A year later, it’s safe to say that self-care is probably on the minds of many of us by now, given how prevalent conflict and stress have become these days.
Self-care, a holistic approach to caring for mind, body, and spirit, is an important tool for managing the human condition. It’s also a great way to power down and reset at the end of a busy year with things like global conflict and inflation. Paralleling the rise in mental health awareness and broader wellness initiatives over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of Black-owned brands and Black gurus in the wellness space.
The market for Black-owned products such as yoga, aromatherapy, CBD-infused products, mindfulness journals, and mediation tools is steadily growing. However, Black people remain a significant minority in the wellness and self-care space, which makes their products, practices, and services all the more special.
If your holiday gift list includes a Zen master, or simply someone who could benefit from a good “woosa” (even yourself!), look no further than the list below No need to. TheGrio has collected 11 of his favorite self-care gifts from Black-owned brands.
for that last nerve
Whether it’s a child, a spouse, a job, or all of the above, something or someone always seems to be on the last nerve. You know they will benefit from a relaxing moment of easy laughter and aromatherapy. Add a little cheer by gifting candles with interesting themes and great scents.
“Light When Your Patience Is Thinner Than Your Last Weave” Scented Candle
$20
to clean the air
Essential oils can uplift your mood, relax you, help you sleep, and purify the air you breathe. For those looking for a more passive approach to self-care, use a diffuser to streamline the process and throw in a set of essential oils to get started.
$50
A relaxing drink
Tea is a self-care multitasker. The right beer can boost your energy, help you sleep, calm your stomach, ease anxiety, stimulate your appetite, improve your gut health, fight disease, alleviate disease symptoms, and more. It also makes a great thoughtful wellness gift for someone you know who might enjoy a hot cup from time to time.
$29
For quality rest
Even though rest is essential for everyone, there are still many people who need to be reminded. For anyone on your list who needs to lie down somewhere, or who feels empowered to do so, here are 50 affirmation cards to encourage imagination, compassion, and above all, rest. Consider giving a set of The Nap Ministries’ Rest Deck.
The Nap Ministry Rest Deck: 50 Practices to Resist the Grinding Culture
Currently on sale for $18.55
for black women
Black women run the world. But at the same time, they are the most burnt out, overworked, and underappreciated on a daily basis. For any Black women on your gift list this year who need a reminder from an expert to take care of themselves, give them Take Care: The Black Women’s Guide to Wellness.
“Be Careful: A Wellness Guide for Black Women.”
$25.10
for reflection
Many people begin their self-care journey wanting to improve themselves in some way. Let the ambitious people on your list take a step toward their goals with Inside then Out’s journal, Better Every Day. This journal contains 365 messages for self-love, reflection, and growth.
$39.95
for bath
Taking a warm bath at the end of a long, cold winter day is often just what the doctor ordered. Add a dash of CBD, adaptogens, superfruits, herbs, and essential oils, and you’ve got the right recipe to cure everything from sore muscles to a bad day. If you’re shopping for someone in need of a good bath, gift them Homebody’s Mini Self-Care Kit, which comes with a variety of baths for the ultimate chill factor.
$56
for the perfect skin care routine
If anyone on your list is in need of quality, genderless skin care that covers you from head to toe, look no further than John Legend’s Loved 01 line. The Everything to Love bundle comes with everything the collection has to offer, including face and body wash, moisturizer, and oil.
Currently on sale for $99
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to balance
They say we are what we eat. Help someone in your life improve what they put in and get more out of what they put out with an herbal supplement set like Peak + Valley’s Wellness Collection . This collection comes with three different supplements that target stress, brain function, and skin.
$103.97
for growth
A little green goes a long way. Invite nature into the living spaces of those who need it most with a gift card from Grounded, an online plant store that believes in the healing power of plants. As a bonus, Grounded also offers a plant matching quiz so potential green thumbs are paired with the plants you’re most likely to keep.
prices vary
For transportation
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Moving your body with intention, like practicing yoga, is a great way to keep your mind, body, and spirit healthy. Inspire someone in your life to move by subscribing to The Underbelly, a virtual yoga practice by Jasmine Stanley that also promotes body positivity.
$19.99/month or $180.00/year
Kay Wicker is a lifestyle writer for theGrio, covering health, wellness, travel, beauty, fashion, and the myriad ways Black people live and enjoy life. She has created content for magazines, newspapers, and digital brands.
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