The best self care gifts are fail-safe presents, guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face, because who doesn't love a self care moment? Whether you have wellness enthusiasts in your life that you're looking to spoil or are on the hunt for self care ideas to gift to yourself and boost your mood, these are the best self care gifts out there.
We all know self care is essential, but that said, it looks different for everybody - which is why here at Marie Claire UK, we always encourage taking time to do what makes you feel good. That's where the best self care gifts come in, for the festive season and beyond. Self care, to you, might be soaking in the tub - one study found that hot baths can help lower stress levels and improve sleep - or perhaps it's heading out for a walk - either way, the best self care gifts are here to show your loved ones that you really care, for a thoughtful gift that will definitely not end up in the re-gifting pile.
It's not all face masks and bath bombs, but whatever their interests, significant research proves that taking time for yourself can reduce stress, boost happy hormones, and elevate your mood. So what better present is there? Self care gifts work for everyone, so if you're stuck for ideas or looking for a last-minute gift, this carefully curated self care gift guide will have something to put a smile on their face, and that's what the festive season is all about.
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, so make sure to take advantage of those.
Best self care gifts under £50
A self care kit isn’t complete without a journal and Papier is team Marie Claire’s go-to for all our journaling needs. This gratitude journal has morning and evening prompts for whenever you can find a mindful moment. A place to write all 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?
Our Health Editor Ally Head is a big fan of this as a self care gift - while she normally prefers fiction to self care books, this one is 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 would’ve 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.
Switching coffee for matcha is the new wellness trend on TikTok and our Junior Shopping Editor loves this Cloudcha powder. Made from ceremonial grade matcha from Uji Japan, this is a treat any matcha lover will thank you for.
A simple but super snuggly self care gift? A cosy dressing gown. You just can’t go wrong with wrapping this up for Christmas, because you can never have too many dressing gowns in my opinion. This M&S one is made from a super soft ribbed fleece, complete with a tie waist and large pockets, perfect to keep your eye mask and CBD oil in.
A gift any self care lover would be happy to receive, especially when it comes with glowing skin. Including the Gatineau Radiance Gelee Cleanser (which I can’t live without), a Gatineau Limited Edition Radiance Enhancing Gommage - 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, so self-care moments can be doubled up as skin brightening ones.
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 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.
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 perfect for yourself or a cheeky secret Santa present. Smile Makers are one of the best sex toysand this one is perfect for beginners. Enjoy.
Best self care gifts under £100
It's no secret that if you love self care, you have an ever-growing candle collection. So if you're searching for a luxury self care gift, you need to know about Cire Trudon. Why? They've been making candles since 1643, so they know how to curate a perfect candle. It's warm with a unique scent that will make you the star gift giver this festive season. Notes of cinnamon, clove, saffron, and a touch of rose, combined with honey tobacco and smoked leather with a musky and patchouli base, set the scene for all the best self-care moments.
The deep relax set should be at the top of all the best self care wishlists. A relaxing bath is the centre of every self care moment, and a good bath soak is necessary. This set has the most incredible Magnesium and Amethyst Deep Relax Bath Soak. Yes, this isn't your ordinary magnesium bath salt to relax and ease muscles; this soak is blended with gems and oils for the most peaceful and relaxing bath you've ever known. Seriously, you will struggle to not gift this to yourself, too. Plus, a SOS Body Balm which has won awards it's that good at relieving pain and tension. There's no better self care gift.
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 is place to go for a real pampering experience. With locations all over London and new ones popping up across the country, I'm gifting this to all 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 the best of the best. This one is made from 100% silk and has an easy zip fastening. But this one is even better as it has gorgeous embroidered detailing with every letter available to choose from - how cute?