The other day, I stumbled upon the cutest “self care kit” gift set on Etsy. I’d never heard of a self care kit before, and loved the idea of this little basket of goodies. The set contained essential oils, lip balm, herbal tea, a face mask, healing crystals, and more.
Although the holiday season is exciting, things can get stressful during this time of year. Maybe you’re traveling a lot, hosting get-togethers at your place, or are preoccupied with finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. Personally, I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by the thought of such a busy period. It seems like time is flying by!
After doing some research, I found quite a few articles discussing the benefits of self care kits. A kit dedicated to self care is the perfect reminder to slow things down–especially during busier periods like the holidays.
So, what exactly is a self care kit?
Essentially, a self care kit is a place to keep your favorite “feel-good” items and mementos. If you’re having a rough day, you’ll be able to find a goodie bag filled with things that make you happy!
To create a self care kit, first you’ll need a box, basket, or little tote bag. You can decorate your kit with positive notes, doodles, tissue paper, and ribbons.
Afterwards, start thinking about some things to pack in your self care kit. Maybe it’s a scented candle, your comfy socks, a photo of your dog, etc.
I found quite a few articles that discussed organizing a self care kit by the senses (taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell).
Keep in mind that this is just one organizational method. Don’t feel constrained by this approach and do what feels right for you!
According to projecthelp.org, “When putting together a self care kit, there is no wrong way to do it. If something makes you feel safe and relaxed at stressful moments, then that is something you may want in your kit.”
20 Essentials to Put in Your Self Care Kit
Throughout the years, I’ve experienced physical symptoms caused by anxiety that make me feel even more anxious. With that being said, my products/items/mementos list focuses on ways to help nurture your physical and mental health. Although everyone’s self care kit will look different, here are a a few of my “essentials” recommendations you can put in your kit!
For the Mind and Heart
1. Come Away With Me by Norah Jones (album)
Even if it’s freezing outside, Norah’s music makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. When you’re listening to Come Away With Me, It’s almost impossible not to envision yourself sitting on a porch swing, enjoying a gorgeous summer night. Absolutely stunning album, I’d recommend for a long road trip!
2. Stress ball
A classic tool for relieving stress!
3. Photo of a loved one.
Seeing someone you love will automatically make you smile. 💛
4. Becoming by Michelle Obama (book)
Michelle Obama is such an inspirational woman, so I was super excited to hear about her autobiographical memoir coming out. I started reading the book about a week ago, and I can’t put it down. A 100% must-read book!
5. Sea shells from the beach.
Cause there’s just something calming about the ocean.
6. Memento of a happy memory, like concert tickets.
It’s nice to keep mementos, because you can look back on happy memories. My mom and I went to a comedy club about a month ago for her birthday, and I still have the tickets from that day!
7. Nintendo Switch
Another great essential for traveling!
8. Dream journal
Starting a journal is cathartic, especially if you’re trying to analyze your dreams. ☁️
9. Bath and Body Works candle!
My favorite is their Winter Candy Apple. This candle has such a sweet and festive scent!
10. The Splat: Coloring the ’90s Nickelodeon (coloring book)
Hey Arnold? Rocket Power? Rugrats? I mean, need I say more?
11. Hilarious birthday or holiday card.
Oh, you know, those hilarious yet undeniably cheesy birthday cards…gotta love them!
For the Body (Physical Self Care)
1. Pusheen plush slippers
How cute are these, y’all? I needed new slippers and recently bought my own pair of Pusheen slippers. Super adorable!
2. Tazo Passion packets
I’ve always loved Tazo tea, and the Passion variety is amazing.
3. Yummy snacks.
Hot Cheetos, chocolate, popcorn….go ahead and treat yourself! If you’re looking for healthier options, pack some granola bars, veggie chips, or a bag of nuts!
Here are some more healthy alternatives to chips, via Hello Giggles.
4. Bath bomb
I’m so late when it comes to this trend, but bath bombs have been a new favorite of mine this year! The other day, I saw this Intergalactic bath bomb from Lush on their website, and I really want to try it out! Have you tried any of Lush’s bath bombs? If so, what do you think of them?
5. Colorful O.P.I Nail Polish
They have so many pretty options on their website! I’m getting excited for New Year’s Eve nails. Just think of all the glitter lol!
Sweatshirts are just so warm and comfy, especially during a cold winter in Chicago. Totally guilty of stealing basically all of Alejandro’s sweaters…sorry babe!
7. Your favorite eyeshadow palette!
If you love to play with makeup, a mini eyeshadow palette would be a nice addition to your self care kit. After reading so many great reviews, I had to try out out the ” Rosé in the Air” palette by Wet N Wild. The icon eyeshadow palette is great quality, quite compact, and affordable.
If you want to explore more affordable options, I recommend Target or Ulta!
8. A soothing body lotion you love.
Forever a fan of Warm Vanilla Sugar products from B&BW!
9. Necessities.
Finally, don’t forget about necessities! When you’re on-the-go, keeping an extra hair brush, toothbrush, or travel shampoo bottle can come in handy. It’d be so convenient to have somewhere to store extra makeup wipes, deodorant, and hand sanitizer!
I hope that you enjoyed this post, everyone! Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Do you currently have a self care kit for traveling or busy periods like the holidays? If not, what do you think of the concept? Also, what products/mementos/items would you keep in your self care kit?
I’ve had what I call, “My Rainy Day kit” for years. I keep headphones, essential oils, my favorite book, a guided journal, a candle, and my wrist and knee braces in mine as well as some small weights for rehabilitation exercises when my knee has issues. I like the idea of a hoodie. I have a ton of those.
I’ve kept them for years!
