We’re all encouraged to show ourselves loving-kindness and one of the ways to do this is to put together a self-care box. Inside, are all the things you can use whenever you’re practicing self-care with yourself. A self-care box is also a wonderful gift to give to someone you love and care for. And, making it yourself shows how much you cherish your relationship with your loved one.
Self-care is the act of doing something that is good for your mind, body, and soul. By practicing self-care you're looking out for your mental. physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. There are several ways of practicing self-care and I share ways of doing it in my article talking about the importance of self-care. Having a self-care box is one of those ways.
But, what do you put in a self-care box? Read on as I share 21 items that are easy to find, simple to use, and great for self-care practices.
1. The Box
First things first and with a self-care kit, you need a box. Now, you want to make this a special box – not the old shoebox you found in your recycling bin! Although, if you do take this option, then paint it in pretty colors or wrap it in beautiful paper. This way, you’re creating a beautiful container to hold all the special items for self-care practices.
The box must be big enough to hold all the items comfortably and whenever I’m making a self-care kit as a gift for a loved one, I get a pretty gift box.
2. The Journal
Journaling is an effective way of spending time reflecting on your day, your feelings, or anything else that crops up in your mind. Part of practicing self-care is shifting the clutter in your mind and this is what journaling can do for you. It helps you to declutter in a safe space and to find solutions.
A gratitude journal is another lovely way of starting or ending a day by capturing all the things you’re grateful for every day.
3. A Nice Pen
Adding a nice pen gives a special touch to your self-care box especially if you know the person you’re gifting likes to journal, write lists, create goals, or doodle ideas for self-care rituals. While you are at it, add a little notebook too.
4. Goodies for a Bath Spa
If your friend is ultra-natural, throw in some aromatherapy essential oils for bath time. Chamomile or lavender essential oils are particularly nice for a soothing and relaxing soak in a hot bath.
Organic bath bombs are also wonderful for creating a spa experience in your own bathroom. Body lotions, gorgeously scented bath soaps, and body oils are all other great items to add to a self-care kit.
5. A Cute Stuffed Animal
No matter how old you are, a cute stuffed animal will always put a smile on your face especially when it’s your very own one. Pick an animal that your friend loves (even better if you know her totem animal) or go with a unicorn to sprinkle some magic her way.
Self-care includes finding ways to uplift your spirits and a special stuffed animal will be the answer for those down days.
6. A Tea Collection
By including a collection of teabags with exotic and soothing flavors, you’re ensuring your friend can find some calmness every time she brews a cup of tea. Herbal teas come in so many different flavors and can be used to calm you down, revitalize lagging energy levels, or simply allow you to relax for five minutes. Take it a step further and include a pretty tea mug in the self-care box.
7. Cozy Socks
Cozy socks are wonderful for keeping you warm on chilly days or nights while making you feel secure and nurtured. Taking care of yourself includes giving your body the warmth it needs on colder days and warm socks work well here. Find ones that have non-slip pads on the bottom so you can walk around our house safely without fear of slipping!
8. Snacks Galore!
Okay, we’re always told to eat healthily especially when we’re looking out for ourselves. But, adding some of your friend’s favorite snacks in the self-care box won’t go amiss. Think chocolates, nuts, scrumptious cookies, and jelly gums when deciding what snacks to include in a self-care kit.
9. Coloring Book and Crayons
One of the best ways to practice self-care is to take part in activities that require you to be quiet. Meditation walks in nature, and coloring books are some activities you can consider. Find a coloring book and add some crayons for your self-care kit gift. Your friend will love doodling away hours while coloring in pictures or mandalas.
9. Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles!
Watch any child blowing bubbles and you can’t help but notice the pure joy in their faces. There’s something quite magical about bubbles floating in the air and I swear it releases feel-good emotions in adults too.
So, make sure you add a bottle or two of bubbles for your friend to blow on days when they need some extra joy.
10. Positive Books
Slip in a book that quotes positivity. These books are often pocket-size or a bit bigger and will easily fit into a self-care gift box. You can choose from Christian-based quotes to Zen thoughts to inspire your friend as she reads through her little book of positivity.
11. Tarot or Oracle Cards
Include a deck of tarot or oracle cards in the self-care box. These cards are a wonderful way of getting a message every day from the universe. You can also use them when doing inner work as part of your self-care practice.
By picking an oracle card every morning, you can also give yourself some inspiring or positive advice for the day ahead.
12. Incense Sticks
Burning incense is perfect for releasing stagnant energies in the home. They’re also good for calling in your spirit guide before starting a meditation, for increasing vibrations, and for scenting the home.
Incense sticks come in a variety of aromas and can be used indoors and outdoors.
13. Smudging Sticks
Smudging sticks are also wonderful for clearing the air both in the home and within yourself. When practicing self-care, you need to be aware of the energies around and in you. If the flow is blocked, you’re likely to have a build-up of negative energies which is not good for the mind, body, or soul.
14. A Success Jar
We’re not very good at acknowledging our own successes, no matter how big or small they are. But, by committing to writing down five successes every day and putting them in your Success Jar, you’re celebrating your own achievements.
And, whenever you find yourself doubting your abilities, simply take out a success or two from your jar to remind yourself what a unique and special being you are!
15 Scented Candles
Watching the flickering flame of a candle can be very soul-restoring. A scented candle takes it one step further with its beautiful aromas. You could also use a scented candle while having a bath spa at home.
Scented candles are known to reduce anxiety and stress, helping you to sleep better at night.
16. Ear Plugs and Eye Masks
Sometimes you want to switch off from the world especially when you’re sneaking in an afternoon nap. Earplugs and eye masks are wonderful items for quietening your environment while soothing your over-frazzled senses!
17. Stress Ball and Playdough
Similar to rosary beads, playing with a stress ball or play dough helps to reduce moments of anxiety. They’re also great for improving your concentration and bringing back the focus on whatever you’re doing.
By “fidgeting” with any of these items, you’re zoning out from too many sensory inputs while helping your mind to declutter.
18. Workout Routines
Include a workout routine video that you can play every day while doing your exercises. This could be a yoga routine, a Pilates workout, or even a dancing video. Whatever form of movement you enjoy, make sure you include it in your daily routine even if it’s for only 15 minutes.
19. Workout Gear
Add some training pants and a T-shirt to the self-care box. This means you’re serious about your physical health and keeping fit. Self-care is about taking care of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
20. Guided Meditations
Guided meditations are wonderful for those days when you want to sit quietly and go inwards. By including different guided mediations in your self-care box, you’ve always got something to help you meditate. Meditation helps you to become more mindful and to live in the present.
21. A Self-Care Routine
Spend some time writing up your own self-care routine and keep it in the box. This way, you’ve always got a reminder of what works best for you when practicing loving-kindness towards yourself. If you’re making a self-care kit as a gift, start a list on a pretty piece of paper and encourage your friend to complete it with some of her own ideas.
Final Thoughts
Self-care is essential for a healthy, overall sense of well-being. By having a self-care box with all the items included, you have a go-to whenever you find yourself needing some self-love and nurturing. This way, you’ll always be guaranteed to have something in your box to help keep your self-care practice as part of your daily routine.
This post was originally published on September 14th, 2021, and updated on October 28th, 2022.