Shop for yourself, and (finally) have a very merry holiday
Take time to treat yourself this holiday with self-care gifts that won't disappoint
Tell the truth, GALs. How many of you have woken up Christmas morning to a sad stocking or a piddly lack of presents?
Christmas morning is great when you’re a kid — mostly because nobody forgets about getting you gifts. But as women grow up, we’re often tasked with creating all the holiday magic (the cooking, the baking, the decorating, and the gift shopping and wrapping) and somehow we get diminishing returns when it comes to receiving that holiday spirit from our partners or family.
Somehow nobody remembers to fill our stockings. We typically have to hint, cajole, and outright shout reminders to our significant others to get anything under the tree, on the mantel, or just wrapped and given with a little care and forethought.
So this year, avoid being disappointed, wrap what you want, and give it to yourself! Dare I say, it’s time to Treat Yo Self!
1. Transform your bathroom into pleasure town
Relax in the tub or get a full scrub in the shower. Simply masque the night away or do a full mani-pedi. Just do it your way! No more odd smells from bath bombs your kids pick out with lots of glitter (that you get to clean up). Don’t expect someone else to remember that you hate lavender and love ylang-ylang. Get yourself the scents and products YOU like and will use to happily drown that stress. A few of my faves include:
Grab a Korean-style exfoliating glove for sloughing dead skin or getting ready for a spray tan treatment.
Haven’t taken care of your skin in a while? Try a sampler of masques from Origins to feel like you’re at a new spa with every soak. Or get a new product every day with a beauty advent calendar, like this one from Kiehl’s.
Want some peace and relaxation? Take a soothing sound bath with audio that can help you chill out and relax while you soak.
And if your bathroom still has a “rubber ducky” (or simply, “yucky”) feel, do a quick upgrade. Try adding a clever device that will warm your towel or robe for you. You can add your favorite candles or simply some simple dimmable lighting to strike a mood. Or, you can even install a new showerhead that finally gives you the full spa experience, like a rainshower head or a new multi-function option for a bathroom upgrade in about an hour.
2. Finally take a load off your feet with relaxing seating hacks
It seems we’re always on the go. Instead of struggling through another holiday where you’re running around like mad, get some relief! For once, sit down and put your feet up. You can give yourself a new fancy recliner or a comfy couch, sure, or go a little more “stocking-stuffer” level with a few ideas like these:
Try an ergonomic seat cushion to make your desk chair or car seat a delight. Splurge on one from Cushion Lab or Purple, or try a cushion made for specific aches and pains like sciatica or poor posture.
Get some great compression socks for reducing leg and ankle swelling, long flights, or just general leg fatigue. You can even wear them for relief during or after a good workout.
Let them know you’re noticing their lack of help with some subtle hints and cute new decor. Like this pillow at one of my favorite Chicago gift shops, Inkling, that asks for a little help in the kitchen. Or this not-so-subtle reminder for everyone in the house to be nice in a decorative plate by The 13 Prints, available online and in person at Chicago’s Lost Girls Vintage.
3. Sleep well and wake up like a queen every morning
When was the last time you got a full night’s sleep? Like really good sex, it may have been a minute. Instead of fighting for a few hours of rest here and there, give your sleep cycle a little boost with a few self-care gifts like these:
Splurge on great sheets. Not just OK sheets or ones you have a coupon for. Get GREAT sheets. And your sheet choice should fit what you like, not anyone else. If you like warm, cozy flannel sheets for the winter, then get ‘em! Try the flannel sheet OGs like Lands End or LL Bean. If you want slick, cooling sheets to stave off night sweats, then look for ones that help wick moisture and keep you cool. And don’t get lured in by high thread counts — they don’t always mean the best quality. Read up on different sheet materials and go feel some sheets in person at a local store’s bedding department. Buy some you can return if they’re not right. Just don’t be afraid to invest in your sweet dreams.
Get some earplugs — I mean it. It’s often not enough to put a pillow over your ears to drown out that snoring partner, yelling neighbor, or wailing siren outside. Sure you can add white noise through bedside devices or even an app on your phone, but sometimes you just need that sweet decibel block from a comfy set of earplugs. Try flexible ones you can clean and reuse like Loop brand plugs or latex-free options (even for small ears) from Peace&Quiet.
If you’re often putting off going to bed because you’re working, streaming, or just trying to find a few minutes to yourself — stop it. Indulge in your brain and your eyeballs with some new relaxing bedtime routines. Buy yourself a subscription for some sleepytime meditations you can listen to from apps like Calm or Headspace. Make it a priority to have some “me” time — and in turn, have better “sleep” time.
No matter how you’re bracing for the holidays, know that I see you and appreciate you. Now go make a wine-and-cheese date with your besties at that great French place. And while you’re there, get yourself a gift card for your stocking.
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