I don’t know about you, but this year has felt like a long, exhausting year. Maybe it was the non-stop news cycle. Or maybe it was this never-ending pregnancy. Or chasing after a toddler. Or maybe just life. I am sure you know what I mean. And most likely, so do the other ladies (and gents – I know my husband feels the same!) in your life. So, why not tell them you love them with something that reminds them to take some time for some much-needed self care. Here are nine of my favorite ethical gifts to inspire self-care:
1. Every good, long self-care ritual starts and ends with a robe. So, why not give her Coyuchi’s Organic Cotton Waffle robe? Designed to last, GOTS certified, and ethically made in Turkey.
2. How about a Calming Lavender Heat Pillow for the start of a self-care ritual of relaxing at the end of a long day?
3. I love Uma. And the name of this little bottle says it all, Pure Calm Wellness Oil. Just a combination of calming, luxurious, delicious essential oils. Massage it in, breathe it in, and enjoy a self-care experience. Even if it is only for a moment.
4. Inspire her to get outside, get unplugged, and get grounded with Patagonia’s Prow Bomber Down Vest. I love vests for being outdoor in the winter (sometimes, especially in Southern California, a jacket is too much). But I really love this one by Patagonia, because of their ethics. Patagonia is one of the companies that lead me into ethical fashion so many years ago, and they continue to be a favorite, and a Standard Setter, committed to the triple bottom line and the wellness of their employees.
5. Give her the gift of relaxation, time for herself, and organic and fair trade ingredients with the Daughter of the Land CBD Bath Soak. I have this on my wishlist for post-baby, when long luxurious relaxing baths are finally allowed! Turn on the diffuser, tune out the world, and soak.
6. My husband usually does the final step in our little one’s bedtime routine. I have 20 or so minutes to myself. I usually take this time for one of my favorite (and at this point, only regular) self-care rituals. I either make tea or golden milk, and then sit on the couch, with my feet up, and slowly sip as I reflect on the day. It is 20 minutes of bliss. A few days ago, a dear friend, who obviously knows me so well, gave me a jar golden milk mix – just add almond milk. What a treat. Need instructions? Take a look here. And, if you’re reading this on December 23, this is perfect for you! No shipping required!
7. I love The Detox Market’s Best of Green Beauty Box so much that it has made two lists. Yep, it is the number one gift on my Gift Guide for Ethical Beauty Lovers. It is a perfect starter kit for those at the beginning of their ethical beauty journey, and a wonderful addition to those well on their way. Packed with a few of my favorites from W3LL People and Innersence, and few that I haven’t tried yet, like Odacite. Give your loved one the opportunity to detox, scrub, hydrate, and beutify, all in one box.
8. When it comes to self-care, I love rituals. And Moon Bath’s Sacred Smoke Bathing Ritual Set creates one that cleanses the body and mind all at once. The smoky combination of frankincense, copal, white sage, and lavender clears energy, purifies the air, and creates a space for stillness and elevated consciousness. Send this USA made, thoughtfully crafted, sustainably packaged gift off to your loved one that needs a little extra healing.
9. At this point, it is probably obvious. My gift guides are my own wish lists. And Slow Beauty: Rituals and Recipes To Nourish The Body And Feed The Soul, by Shel Pink is on my list. It is entirely about making time daily to practice the mindfulness, self-care, and wellness that make us glow from the inside out. And in my opinion, nourishing the body and feeding the soul are what self-care is all about.
Take care of your loved ones by making sure they take care of themselves. But don’t forget to take some time for a little self-care for yourself as well. Having a tough time with self-care? Take a look at my tips for more mindful gifting.