Carrying a self care kit is really unique idea ❤️
Thankyou
I love the idea of having a self care kit. I don’t have a designated kit for rough times but I often keep candles around the house and fuzzy socks. Cozy is my go to when I need some time away from the world. Great Post x
Thanks, Cleia! 💓I’m the exact same way when it comes to feeling cozy. As soon as I get home from work, I just have to change into my sweats or pjs! Fuzzy socks would be such a great item for a self care travel kit, and candles are very soothing after a long day!! x
I love the idea of a self care kit! It is definitely useful for times when you really need it for whatever reason. It’s perfect because you know what you like! Oooh, I love stress balls. Having a dream journal is neat. It is a great time for some reflection. Oooh I LOVE PUSHEEN!!! These are perfect!!! Thanks for sharing this idea!!
Nancy ♥
Definitely 💛it’s such a helpful concept, and I love how much you can personalize your own self care kit!! I just had to include the Pusheen slippers hehe they’re so cozy!! Also, keeping a dream journal has helped me a lot. it’s really nice to have somewhere to write down your thoughts. 💗
Thank you for your sweet comment, Nancy!! Have a great rest of your Monday!! x
This is such a feel good and helpful post, I love it! I am such a huge Lush bath bomb fan, my favourite is the dragons egg! xx
Aww thanks, Chloe!! 💗Oooh, I just looked up the dragons egg bath bomb on their site and it looks so cool!! Thank you for the recommendation, girl!! x
I love the idea of this self care kit, Nunzia. ♡ I hadn’t really heard of anything like it before. All of your essentials sound so lovely! Pusheen is the cutest and I love that candy apple scent from B&BW! ♡
Thank you, Hunida!! 💓I had never heard of a self care kit before either, and just loved the idea of it so much!!
Glad that you enjoyed the essentials list. 💛Pusheen is soooo adorable!! I have a t-shirt of Pusheen and when I saw the slippers on the website, they were a must lol!! Also Winter Candy Apple is my fave scent for the holiday season (out of my very many faves when it comes to B&BW) hehe!! x
Such a sweet and lovely idea! Such a great idea for Christmas for a loved one too. Thank you for sharing ❤️xx
Thanks, darling!! 💗Totally!! Etsy had quite a few self care gift sets on their site (aside from the one that I initially stumbled upon). It really would be such a fantastic and thoughtful gift for a loved one!! 💞
Thank you so much for stopping by!! x
This is such a great idea! It’s so important to take care of yourself and having a little kit like this is perfect!
Tori | JustTheBeginning-x.com Latest Post: BLOGMAS DAY 1 – 🌟 CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY! 🌟
Thank you, Tori!! 💓Agreed–it’s so important to focus on self care, especially during busy periods like the holidays!! Thanks for reading, hope you’re having a great Monday!! 😊x
I absolutely love this idea 🙂 A self care kit should be mandatory if you ask me 😀 We all need one! Some really cute ideas here <3
Thank you!! 💓Glad you liked the ideas list!! Also, self care is def super important–so happy I stumbled upon that Etsy gift set cause I had never heard of a self care kit before!
Thanks for stopping by, dear! x
Hey girl! First time visiting your blog and I have to say it like really lovely 😍🤗 I love this list you’ve got here, there’s so many goodies! I LOVE bath and body works (I even made a dedicated blog post about it haha) so I love the fact that you listed the candle and lotion. They smell so good!! 😁 I’d love to put a Nintendo switch and Pusheen slippers in my care basket! 😍
Geraldine | https://geraldinetalks.com
Awww, thank you so much for your sweet comment, Geraldine!! 💓Omg, Bath and Body Works is the best haha i’m at that store way too often 😂😂Will def check out your blog post about B&BW–sounds like such a fun read!!
I’d totally recommend the Pusheen slippers, they’re so comfy! Also, the Nintendo Switch (or portable handheld counsels in general) is really useful for long road trips!!
Thanks for reading, hon!! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, by the way!! x
omg I want to make a kit now, i never thought of making one
It looks really useful especially for me for when I travel, that’s when I feel most anxious
Thanks for sharing!♡
― Kiki
Thanks, love!! 💓If you travel a lot, keeping a self care kit would def be sooo useful when it comes to easing anxiety and stress. I’ll be out of town a bit more this month, so I’m thinking of packing a self care kit specifically for traveling! I tend to feel more anxious when I’m traveling too!! But I’ve noticed that doing little things like this for yourself helps so much! 💗x
I love this idea! thanks for sharing, I especially appreciate the idea of putting a colouring book in the kit!!
Thank you, Victoria!! 💞Coloring has personally helped me so much with stress and anxiety! It’s really distracting, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or have a lot on your mind. Plus, who wouldn’t love a coloring book that features iconic ’90s Nickelodeon cartoons? hehe!! x
Luv all the cute idea,except the opi… I’m using nail polish brand that doesn’t contain the 9 harmful ingredients.
Hi, Maggie! Thanks for stopping by and reading my post—really glad you enjoyed the read 😊 O.P.I has been one of my favorite nail polish brands for a while now because of their affordability and cute shades, but I haven’t read up much on the ingredients they use. What nail polish brands would you recommend? I’m always open to hearing about better alternatives for beauty products! x
I love the idea of a self care kit! I might make one for my sister for Christmas x
Aww, a self care kit would be such a sweet Christmas gift for a family member, Rebecca!! I’m sure she’d love it!! 💓x
A really unique post, I can’t wait to make my own kit!
Thank you, dear!! So happy you liked the post! 💓x
Really cute ideas !
Mom
Thanks so much, Ma!!! 💖💓
This is such a sweet idea and it would also make a great gift idea for a loved one or a friend 🙂
Thanks, Chanelle! 💛I thought the same thing when I saw the self care gift set on Etsy!! It’s a really cute and meaningful concept! 😊x