We Think the Perfect Gift Makes You Happy and Healthy — Here Are 67 Wellness Gifts We Love

We Think the Perfect Gift Makes You Happy and Healthy — Here Are 67 Wellness Gifts We Love

There’s never a better time for self-care than around the holidays. I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and I’m always nudging my clients to take good care, but it’s especially important around the holidays. Family drama, extensive travel, and financial stress can take a toll on everyone’s well-being. That’s why I’m presenting a gift guide solely focused on self-care, since the stress doesn’t end as the holiday season ends.

We tested hundreds of items in 2025, and then I combed through our reviews to find the very best self-care and wellness gifts we’d actually like to unwrap this holiday season. So from gifts for the fitness-obsessed who want a solid at-home setup, to your loved one who wants to get off social media and into a new hobby, we can guarantee there is something for everyone.

For the Fitness Enthusiast

Fitness should be at the foundation of any self-care routine. Getting active can help with sleep and minimize symptoms of mental health ailments like anxiety and depression.

Consider one of these buys to help your loved one boost their wellness.
pilates essentials

For the Pilates Lover

BetterMe Pilates Essentials Kit

A true Pilates lover isn’t only going to classes or relying solely on mat Pilates for an at-home practice. Instead, they’re making sure they have equipment that can help them boost the burn from the comfort of their own home. I love Pilates, have attended hundreds of reformer classes, and now rely on at-home postpartum Pilates to stay active.

This set has been an absolute game changer. It only has the equipment you need, nothing you don’t (hooray to no added clutter lying around the house), and comes in a beautiful range of colors. Time to get that classic Pilates shake.

pilates reformer

For Your Bougie Bestie

The Original Your Reformer

This one is a splurge, but it’s perfect for the fanciest folks in your life. The Original from Your Reformer lets you recreate your favorite Pilates class at home. You can customize the appearance, allowing you to choose from a wide range of colors, like dusty rose, ivory, mocha upholstery, and a walnut or maple wood finish.

The price point may be a kick in the wallet, but you can opt to finance it. Plus, you can use it in tandem with the Your Reformer app, offering video instruction to guide you through the burns and shakes.

ankle wrist weights

For an Easy Workout

Bala Bangles

The time management required to get a workout in can feel like an olympic feat alone. Make things easier with Bala Bangles. These wearable weights can be placed on your wrists or ankles and are perfect for wearing during an at-home workout or for a stroll around the block. “It saves me time because I can get a little bit of extra resistance training in while doing regular activities,” shares writer Brittany Vargas. I even saw my neighbor taking a stroll around the block while wearing them on her wrists.

moisturizer

For the Gym Rat Who Is Always Exhausted

Rooted In Magnesium Rest Cream

Tired of hearing complaints of poor sleep? We don’t blame you. But this product may be just the solution. The Rooted In Magnesium Rest Cream is a magnesium moisturizer scented with lavender essential oil. It’s designed to calm tight muscles, soothe your nervous system, and gently lull anyone who uses it into a deep sleep. The formula is very clean — it doesn’t use parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, dyes, synthetics, or artificial fragrances. Instead, it focuses on using magnesium and cacao-seed butter to soothe and nourish.

“It’s a nice, high-quality body moisturizer, and I love that it includes topical magnesium,” says writer SaVanna Shoemaker, RDN, who tried the cream. It’s also fragrance-free, which is another major bonus for us. So give this to your favorite gym rat, and you just might hear them say they got some blissful extra hours of sleep.

body pain relief bundle

For Your Class Bestie Who Takes Recovery Seriously

Wholesome Hippy Pain Bundle

Tired of hearing your friend groan about being sore after a hard workout class? Then this pain-relief bundle from Wholesome Hippy is the gift for them. These products can help alleviate some pain and may help your pal keep up their progress, too. Excessive pain might cause someone to avoid working out, making it all the more important to take recovery seriously.

Each of these products is targeted to minimize pain. You can expect soap, muscle gel, body balm, headache-relief cream, cooling pain-relief cream, and a pain-relief stick made with CBD. We love that a CBD product is included, because it’s magic at reducing chronic pain.

 Another notable ingredient present in many of these products is arnica, which is clinically proven to ease muscle pain.

 Get ready to hear how excited they are about their gains, and maybe even no more complaints of pain.
yoga mat

For the Chic Friend Who Loves Mat Workouts

Moab Rocks Yoga Mat

If you have a friend who’s a true devotee of mat workouts such as yoga, then you know they’ll practice anywhere. But mats are often tricky to travel with. Most don’t fold up, and rolling them up and carrying them in a case can be cumbersome. This is where the Moab Rocks mat comes in. It’s foldable and weighs under a pound, making it a light piece to pick up and go. Its 2-millimeter (mm) thickness is just enough to provide support under creaky knees, too. And we also appreciate the funky print.

“It’s cute and works as intended, and meant for someone who travels or has space limitations on at-home equipment,” says writer Alexandra Ginos, RD, who gave it a try.

soap cubes

For the Scent-Sensitive

Lola Arnao Silky Soak Bath Cubes

It’s rough out there for folks who are sensitive to scents. Whether it’s a migraine trigger, sensory issue, or just simply not preferred, it can be hard to find quality bath products that don’t have a scent. These Silky Soak Bath Cubes stand apart from other contenders, because they’re made for sensitive skin. Scent-free by design, they do have a naturally occurring, extremely light aroma of natural cocoa butter. Even though I’m scent-sensitive, I hardly noticed the smell. These cubes have a soft, pink hue, thanks to pink rose clay, a natural mineral that heals skin impurities.


I dropped a few of these bath cubes in my tub for a post-workout soak. I loved that I was able to reap the benefits of soft skin and soothed muscles without the headache of overwhelming scents that leave the skin dry. We also fancy that this a great gender-neutral gift, and we recommend it for any neurodivergent loved ones who have sensory sensitivities to scent.

