16 Gifts of Holiday Self-Care

Because this is about the time all of our stress levels peak. And we all know someone who’s had a rough year (raise your hand), and needs a break. Maybe that someone is you. Maybe it’s everyone you know. Show them you care by gifting them with time, love, maybe a way to step back from the whirlwind for a while, and focus on themselves. Here are sixteen gift ideas from the Local Wishlist that may help.

Ritual Gentle Cleansing Balm

Rituals are soothing, empowering. A good skin care ritual is a way of taking a precious few moments of every busy day to do something for yourself. Ladoni Kind Beauty’s whole philosophy is about creating simple, kind and mindful beauty rituals, and this cleansing balm is a good place to start.

Nova Scotia Mayflower Print

There’s something to be learned about strength and resilience from the humble mayflower. This art print from Inkwell Originals (also available as a postcard, magnet or sticker) is a daily reminder that beauty can thrive amid adversity. And so can we.

Good Things Tee

If you are reading this I hope that good things happen to you today: A message of good will and positivity on a tee from Little Linc. Because what you put out into the world comes back to you. And Taylor Swift can tell you all about karma, friends.

Messages to Yourself

Sometimes — ok, most times — we could all use a reminder to be kinder to ourselves. hi, love. greetings’ Daily Reminder Vinyl Sticker (in our Stocking Stuffers category) should probably be on everyone’s fridge or bathroom mirror. And this Simple Reminder Custom Copper Necklace from Rawkette Custom Jewellery carries the message you most need to see on a daily basis, whether that’s be kind, stop, laugh — or simply love.

Bath Soaks

There’s nothing like a long soak in the tub to feel like you’re finally giving yourself some quality time. These small batch, handcrafted bath soaks from Fika Wellness, with special blends like Restore (peppermint sage) and Calm (lavender) are guaranteed stress-reducers.

Seaweed Blank Notebook/Sketchbook

A notebook is something everyone should have on hand, whether it’s for sketches and doodles, for capturing that great idea you just had and might forget otherwise, or writing down important info on the fly. Journaling is also good for your mental health, by the way. One of our favourite notebooks is this whimsical one illustrated by Briana Corr Scott. And bonus: it has unicorns.

Maskwiomin Skin Care

A powerful traditional Mi’kmaq skincare remedy, that extracts birch bark’s medicinal compounds. Known for its skin healing properties, birch back also symbolizes transformation in Mi’kmaq legend. You can find this skincare line in Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s gallery shop.

Body and Mind

Whether it’s moving or not, the state of our body has a lot to do with the state of our mind. Encourage a healthy yoga practice with this gorgeous yoga mat with artwork by Kristen Herrington, or help them to slow everything down with some floatation therapy at The Floatation Centre in Halifax.

Botanical Body & Bath Oil

We’ll take more bath time whenever we can get it. These botanical oils from Wildwood Creek are solar infused with the scent of sacred old growth forests for the optimum bath time experience. You can find them at Kept Shop in Dartmouth.

I Read Past My Bedtime Embroidery Kit

Needlework is a soothing self-care activity on its own, but this embroidery kit from Hook, Line & Tinker also carries a gentle reminder to put that book down and give yourself some much needed rest. Or maybe you can just cut yourself some slack, because time spent reading a good book is self-care too.

Shaving Soap with Mug and Brush

Giving up the buzzy electric shaver for old-school shaving with a blade can turn that chore into a gentle, enjoyable ritual. So slow it down and gift them some lovingly handcrafted shaving soap from Groovy Goat Soap Company, available in Cucumber Oatmeal or classic All Spice.

Gifts of Wellness

No matter how much care you give yourself, sometimes it’s not enough. If you’re under the weather, a “Get Well Soon” Set from THERApotions is a helpful gift, and Dragon Balm or one of the other Pain & Inflammation Salves from Root Of It All Remedies can ease those aches and pains.

Halifax Theatre Getaway

And sometimes a getaway is the only mental break that works. Neptune Theatre offers fabulous gift packages of a city hotel stay and theatre tickets. But if you feel the need to get the heck out of the city for a weekend, consider the Lakeside Glome Stay & Dine Package from White Point Beach Resort, Trout Point Lodge‘s Romance in the Wilderness retreat, or the Wine, Dine & Stay package at Grand Pré Winery.

These are just a handful of the 500+ local gift ideas available in this year’s Local Wishlist. Head to the full list and start browsing!

Take Me To The 2023 Local Wishlist

 

The Local Wishlist is made possible by our Category Sponsors:

Neptune TheatreArt Gallery of Nova ScotiaTaste of Nova Scotia
Evergreen FestivalWhite PointHalifax Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Halifax Business Commission

And by our Friends of the Local Wishlist:

Christmas Tree Council of Nova ScotiaThe Trainyard General Store
Crafty Owl Artisans MarketHook, Line & TinkerHalifax Partnership

About the author

Kate Kirkpatrick

A Nova Scotia native, Kate chased the bright lights of other cities for a while, but eventually found her way home. She's the minder of all things Halifax Bloggers. And has big love for local.