A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated Aug. 30, 2024
When your BFF needs a little TLC, choose one of these thoughtful presents that's sure to promote relaxation, boost self-awareness, and create a calm vibe.
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When a friend is going through a tough time—and honestly, who isn’t these days?—your natural instinct is to help. So you listen, offer a shoulder to cry on, and provide distractions (and maybe some ice cream). You also do your best to make things just a little better, or better for even just a little bit. But sometimes friends need a little something extra, like unexpected, thoughtful self-care gifts that can help them find their way.
Think of self-care gifts like virtual hugs, especially if you can’t connect with your friend in person. Whether you’re looking for gifts for her, gifts for him, online flower delivery services, or cozy and comforting options such as loungewear sets, pajamas, robes, leggings, warm socks, scented candles, and throw blankets, we’ve done all the legwork and rounded up the best gift ideas for anyone on your list. So while friendship may be the greatest gift of all, these little self-care gifts are a close second and will definitely brighten anyone’s day.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Potty-mouthed journalers
Meet the guided journal for people who refuse to censor themselves. Its straight-shooting wisdom and inspiration help journalers let go of negativity and work toward a happier life. Don’t miss this larger collection of Amazon gifts if you’re pressed for time but want to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
Via Naot.com
Best for: Weary soles
Know folks who spend a lot of time on their feet? Treat their tootsies to Naot’s ultra-luxe Recline slippers. The insole has mattress foam padding for the ultimate comfort and support. It’s almost like keeping your feet in your cozy bed all day long. While this pair would be the ideal gift for Mom, Naot makes a similar slipper, the Laze, for men.
Via Medterracbd.com
Best for: The sleep deprived
If you’re still using basic melatonin to catch 40 winks, it’s time to step up your game with Medterra’s Sleep Tight CBD Gummies. Not only do they contain melatonin, but they also have soothing ingredients like chamomile, lemon balm, and 25 milligrams of CBD (free of THC, of course). Chew on one strawberry-flavored gummy about an hour before bedtime and enjoy a long snooze with no groggy side effects the next morning. This may be a perfect idea when choosing gifts for Grandma since CBD might not be on her radar yet.
Via Allaylamp.com
Best for: Migraineurs
Wouldn’t it be nice to fall asleep, quell anxiety, and ward off migraines without relying on pharmaceuticals? This therapy lamp uses a narrow band of green light to calm the brain, promote sleep, and relieve headache pain. It was invented by a Harvard Medical School professor and neuroscientist and was designed to have the opposite effect of all the blue light your electronics emit. Tech gifts don’t get more thoughtful than this.
Via Bloomist.com
Best for: Anyone who wants to beat bad energy
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to choosing best friend gifts, but you don’t always have to spend a lot to make a big impression. Whether your friend just went through a nasty divorce, moved into a new house, or is simply stuck in a rut, sage smudge sticks from Bloomist are sure to help clear the air. The sage is organically grown and sustainably harvested in California. Watch how quickly her bad juju gives way to a positive energy flow.
Via Zaaina.com
Best for: Hesitant spagoers
If your man is shy about treating himself to a spa day, treat him to a home spa experience instead. Self-care gift baskets make smart gifts for husbands who are notoriously tough to shop for. This one comes two candles to create a relaxing environment (in the manly scents of whiskey and tobacco), heel balm, hand moisturizer, charcoal soap, dead sea mud soap, grapefruit calendula soap, shea butter lip balm, and a soap coaster.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Anyone with achy muscles
Stumped by gifts for dads because your own father appears to have it all? Instead of giving him a gift certificate for a one-time massage, gift him a tool that’ll be available 24-7. When it comes to a no-frills, deep-tissue massage, the Theragun Mini gets the job done—and then some. It’s surprisingly quiet, shockingly powerful for its small size, has 150 minutes of battery life, and offers three speeds to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Via Behumance.com
Best for: The super stressed
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to constantly feel like you don’t have a spare moment to catch your breath. That’s where a mindful breathing practice comes into play, and Be Humance’s Komuso Shift can show you the way. This stainless steel pendant was inspired by Japanese monks and helps control the breath. In turn, it slows down your heartbeat and decreases blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It’d make a gorgeous and thoughtful gift for a wife.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Anyone who craves companionship
Whether you live alone or just need some extra snuggles, Purrble delivers soothing companionship during moments of stress and anxiety. It may look like a plush toy, but it’s actually powered by responsive technology—its sensors respond to touch, and its dynamic heartbeat will calm down as yours does. The soothing purr and soft fur will win the heart of anyone who cuddles up to it, making it a great idea for gifts for kids too.
Via Barnesandnoble.com
Best for: Impatient people
The paper crane is considered a symbol of peace, hope, and healing in Japan, and Senbazuru will teach you the ancient technique of folding paper cranes. It takes only 12 steps to create a crane but requires the utmost patience and intention. The ritual of folding becomes a moving meditation, and each step becomes a triumph. Check out these other gifts for book lovers if you’d like more ideas.