For the Wellness-Obsessed

The desire to see just how many fitness equipment pieces you can fit into the house is a key sign that you have a loved one who is obsessed with wellness. Luckily for you, we tracked down a few gifts that are right up their alley.
lotion for eczema

For Anyone Who Loves the Spa Treatment

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

At-home spa products can often have a gendered feel, with many of them catering to a feminine aesthetic, complete with floral fragrances and pastel colors. This body lotion from Nécessaire is rich, nourishing and fragrance-free. “It also doesn’t have one of those pungent ‘skin-care product’ smells that is typical with these products,” says writer Riley Blanton after trying this lotion. It is the perfect size to slip into a stocking, too.

honey

For Tea, Skin-Care, and More

Mānuka Honey Extra MGO 600+

Mānuka honey is a true multipurpose product. It can be applied to cuts and scrapes to help them heal faster, smoothed over the face for glowing skin, or added to a cup of tea for an antioxidant-packed sweet treat. “It’s delicious,” says writer Caitlin Beale of the Mānuka Honey Extra MGO 600+ from Mānuka Health. “The box it came in was quite fancy and felt elegant.” Slip it in their stocking or wrap it for a petite yet powerful gift under the tree.

tea

Help Them Boost Their Immune System

Palais des Thés Scandinavian Detox Tea

We’ve sourced plenty of teas for this roster of self-care gifts, but we have been mindful of ensuring each tea has a unique benefit. The Scandinavian Detox Tea from Palais des Thés accomplishes just that. This caffeine-free herbal wellness tea comes in an aesthetically-pleasing tin that is certain to look great on your shelf. This wasn’t the only tea flavor from the brand we tried out. “I think these are all very nice teas that are tasty and feel special,” says editorial director Simone Scully.

skincare

For the One Who Loves an Above-and-Beyond Skin-Care Routine

Uncommon Beauty Face Oil and Gua Sha

This facial oil and gua sha duo is a must-have for anyone who is interested in stimulating their lymphatic drainage system, especially in the face. The facial oil is moisturizing and introduces nourishing antioxidants to the skin. “I really like the face oil — it is so hydrating,” says Mary Sauer. The gua sha tool is a cooling stainless steel that is meant to decrease puffiness, increase circulation, and the company claims it may reduce the appearance of fine lines. Tip: for an extra-cooling effect, pop this in the refrigerator.

gift box

For the Lavender Lover

ēkuBox Mini Lavender Spa Gift Box

Lavender doesn’t only smell good — it is great for one’s health, too. It’s been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression while promoting overall relaxation.

This mini lavender spa gift box from ēkuBox has all the ingredients needed for the ultimate relaxation: a candle, bath bomb, face mask, and sweet treat are wrapped up in an elevated gift box. “My box came wrapped in a silk bow with a real sprig of lavender attached, so I was immediately greeted with this amazing floral smell,” says Scully. The positive experience only continued from there, with Scully noting that this essentially felt like “relaxation in a box.”
air purifier

For Your Friend With Pets

Mercola Market True HEPA Air Purifier

If you have an animal lover in your life, you’ve likely heard (or smelled) the woes of keeping things fresh in the home. The Mercola Market Air Purifier has a HEPA filter that cleans indoor air. The purifier removes odors and offers a fresh-smelling environment, too. Plus, it’s quiet enough not to spook any furry friends while it’s running. The purifier is designed to catch 99.97 percent of tiny particles, including dust, pet dander, smoke, pollen, odors, and more.

I have two indoor cats, and we live in small quarters, so I’m paranoid about our home smelling like pet dander. But after running this purifier for just 20 minutes, any note of the litter-box odor or general cat smell was gone. This is soon to be the holy grail product in your pet parent’s home.

For a Nontoxic Approach to Candles

Bluecorn Mountain Aromática Scented Candle, Mountain Lilac

$25.60 at Amazon
$32Now 20% Off
Scented candles can either be the epitome of cozy or an overfragranced headache. This candle from Blue Corn falls in the epitome of cozy category. We love that it is a clean nontoxic fragrance that smells amazing. “It has a realistic lilac scent that doesn’t feel artificial at all,” shares Scully. She noted that it truly feels as if you’re standing next to a lilac bush, emphasizing the pleasant aromatic experience this candle offers.

When It Is Time to Kick a Winter Cough

Thulisa Naturals Breathe Eucalyptus Shower Steamer

$17 at Amazon

Winter colds are all too common and the congestion that comes with them can be maddening. This eucalyptus shower steamer from Thulisa Naturals is great for clearing congestion. All you do is toss it on the ground while you enjoy the cleansing eucalyptus aroma. “This is a great shower steamer if you’re ever a little congested or just like the smell of eucalyptus,” says Scully. She appreciated the potency of the scent, noting that it is strong enough to be relaxing but not so strong it is overwhelming, sharing that if she could use one most days, she would.

serum

For the Friend Always Looking for New Skin Care

Earth & Halo Blue Crystalline Face Serum

This one is for that friend who’s obsessed with new, innovative skin-care products. (Hi, I’m that friend.) Earth & Halo is a skin-care company that is focused on clean formulas featuring natural ingredients and a gender-neutral ethos. This brand was created by a trans man who wanted skin care that could support his changing skin. I was immediately intrigued by its unique roster of ingredients. Organic water lily, edelweiss, and sea-grape extracts are just a few of the ingredients that come together to possibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, boost collagen, nix hormonal acne, and provide soothing moisturizing.

I had the opportunity to test out this serum, and I absolutely loved it. After using it for about a month, I noticed my skin was soft, had a youthful bounce, and was dewy in the morning. I was stunned that this product wasn’t viral, so you’re sure to impress anyone you gift this to.

For the Person Who Loves Acupuncture

Vie Healing Acupressure Mat

$97.99 at Amazon
Let us be clear: Acupressure mats are not a substitute for acupuncture. However, they offer a similar sensation and similar benefits.

 We included this mat from Vie Healing in our Best Acupressure Mat roundup because it’s extra-long, offers a strong yet bearable sensation, and has a soft linen material. I personally tested this mat, and it was my favorite. I found it aesthetically pleasing, and I was able to withstand 20 minutes on the mat without issue. As a result, I felt the same relaxed feeling I get from a good acupuncture session.
self care book

For Your Loved One Who Needs to De-Stress

‘Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included)’

This is a gift guide for all things self-care. It’s no secret that the term self-care can be overused, though. While baths and metaphysical practices like the use of crystals and astrology can help support one’s self-care regimen, there can often be a need for foundational personal-care to begin with. After all, it can be tough to even draw a bath if you’re struggling with depression. Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included) offers a useful road map for creating a path to wellness that is deep, transformative, and sustainable. 

Penned by board-certified psychiatrist Pooja Lakshmin, MD, this book is inspired by her own experience of treating self-care as a regimen of juice cleanses and spa treatments. This led her to reflect on our culture’s approach to connection, wellness, and health, creating a program for well-being that is accessible to all. I had a chance to dig into this book and loved that it goes beyond fluffy vernacular about feeling good and drawing a hot bath. Instead, it looks into our culture’s shortcomings that are leading to a wellness crisis and suggests ways to find a path to wellness that works for you. This is perfect for your loved one who is often stressed and needs a lifestyle shift to find balance again.

skincare bundle

For the Clean Skin-Care Minimalist

MyChelle’s Perfect Morning Bundle

There’s a sect of skin-care enthusiasts that is dedicated to a less-is-more ethos. While these folks prioritize effective ingredients, usually ones that offer as many natural benefits as possible, they’re uninterested in a cluttered medicine cabinet full of potions. That’s where the Perfect Morning Bundle from MyChelle comes in. This trio features a fruit enzyme cleanser, a peptide anti-wrinkle serum, and a pumpkin renew cream.

