17 Self-Care Gifts Wellness Pros Love

“I view nutrition as the ultimate form of self-care, since we get to engage in it every day,” says Stacey Simon, RD, CDN, a certified intuitive eating counselor with Top Nutrition Coaching. Hydration is just as key as eating well, and while most people have a favorite water bottle for cold beverages, adding a hot beverage container to the mix can be a great gift, Simon says. “There's nothing better than a hot cup of coffee or tea,” she says. And research shows that both beverages have health perks; in fact, a study published in 2021 in PLoS Medicine found that, compared with people who didn’t drink either beverage, those who had 2 to 3 cups of each per day had a 32 percent lower risk of stroke and a 28 percent lower risk of dementia. The Burnout mug was designed by literal rocket scientists to keep your brew at the perfect temperature (so it both cools too-hot drinks down and warms up too-cold drinks) without batteries, plugs, or apps. Result: You can savor every sip.

The benefits of keeping a journal are much more than just self-improvement and motivation, says Haley Perlus, PhD, a certified trainer and sports psychologist. Research has found that journaling can be effective in decreasing mental distress and increasing well being. “A paper journal is fast and easy, plus we are more likely to remember things written by hand compared to writing something digital,” she says. “Set aside just 5 to 10 minutes each morning or evening so you can get your thoughts out on a piece of paper. Write down what’s most important and pick a consistent time of the day to do so.” Then watch your stress levels fall.

“A cup of tea is always a healthy idea,” says Keri Glassman, RD, CDN, owner of Nutritious Life in New York City. In addition to the numerous benefits in a cup, past research has found that even the act of preparing tea may be soothing. Researchers at University College London measured the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in healthy men before and about an hour after they performed a stressful task, and found that in tea drinkers, levels fell about 20 percent lower than those who drank a placebo. Glassman likes the modern look of this kettle, which she says, “make the act of tea making all the more relaxing.”

“Taking time for yourself is vital to good health,” says Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, a registered dietitian and the owner of Sound Bites Nutrition in Cincinnati. Reducing stress helps lower the risk factors for most chronic diseases. When she is in need of some me time, Andrews likes to pamper herself from head to toe — literally. “Feet are the wheels that propel your life forward and literally hold the weight of your whole body,” she says. “Giving yourself a foot massage helps you relax and reduce stress. And who doesn't want pretty feet for sandal season?”

“Releasing tension is incredibly helpful for self-care and stress management,” says Kelly Jones, RD, CSSD, a certified sports dietitian and owner of Kelly Jones Nutrition in Newtown, Pennsylvania. “If you have a high activity level or even are sitting at a desk all day, there's a good chance you hold tension in your feet and all areas of your back.” While foot rollers or even a lacrosse ball can be used to massage these areas, she says the Theragun Wave Solo Vibration Massage Device is like a vibrating ball that can help relieve tension and then some. “With so much work and communication on computers or cell phones, having something to massage on your hands is soothing, too,” Jones says.

“I tend to enjoy dedicating a Sunday to self-care, which includes applying a face mask, sipping some herbal tea, and tending to my houseplants,” says Brooke Blocker, owner of Outside In in South Florida. “Houseplant care requires a level of awareness as we tune in to a living thing's needs — this practice creates an engaging meditative experience.” She calls it “horticultural therapy,” and there is some preliminary evidence to back up calming effects of greenery: A small study involving 24 young men suggested that nurturing a plant and watching it grow can reduce stress levels and soothe anxiety.

“As a busy working mom and an athlete, one of my most important daily health practices is hydration,” says Juliet Starrett, a former professional whitewater paddler, coauthor of Deskbound, and founder and CEO of The Ready State. “My daily goal is to drink at least 75 ounces of water a day.” A 36-ounce stainless steel bottle like Yeti’s Rambler helps her do that: “I know if I refill it twice, I'll have more energy at work and when I train, and I'll sleep better.” These bright spring colors add extra cheer to the task.

Physical fitness is the ultimate gift of self-care, but it can be rough on your skin. “I was suffering from acne breakouts and had tried so many different products, but truly nothing worked,” says Kelsey Wells, a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)–certified personal trainer with Sweat in Salt Lake City and creator of the PWR workout programs. “This tea tree scrub has been a game changer for me and my skin. It is my favorite part of my morning routine!”

