My homebody tendencies really start to come out with the time change (which seems to have hit me extra hard this year). Come mid-November, I’m usually “in for the night” before I’ve even called it a day at work. But with my FOMO fading, I really lean into savoring my time indoors, moving at a slower pace.
I gave thought to the things I use to support my overall wellness, allowing me to indulge in a little self-care, and ultimately, zen out while I’m at home. These items are what make my daily routines and rituals so enjoyable, along with a few things I don’t yet own that would definitely be nice to haves.
Whether you’re shopping for your friends, family, someone you work with, the barista you see every week, or even for yourself, I hope you find something that will make someone’s spirits bright!
GIFT IDEAS FOR A MORNING ROUTINE
Ice roller – I use this every single morning and even travel with it (I just make sure to let it defrost before packing). Not only is it great for de-puffing after a night of sleep (or cocktails!), it’s a really soothing ritual that also allows me to zone in on my breath and start the day off as calmly as possible.
The Five Minute Journal (also here) – I journal every morning, but prefer to write in a steady stream of consciousnesses most of the time. I know for a lot of people, they need a little prompting to get started. If that’s you or you often find yourself pressed for time, this is a great option – it’s called the Five Minute Journal for a reason! I have this journal for those type of days.
Kettle – Most days, I start my morning with a warm cup of lemon water. I love the look of this kettle and the little spout is just so cute! My gas stove heats things up in record time, but if it’s needed, it also comes in an electric version.
GIFT IDEAS FOR WFH MOMENTS
Glass straws – I have gifted these so many times I’ve lost count! They really do make all the difference when it comes to sipping water at-home. Funny thing to note: i much prefer the bent straws over the straight straws, but they’re a package deal and at a really great price.
Blue light glasses – Great for that person on your list who logs a lot of screen time, which could be literally anyone with a smartphone, but especially for those who work from home now. Being online for all meetings has definitely taken a toll on me and I figure wearing a pair of glasses during the day certainly can’t hurt and any little bit of stress and strain relief helps.
Kiehl’s hand salve – I swear by this hand cream in the winter and pretty much have a bottle on me at all times. The limited edition packaging is so good this year! The scent is great and it’s really the only thing that saves my hands from the cold Chicago winters. This would make for a great little gift for anyone on your list or a smaller bottle for a stocking stuffer!
GIFT IDEAS FOR MINDFUL MOVEMENT
Bala bangles – MVP in 2020 and a game-changer for at-home workouts. There are so many workouts you can do with these at home or you can wear them around your wrists or ankles for walks outside! Also sold here.
APL wave sneakers – If you or someone on your list is looking for a good quality sneaker that is light and built to last, this is it! I have several pairs and can’t tell you how happy I am so slip them on every morning.
GIFT IDEAS FOR A NIGHTTIME ROUTINE
Luvscrub – I was introduced to this Black-owned beauty brand last year and can confidently say I’ll never go back to a regular loofah. I can’t really explain it, it’s just different in the best way! And I love that you can stretch it out long and get the hard-to-reach parts of your back or fold it up and lather to your liking.
Dry brush – Another great product that lets me tap into something I can do with my hands (that doesn’t involve holding an electronic device). Dry brushing helps promote lymphatic drainage (eliminating waste in the body) and increases circulation. I like to turn on some music and do light brush strokes working from my ankles up (always brushing toward my heart) until the song is over before hopping into the shower.
Olaplex – I just got my haircut the week before last and at my appointment, my friend Jenna put this hair mask on my head and I was blown away by how soft and smooth my hair has been ever since! I’m not usually one to give my hair a whole lot of TLC, but this product has changed my mind.
Hair towel – Another one of those must-haves for people who are on the go! This towel dries your hair in record time and protects it from unnecessary added heat from extra blow-dry time.
Slippers – Slipping these on right when you get out of the shower makes you feel like you’re at the spa! Need I say more?
Chakra mist – I discovered this mist in a yoga class way back in 2017 it forgot about it until more recently. There are tons of benefits and all sorts of different options, depending on what you or the person you’re gifting to need. Spray it on after yoga for some deep breathing exercises or before you settle in for a meditation or massage. I like using the Insight Timer app!
ON MY WISHLIST
AirPods – I’ve been fighting this for far too long (mostly because I don’t trust myself not to lose a pod), but one of my earbuds went out and between that, the constant fight between the cords and my face mask, and the fact that Apple doesn’t give you a new pair like the used to when you upgraded your phone, it is time. The Airpods Pro are on major sale right now ($50 off!). I really like the idea of having transparency mode and the noise cancelling won’t hurt either.
Oura ring – I’ve been learning (albeit the hard way) how important sleep is to our overall health and am so intrigued by this option. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s said to be the most accurate consumer sleep tracker in the world, which is what really got my attention. Oura factors in your key vitals like body temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability, and more to determine your quality of sleep and whether or not your body is well recovered or under some sort of stress. TLDR: This ring analyzes your sleep and if it lives up to it’s name, will help you live better. Sign me up.
Have you bought any great gifts yet? Let me know what you’re shopping for right now down in the comments!
Downloaded the sv3888app. Seems pretty smooth so far. I’m hoping for some serious winnings. Anyone have any tips or tricks for this app? Let a brother know!