Our writer Ashley Rowe loved this bundle. “All three products smell amazing and work well,” she says. The cleanser washed off makeup nicely without drying her skin, and the cream moisturizer was deeply hydrating, she says. She recommends this small-yet-mighty set for a stocking-stuffer.

diffuser

For the Aromatherapy-Obsessed

DoTerra Laluz Diffuser

There are plenty of benefits linked with aromatherapy. It can soothe your nervous system, promote relaxation, and even provide relief to aching muscles.

 This variety of benefits is why we consider it an excellent gift for anyone who loves wellness.

I personally had a chance to try out this diffuser and was first struck by its chic design. I placed it in my guest bathroom and loved how I could set it to have a soft, warm light even when I wasn’t actively using the diffuser function. Using it is very easy: You just fill up the vessel with the indicated amount of water, add some essential-oil droplets, and turn it on. I really like that you can choose how much essential oil you add based on your scent preferences. Since I am scent-sensitive, I only added a few drops and focused on enjoying the diffuser’s humidifying effects, since it releases a fine mist into the air.

tea set

For the Comfort-Drink Aficionado

Mark T. Wendell Create Your Own Loose Tea Tin Sampler

Do you have a loved one who always has a minimum of three drinks on their desk at any given time? Then the Mark T. Wendell Tea Company Loose-Tea Sampler Box is for them. The brand has existed for over a century, passed through generations of the family. The power of this legacy is evident in the loose teas they offer.

I had a chance to personally test them out and was struck by the quality of the tea. The loose-tea sampler box is a great gift, since it offers a variety of flavors. You can customize the trio of teas you choose. I loved the vanilla green, brandy oolong, and “evening comfort” herbal combination.

sunrise alarm clock

For the One Who Wants to Be a Morning Person

The Original Sunrise Alarm Clock

I’m someone who desperately longs to be a morning person and nothing, not even having a child, has gotten me to lock into that state of mind. However, I’ve become convinced that something like The Original Sunrise Alarm Clock from Rise Centered could be just the trick. Each clock is topped with a light-up orb carved from Himalayan salt. The light will slowly glow on to wake you up in the morning, offering a soft, yet effective start to the day. “The light is very bright, so it does truly wake you up as a sunrise alarm clock, but it gets brighter slowly so you can slowly wake up,” says Scully. She celebrated that it doesn’t use Wi-Fi, harsh sounds, or even plastic, making it a gorgeous alarm clock that has a soothing nature-forward aesthetic.

For the Folks Who Are Always on the Go

These are for the people in your life who are juggling too many things at once, prefer a packed social calendar, and love to stay busy.
pen pouch

For the Student

Laurel Denise Floral Fellowship Pen Pouch

Remember the feeling of shopping for school supplies the week before returning to school? There is nothing like it. The nostalgia of picking out pens in your favorite colors and tucking them into a pencil case can bring back fond memories. Give the student in your life a memorable back-to-school keepsake with this pretty floral pouch from Laurel Denise. I personally have this pouch, and while I’m no longer a student, I love it for keeping things organized in my work bag.
planner

For Those Who Love Organization

Laurel Denise Scout Planner

The new year can bring about lofty goals, high hopes, and big plans. Help them accomplish every bullet point on their vision board with the gorgeous Scout Planner from Laurel Denise. It comes in multiple sizes, offers a few different ways to input information, and arrives in a beautiful gift box.
lunette

For the Sleepy Friend Who Can’t Fall Asleep

The Rest Kit by Lunette

It can be so deeply frustrating to be exhausted yet unable to fall asleep. If you have a loved one who has complained about this issue, then the Rest Kit by Lunette might be the perfect gift for them. The Rest Kit is a device that has a gentle vibration and releases a soothing scent while guiding you into a restful cadence of breath. “It’s a well-made device and I like the combination of aromatherapy and guided breathing,” says Shoemaker.
matcha starter kit

For Your Loved One Who Is Trying to Kick Coffee

Jade Leaf Matcha Starter Set

My best friend recently started a very demanding job. It isn’t uncommon for her to pull 12-hour days, and she is acclimating to various bouts of work travel. She found herself drinking cup after cup of coffee and noticed it was taking a toll on her physical health. One morning, she came over and I offered to make her a latte, only for her to announce that she had switched to matcha. She says that this switch has done wonders for her, noting that her sleep is better and her brain fog has disappeared. Research backs up these benefits.

So, if you also have a loved one who is overdoing their daily coffee intake, consider gifting them this matcha starter set from Jade Leaf. It has every tool they need to get started with at-home matcha drinks. I had the opportunity to try it myself and loved the handy directions that accompanied it. Heads up: It doesn’t include the actual matcha, so be sure to add a tin of the tea to your cart before checking out.

bright eye serum

For the One Who Loves a Late Night

Innisfree Bright-Eye Serum

Some folks simply are night owls. Or, according to the clinically correct term, they have a late chronotype. These are the folks who feel alert past dinnertime and would prefer a late night and an even later morning. Yet our culture isn’t optimized for people with that type of rhythm.

This serum from Innisfree uses green tea extract to brighten up the eyes, and it has a cooling, metal roller-ball applicator to soothe puffy under-eye bags. I was impressed when I tested this product. It was more effective than my $80 eye cream.

smoothie cubes

For the Busy Parents

Bumpin Blends Bestseller Variety Pack

Parenting is rewarding, fun, exhausting, and time-consuming. It isn’t uncommon for parents to report skipping meals because they’re so busy getting kids to school, transporting them to extracurricular activities, all while maintaining their own work responsibilities. So, parents who prize convenience might seriously appreciate receiving these premade smoothie cubes from Bumpin Blends as a gift. 