“You may not be able to afford a private chef, but this is the next best thing,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, the New Jersey–based author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet. Someone else does the prep work and you get to do the fun stuff — including eat these healthy, tasty homemade meals. Options allow you to meet any dietary preference or need. Palinksi-Wade likes Sunbasket for the fresh, organic options.

Sometimes you have to nourish your body from the inside out. Dates are a sweet treat that’s actually good for you. “These caramel-tasting fruit have no added sugars and a lower glycemic index, which will help prevent a blood sugar spike after enjoying them,” says Lauren Manaker, RDN, a licensed dietician-nutritionist and certified personal trainer in Charleston, South Carolina. “Plus, they are loaded with good-for-you nutrients like magnesium and fiber, helping nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds at the same time.”

She likes this brand because they are grown in the California sunshine and totally organic and glyphosate-free.

The combination of movement and mindful breath is what helps make yoga so de-stressing,” says Elizabeth Millard, a registered yoga teacher based in Sandstone, Minnesota. “And the predictability of yoga sequences allow me to settle in mentally during the practice.” She likes Jade yoga mats, which she says are “super grippy, so there’s absolutely no sliding around at all, even in hot yoga. That makes it fantastic for beginners, who tend to struggle with slipping in poses like Downward-Facing Dog or Warrior, and that can really throw off their form.” For more advanced yogis, there’s this mat, which is organic cotton and washable.

These are no ordinary socks. “Compression socks reduce muscle cramps and aches, improve blood flow, can increase energy, help boost repair after a run or workout, reduce swelling, and just feel gooooood,” says Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and founder of BZ Nutrition. “They are like a spa-treatment for my legs!” They’re a must-have for her when she travels by plane, and for walking around New York City, where she lives. “Compression socks give my legs and feet the TLC they so deserve,” she says. And, she adds, they are great for pregnant women because they help combat the risk of spider veins, blood clots, and leg swelling. You can even get them in fun colors and patterns.

“Being in the gym a lot means I really need to take time to decompress my nervous system,” says Anna Farrant, fitness instructor and CEO of Empire Boxing Promotions. “Nothing makes my soul sing more than walking along a West Coast beach with my dog.” She likes to do so in joggers from the brand Duer, whose plant-based fabrics are made with a sustainable ethos, and are super soft. Wearing them, she says, “allows me to be comfortable.”

Who doesn’t love a good manicure? But the long-lasting gel kind uses UV light at the salon, which is a no-no for your skin, says Yale Medicine dermatologist Sarika Ramachandran, MD. The same thing can happen if you spend a lot of time driving: “UV rays can damage the delicate skin on the back of the hands, causing brown spots and premature aging," she says. This can happen year-round, not just in summer. Fingerless SPF gloves will protect your skin without the need for messy sunscreen, and they can look cute too!

A good night’s rest is arguably one of the best things you can do in terms of self-care. “Before heading to bed, I like to turn off the lights, turn on my Himalayan salt lamp, light a candle and have a warm shower, says Kayla Itsines, a personal trainer in Adelaide, South Australia. “I find this sets me up to have a really good night's sleep.”

“Self-care involves prioritizing your sexual self as an essential part of you that deserves to be pampered, enjoyed, and explored,” says Niki Davis-Fainbloom, sex educator and coach. “ Masturbation is a great way to release stress, improve sleep, and connect with your body.” Research does show that the release of the hormone oxytocin can lower stress levels. “Our body does so much for us,” says Davis-Fainbloom. “So why not do something for it?” With eight different vibration patterns, this toy can help you learn more about your body and get in touch with your desires.

Charcuterie boards are all the rage in entertaining, and Meghan Sedivy, RD, of Fresh Thyme Market, who is a a licensed dietitian-nutritionist, likes to re-create that look with pampering products for the bath for an ultimate relaxation package. “You can create a personalized charcuterie board filled with amazing self-care products to help encourage that much needed ‘me-time,’” she says. “Take your typical wooden charcuterie serving board and fill it with a few favorites.” She likes to include an exfoliating body sponge for silky skin, epsom salts to soothe aches and pains, a face mask with activated charcoal, and a candle in a calming scent to create an oasis of calm during bath time.