Your Holiday Wellness Gift Guide

Between work, holiday plans, and the energy it takes to manage a chronic condition, gift shopping can feel like one more thing on the list. To save you some scrolling, I pulled together my favorite wellness gifts for cozy nights in, everyday routines, and a little me-time, whether you’re shopping for someone you love or dropping a few hints of your own.

Article Summary

A good wellness gift fits into someone’s life as it already is. Cozy socks and a good book can make a night in feel special, a favorite tea can make a workday break more inviting, and a spa gift card lets someone pick a day when they’re up for going out.

Stocking Stuffers

• The Osea Vagus Nerve Travel Set is a three-piece wellness kit with body oil, bath oil, and a pillow mist made from essential oils that induce deep relaxation. I was introduced to this line when I had an incredible vagus nerve massage, and I brought home the travel set to continue experiencing that same peace of mind.
  
• Crystals may seem a little woo-woo, but here’s my take. The rose quartz on my desk is known as the stone of unconditional love. It may have metaphysical properties that are bringing that energy to my space. And if not? It is still a daily reminder to tap into the love within and around me. Either way, it works. I got mine from the boutique Fiori and Fern.
  
• Our feet do so much for us, but we don’t always take the time to say thanks. Toe stretchers are a passive way to relax and restore balance to your feet. The pair I have are from Mind Bodhi for $10 on Amazon.

The Basics

• Give the gift of hydration with a well-insulated, stainless steel water bottle. Last holiday season, I was given a cupholder-friendly YETI Rambler straw mug that I love, but in the past I rocked a no-name tumbler that I got for $12 at an off-price retailer for a good 10 years.
  
• A quality mat is an important staple for all kinds of wellness routines. For yoga, I prefer the brand Manduka’s mats and also like their towels for sweaty, heated practices. They have a variety of fitness, Pilates, and yoga mats in different lengths and thicknesses. Plus, they carry latex-free options. My current favorite is their well-cushioned begin yoga mat.
  
• You can’t go wrong gifting comfortable, breathable apparel that is designed for movement. Don’t know their size? Give a gift card so they can pick it out. Tight budget this year? Go with a lower-cost accessory item, like an athletic headband. Beyond Yoga is my top pick for apparel these days, and Vuori is quite popular too.

Around the House

• Get your favorite reader a new book to curl up with. For a light-hearted fiction read, I suggest the humorous but thoughtful book Downward Dog, Upward Fog. If you think they’d prefer nonfiction, choose a topic that fits their current interests, like Why We Sleep or Atomic Habits.
  
• There’s nothing like a soothing scented candle to set a peaceful mood. I recently gave someone one of these crystal-infused candles, and then went back for one of my own. They are beautiful, smell great, and each comes with its own special intention.
  
• Keep the comfort vibes going with a cozy pair of socks or a soft blanket made for cocooning. I got these UGG rib knit socks as a gift last Christmas and adore them.

At the Office

• Get your work bestie the gift of tea time with a Yogi restful blend, or a subscription to a tea-of-the-month club, available in increments of 3, 6, and 12 months. Nothing helps hit pause on a busy day like a warm cup of something that soothes the senses.
  
• Everyone could use a break from the constant tech in our lives, and one way to do that is by using an old-school print calendar. Last year, my husband got me a Yoga Dogs wall calendar, featuring a different dog doing a yoga pose each month. In the past, I had a manager who got her team desk calendars every year, with a hidden object in the illustration to find each month.
  
• Another way to create space in the workday? A card deck of grounded, mindful thoughts like this Spirit Junkie set. Instead of scrolling the socials during a break, these cards illustrated with watercolors can be read for a quick hit of inspiration.

The Home Studio

• For some, home is where the movement and meditation happens. A subscription to an app like Down Dog makes that easier, and can also be used on the go. What I love about this app is it is low-cost, has a lot of practice styles to choose from, and you can customize your session with options like length of time and background music.