With unique flavors like cinnamon chai and pumpkin pie, you just toss a few cubes in the blender with water or your milk of choice. Voila! You have a healthy and delicious smoothie in under two minutes. I run two businesses and have an 8-month-old. Many of my mornings are stressful, and having a premade-meal option where I don’t have to think about rounding up some ingredients and making a mess was a total game changer. Give the parents in your life the gift of healthy and convenient food.

flare leggings

For the Cozy Fashionista

BetterMe High-Waisted Flare Leggings

It’s safe to say that we all want to be comfy on a daily basis. For the fashion-obsessed, it’s often a priority to be cozy and also polished. We like these high–waisted flare leggings from BetterMe for just these reasons. The Pilates brand has an active-wear line that features on-trend athleisure pieces like these pants. They’re perfect for lounging, hitting the gym, or running errands. Plus, they’re under $50.
espresso machine

For the Coffee-Lover Who Has It All

Terra Kaffe Connected Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

$1695 at Amazon
$1995Now 15% Off

Listen, I’m obsessed with coffee and have most of the mainstream gadgets out on my kitchen counter. There’s a milk-frother, Nespresso machine, French press, pour over, and classic automatic drip. This may sound excessive, but each one serves a particular purpose. The only thing missing is an espresso machine. That’s where the Terra Kaffe comes in. It’s a single-serve coffee-maker that uses real espresso beans, giving you a fresh cup every time.

Writer Ysolt Usigan sings this machine’s praises. You can use your favorite coffee beans, she says, “and it does grinding and brewing all at once, so every cup is so fresh and to your liking.” She adds that she has no regrets about buying it, despite its hefty price tag. This splurge is worth every penny and is sure to impress anyone who has all the coffee gadgets.

For the Youngsters in Your Life

It’s hard to keep up with kids these days. But these gifts will delight, impress, and leave them enthusing for years to come.

For the Youngster Navigating Big Feelings

Slumberkins Otter Kin

$40.50 at Amazon
$54Now 25% Off

Mental health is important for all of us, but you may be stumped on how to support your young kiddo’s mental health. This Otter set from Slumberkins is a sweet, soft, and educational gift set that teaches kids about connection, comfort, and managing big feelings like separation anxiety. This set comes with a sweet stuffed Otter and two board books that focus on the importance of strong kinship ties.

“I, as a Mom, appreciate that they come with books that tackle a number of mental health and wellness topics for kids in a way they can understand,” says Scully. “They help kids better understand their emotions and cope with those feelings. For example, they have not only the two I got, but also ones on authenticity, gratitude, self-esteem, self-acceptance, routines, family change, emotional courage, conflict resolution, and more.” Scully notes that this was profoundly helpful in supporting her son’s separation anxiety around sleeping in his room alone, taking the bus solo, and just generally being away from home longer during the school day.

kids bike

For the Little One Who Is Ready to Roll

Guardian 20" Small Bike

If you have a small one who is ready to get their first set of big kid wheels, then this small bike from Guardian is what you’re looking for. “There’s a lot to like about this bike: For one, it’s pretty easy to figure out the right sizing for your child,” says Scully. She notes that the company recommends sizes based on age but also clearly lists the ideal height, too. She also feels confident with its safety, since it has a “sure stop” brake system designed for kids to prevent any over-the-handlebars spills. You can also customize this bike with colorful grips, wheel bulb lights, a matching bell, and more.

For the Tech-Obsessed Kiddo

Miko 3: AI-Powered Smart Robot for Kids

$179 at Amazon
$249Now 28% Off

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, so we might as well embrace it. The Miko 3 is an AI-powered robot for kids. It’s fun, interactive, and actually quite educational. “It has some math games that my son, who is in first grade, had fun playing for way longer than I expected,” says Scully. Her son also liked carrying it around with him and was excited that the robot moved around and “danced.” Turns out that this toy, although pricey, has some valuable returns. “His math scores started to improve after we’d been playing with this for a couple of weeks, too,” she says.

playmats

For the Wobbly Toddler

Totter & Tumble Strawberry Thief Play Mat

I have an 8-month-old who is starting to crawl and wiggle around. This means I’m on the floor with him quite a bit, reading, playing, and helping him get used to his newfound sense of mobility. Over time, I felt the strain on my knees and became hyper-vigilant about every little tumble my son took, since our old play mat wasn’t too shock-absorbent. Then came the Totter & Tumble mat.

This mat is cushy and comes in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors. I like that there are three sizes to choose from — essentially a small, medium, and large — because I was able to select a size that was perfect for our tight living quarters. It absorbs impact well, so if my son takes a tiny spill, he isn’t perturbed at all. My knees are much happier, too. I can’t sing this mat’s praises enough, and am now pestering every pregnant friend I have to put it on their registry. Yes, it really is that good. 

baby sound machine

For the Babies Who We All Wish Would Sleep

Hatch Baby

As a new parent, I’m going to take this opportunity to preach to the choir: Having a baby really takes a toll on your sleep hygiene. From shushing a fussy infant to sleep, to waking up every few hours for feedings, it’s extremely taxing.

The Hatch Baby is a sound machine, nightlight, and alarm clock all in one. It has an easy-to-use app that allows you to control its functions from afar, and it offers useful information about infant sleep. It’s a staple in our household. Interestingly enough, it isn’t only parents who love the Hatch Baby; my childless brother-in-law uses it as a sound machine and alarm clock.

For the Nesting Expectant Parent

Snuggle Me Muslin Crib Sheets

$39.99 at Amazon
I, along with many of my friends, am very vigilant about natural fibers when it comes to any material that comes in contact with my baby’s skin. Since babies notoriously have extra-sensitive skin, this hyper-vigilance is essential to avoid any irritation. I had the opportunity to try out these muslin crib sheets from Snuggle Me. Made from 100 percent organic-cotton muslin, they’re soft, easy to clean, and come in pretty colors. I love that they come in a pack of two, since you always need an extra crib sheet handy in case of accidents.
kids helmet

For the Kid Who Is Ready to Go

Woom Ready Kids’ Helmet

Teaching your kid how to ride a bike is an exciting and terrifying rite of passage. Seeing them master a new trick and gain some independence is wonderful, but it isn’t without safety concerns. Woom has created helmets that focus on making sure your kiddo gets the perfect fit. With adjustable straps and removable padding, it’s sure to last a bit while your child grows. Editor Nicole Bonaccorso says that while it’s on the pricier end for a kids helmet, it is very durable, sturdy, and safe.

For the Mindful Child

7th Compass: 52 Positive-Affirmation Cards

$21.36 at Amazon
$22.49Now 5% Off
There’s compelling research that shows positive affirmations can help boost a child’s well-being, especially at school. This can lead to an overall increased performance in educational settings. That’s why these positive-affirmation cards from 7th Compass are fantastic for parents, teachers, aunties, and uncles.

Plus, they’re great for a range of ages. “The card box says ages 4 to 11, but I’d argue getting into a habit of using these with ages 2-plus is possible, too, and would be beneficial,” says Blanton. You can even consider giving this to a new parent, and let them know they can hang on to it for future use.

rollerblades

For the Kid Who Gets the Zoomies

Phoenix G Rollerblade USA

Even though there are plenty of benefits to having a high-energy kiddo in your life, it can be exhausting. That’s why it’s important to get them a gift that can help them get their excess energy out. These Rollerblades from Phoenix G are a great option.

