The best self care gifts guaranteed to make your loved ones smile this festive season, chosen by a wellness enthusiast
So good you'll want them for yourself, too.
Searching for the best self care gifts? Then look no further. In our humble opinion, presents that improve your general wellbeing are fail-safe presents guaranteed to boost mood and put a smile on anyone's face.
Whether you have a wellness enthusiast in your life that you're looking to spoil or are on the hunt for self care ideas to gift to yourself, we've rounded up nearly 30 of the best for a variety of budgets.
Why self care gifts, then? Simply because self care is an essential part of feeling good about yourself, but too often, gets forgotten when we're busy or stressed. That's why self care gifts can be such a thoughtful option - they're a simple way of reminding loved ones to take time for themselves.
That said, self care looks different for everybody - which is why here at Marie Claire UK, we always encourage taking time to do what makes you feel good. Self care, to you, might be soaking in the tub - one study found that hot baths can help lower stress levels and improve sleep. For others, it looks like heading out for a long walk.
Either way, research proves that taking time for yourself can reduce stress, boost happy hormones, and elevate your mood. Of course, Christmas isn't just about gifts - far from it - and this year more than ever, upcycling, crafting, and getting inventive rather than buying things people won't use is a must. That said, if you are looking to invest and are stuck for ideas or looking for a last-minute gift, this carefully curated self care gift guide has something to put a smile on everyone's face. That's what the festive season is all about, after all.
The best self care gifts to shop this festive season
Just in time for gifting season, we've rounded the greatest self care gifts out there, guaranteed to up anyone's level of zen.
If you're stuck for gifting inspiration, check out our edit of the Christmas gifts for her, the best Christmas gifts for him, or the best personalised gifts. Our Junior Shopping Editor has also rounded up the best beauty gift sets and fragrance gifts for Christmas, too, so make sure to scroll those, while you're at it.
Best self care gifts under £50
Papier is team Marie Claire UK’s go-to for all our journaling needs. This gratitude journal has morning and evening prompts for whenever you can find a mindful moment and acts as a safe place to jot down your thoughts and feelings. Filled with motivational messages and affirmations to find gratitude in even the busiest of times, who wouldn't want to receive this?
If your giftee is a frequent gym-goer, they're sure to appreciate this set of Peloton sweat towels. They'll brighten up any hot yoga, strength training, or sauna session.
Our Senior Health Editor Ally Head is a big fan of this as a self care gift - while she normally prefers fiction to self care books, she found this one pretty game-changing when it comes to reframing negative thoughts and cultivating healthy habits.
This would make a great gift for anyone who's been feeling a little blue - as the name suggests, it's all about how small habits can lead to big changes, and also includes stories of how people have changed their lives following the author's handy tips and tricks.
You've likely heard of the benefits of yoga by now, and whether you are searching for a gift for the yoga lover in your life or need a sweet self care gift, our Junior Shopping Editor swears by this bolster for comfortable, easy flows.
Everyone seems to have switched coffee for matcha this year, with many raving about the benefits of matcha (more stable energy, less coffee jitters, and so on). Our Junior Shopping Editor Valeza Bakolli loves this Cloudcha powder. Made from ceremonial grade matcha from Uji Japan, this is a treat any matcha lover will thank you for.
Another of Valeza's favourites is this Ashwagandha blend from Raise & Replenish. Aptly-named Catch Some Zen, it's packed full of soothing ingredients like magnesium, cacao and montmorency cherry.
After a simple but super snuggly self care gift? Enter stage right, this M&S dressing gown. You can’t go wrong with gifting this this Christmas. It's made from super soft ribbed fleece and comes complete with a tie waist and large pockets, perfect for keeping your essentials in.
And these cable knit slipper socks make the perfect complementary cosy gift. They're lined with sherpa fleece, so basically feel like a warm hug in sock form.
I'm a big fan of Gatineau, and this gift set includes the Gatineau Radiance Gelee Cleanser which I swear by and a Gatineau Limited Edition Radiance Enhancing Gommage, in other words, an exfoliator designed to get rid of clogged pores and pigmentation. The third product in the gorgeous gift set is a cult favourite, the Gatineau Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique. Pamper night, anyone?
A gym wear brand that prioritises designs that look good but also support you through your sweat sessions is Adanola. Health Editor Ally Head loves them as they're butter soft, flattering, and don't roll up or fall down. Their seasonal colour range is pretty cute, too.
One of this year's go-to gifts? The viral Yeti tumbler, a must-have gift for any of your wellness-loving mates or TikTok-obsessed friends. It'll keep your liquid whatever temperature you put it in at, plus promises to help you stay hydrated by serving as a visual reminder to drink more.
