Who else is still stressed from 2020? Sure, it’s been nearly two years since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, but the world is still reeling as we continue to see new waves and new variants emerge. The collective psychological toll is expected to last years, maybe even decades, with experts claiming that we’re in the midst of mental health crisis like none other. Right now, everyone could use some extra self-love, and there’s no better time to show that you care than the holidays.
To keep your shopping as stress-free as possible, we’ve collected nine of the best sleep, wellness and self-care gifts that everyone from your mom to your boss would be excited to receive. And since the holidays can be taxing in their own right, you might want to pick up a little something extra for yourself, too!
Hill House Home Sisi Silk Pillowcase, $85
Silk pillowcases have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Unlike the cotton used for traditional pillowcases, silk wicks away moisture and reduces friction—both of which can lead to some serious beauty benefits, in addition to regulating your temperature. Silk pillowcases keep your hair and face hydrated; prevent creases from sleeping on your side or face (and potentially wrinkles, too); and protect against frizzy hair, tangles and bedhead. No, it’s not a magical cure-all for your skin or curls, but a high-quality silk pillowcase will enhance existing self-care routines. And while there are plenty to choose from on the market, we’re fawning over Hill House Home’s Sisi Silk Pillowcase. Made from 22mm Mulberry silk (the equivalent of Egyptian cotton) and available in eight colors and patterns, the Sisi will give you a refreshing night’s sleep and leave you looking healthier in the morning.
HealthyLine TAO Mat Full 7224 Firm, $999
Unlike silk pillowcases, I cannot even pretend to understand the science behind one of HealthyLine’s most sought after models, the TAO Mat Full. But as someone who’s dealt with back pain for years, I can attest to this luxurious heating pad’s powers. According to the company’s website, the mat is embedded with pounds of pure natural gemstones, which release far-infrared rays and negative ions into the body’s core. This, blended with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, is meant to enhance wellness potential—stimulating your body, increasing blood circulation and relieving you of minor aches and pains. Personally, I’ve found this mat offers some serious pain relief and leaves you with a positive, soothing feeling.
Sagely Naturals Calm & Centered CBD Roll-On, $19.99
Similar to silk pillowcases, CBD is also having a moment right now, and if you’re new to the game, the Sagely Calm & Centered CBD Roll-On is exactly where you should start. (Even CBD connoisseurs should give this product a try!) Sagely uses only the highest quality, broad-spectrum CBD, along with powerful botanicals, which promotes feelings of peace, clarity, positivity, relaxation and calm. With a gorgeous scent that lingers but doesn’t overwhelm, I usually apply this roll-on to my pressure points before bed, but it’s meant to help you find focus and rid yourself of stressful moments at any time throughout the day.
VintageMeuxd Her Success Affirmation Cards, $27.77
Affirmation cards are tools meant to help you connect with your inner-self and boost positivity. Through regular use, you can learn to change your negative thought patterns, influence your subconscious mind and motivate yourself to act. So, what’s a better gift than a pack of affirmation cards? How about a pack specifically designed to motivate career-minded women! This handmade pastel pack from Etsy shop VintageMeuxd includes 18 affirmation cards, 18 reflection cards, 18 challenge cards and one amethyst crystal. Meant to encourage mindfulness and intentionality, Her Success Cards are a perfect gift for all the women in your life who are working to shatter the glass ceiling—plus, purchasing these means supporting a woman-owned small business. I call that a win-win.
Nollapelli Signature Sheet Set, starting at $275
There’s a reason that the Sleep Foundation chose Nollapelli’s Signature Sheet Set as one of the best cooling sheets of 2021. The brand, which was founded by chemical engineer Allison Howard, has married skin, sleep and textile sciences to develop super soft, high-quality bedding that prevents skin and hair damage while improving sleep quality. The blend of skin-loving, eco-friendly fibers and silky polymer yarns—45 percent Tencel (which is more sustainable than most 100-percent natural bed sheet materials), 35 percent nylon and 20 percent Pima cotton—helps manage your sleep environment, from moisture and friction to temperature regulation. Give a loved one the gift of waking up refreshed, rejuvenated and hydrated. Trust me, they’ll thank you.
The Patch Brand Variety Pack, $48
There are so many vitamin supplement products available—and trending—nowadays that I honestly had been too intimidated to try any of them. Adaptogens, superherbs, Moon Juice…where to even begin? Fortunately, the good people at the Patch Brand reached out to me about their vitamin wellness patches, and I’m so glad they did. The patches are beyond easy to use, and the company makes it super clear and very easy to understand what each patch does and when to use them—not mention, application is as easy as, “peel, stick and enjoy.” The Variety Pack comes with 15 patches for each of the brand’s five formulas: Focus, Sleep, Stress-Relief, Energy and Immunity. The patches are hypoallergenic, responsibly sourced, cruelty-free and vegan, making the Patch Brand a no-brainer when it comes to vitamin supplements. I’ve only been using the transdermal patches for a couple of days, but I’ve already noticed an increase in concentration (Focus), a decrease in anxiety (Stress-Relief) and my first truly deep sleep in quite some time (Sleep).
Tea Forté Select, $44
Nothing warms your soul faster than a great cup of tea, and Tea Forté takes its consumers on the ultimate tea journey. The company works directly with growers to handcraft award-winning tea blends, and the elegant packaging and innovative pyramid infuser offer a luxe experience from unwrapping and steeping all the way to the very last sip. Tea Forté’s Select collection allows you to customize the perfect tea box; with 26 of the company’s most popular blends to choose from, you can select up to four varieties for 20 teas in all, encased in a stately box. For gifts, they even offer “occasion bands,” which allow you to wrap your box in a message that best suits your gifting needs. My personal favorite blends include Mountain Oolong, Orchid Vanilla, Earl Grey and Black Currant, but there are truly no wrong choices here.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer, $52
I truly don’t know how to emphasize this enough: When Peter Thomas Roth claims its hyaluronic moisturizer “feels soft and weightless like clouds in the atmosphere,” it couldn’t be more accurate. OK, I don’t actually know what clouds feel like, but I do know that the unique gel-cream texture feels luxuriously light—both in the jar and on your face. But don’t let the weightlessness fool you; this moisturizer not only feels amazing, but it also delivers on all of its promises. Made with 30 percent hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk and Pentavitin, Cloud Cream provides up to 72 hours of hydration, makes your skin look plump, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves you with a more youthful complexion. With so many moisturizers out there at every imaginable price point, I can honestly say that nothing else I’ve tried (and I’ve tried the gamut) compares to this jar.
Pure Daily Care Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser, $109.95
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of Himalayan salt lamps; as a natural source of air purification and ionization, they can calm allergies, reduce asthma and ultimately provide easier and healthier breathing. However, Pure Daily Care’s Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser takes those benefits to the next level. In addition to a chamber that holds over two pounds of raw, unrefined, unprocessed and hand-carved Himalayan pink salt crystals mined from the mountains of Pakistan, the device also incorporates a heatless ultrasonic diffuser to atomize essential oils. Essential oils, of course, deliver a range of therapeutic effects from promoting calmness, improving clarity and boosting your mood, and this diffuser comes with 10 therapeutic-grade essential plant oils, including lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, lemongrass and jasmine, to name a few. The chic compact design offers convenient features, such as soft glow ambient lighting settings and a built-in, auto shut-off sensor