Via Walmart.com
Best for: Pessimists and those feeling blue
Anyone who views their glass as half empty, is feeling a bit down in the dumps, or is filled with anxiety about things they can’t control could use a little boost of mindfulness. When choosing among self-care gifts, consider BestSelf’s 30-Day Gratitude Journal, which provides a safe place to practice an attitude of gratitude, with daily prompts and evening reflections. The recipient will dwell less on the bad by answering such questions as “What made me smile today?”
Via Etsy.com
Best for: Aromatherapy lovers
Smell is one of our most powerful senses, and it has the unique ability to transport us someplace else. For a quick trip down Relaxation Lane, light Perpetual Bliss scented candles for whatever mood you’d like to be in (options include Rainy Days, Summer Nights, Lucid Drams, and more). Each candle contains a lead-free wick, has no added dyes, and will burn for roughly 65 hours.
Via Gooseberryintimates.com
Best for: Loungers
Sunday is the day of rest, and we think that loosely translates to a day to lounge around in your pajamas. For self-care gifts for women, choose the super-soft Gooseberry Intimates PJ Set, which combines a long-sleeved button-down shirt with relaxed shorts boasting an elastic waist. It’s made from jersey cotton, is machine washable, and comes in scrumptious colors reminiscent of sherbet. On the hunt for family Christmas pajamas? Our list has you covered.
Via Skinbybrownleeandco.com
Best for: Skin care junkies
Love the feeling of icing your face but hate the melting cubes dripping all over the place? Reach for this cryotherapy ball, a stainless-steel facial ball that helps reduce inflammation and redness without the mess. It’s acne friendly and will stay ice-cold for two hours. Get it as a gift for the sister-in-law who’s ahead of the beauty curve.
Via Bando.com
Best for: People looking for emotional growth
Identifying specific emotions can be challenging for some, but the Feeling Feelings Card Deck makes it easier to pinpoint what’s going on in your brain. The thought-provoking cards are divided into five sections—joy, fear, sadness, anger, and wild card—and help with such skills as practicing empathy, starting conversations, and creating emotional awareness.
Via Bestbuy.ca
Best for: Friends who need fresh ideas
Sure, bubble baths and manicures are an obvious path to TLC, but it’s time to go a bit deeper with your list of go-to self-care gifts. The Self-Care Bucket List by Flowjo comes with 100 cards, each with a mindfulness activity. Simply step away from your screen, pull out a card, and follow the prompt, which could be anything from confiding your deepest secrets to your pet to taking five minutes to do something silly. Since it appeals to pretty much everyone, this is a good white elephant gift idea.
Via Thecbdistillery.com
Best for: Home cooks
Anyone who loves to cook will appreciate the CBD powders from CBDistillery. Since CBD isolate is odorless and flavorless, it’s ideal for cooking or baking and won’t alter a dish’s taste or texture. On days your giftees don’t whip up CBD baked goods, they can add a little powder to their morning coffee or even blend it into DIY bath products.
Via Mytherabox.com
Best for: Folks who need regular self-care
Discover and maintain self-care rituals that inspire joy and fulfillment each month with a TheraBox. The brand was founded by a therapist, which means each self-care gift box has been carefully curated to include one therapeutic activity plus six to eight full-sized wellness products. You can buy a month-to-month subscription or invest in a in three- or six-month box. Don’t miss these additional subscription boxes for other gift-giving ideas.
Via Nordstrom.com
Best for: Beauty mavens
It’s amazing how pampered anyone can feel day or night when they have the right skin care products on hand. Irene Forte’s kit includes the brand’s hero formulations, and it’s chock-full of cleansers, creams, masks, serums, toners, and more. The products are free of mineral oil and are vegan and certified safe for sensitive skin.
Via Etsy.com
Best for: Fashionistas
If your pal hasn’t gotten into journaling, perhaps it’s because she hasn’t found a journal that resonates with her. Artist and fashion illustrator Lacee Swan creates whimsical journals featuring women in different settings (such as shopping, working at the computer, and on vacation). The best part? Since these are personalized gifts, you can customize skin tone and hair color and even add the recipient’s name.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Thirsty girls and guys
Many Americans unknowingly suffer from chronic dehydration, so one of the simplest self-care gifts anyone can give is a prompt to drink more water. An easy way to remember this new habit is by always having a water bottle by your side. We love this Avana Ashbury stainless steel bottle, which holds 24 ounces of water and keeps it cold for up to 24 hours, thanks to the triple-layer insulation. It even has a carry loop, so it doesn’t have to leave your side.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Tub soakers
Don’t let loved ones risk their books over an open bathtub. Set them up for relaxation with a sturdy bamboo bathtub tray from Homemade Living, which expands to fit any tub. It has a wine holder, phone holder, adjustable book/tablet holder, a detachable waterproof book cover, and plenty of room for anything else they need for the perfect bubble bath. This is an especially great idea when perusing hostess gifts.
