Someone you love going through a hard time? Or maybe they could do with a little rest and self care? Want to send something to show you care? A self care basket is the perfect gift idea!
Keep reading and I’ll walk you through how to create your own self care gift basket for a loved one (or yourself!) with some simple steps and plenty of fun gift ideas.
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How to make your own DIY self care gift basket in 5 steps
Putting together a self care basket is a lovely way to send someone your love from near or far, but coming up with ideas for one can be tricky! Here’s how to approach the gift basket from start to finish in five easy steps.
1. Think about what the recipient would enjoy the most
When you’re putting together a care package or relaxation gift for someone you care about, the key to a great gift is choosing items they’ll enjoy.
Choose items that match their interests, personality, hobbies, and general vibe — plus simple favorites like chocolate or candy, and a few self care goodies too.
If you like, you could even put together a themed self care basket! Here are a few of my favorite themed basket ideas:
- College care package
- Self care birthday gift box
- First job gift set
- Get well soon self care basket
- New mom gift box
- Coworker self care gift basket
- Seasonal themed gift box
- Valentine’s day gift basket
- Mother’s Day gift box
- Christmas gift basket
- Pampering or spa gift set
Think about who your recipient is, what the occasion is, and what they’d love to receive. This is an opportunity to give them a self care basket filled with treats that they might not normally pick up for themselves, so don’t get too hung up on making it perfect — just enjoy the process and keep them in mind as you choose items! 💛
2. Gather supplies
Once you have a theme or some ideas in mind, it’s time to gather some supplies. You’ll need a box or basket to deliver or mail your self care treats in, and a way to make it feel festive. I love the idea of using gift wrap or tissue paper to add color and personality to your gift!
You can also look around your home or gift drawer (if you have one) for any fresh items to include in your self care gift basket, before you buy new from the store.
3. Buy any new items or products
For anything you don’t have, it’s time to take a trip to the store or make some orders online. Make a list of any items you need to buy, research the best place to find them, and put together an errands list.
💛 Tip: Where you can, and if it’s affordable for you, try to shop local or order from independent artists on Etsy!
4. Put everything together
Once you have all the gifts you need and the basket to place everything in, put your self care basket together. Grab your box or basket, decorate it, and add the items in a way that makes them feel special. Add a handwritten note or print out some self care affirmations or inspirational quotes to add a personal touch.
5. Deliver your self care basket gift
The final step is to deliver your self care gift to your best friend or family member. Send them a message and ask if you can stop by with a gift, leave it on their porch (if it’s safe to do so), or package everything up securely and send it via snail mail.
💛 Tip: Send your loved one a digital greetings card* (from Greenvelope) to let them know there’s a gift on the way!
26 gift ideas to include in your self care gift basket
Ready to put together the ultimate self care gift box for someone you care about? Here are some of my all-time favorite small gift ideas that belong in a beautiful self care gift basket for a loved one.
1. Seasonal snacks
Who doesn’t love a seasonal snack?! Whether it’s pumpkin spiced cookies or fruity treats, there’s a place for a delicious snack in any self care package in my opinion.
2. Candy
Another great addition to any self care gift basket is candy! Find out your recipient’s most-loved candy, or treat them to some of your favorites with a note to explain why they’re so good.
3. Freshly baked goods
You can’t go wrong with freshly baked brownies, cookies, or cupcakes! Be sure to be mindful of any dietary requirements, and make sure they’ll keep well if you plan on mailing your gift basket to your friend or family member.
💛 Tip: I love making simple sugar cookies! Here’s my favorite sugar cookie recipe.
4. Face mask
Pop in a face mask or two and encourage your loved one to spend the night pampering their skin. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a guide on the best face masks of this year.
5. Hot drink
While you can’t mail out a freshly brewed coffee or tea, you can include the ingredients they need to make a delicious hot drink. Tea bags, mini tins of coffee or hot cocoa, and mini marshmallows are all great gift ideas.
6. Water bottle
Maybe they’re not a hot drink lover, or you want to give them a gift that encourages them to stay hydrated. If that’s the case, then include a new water bottle in a color or style that matches their aesthetic.
7. Cozy socks
Who doesn’t love a cozy pair of socks?! I know I have too many to count! This is always a winner for any self care or pamper package and it’s something that most people I know love to receive.
