What to put in a self-care basket

15 Self-Care Gift Basket Ideas for Stress Relief and Relaxation

What to put in a self-care basket

Taking a moment for ourselves isn’t just a luxury anymore, but a necessity. In the chaos of daily life, it’s important to carve out time for self-care, nurturing our minds and our bodies. But at the same time, it can be difficult in the moment to think of what will feel most relaxing or rejuvenating.

Creating a self-care basket can be a great way to remove any decision fatigue from your self-care moment and instead just focus on yourself. Whether you’re creating a basket for yourself of someone you love, removing any barriers to tranquility or well-being is never a bad idea.

Here are 15 things to put in a self-care basket to help promote stress relief and relaxation.

What to Put in a Self-Care Basket

1. Aromatherapy

Certain scents can have different impacts on our emotions – like lavender for relaxation, or a warm citrus scent for energy. Try adding essential oils, lotion, or diffusers to your self-care gift basket.

2. Soothing candle scents

Speaking of scents for relaxation, a soothing candle scent can be a great item to put in a self-care basket. Not only will it help diffuse the soothing scent throughout your space, but the sight of a lit candle in your room adds to a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Herbal teas

In a similar vein, herbal teas and other fun drinks can be a simple way to relax, give yourself new energy, or take care of your body. Add a box of herbal teas and a cute mug to your self-care basket and use them only in moments where you’re intentionally practicing some self-care.

4. Spa Day

There’s a good reason everyone hears self-care and thinks of a spa. Pampering your body can help clear your mind. Try at home spa treats like a face mask or a luxurious body butter to bring the spa to you.

5. Meditation tools

Sometimes we need help getting into a mindful mood. Tools like card decks can help guide us into a more relaxed or mindful state of mind.

6. Puzzle activity

For some people, a simple puzzle activity can help calm a racing mind and create a more grounded feeling. Coloring books, crosswords, or games like Sudoku can all help with relaxation.

7. Reading materials

Reading is another grounding activity, and the books we read can help teach us coping skills and relaxation techniques we can use in all areas of our lives.

8. Natural escape

Being in nature is a nice way to relax, but we can’t always find the time to be outside. Bring the outdoors in with potted plants, nature-inspired art, or nature sounds.

9. Art therapy kit

Stimulate your creativity and reduce stress with a set of art supplies, a coloring book, or materials for sculpture and collage.

10. Yoga sanctuary

Create a serene yoga space with a yoga mat, blocks, straps, and towels.

11. Journaling

Encourage self-reflection and expression with a beautiful journal, pens you love, and quotes or prompts to get you going.

12. Small soft throw blanket

Wrap yourself in a luxurious throw blanket, perfect for cozying up during moments of relaxation.

13. Mindfulness kit

In addition to card sets like the ones mentioned above, your mindfulness kit can include things like stress balls, fidget spinners, or other tools to help still your mind.

14. Gourmet snacks

Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat to wind down? Keep some of your favorite sweet or salty snacks in your self-care gift basket.

15. Personal touches

If you’re giving your self-care basket as a gift, a personal touch can go a long way to telling the person that you’re thinking of them. Write a note to include in the basket for them to read when they’re feeling stressed.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for maintaining well-being and happiness. Whether you’re looking for self-care gift basket ideas for yourself or someone you love, shop our self-care collection here to find everything you need to relax and unwind.