Self-Care Gift Guide 2019

Looking for thoughtful last-minute gift ideas? I put together a list of self-care themed gifts to help you find the perfect fit for everyone on your list. I organized the items using the theme of the gifts given by the 3 Wise Men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. I included a brief description of the gift category along with links to each of my gift recommendations. (With the except of the “Gold” gift ideas, most items are $40 or less.)

*Some of these links are affiliate links, such as Amazon, which means I may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases made through them. If you prefer not to use affiliate links, you can easily search for all of these products using the information included. Thank you for supporting my work.

Gold

Gold was traditionally a sign of royalty and, in modern-day gift-giving, it’s typically interpreted as a gift of high value. Below are a list of self-care gifts that are guaranteed to be special.

Homesick Candle in Los Angeles ($26.50) - Amazon*
Everyone loves a beautifully scented candle but it can feel like an extravagant purchase making it the perfect splurge gift. This scent is an orangey-jasmine scent that brings thoughts of spring and summer in the midst of the dreariness of winter.
Perfect for: Your friend, mom, or sister who loves to create a cozy and welcoming home environment.

Art Institute of Chicago Membership ($105/year) - Art Institute of Chicago
Spending the day surrounded by extraordinary works of art is relaxing and inspiring at the same time. Whenever I go to the Art Institute, I love stopping by the Impressionist exhibit because the colors are so soothing. If you don’t live close to Chicago, consider a membership to your local art museum.
Perfect for: Anyone in your life who loves to spend the day surrounded by beauty.

Juniper Plaid Throw Blanket ($78.00) - Anthropologie
A cozy and beautiful blanket to curl up with on the couch along with a mug of hot chocolate or your favorite tea is a thoughtful gift and is likely something your friend or loved one might not think to buy for themselves.
Perfect for: The person who loves hosting cozy movie nights, your child’s teacher, or your neighbor.

French Pastry Workshop ($69.00) - Sur la table
Cooking and baking are self-care activities that also cultivate creativity and self-expression. Treat your loved one to a local cooking or baking class like this French Pastry Workshop at Sur la table. As a bonus, join them for some quality time cooking together.
Perfect for: Your friend who enjoys experiences over physical gifts or whose love language is quality time.

Monthly Bouquet Delivery ($36+/month) - Bouqs
Much like an indulgent candle, flowers are well-loved by all but we rarely purchase them for ourselves. Treat them to a bouquet subscription so that they can experience the beauty of fresh flowers delivered right to their door monthly. I think this would be a really special gift to give.
Perfect for: The person in your life who brings so much light to others and deserves her own dose of sunshine with a beautiful bouquet.

Verily Yours Subscription ($60/year) - Verily
This year, Verily launched a weekly newsletter subscription featuring delicious recipes, home design tips, work strategies, and financial advice. It’s fun to get a little extra Verily-curated content every week straight to your inbox.
Perfect for: Your friend who loves lifestyle and wellness blogs or who is a fan of Verily and their mission.

Frankincense

Frankincense was traditionally used in worship during the time of Jesus. Today, it’s interpreted as any gift that promotes spiritual growth. Here are some gift ideas that promote spiritual self-care.

Botanical Rosary Print ($27.99+) - Rose Harrington
Katrina Harrington created these beautiful prints featuring the flowers that represent each mystery of the Rosary. You can buy the print that features your favorite mystery or you can buy a gorgeous print that features all of the mysteries of the Rosary in flowers. They make beautifully framed prints for your home.
Perfect for: Your friend who loves floral art or who has a special place for the Rosary in her heart.

The Catholic All Year Compendium: Liturgical Living for Real Life by Kendra Tierney ($14.94) - Amazon*
This book offers wonderful ideas for incorporating the themes of the different liturgical seasons into everyday life. It’s a wonderful way to bring Catholic traditions beyond Sunday Mass and into day-to-day life.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves cultivating a cozy and welcoming home and traditions.

Monk Manual: A Daily System for Being + Doing ($38.00) - Monk Manual*
The Monk Manual is inspired by the way monks structure their time. It is part planner and part journal that promotes being over doing. (If that doesn’t sound like self-care, I don’t know what does!) There’s space to create monthly and weekly goals as well as space for reflecting on the past month and weeks.
Perfect for: The person in your life who is a big dreamer and who loves being organized.

The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time by Dr. Gregory Bottaro ($19.55) - Amazon*
Mindfulness is definitely a hot topic right now and Dr. Bottaro’s book shows how learning to practice mindfulness can not only help reduce stress but it can also improve your prayer life. It’s a much-needed Catholic approach to mindfulness.
Perfect for: Your loved one who has been dealing with a lot lately and who could use some peace and quiet.

Tiny Saint Charm of their patron saint ($5.00) - Tiny Saints
These little saint charms serve as great little reminders that your favorite saint is always interceding for you. Plus, they are really cute and easily fit on your keychain.
Perfect for: Literally anyone from teachers to neighbors to family members to friends! Just pick out their favorite saint for a thoughtful stocking stuffer.

Enrollment in Novena and/or Masses ($10.00 Suggested Donation) - The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Sometimes, it’s nice to know that there are other people out there praying for you. Enroll them in a novena of masses at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. It’s a beautiful basilica with lots of amazing mosaics and gorgeous side chapels.
Perfect for: Anyone in your life who has had a stressful year and could use some spiritual support.

Myrrh

Myrrh was traditionally used to treat physical ailments and was also used for embalming. As a modern day gift, it’s often interpreted as something for the body. Below is a list of gift ideas for physical self-care.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Socks ($18.00 USD) - Be A Heart
Socks are a great go-to gift when you aren’t sure what to get someone. These Our Lady of Guadalupe socks from Be A Heart fit the bill. Erica, the designer behind Be A Heart, also has cute bandanas, pins, and swaddles that would make thoughtful gifts - so many options!
Perfect for: Coworkers, teachers, book club friends, and anyone who you aren’t sure what to get them but want to gift something special.

“You Are Enough” T-Shirt ($25.99) - Brick House in the City
We all battle that inner critic that tells us that we’ll never be enough but this t-shirt from Brick House in the City serves as a helpful (and fashionable) reminder that you are enough, just as you are.
Perfect for: Anyone in your life that you want to give the gift of encouragement and empowerment to.

“Be Not Afraid” Temporary Tattoo ($5.99) - Just Love Prints
This is a fun gift which would make a great stocking stuffer! It’s a temporary tattoo with Saint Pope John Paul II’s famous phrase, “Be Not Afraid” in his actual handwriting.
Perfect for: The friend who is struggling through a difficult season or who will be facing something significant in the coming months. It’s also a great stocking stuffer or as part of a gift basket.

Face Mask Duo ($40.00) - Glossier*
Not all self-care is skincare but all skincare is self-care. (How’s that for a puzzle?) Even though there’s much more to self-care than just face masks, manicures, and massages, sometimes it’s just nice to pamper your skin and take some time to relax. This mask duo from Glossier is a great option!
(Use this link for 10% off your entire purchase*)
Perfect for: Your friend, mom, or sister who deserves a little pampering.