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SaveHealth & Wellness 12 Days of Wellness: Promote Self Care With Your Holiday Gifts This Year

12 Days of Wellness: Promote Self Care With Your Holiday Gifts This Year

Want to show your love with self-care items this holiday season? Learn some wellness gift ideas from Save!

12 Days of Wellness: Promote Self Care With Your Holiday Gifts This Year

Hooray, the holidays are here again! This year, many people are looking for more personal presents that let loved ones know you value their overall wellbeing. These days, self-care is more important than ever before. Health and wellness gifts are a fabulous way to show you care. Here are some ideas for holiday health and wellness gifts to show your love without breaking the bank.

Spa certificate

A day spa is the ultimate in self-care. Yes, it's indulgent, and that's a good thing! Make it more affordable for someone you love to take that me-time! Did you know that during the holiday season, many spas offer bonuses for gift certificates? You pay a certain amount for a certificate, say $25. But the spa will offer a higher amount, such as $30 or $40, in services. Look around to see if any local spas are offering bonus programs. 

Essential oils

Many essential oils are known for their soothing properties. Choose high-quality oils that promote relaxation from a reputable company. Think chamomile, lavender, bergamot, rose, vanilla, eucalyptus, and jasmine. To make it a complete gift, add a diffuser for aromatherapy or a carrier oil (such as coconut or almond oil) that dilutes the essential oil for skin application.

Healing herbs

Many common herbs are believed to have healing properties. If you're not well versed in herbal lore, stick to those often used in cooking, such as garlic, ginger, and chamomile. But be aware that some healing herbs can interfere with various medications and may not be well tolerated by those with certain medical conditions. If in doubt, consider giving your loved one a customizable gift certificate to a local or online shop, where they can pick out the safest and most effective herbs.

Soothing scrubs

From facial washes to foot scrubs, exfoliating is an envigorating choice for self-care. You can find scrub-based gift baskets at many different online or brick-and-mortar stores. Or visit a shop specializing in scrubs and bath bombs, and pick out a small collection that uniquely suits your loved one. Collect them in a pretty basket and wrap in colorful plastic for a holiday-worthy presentation.

Foot spa

What could be more relaxing than a good foot soak? Especially if the person you're buying for spends a lot of time on their feet. Foot spas run the gamut from simple basins to plug-in models with multiple jet settings, massage speeds, heat options, and even colorful lights. Be sure to check user reviews to make certain people are generally happy with the spa performance.

Back massager

A nice back massage is always welcome after a long day. If you know someone who loves massages but can't get to the spa every week, plug-in back massagers come in a wide range of styles. If they sit at a desk all day, consider a full-back massage cushion that fits a desk chair. If they have lower back pain, try a dedicated lumbar massager. A wraparound massager is an excellent general-purpose option that can be used equally well on the neck or the back. Note that some massagers are more powerful than others. Consider a medium or low-powered product unless you're sure the recipient enjoys an intense massage.

Copper bracelets

The science behind copper bracelets as wellness tools remains unclear. Some people swear by them for pain relief, while others say they don't do much. But either way, these fashionable bracelets aren't believed to cause any harm, so why not give it a try? They come in a variety of designs and are inexpensive enough to pair with another wellness gift.

Sound machine

White noise and soothing sounds can help promote relaxation and deeper sleep. Yes, you can access various soundtracks on our phones, but it's much nicer to use a dedicated sound machine (yay, screen-free time!). With multiple sounds to choose from and easy volume adjustments, they allow users to tuck away their phones for a truly restful night.

Food basket

There's a reason that care packages for college students and members of the military generally include food. It's soothing and shows you care for their daily wellbeing. From sausages and smoky cheeses to wine and dark chocolate, there's a food basket for virtually everyone on your list. Throughout the year, note personal preferences and dietary issues, so you know what foods to focus on come gift-giving time. 

Journal

Journaling is a well-known tool for boosting mental health. Just the act of handwriting, which is rare in the modern world, can make it easier for thoughts to come out. Journals are available in a vast array of styles, from unicorn and fairy decorations to hand-bound leather tomes. Consider including a nice pen in the package.

Yoga starter kit

Yoga is an excellent way to relax, decompress, and improve both physical and mental health. Try putting together a starter kit that includes a yoga mat, a few yoga blocks, a resistance band, a yoga ball, and a few DVDs. You can also buy pre-made yoga starter kits online.

Games and puzzles

Games and puzzles promote brain health and can be an immersive way to relax. Unless the person is a jigsaw aficionado, look for 500-1,000-piece puzzles. These are complicated enough to be challenging without requiring a massive commitment of time and energy.

If you haven't bought board games in a while, you might be surprised at the sheer volume of options. Think about your friend's interests and the number of people likely to play along. It's always helpful to chat with someone at a specialty game shop who can help you narrow down the options to something your loved one will truly enjoy.