Ashley Ziegler, one of our editors, noticed that they offer great ankle support, which is critical for safety when skating. She also liked that they’re adjustable, so she can hang on to them as her child graduates to larger shoe sizes. These worked out so well for her first kiddo that she is getting a second pair for her younger daughter.

To Impress the Gen Z-ers in Your life

Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, can be tricky to shop for. We’ve rounded up a few gifts that are sure to impress them.
book journal

For the Friend Who Can’t Get Off BookTok

Rifle Paper Co. Embroidered Book Journal

Reading is trending again, thank goodness. If you have a friend who starts their sentences with, “While on BookTok, I found …” whenever they’re talking about the new book they’re reading, then this gift is for you. This book journal functions as a log to keep track of recent reads. The journal “is laid out like a log so you can record the books you read and what you thought of them,” says Scully. She says she was taken aback by the quality of the book, noting that the paper is thick and the pages hold up well with use. She was so pleased with the journal that she found herself feeling inspired to go back to writing by hand.
lip product

For the One Who Is Always on TikTok

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

If you have a Gen Z-er in your life who loves fashion and pop culture, there’s a good chance they like Hailey Bieber. The model, makeup brand founder, and partner to Justin Bieber is known for setting trends that often go viral on TikTok. Her skin-care company, Rhode, is known for its viral lip treatments. I tested the Peptide Lip Treatment for our Best Lip Balms article, and it won my vote for the best lip gloss. If you really want to impress your Gen Z-er, add the lip case to the cart, too. It’s a phone case that has a spot for your lip gloss, so you always know where it is.

smart water bottle

For the Tech-Savvy

Larq Pure Vis2 Water Bottle

Gen Z is a totally different generation for many reasons, but especially for its relationship to technology. With this in mind, you’re likely to impress a Gen Z-er with practical yet technologically advanced products. I tested this Larq Pure Vis2 Water Bottle and loved it. It’s a self-filtering water bottle that includes an app to monitor your water intake and a light that illuminates as a reminder to drink more water. It has a self-cleaning feature, too, which is perfect for those who forget to rinse out their water bottle every now and then.
body skincare

For the One Who Wants Their Dollar to Have an Impact

Gifted by FreeFrom Wellness Bath Set

Anecdotally speaking, I’ve noticed that Gen Z-ers appreciate purpose-driven goods. FreeFrom is a feminist, national organization with a mission to end gender-based violence. It has a gift shop called Gifted, where goods made by survivors are sold. I tried out this bath set from them and was instantly sold. The presentation feels special, the scent is delicious, and the ethos is fantastic. Here’s a fun fact: This organization was founded by beloved astrologer Chani Nicholas’s wife.

Get Cozy

‘Tis the season to be bundled up and cozy. Turn up the hygge vibes with these picks.

Cozy Sheets For the Friend Who Runs Hot

Sheex Performance Sheets

$149.40 at Amazon
$249Now 40% Off
No feeling compares to the splendor of curling up in bed between some soft sheets. And, similarly, no feeling compares to the frustration of waking up sweating in those soft sheets. These ones from Sheex are designed to be temperature-regulating, breathable, and perfect for those who run hot while sleeping. They can easily slip over a mattress and accompanying pad without blocking out any special benefits. “They’re light enough that I can still feel the ‘cooling’ feature of my mattress pad through them,” says Ziegler.
purple pillow

For a Great Night of Slumber

Purple Freeform Pillow

It can be difficult finding that perfect pillow to lay your head on for a good night’s rest. If you’re feeling like your life has become like The Princess and the Pea, look no further than the Freeform Pillow from Purple. This pillow is customizable, thanks to its removable filling, so you can count on having a pillow that is just right for your needs. Writer Raki Swanson acknowledged that the price tag hovering right around $200 may feel like a bit much, but she was quick to clarify. “Worth every penny,” she says.

The Chicest Wake-Up Call

Loftie Lamp

$287.99 at Amazon
Alarm clocks can be an eye sore, but this one from Loftie sure isn’t. The Loftie Lamp looks like a chic and modern lighting fixture, complete with a spectrum of pleasant colors it can emit. You can program it as a sunset light to help you wind down, as well as a sunrise light to help you wake up. “You can also pick what time you want [the sunrise or sunset function] to take,” explains Scully. This handy tool helped her wake up easily in the morning and wind down more peacefully in the evening.
nursing dress

For the Breastfeeding Mama

Embrace Nursing Dress

Breastfeeding is a tiring job. Between healing after giving birth, nurturing a newborn, and being sure to keep the body fueled enough to produce milk, feeling put together often seems like a faraway dream. This nursing dress from Embrace is comfortable and cute. It is made of soft, stretchy, ribbed cotton fabric and has a supportive shelf bra that is functional for breastfeeding. It also doubles as a maternity dress, ensuring your recipient gets a ton of use out of this piece. I have this dress and love it. I can’t wait to gift one to my pregnant best friend.

custom curated gift sets

Sugarwish Curated Set

A Personalized Gift Set Your Work Bestie Will Love

Figuring out gifts to give those involved in your professional life can be challenging. You may not know enough about them personally to find a gift that will truly speak to them, but the intimacy of working closely together everyday likely nixes the appropriateness of buying a generic gift. These curated sets from Sugarwish are perfect for situations like this. While Sugarwish is typically known for their sweet treats, these gift sets are a bit different. You send the recipient an e-card that includes a link for them to pick out their own gift set, making for a fun, unique, and innovative gifting experience. “I think that Sugarwish’s curated gift sets are nice wellness-themed gift sets that encourage self-care and work great for that friend or family member who you’re not 100 percent sure what they’d want,” says Scully.
wrap

For the Friend Who Has a Stiff Neck

Slow North Neck-Wrap Therapy Pack

Some folks just get a bit creaky in colder weather. I’m thinking about my aunt who has chronic back issues, my husband who has bad knees, and myself because I get a stiff neck when the weather shifts. This neck-wrap therapy pack from Slow North is an excellent solution for these ailments.

