It’s lighter than a standard cotton sheet, and not nearly as wrinkly, making for an exceptionally cozy and comfortable night of beauty rest.

One knead of this silicone massager over your scalp is enough to adopt this self-care ritual into your daily routine. The gentle, silicone spikes deliver a soothing and stress-melting head massage that makes you feel refreshed in seconds. The durable, waterproof design stimulates scalp circulation, gently soothes and exfoliates, and promotes blood circulation for improved scalp health. Use with one of the brand’s luxurious Moroccan argan oil products—like their treatment oil, pampering cleanser, or lightweight serum—to give your overworked hair, an instant glossy boost.

This gift will have you glowing before you even apply the gorgeous pigment inside. The lightweight Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint features tiny mirco-droplets of pigment suspended in a silky gel formula that hydrate the heck out of skin. The little drops of pigment seamlessly dissolve as you gently apply over face, evening out any redness and giving skin a delicate lit-from-within glow. The everyday product leaves skin dewy and instantly refreshed, no matter if it’s worn under makeup or used as standout on its own. It also comes with an angled, short-bristle brush, which makes this product feel extra giftable and pampering.

A new razor doesn’t exactly scream self-care gift, however, this thoughtful and functional pick will be a welcome addition to anyone’s skincare routine — and that my friends, is what makes it the perfect gift. The five-blade razor delivers an impressively close shave and features a weighted metal handle, flexible hinge, and no-slip grip that gives careful control for navigating in crooks and crannies without experiencing accidental knicks. The customized three-letter engraving adds that personal touch that makes it feel extra special, too.

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Why Shop With Us

Lindsay Colameo rounded up this mega list of favorite wellness and self-care products, and consulted fellow InStyle commerce editors for their wish list product picks, to create a curated selection of feel-good gift ideas that will make whoever you’re shopping for smile.

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