One of the first liquid collagen supplements team MC UK have seen that genuinely tastes delicious, too, Vida Glow continues to innovate in the collagen industry. Complete with chic packaging and double the dose of your standard collagen supplement, they're a win, win.
Arguably one of the tastiest coffee offerings, B Corp Grind is one of the only companies that sells biodegradable coffee pods. Gift to your coffee-loving family member or friend and put eco-friendly coffee on their radar for the year ahead.
Sustainable B Corp company BAM have been on a mission to make workout gear more sustainable for years now. What sets them apart from other sustainable kit brands, though, is the quality of the kit - the bras support and sweat wick, promising to make you feel confident for any sweat session.
It's no exaggeration that team MC UK are obsessed with the viral mango greens powder from Free Soul. Containing a wide range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, it tastes good and does good, too.
In other health supplement news, Cannaray's wellness gummies make a brilliant self-care gift. This jar of Sea Moss gummies are a great way to try out the gut health-boosting ingredient without having to make the gel yourself.
While acupressure might feel overwhelming or a little woo woo, trust us on this one. Health Editor swears by hers for pre-bed relaxation and loves how it helps to ease muscle pain and boost recovery.
Everyone's obsessed with Bala bangles for a reason. Not only is Pilates having a moment, but the simple yet effective workout tools promise to take your workout up a notch while also looking cute. They come in a variety of neutral and pastel colour options - which one will you go for?
A more intimate gift, but we reckon a Smile Makers toy is the perfect option for yourself or a more cheeky secret Santa present. Smile Makers offer some of the best sex toys out there and the Billionaire design is perfect for beginners thanks to it's simple design. Enjoy.
Best self care gifts under £100
On the hunt for a more luxe self care gift? Let us introduce you to the Cire Trudon candles. First launched in 1643, you can reuse the outer container for pens, make up brushes, or house decoration (they're pretty beautiful). This scent offers notes of cinnamon, clove, saffron, and a touch of rose, combined with honey tobacco, smoked leather, and a musky patchouli base. Yep - it's a good one.
One of our go-to brands, this deep relax set from ilapothecary deserves a spot at the top of all the best self care wishlists. This set has an incredibly soothing magnesium and amethyst deep relax bath soak, blended with gems and oils for a seriously peaceful and relaxing bath. Also included is an SOS body balm which has won awards for its ability to soothe aches and pains.
Taking time out to paint your nails has long been hailed as self care, but one way to make it even more relaxing? Get someone else to do it for you. Townhouse offers a real pampering experience. With locations all over London and new ones popping up across the country, I'm gifting vouchers to a fair few of my friends this Christmas. Not only is this a super thoughtful gift and an excuse to get together in the New Year, but it's great if you've left it to the last minute but don't want it to seem that way.
Everyone needs one of the best silk pillowcases, and Slip is one of the best brands on the market. This pillowcase is made from 100% silk, has an easy zip fastening, and has gorgeous embroidered detailing available, too, if you'd like to make the present more personal.
Another of Senior Health Editor Ally Head's go-to brands is By Glaze, a small sustainable jewellery brand founded by Natalie Glaze. All of the designs are gorgeous, but she wears these earrings on repeat.
Sustainable, luxurious and seriously stylish, August & Piers candles are the perfect gift for you, a friend, or a family member. When the wicks run down, the pots make beautiful pen holders, ornaments, or make up brush holders.
Luxury self care gifts over £100
Movement = self care. Valeza recommends Asics' Gel-Cumulus 25 as one of the best self care gifts for the runners, mindful walkers or Pilates lovers in your life. They're incredibly light, comfy and chic. Shop the best running trainers chosen by MC UK Editors, here.
If you've read our piece on essential oils for stress, you'll know that they can be a great way to calm your nervous system. We're big fans of the Neom Wellbeing Pod - a stylish and simple way to boost zen and make your home smell great, too. Simply add water and a few drops of essential oil to the tank and the pod will release a fine mist.
The best weighted blankets can soothe stress and anxiety, so what better way to show some love this festive season than with a blanket that feels like a hug? It's made from 100% bamboo fibre that feels like silk but much easier to clean. Give the gift of better sleep this Christmas.
New wellness brand You're Looking Well doesn't only have chic packaging, but science-backed products that promise to boost your gut and skin health at the same time.
We all know that sometimes the most straightforward form of self care is to put the phone away, but that is much easier said than done. Unplugged is a digital detox, with cabins outside of London and in Manchester, where you lock your phone away and find calm. Located pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so you can get outside and enjoy a mindful walk without your phone. You can gift a custom amount, and it's a perfect last-minute gift too.
Spoiler alert: this is the only gift I want this Christmas. A cute gift packed with kit to take any yoga or Pilates class up a notch, you'll receive a super handy yoga bag, a cork yoga mat, a cork brick to make moves more comfortable, and a quartz crystal water bottle, to boot.
