Choosing gifts for others can be challenging, especially during the holidays. In the past, I’ve spent too much time overthinking how to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list, wondering if it’s something they can use and appreciate.
This year, I decided to focus on a specific theme by giving gifts that benefit both body and mind that most people would find helpful.
So, if you have a tough time deciding what to buy those friends and family members on your list, these might be the perfect gifts for those who could use a little help dealing with stress and maybe need a little push to add some self-care to their lives.
- Loofah and almond oil
During winter, the skin tends to become extra dry and flaky. To help the skin feel softer, using a natural Egyptian loofah sponge a couple of times a week and applying a natural oil like almond oil can help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This routine keeps the body moisturized without the added chemicals in body moisturizers.
- Bullet blender with a smoothie recipe book
If you have a friend or family member on the go, smoothies are an excellent way to nourish their body throughout the day. Having a bullet blender ready makes it easy to quickly turn their favorite fruits and vegetables into a nutritious snack or light meal.
While many quick recipes can be found online, a visually appealing and straightforward recipe book with lifelike pictures can inspire them to make a smoothie instead of a less nutritious on-the-go breakfast or lunch filled with artificial chemicals.
- Yoga mat with essential oil roll-on set
Yoga may not be for everybody, but for those sitting at a desk all day while working from home, getting a good stretch on a comfortable mat helps to stretch their tired muscles and recharge their mind. Having a single roll-on of a blended scent to rub on the wrist, temples, or forehead can help reduce stress and help the mind relax any time of the day when things begin to get hectic.
- Bubble bath and naturally scented candle
Making it a priority to take the time for a warm bubble bath at least once a week is something none of us do enough. Sometimes, all it takes is getting a scented bag of bath crystals wrapped in a pretty bag to motivate that person on your list to indulge in much-needed self-care. Lighting a natural scented candle can take self-care to another level of relaxation and mental clarity by slowing the mind and practicing breathing exercises.
- Cozy mug with cacao mix
As the chilly winter season draws near, a soothing and comforting drink such as cocoa is a great way to warm up while getting a healthy and natural energy boost. Cocoa is the best hot chocolate substitute because it contains nutrients that benefit the body and mind. Sipping from a warm, cozy mug enhances its chocolaty, creamy taste to help the person relax after a long day or a mid-afternoon break.
- Warm hoodie and sports socks
Depending on your location, winter may bring daytime temperatures in the fifties in some areas. A cozy hoodie with side pockets and comfortable athletic socks is perfect for the person on your list who loves to take evening or morning walks.
- Backpack and stainless steel water bottle
For those who would rather work out at the gym, a medium-sized backpack with a water bottle pocket is perfect for carrying a towel, changing clothes, and staying hydrated. This is especially true for those who work out before or after work. A stainless steel water bottle is healthier for the body than a plastic one, and it’s also more environmentally friendly.
Takeaway: This year, your Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or feel like a chore. Choosing gifts for your family and friends on your list that have mental and physical benefits may change their outlook on managing self-care. They may realize that feeling mentally and physically well is not a luxury but a necessity.