Writer Kate Mannion can vouch for this product’s effectiveness: “It works exactly as described and is handmade in the United States, which is definitely a plus.” You simply pop it in the microwave before wrapping it around your neck to get that soothing heat on your aching muscles.

heated blanket

For That One Friend Who Is Always Cold

Bedsure GentleSoft Solid-Flannel Heated Blanket

It’s hard to get cozy when you’re cold, and some of us just tend to run cold. We love this cuddly heated blanket from Bedsure. You can use it anywhere you need an extra dose of warmth, whether that’s in a chilly office cubicle, a drafty room in your home, or on a trip. Our writer Marisa Olsen says it’s an affordable, quick fix for those who are always catching a chill. It heats up quickly, has six heating levels, and is under $70, making it an easy, no-frills option.

sheets

For the One Who Wants a Luxury Hotel Experience at Home

Revival New York: The Eleven Sheet Set

One of the best parts of a hotel stay is those crisp white sheets. If you have a friend who loves staycations, luxury hotels, or a spa-like environment at home, then the Eleven sheet set from Revival New York is for them. “These sheets make you feel like you’re tucked away in an upscale resort,” Ziegler says, sharing that they’re crisp, lightweight, and cool.
salts

For the Friend Who Needs to Chill Out

The Refill Shoppe Bath Kit

There’s nothing like a good bath set to promote calm energy. This kit from the Refill Shoppe features bath salts, bath oil, and aloe-based bubble bath in pretty, reusable vessels. It has a variety of scents. I tried out the Sweet Dreams blend, which has a soft, lavender scent. This trio is nontoxic, vegan, pH-balanced, and wonderful for all skin types. Plus, the vessels can be refilled with bath goods, making them an eco-friendly choice.

stained glass candle holder

For Adding Extra Hygge to Their Winter

Stained Glass Candle Holder with Pink Blossom and White Butterfly

A pretty candle holder can elevate the experience of using a candle altogether. This one has a unique stained glass blossom and butterfly, sure to amplify the decor of any room. We think it would be perfect on a desktop, dining table, or bathroom counter. “The flower and butterfly are handmade with stained glass and mounted onto a round wood candle base,” says Scully. She found it super pretty and loved that the process of using it was very relaxing. This one will up the coziness factor in the home, or as the Danish call it, “hygge.”

candle

An Art-Forward Approach to a Home That Smells Good

Scented Candle With 'Wolf' by Trevor Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw Nation

“There’s a lot to love about this candle,” says Scully. “For one, it’s very different from any candle you’ll find in a big store.” She added that the excellent artwork sets it apart from other contenders. This vessel is sure to be one they’ll hang onto long after the candle has its final burn.
rose label nepali tea

For Those Who Love a Warm Cuppa

Nepal Tea Collective Rose-Label Gold Tea

The true tea lovers are constantly in search for new brands and flavors to enjoy — the more interesting of a backstory, the better. Blow them away, Rose Label Gold Tea from Nepal Tea Collective. Grown at the Pathivara Tea Estate, one of the most elevated tea farms located in a very remote area of eastern Nepal, this tea is known for its complex spicy notes. Dubbed the most expensive tea in the world, it has a luxury presentation. “It comes in a really pretty wooden presentation box with a flower carved on it,” shares editor Olivia Campbell.

For the Chef

These gifts go out to the one who is always insisting on cooking dinner, vies for any chance to take on holiday-cooking duties, and glows when their cooking is complimented.
outdoor griddle

For the Grill-Master

Cuisinart 28" Outdoor Griddle With Hood

If cooking is how your loved one keeps their stress down, then they may love an unexpected gift like this outdoor griddle. The 504 square inch flat-top can cook up to 24 burgers, so it is fantastic for those who relax by hosting and sharing a meal with a bunch of their loved ones. One of our writers, Alexandra Ginos was thrilled by the versatility of this tool. “We're so excited about the flat griddle top to make a wider variety of foods than a traditional grill — pancakes, stir fries, meats for a cookout crowd, more vegetables,” she says. “I also like that there's less cleanup than the slats of a traditional grill.” Heads up: The set-up process is a bit involved, but it doesn’t take away from how fantastic of a gift this is.

cookbook

For the Plant-Based Chef: ‘Love and Lemons Simple Feel Good Food’

125 Plant-Focused Meals to Enjoy Now or Make Ahead: A Cookbook

A good cookbook can take the guesswork out of weeknight meals and last minute dinner party dishes. We think this cookbook is perfect for the plant-based person on your shopping list. “I really loved the veggie-first approach, and that several recipes allow you to customize a bit to your preferences,” says Scully. She added that she loved that this is full of recipes that can be made ahead of time, making it fantastic for meal planning. Even her young son, who can be quite a picky eater, was keen on many of the recipes.

Something to Look Beautiful on Their Stove

Viking 2.6-Quart Matte Black and Copper Stainless Steel Whistling Kettle

$119.90 at Amazon
Something that can make a kitchen feel effortlessly pulled together is a well-designed tea kettle on the stove. Modeled after an old fashioned tea kettle, this one lets out a nostalgic whistle when it is done boiling. “It has a modern look with a classic shape, which I personally really like, and it can work on induction, gas, electric, halogen, and ceramic stovetops,” says Scully. This is a kettle built to last that offers a sweet alternative to stereotypical electric boilers.

For the Friend Who Should Be on ‘Chopped’

Viking Culinary 10-Piece, True-Forged Block Set

$249.96 at Amazon
$479.99Now 48% Off

A quality set of knives is key for any kitchen. Dulled knives can slow you down and, even worse, lead to accidents. What’s more, a solid set of knives is bound to thrill a dedicated cook who spends time in the kitchen to relax.

While this set is pricey, it is worth it. “It breaks down to an excellent cost per knife, especially for the larger ones like the 8-inch chef’s knife, the santoku knife, and the bread knife,” says writer Shoemaker. She thinks this is perfect for anyone who loves to cook, and it may be especially appreciated by amateur chefs who are constantly in the kitchen preparing meals for their family members.

For the Hungry Loved One Who Is Stretched for Time

Fritaire Self-Cleaning, Nontoxic Air Fryer

$149.99 at Amazon
$199.99Now 25% Off

I think about my life before having an air fryer. I was stressed, it was difficult to make a quick meal in the oven, and things just weren’t perfectly crispy when baked. Then, I think about my life after having an air fryer. Things are just easier. I can quickly cook something, anything, and everything can suddenly have the ideal crunchy crisp, and I notice my stress around meal preparation on a busy weeknight has gone down. This experience has made me confident in saying that an air fryer is an excellent gift for anyone trying to up their self-care. This self-cleaning, nontoxic air fryer from Fritaire is an excellent option since its self-cleaning option means even more time in the kitchen is saved. 