8. Fidget toy
If your recipient uses fidget toys, this can be a really thoughtful gift idea. Maybe their most-loved one has broken or they’ve talked about a new one for a while. Surprise them by including it as part of your self care package.
9. Bracelet or necklace
For jewellery lovers, a bracelet or necklace is a fun gift idea — especially if it’s part of a “besties” set or you two can wear matching ones. It’s a sweet way to honor your friendship and care for each other.
10. Sleep mask
One of the best pampering gifts that’s also ideal for getting more sleep is a sleep mask. Opt for one in soft, luxurious silk in a color that complements their bedroom for a useful gift that’s also stylish.
11. Scented candle
Scents can really change the way you feel about a space, which is why giving a scented candle as a gift is always a thoughtful idea. Think about places and scents they enjoy the most, or include one that reminds you of a happy memory along with a note to say why you chose it.
12. Essential oils
If your recipient enjoys essential oils, check to see whether they’d benefit from a top-up of any of their favorites — then include some within your self care gift basket.
13. Bath bomb
Whether you’re planning a spa gift basket or just want to include something cozy for bath time, a bath bomb is a great way to elevate that moment and create a self care bath. If your loved one doesn’t have a bath, replace this with a shower bomb or a moisturising lotion instead.
14. Lip balm
Chapped lips can be sore and distracting, so a good lip balm is always a savior. Do your research and find one that works for your loved one in a scent that they’ll love and include it as part of your gift.
15. Journal
A journal can be a wonderful wellbeing and self care gift for someone special. Choose a dedicated self care journal, wellness journal, or confidence journal depending on their needs and interests — or present them with a beautiful undated one they can use to capture all their thoughts and ideas. Include a few simple journaling prompts to help them out too!
16. Affirmation cards
Affirmation cards are a lovely way to encourage your friend or family member to think positively about themselves and practice some self love. Include a set of printed cards, or download and print some digital ones instead.
💛 Tip: If you’re looking for printable affirmation cards, they’re included as part of my affordable introduction to self care digital product package.
17. Stickers
I love stickers! They’re such a fun and easy way to personalize journals, notebooks, and tech equipment. Include a few sticker sheets that relate to your recipient’s hobbies or interests.
18. A new book
Give the gift of your favorite book to a loved one, or take some recommendations from your other friends and include one of their top picks instead.
19. Blanket
If there’s space, add a cozy blanket to your self care gift basket. This is a simple way to easily make your friend feel all warm and fuzzy, encouraging them to get into the spirit of hygge.
20. Noise cancelling headphones
Noise cancelling headphones used to be expensive, but you can now pick up an affordable pair for around $40. I love my soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones — they’re ideal for anyone with a smaller head, plus they come in a gorgeous cream color.
21. Hair accessories
If your friend loves to add bows, clips, and other accessories to their hair, then top up their stash by including some within your self care or spa gift box. Choose accessories in colors they like, or inspired by themes or characters that they know and love.
22. Mini succulent
Plants make wonderful gifts if the recipient is excited to care for them. If you know they just can’t get enough house plants, include a sweet little succulent within your gift package.
23. Flowers
A delivery of fresh blooms can brighten up someone’s day, especially if they come with a handwritten note. Include some flowers within your basket or order them to be delivered the same day.
💛 Tip: Worried fresh flowers will give your recipient something extra to take care of? Send them artificial flowers instead — they won’t need any attention and will look gorgeous forever!
24. Handmade gift
You don’t have to go to the store for a gift — if you’re creative or crafty you can celebrate your friendship by handcrafting a special trinket just for them. Even the simplest of gifts can feel special if it’s handmade.
25. Personalized note or card
Along with your small and thoughtful gifts and self care treats, include a personalized or handwritten note or card too. This is the perfect place to say “thinking of you” or “you deserve a treat!” along with a short message to express how much you care.
26. Gift card
Sending gift cards is a great way to say “happy birthday” if you don’t know what to buy, but they also make for a super gift idea for your self care basket. Include a gift card to the recipient’s favorite store, or choose one that they can spend online in lots of different stores.
Show someone you care with these self care basket ideas
A self care basket is such a lovely gift idea — whether a loved one is struggling or you simply think they deserve a little treat to themselves! Use this guide to put together a self care kit or box to mail to them that’s filled with sweet treats, self care goodies, and small gifts to bring them joy.
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