Self care is not only one of the biggest current trends, it’s also genuinely important. The holidays can leave people feeling depleted emotionally, financially, and physically, so giving back to yourself even in a small way can make a big difference. Many of these little tokens of appreciation are inexpensive or free ways to show yourself how much you care, and some are designed for saving money over the long term.
A LONG HOT BATH
Relaxing in a tub is a free way to get some peace of mind. Draw out the experience by making it a ritual, from the time you set the lighting and turn the water on until you dry off and apply a favorite lotion. Creating an entire experience around the bath can be a monthly or weekly present.
A SPECIAL BLEND OF LOOSE-LEAF TEA
Tea is one of the least expensive indulgences, and choosing your own blend adds to the enjoyment of the moments spent enjoying a hot cup. While online shops have many options, finding a local specialty store can give you a chance to sample different blends or customize.
AN INDULGENT TREAT
Once in awhile it’s good to give in to cravings. Going for that oversized cookie or triple-chocolate brownie while holiday shopping for others can make it feel fun, and even help you feel satisfied enough to pass on other temptations throughout the season.
CAR DETAILING
Some auto experts advise investing in a professional car detailing once or twice a year, which roots out problems before they get a chance to build up. Although frugal consumers might instinctively do a detailing themselves, professionals have the know-how and equipment to vacuum, steam, and shampoo stains and dirt and leave a car feeling like new. Prices start at about $60.
A WINTER ACCESSORY
Many people are trying to be more minimalist and invest in functional clothes that last multiple seasons. One way to participate in current trends and spice up old favorites is with a new accessory such as a hat, scarf, or gloves that can pair with and make you feel good in multiple outfits.
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A POTTED PLANT
Adding a little life to the office or home can be a source of calming energy and discipline. While living things are generally a no-no for gifting to others, choosing your own plant can start a years-long relationship.
A MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION
Monthly subscriptions are often a cheap gift that keeps on giving. Check out seasonal sales on things such as magazines, TV apps, or even wine and cheese clubs to benefit all year long. The gifts serve as reminders to keep making yourself a priority throughout the year.
A LUXURY COSMETIC
Something as simple as a new lipstick color or face mask can provide a season’s worth of feel-good confidence. Rather than spread money thin, think about one item that will get used the most, then invest a little extra into it to get something really high quality.
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A DIGITAL DETOX DAY
Many people feel like they cannot put their phones down or ignore emails for even one day, even though we know it’s important to unplug sometimes. During the holidays is an ideal time to make a plan to digitally detox for an entire day and just be present with your immediate surroundings. You might like it so much that you do it once a week or month.
LUXURIOUS SHEETS
A great set of sheets can make you feel like royalty and transform the sleeping experience. That often means looking for a high thread count; it doesn’t have to mean buying the finest Egyptian cotton. Cheapism has found plenty of great options under $90. One of our favorites, especially as cooler weather approaches: Amazon’s Pinzon Signature 190-Gram Cotton Velvet Flannel sheets.
A MORNING TO SLEEP IN
In a hustle and bustle world, too many people never get the chance to just stay in bed and use those good sheets. Give yourself this primal gift by sending the kids for a sleepover, or planning a personal day off work. Draw the blackout curtains, turn off the alarms, and wake up naturally after however many hours of rest you need.
A HOBBY CLASS
Experiential gifts are at the top of most people’s lists, especially those trying to cut down on material possessions. Book a class on something you’ve always loved or been interested in, such as wine, pottery, or cooking.
THAT APP YOU ALWAYS WANTED
There are so many apps that it hardly seems worth it to buy one if there’s a version that does the same thing for free. Still, we all have at least one app that we want but never buy. Invest the few dollars — chances are it’s even less than a movie ticket.
A MASSAGE
Massage is an essential part of health in some cultures, but most people view it as a luxury they cannot afford. Saving just $10 per month to spend on a nice massage once a year is an easy way to afford the expense; it might be enough for two massages.
A SPA DAY
A day to relax and unwind from shopping, entertaining, and family can help keep you centered and feeling fresh. There are many spas that offer a free day pass with the purchase of any service. Opt for a manicure to take advantage of spa amenities such as hot tubs and steam rooms without having to drop a lot of money on a more thorough treatment.
LUXURIOUS TOWELS
Like having great sheets, stepping out of a bath or shower and into a soft, plush, but durable towel is a gift that will keep delighting over time. A good cotton weave is worth a small step up in price (unless you like drying off with a thin sheet of sandpaper), but doesn’t need to bankrupt you. Target’s Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Bath Towels earn a lot of praise for softness and absorbency at a reasonable price. And they come in more than a dozen colors.
AN AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION
Ayurvedic medicine has been used for centuries, and has a different approach to many common ailments and diseases. Not usually covered by insurance, and generally thought of more as a palm reading than a medical consultation, Ayurvedic doctor consultations are often written off as unnecessary. While it may be around $100 initial investment, it could give you lasting information that will save you money on health bills down the road.
LUXURIOUS LOUNGEWEAR
Loungewear is something others don’t usually buy as gifts, so it’s up to us. Too often we go for something inexpensive to be practical, but spoiling yourself with one luxurious and high-quality item, such as cashmere leggings or a pima cotton robe, can reduce future spending on replacement items and keep you cozy for years.
A PAIR OF SHOES
Shoes, like glasses, will be worn all the time with almost everything in your closet, which makes them worth the effort and money they require. Make a day of it and explore your favorite shoe stores to find that perfect pair — they’re too personal an item to expect to get as a gift.
A SOLO GETAWAY
Traveling offers fresh perspective on everything from a relationship to eating and sleeping habits. Rather than planning a trip with family or friends, book a solo getaway, no matter how small scale. A weekend at a town a few hours away is enough to feel like a new and exciting adventure.
A PIECE OF ART
Art is very personal, and for lasting appreciation, it’s best bought by the people who will own it. A piece of art can bring years of satisfaction and is worth a substantial initial investment. But it can take many forms, and could even be the result of a DIY project.
GOOD KITCHEN KNIVES
For anything with a sharp blade, going cheap is just asking for trouble, and prolific cooks especially will benefit from having top quality at hand. Experts say home cooks need only three or four knives, the most important being an 8- or 10-inch chef’s knife that is hefty and feels like an extension of the hand. The Wüsthof Classic 8-inch chef’s knife (starting at $100, Crate & Barrel) garners strong endorsements from users and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, which the company honors as long as the knife has been properly maintained.
A DONATION TO CHARITY
Giving to others is scientifically proven to make people feel good. Making a donation, however, small an amount of money or time, to a cause that is personal to you will fill you with a sense of satisfaction that is unlike any other, and generally deeper than material object.
A DNA TEST
Most people are curious about their genetic history, especially as more and more people discover the surprising results are different than what they expected. This kind of investigation is an interesting and meaningful way to get to know yourself, and familial history, better.
A GREAT UMBRELLA
Stop compromising with cheap, weak umbrellas that break easily, collapse in the wind, and barely even keep you from getting soaked. Daveks (starting at $49) are built to be stronger and come with an unconditional lifetime damage guarantee. But “The Better Umbrella” sold through Hammacher Schlemmer for only $29 inverts cleverly to keep you dry even as you step out into a downpour — and then again as you step inside again, because it captures the rainwater inside. It’s also windproof up to 24 mph.