Sauer found this to be a convenient tool in the kitchen that looked great on her counter. “I've noticed it is much easier to keep clean than our other air fryer. It seems to be a combination of the self cleaning function and the glass,” she says. Aside from families, she noted that this could be perfect for college kids or someone moving into their first apartment.

mocktails

For the Sober-Curious

Mingle Mocktail Flavor Variety Pack

The sober-curious movement is taking over, with more and more people opting to decrease or cut out their alcohol consumption altogether. Despite this, our culture still centers on alcohol when it comes to gathering, hosting, and celebrating. This variety pack from Mingle Mocktail is an excellent option for the friend who loves to host but is changing their relationship with alcohol for the sake of their well-being.

“I like how refreshing this mocktail is and how, despite it being low-calorie, it doesn’t taste artificial,” says writer Katie Tuttle. Pro tip: Grab a pack for yourself and keep it on hand for your next event. Your teetotaler friends will thank you.

Pick Up a Hobby

Let’s bring back the art of leisure—it’s good for your health. Leisure activities, including hobbies of all varieties, can boost resilience and deepen self-esteem.

Here are some gifts to get your loved one started.
photo album book

For the Sentimentalist

Artifact Uprising Custom Everyday Photo Book

Whether it’s the new mom eager to soak up every moment or your globe-trotting bestie, you likely have a sentimentalist in your life. This photo book from Artifact Uprising is perfect for those who would love to have their favorite memories collected in one book. Users can select their favorite photos and have them uploaded into the book.

“I’ve been making baby books and family photo albums with Artifact Uprising for years,” says editorial director Scully, “and they make great gifts for loved ones.” Whoever you gift this photo book to will be sure to hold on to it for years to come.

house plant

For the Beginner Gardener

The Sill Calathea Rattlesnake Plant

Having a green thumb is a learned skill. If you have a loved one who loves the aesthetic of house plants but is nervous about their ability to keep them alive, then this Calathea Rattlesnake plant from The Sill is the perfect gift. This plant is tolerant of low light and only needs water every one to two weeks, making it beginner-friendly. It isn’t just the plant that is gorgeous — you can choose from three lovely planters (or you can choose to purchase in a grow pot). “I love that the plant shipped with a ceramic planter and it arrived happy and healthy,” says Scully.
candle refill

For the Eco-Conscious Friend Who Wants a Cozy Home

Siblings No. 4 Clean Candle

There’s nothing like walking into a home that smells fresh with a sweet candle lit. This candle from Siblings takes an innovative approach. It has a low-waste package, with the wax arriving in a bag. You’ll melt the wax in the bag and pour it into a vessel of your choice. You can opt to use a cup you have laying around, a used up candle vessel, or you can buy a new one from Siblings. The idea is to cut down on the unnecessary waste created by purchasing new candles and instead reuse vessels. We think it is a pretty genius idea and it’s perfect for your eco–conscious friend who wants a cozy home.

journal

To Find Awe and Wonder Everyday

Daily Adventure Journal by Somi

It can be easy to get stuck in a rut. Daily routines, like walks around the block, commutes to work, and even cooking dinner after a long day can all start to lose their glimmer pretty quickly. The Daily Adventure Journal by Somi is designed to help folks access meaningful experiences everyday. Each daily entry has a recommendation designed to gear you towards a new experience and gives you a space to write about what you learned during your adventure. “Fun way to get me out of the house,” says mental health writer Amy Marschall.

recipes book

For the Amateur Recipe-Developer

Write to Me ‘Recipes Passed Down’ Journal

There’s nothing better than the nostalgia food can bring us. This Recipes Passed Down journal is a lovely keepsake in which recipes can be written down and passed along for generations to come. We love this for the friend who likes to reminisce, your mother-in-law who always makes the best dishes from scratch, or your dad who is on the precipice of sharing what that secret ingredient is.

candle tool kit

For Your Friend Who Always Has Candles Lit

Bluecorn Candle Care Toolkit

This one is for the person whose home is always filled with fresh candles burning. The best way to extend the life of a candle is to properly care for it. The Candle Care Toolkit from Bluecorn is perfect for this. A trim before the first light, a gentle prod when wax is threatening to cover the wick, and use of a snuffer to properly put out the flame are all key parts of properly caring for a candle. This kit includes tools for each of these steps, plus an easy-to-clean dish to burn the candles on.

How We Chose the Best Gifts for Self-Care

We took great lengths to select the best gifts for self-care. First, we called on some help from our roster of writers, all of whom are veterans of the wellness industry and some of whom, like myself, are licensed mental-health professionals. We tapped each of them to test out various potential gifts, leading to over 400 products being tested. From there, we narrowed down the options to make sure every gift included in this guide was useful, accessible, and relevant to the importance of self-care.

I then hand-selected the top 39 products that I think are the best for self-care. I employed my expertise as a therapist, my years of experience in beauty and lifestyle writing, and my knowledge of current trends in wellness to refine this selection. From there, I combed through recent research to reinforce the importance and effectiveness of these products. Finally, our editors reviewed each selection to make sure it was in alignment with their own research and insights.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Author

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. She has been published by Verywell Mind, Health, Parents, Shape, Yahoo, and more.

In her clinical work, Julia specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. Identifying as a holistic-minded clinician, Julia views mental health as a relationship between the soul, self, and systemic structures in our lives. Her formative training includes developing mental health programming specifically for Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and conducting research on generational trauma within the Black community.

Nicole Bonaccorso

Nicole Bonaccorso

Editor

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Alexandra Ginos, MBA, RD, CSP, CLC

Tester

Alex Ginos is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric nutrition. She received a bachelor’s of science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois and completed a dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Health System.

Her 12 years of experience have spanned many areas of nutrition, including caring for children with complex healthcare needs, supporting healthy nutrition habits for families, and diabetes. Though she specializes in pediatric nutrition, she is passionate about helping people of all ages lead a healthy lifestyle.

Alex lives in Philadelphia, and loves to spend time outdoors with her dog, garden, explore new areas, and spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys cooking and trying new foods and recipes.

Ashley Rowe

Tester

Ashley is a health and education writer who has covered fitness, mental health, nutrition, parenting, and education topics in her writing.

She is also an educator who brings over 15 years experience teaching in early childhood education. She has written early childhood education blogs and newsletters, and developed curriculums based on the Nature Explore project. She has also helped develop nutritional guides for families and education centers in Southern California and spearheaded the implementation of physical fitness programs for children.

Ashley received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the University of La Verne, where she focused on elementary education, educational policy, and curriculum design. Her work in education has led to multiple certifications, including Nature Explore Specialist for the Outdoor Classroom Project, NESTA Children’s Nutrition Specialist, and is an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Before joining Everyday Health, she wrote for Verywell Mind, Verywell Health, Parents, and Verywell Family. As a mother of three young boys, Ashley splits her time between her career and her family.

Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

Katie Mannion

Tester

Katie Mannion is a St. Louis–based writer and occupational therapy assistant with clinical experience across multiple healthcare and education settings.

