This is about the time all of our stress levels peak, am I right? And we all know someone who’s had a rough time this year (raise your hand), and needs a break. Maybe that someone is you. Maybe it’s someone you love. Show them you care by gifting them with a way to step back from the chaos for a while, and focus on themselves. Here are a dozen gift ideas from the Local Wishlist that may help.
Superfruit Glow Brightening Jelly Face Mask
A good skin care ritual is a way of taking a precious few moments of every busy day to do something for yourself. Help them get that inner glow back by starting on the outside, with a brightening face mask in rosehip and tart cherry from Verv Skin.
Every Little Thing by Janice Landry
This book from Pottersfield Press was written in the aftermath of a health scare, but its entirely positive message was shaped by the acts of kindness and warm connections witnessed by its author. And we could all use more positivity in our lives, please.
There’s nothing like a long soak in the tub to feel like you’re finally giving yourself some quality time. FIKA Wellness makes small batch, handcrafted bath soaks, with special blends like Glow, Immune, Restore, and Sleep. Pick up the matching Wellness Spritz while you’re at it.
Go Away, I’m Reading Art Print
Because it’s good to set boundaries. And this cheeky art print from hi, love. greetings is also a reminder that a little alone time with a good book is sacred. Help make it happen.
Calm the chaos. Doodling, like colouring, calms your brain’s stress centres with its repetitive movements and creative focus. Doodle Lovely is your local go-to for doodling journals and activity books, all from Nimbus Publishing.
A candle with the scent of a peaceful weekend. And coffee cake! Scent is a powerful trigger of emotions and memories, so this fragrant soy candle from Kelp House is likely to transport them right to their happy place.
There’s something about the morning ritual of making coffee, and the smell of it, that calms the nervous system. Rushing out the door with it in your hand, not so much. Sunday Silence is a reminder to take some time to linger over that cup, and really savour the moment. Even better when the beans have been locally roasted with care.
But if this is more their cup of tea, the right loose leaf blend can make all the difference between a boring cup or a zen state of mind. Head to Spill The Tea in Mahone Bay for the whole tea experience. And maybe a little friendly gossip?
Ahhhhhhh. A spa treatment is both an indulgence and a necessity, depending on the level of stress in their life. Spirit Spa offers everything from a simple therapeutic massage or facial to this spa package with the works. So you can gift them with some very well-earned pampering.
Physical aches and pains can add to the holiday stress, but magnesium can soothe them. It’s been proven to not only ease aching muscles, but also promote sleep and relaxation, along with other health benefits. Slip a bottle of this spray from THERApotions into their stocking.
There’s no reason self-care can’t include a few indulgences, right? Like maybe taking some time off from responsibilities for a lazy afternoon in bed, watching a movie and eating bonbons. Blue Chocolatier can provide the bonbons, you provide the opportunity.
And sometimes a weekend getaway is the only mental break that really works. But the anticipation is just as fun, so plan now and enjoy it together later. We suggest a sunny local vineyard, like The Inn at Grand Pré Winery, or anywhere the stress won’t follow. Just make sure you leave your phones on silent.
These are just a handful of the hundreds of local gift ideas available in this year’s Local Wishlist. Head to the full list and start browsing!
Take Me To The 2025 Local Wishlist
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