• Another way to support an at-home practice is with yoga props, designed to be supportive, increase accessibility, and allow for modifications. This could include a bolster or meditation cushion, yoga blanket, yoga blocks, or a yoga strap. Most studios offer them for in-person classes, and they are great to have at home. I usually get mine from Target or Amazon.
  
• What’s an at-home movement or meditation session without some music? Earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker can help set the vibe while also creating a smoother listening experience than anything piped through a smartphone or laptop. I have a past generation of the Powerbeats Fit, and suggest Bose or Sonos for speakers.

Cold Weather Fitness Gear

• You can’t go wrong stocking loved ones up with cold-weather accessories that are warm and breathable so they can continue to get fresh air during the colder months. Think hats and gloves, from a brand like Turtle Fur, but keep in mind that a runner will need something more lightweight than someone who takes casual strolls.
  
• For anyone who spends time outdoors, I highly recommend fleece-lined leggings and a lightweight but warm coat. Both make it easier to enjoy being outside when it’s frosty. I prefer my $30 RBX leggings over my more expensive Lululemon thermal tights, but I do have my eye on their Another Mile Jacket for long winter walks with the dog.
  
• Keep those eyes protected from bright light and UV rays with a comfortable pair of sunglasses. My current go-to brand is goodr because of how affordable they are while still being durable and offering plenty of styles to choose from.

Worth the Splurge

• Give someone you love the opportunity to fully exhale with a wellness retreat, available in a broad range of prices and locations. Many yoga studios offer retreats, but they are also available at wellness centers, like Kripalu. So far I’ve only done driveable retreats at lower price points but I’d love to someday indulge in a luxury trip abroad.
  
• One of my favorite gifts to give and receive is any kind of pampering—whether it is a spa day, weekend, or a simple pedicure at a favorite local spot. You could go together, or send your giftee for a quiet day alone. Pick and prepay their services, let them choose with a gift card, or bring the spa home with DIY masks and all the supplies for a great manicure. Spafinder is a great tool to find a local spa near you!
  
• Going to yoga and fitness studios has become expensive, and nothing beats getting to do something you love without having to spend the money. Most studios offer packages of five or ten classes that are easy to give and carry gift cards that can be used towards classes, workshops, and memberships. I’d only recommend this for someone who already has a studio they love, or has expressed interest in trying one nearby.

For the Kids and Pets

• Expecting moms in my life often receive yoga-inspired gifts from me, like this adorable little yogi onesie that I gave to a good friend to welcome her newborn son.

• The kids get mindfulness gifts from me, too, with many young ones receiving books like Yoga Bunny and this Yoga for Littles card deck.
  
• More of a pet person? Give the cats in your life this Namaste Plush Cat Toy and the dogs their own little Chewlulemon Yoga Mat.

Happy Gifting!

Giving is all about showing you care. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, and it should never come at the expense of your own well-being.

As we head into the holidays, remember that your presence is also a gift. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do for someone is give them your time and attention, whatever that looks like for you.

Take care of yourself this holiday season, and sprinkle in the joy where you can.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wellness Gifts

What’s a good wellness gift for someone who isn’t into yoga or fitness?

Think about how they already like to spend their downtime. A novel for someone who loves to read or a soft blanket for someone who looks forward to movie night can be just as thoughtful as anything you’d find in a yoga studio.

What are some inexpensive wellness gifts?

A pair of cozy socks, a box of their favorite tea, or a funny desk calendar can all be thoughtful on a small budget. I still smile at the dog yoga calendar my husband gave me.

What’s a good gift for someone living with chronic illness?

Start with what they already enjoy. If they love to read, a novel in their favorite genre or a gift card to their local bookstore can make a quiet afternoon a little sweeter.

What can I give someone who’s sensitive to fragrance?

I’d go with something like a soft blanket, a book, or a tumbler in their favorite color. There are plenty of ways to make a gift feel personal if candles and scented oils are tricky for them.

How can I give an experience to someone whose energy varies from day to day?

Look for a gift card with flexible scheduling and check the expiration and cancellation policies before you buy. If the gift is time together, you could offer a few options and leave the date open.