As a writer, Katie covers an array of topics, but is particularly focused on health, mental well-being, and skincare. Her work has been featured in publications such as People, SheKnows, and Yahoo, among other outlets.

In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing, watching reality TV shows, and spending time with her son.

Katie Tuttle

Tester

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.

Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.

When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

Marisa Olsen

Marisa Olsen

Tester

Marisa Olsen is a seasoned food, health, and lifestyle writer as well as a product reviewer and tester. Her work has appeared in several print and digital publications, including EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Real Simple, and U.S. News & World Report's "360 Reviews." She also writes for local news websites Cohasset Anchor and Hingham Anchor. Marisa has also authored several food blogs, including Marisa Olsen Writes.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from Connecticut College, where she graduated cum laude with a major in art history and a minor in psychology.

Marisa lives south of Boston in Cohasset, Massachusetts with her two children and husband. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and spending time at the beach and in her garden.

Mary Sauer

Tester

Mary Sauer is a freelance health and parenting writer whose work often covers mental health (especially maternal mental health), grief, and caregiving. Her work has been published by the Washington Post, Verywell Mind, Parents, Vice's Tonic, and ARC Poetry Magazine. She's also the managing editor of the upcoming Salt Tooth Press and an MFA student at University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Sauer is a mom of four and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She enjoys hiking, trying new coffee shops, and shopping at used bookstores. At home, she spends her precious free time reading, rewatching Fleabag, and gardening.

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT

Tester

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, is a clinician specializing in reproductive mental health care in Wichita, Kansas, and an experienced freelance health writer. Her articles have covered topics such as mental health, pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum health, abortion care, the foster care system and adoption, women's health, and the care of children with disabilities. Her work has been published in Health, Parents, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Health.

Riley served as the communications director for the Kansas State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, an organization that aims to promote the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting parents, families, and caregivers and she remains a member of this organization. She is also the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and a private practice, Holding New Therapy, that specializes in perinatal mental health.

She received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Friends University, where her thesis focused on the relationship stressors that can arise with child-bearing couples. She also received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.

In her free time, Riley enjoys reading voraciously, baking with rambunctious toddlers, and writing poetry.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Tester

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. She has been published by Verywell Mind, Health, Parents, Shape, Yahoo, and more.

In her clinical work, Julia specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. Identifying as a holistic-minded clinician, Julia views mental health as a relationship between the soul, self, and systemic structures in our lives. Her formative training includes developing mental health programming specifically for Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and conducting research on generational trauma within the Black community.

SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD

Tester

SaVanna is a registered dietitian and health writer.

As a registered dietitan, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.

She's currently a contributor for Forbes Vetted, Sports Illustrated Showcase, Mashable, and Carb Manager, and her work has also appeared in Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling Magazine, among other outlets.

SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, baking, gardening, and weightlifting.

Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.

Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.

Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.

Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.

Ysolt Usigan

Ysolt Usigan

Tester

Ysolt Usigan is a veteran writer, editor, and commerce journalist with more than a decade of experience creating lifestyle, health, wellness, and shopping content for brands including BestProducts.com, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, WhatToExpect, SheKnows, and RetailMeNot.

Ysolt specializes in product testing and reviews, shopping guides, and service journalism that help readers make smart, confident choices.

Olivia Campbell

Tester

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History. She is a freelance editor at Dotdash Meredith and a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, National Geographic, New York Magazine, Health, Parents, History, and The Guardian, among other outlets.

Campbell received a journalism degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's in science writing from Johns Hopkins University, where she now acts as a thesis advisor. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.

Campbell lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, three children, and two cats.

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.

She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

Brittany Vargas

Tester

Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.

As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.

Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

Amy Marschall, PsyD

Tester

Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a freelance mental health writer and a licensed clinical psychologist.

She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 2015. She completed her pre-doctoral internship through the National Psychology Training Consortium (Central Region) and her post-doctoral residency at Family Psychological Center P.A. in Harrison, Arkansas.

Dr. Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents and does psychological evaluations. Her clinical specializations include trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming care, rural mental health, and tele–mental health. She is licensed to practice psychology in Florida, Montana, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and is in the process of registering with PsyPact. She is also a registered psychologist in New Zealand and provides ADHD assessments through ADHD Online and therapy services through Spring HealthLyra Health, and Modern Health.

She is also the clinical director of A Change for Better, an organization promoting affordable and accessible mental health care and resources, and the chair of the clinical committee at the ACFB Fund, a charitable organization that funds mental health services. She is also the resident neurodiversity expert with Grayce.

As a mental health writer, she has contributed to Parents, Health, and Spring Health, among other outlets.

In her spare time, Marschall enjoys reading, making jewelry, and spending time with her cats.

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN

Tester

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice. Caitlin’s special interests include women's health, gut health, autoimmunity, and reproductive health. Committed to the belief that health information should be accessible to all, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes for their well-being. Caitlin holds advanced training certificates in women's health and integrative and functional nutrition.

Caitlin was born and raised in northern California, where she resides with her family. An avid lover of sunshine and the outdoors, she finds joy in activities such as visiting the beach, exercising, cooking, and indulging in a good read. You can find Caitlin’s writing in a variety of outlets and brands, including Motherly, Nourish, Signos, Greatest, Pure Encapsulations, Abbott, and Clue, among others.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Mahindru A et al. Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus. January 7, 2023.
  2. Mohammed SYM et al. Effectiveness of Cannabidiol to Manage Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Pain Management Nursing. April 2024.
  3. Smith AG et al. Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management. Medicines. October 9, 2021.
  4. Incledion A et al. A New Look at the Purported Health Benefits of Commercial and Natural Clays. Biomolecules. January 5, 2021.
  5. Kim M et al. Effects of Lavender on Anxiety, Depression, and Physiological Parameters: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Nursing Research. December 2021.
  6. Mehta P et al. Contemporary Acupressure Therapy: Adroit Cure for Painless Recovery of Therapeutic Ailments. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. July 22, 2016.
  7. Farrar AJ et al. Clinical Aromatherapy. The Nursing Clinics of North America. September 28, 2020.
  8. Sokary S et al. The Therapeutic Potential of Matcha Tea: A Critical Review on Human and Animal Studies. Current Research in Food Science. November 23, 2022.
  9. Escobar-Soler C et al. Effectiveness of Self-Affirmation Interventions in Educational Settings: A Meta-Analysis. Healthcare. December 19, 2023.
  10. Fancourt D et al. How Leisure Activities Affect Health: A Narrative Review and Multi-Level Theoretical Framework of Mechanisms of Action. The Lancet Psychiatry. February 11, 2021.