Via Sugarwish.com
Best for: Do-it-yourselfers
Don’t necessarily know someone’s self-care preferences but definitely know you want to put a smile on their face? Send a Sugarwish. Simply choose the size of the gift, and your recipient will get to select the specific goodies that get delivered. Sugarwish offers candy, cookies, salty snacks, cotton candy, popcorn, and even dog treats. Plus, the package design is almost as much fun as the self-care gifts inside (and yes, the occasional indulgence can be self-care!).
Via Puredailycare.com
Best for: Alternative medicine believers
Many people swear by the power of essential oils and Himalayan pink salt to alleviate ills. Which is why Pure Daily Care has combined the therapies into one efficient wellness device. The heatless ultrasonic diffuser atomizes essential oils—this kit comes with ten of them, including lavender, lemongrass, and jasmine—and there’s a separate chamber for raw Himalayan salt crystals, which the company claims naturally purify the air. Keep shopping with these gifts for sisters.
Via Shopmirandabennett.com
Best for: Tired eyes
Thanks to technology, our eyes are constantly working overtime. This weighted eye pillow from Miranda Bennett Studio gives them some much-needed time off. It’s made from naturally dyed 100 percent silk textile remnants from the brand’s garments to help support the company’s zero-waste mission. Your gift recipient can heat it in the microwave and use it on the eyes, back, lower stomach, or any spot that needs a little extra love.
Via Barnesandnoble.com
Best for: Office workers
Not all self-care activities can wait until you’re home; sometimes, you need a dose of TLC during a busy day of back-to-back meetings at the office. When selecting self-care gifts for coworkers, put The Work Wellness Deck at the top of your list. It helps balance burnout by exploring your mental health, physical health, and work relationships through various prompts.
Via Jrwatkins.com
Best for: Insomniacs
One of the oldest tricks in the book for a restful night’s sleep is taking a bath, but not just any bath will do. The J.R. Watkins Sleep Bath Regimen is a full collection of everything you need to calm your mind and relax your body. Natural ingredients (such as chamomile, jojoba, and calendula) will sooth your skin and get you ready for all the z’s to come.
Via Venacbd.com
Best for: Weekend warriors
There’s nothing like working up a good sweat for a nice dose of self-care, but what about the recovery period afterward? A warm bath filled with half a cup of Vena’s Revitalizing CBD Soaking Salts will transport your loved one to a relaxing place (thanks to its spa-like eucalyptus scent) while soothing achy muscles. Once you’re done shopping for self-care gifts, browse these gifts for girlfriends.
Via Bouqs.com
Best for: Those who need cheering up
Brighten your BFF’s day by sending a bouquet of fresh flowers to her home or office. Choosing a bouquet from The Bouqs Co., a delivery service that sources directly from eco-friendly farmers to ensure longer-lasting flowers, means the delivery will arrive in as few as two hours and in bud form, so petals will continue to open (and make your recipient smile) all week long. Considering the turnaround time, consider this the next time you’re hunting for last-minute Christmas gifts.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Goal-setters
Everyone knows that eating right, exercising, meditating, and journaling are healthy daily practices, but it’s far too easy to de-prioritize those things when life gets busy. Thankfully, the Wellness Planner from Life & Apples will help loved ones stay on track with a healthy self-care routine for the body and mind. They can use the journal to plan a healthy day, set goals, and track daily habits.
Via Thebeardedbastard.com
Best for: Well-groomed guys
Yes, men need pampering, too, and the Bearded Bastard totally gets that. Its products are hand-mixed in Austin, Texas, and designed to keep up with the modern man. Each scent is formulated with an emotion or memory in mind, such as the leather jacket inherited from Dad or a visit to an old-fashioned barbershop. You simply can’t go wrong with the Woodsman Beard Balm, the brand’s signature scent. Get it as a gift for a boyfriend or brother who has given up shaving.
Via Walmart.com
Best for: Tea lovers
Sure, it’s easy and thoughtful to send a Starbucks gift card, but coffee-induced jitters probably aren’t great for a friend dealing with an anxiety-provoking situation. Instead, send the matcha ceremony set from Jade Leaf, which contains everything needed to prepare a perfect cup of certified organic matcha in the traditional Japanese style. A cup of matcha is a healthy way to start the day: It’s packed with healthful antioxidants, amino acids, chlorophyll, fiber, and other immune boosters.
Via Amazon.com
Best for: Face-washing wizards
Help loved ones take their face-washing routines to the next level with this waterproof skin-care device. It is not only clinically proven to cleanse six times better than hands alone, but it also helps remove stubborn makeup and exfoliates the face. This smart device connects to a mobile app to create a personalized experience, and various attachments add to the spa-like feel. When putting together beauty-based self-care gifts, add a few of these other must-have home spa products.
Via Pedipocketblanket.com
Best for: Couch potatoes
Whether you’re curling up with a good book or settling in for a Netflix binge, enveloping yourself in something warm and cozy is an absolute must, but nobody should have to choose between having warm feet or warm shoulders when pampering themselves. The plush, velvety fleece PediPocket eliminates the need for constant adjustments because of its ingenious foot pocket.
Originally Published: October 21, 2021
