Because shopping is self-care.
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Let’s play a game: Write a list of everyone you love. You’re probably jotting down the names of your kids, partner, friends, family, pets, and, heck, maybe your local barista. (They do keep you caffeinated, after all.) Now, how long did you go until you realized you left yourself off the list? When the holidays revolve around cherishing your nearest and dearest — and spoiling them rotten, within reason — it can be easy to neglect your own needs. That’s why we earnestly suggest you spread the joy within, too.
We’re big supporters of taking care of your mental and physical health via going to therapy, starting a hobby, or releasing endorphins through exercise. But if your love language is gift receiving, it’s high time you show yourself some appreciation with a token or two.
After crossing everyone off your list, recognize your own hard work this season, perhaps in the form of a perfume, a well-made handbag, or an enriching book. Below are 16 great excuses to experiment with some shoppable self-care.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.
The Best Gifts for Yourself for the Holidays 2024
Apple AirPods Max Pro
Amazon
You deserve some peace and quiet, but that can be difficult to find given the chaos of everyday. Turn down the noise with Apple’s over-ear headphones: Not only do they offer some of the best audio tech on the market, you’ll love this special-feeling lavender hue.
ThirdLove 24/7® Classic Wireless Bra
Thirdlove
What if we told you that you can get a bra that smooths, lifts, and supports without any pokey underwire? ThirdLove’s new 24/7® Classic Wireless Bra is made from super-soft microfiber that disappears under clothing and feels buttery on your skin, providing relief from uncomfortable brassieres of years past. Plus it comes in three times as many sizes as most wireless bras, so anyone can gift themselves the perfect fit this holiday season.*
Cozy Earth Puffy Sheep Slipper
Cozy Earth
Slippers are often considered an uncreative fallback gift, but when you’re indulging in a pair that’s guaranteed to make your feet feel incredible? Now that’s personal. This shearling set by Cozy Earth will feel like walking on warm clouds, a truly priceless experience that all tired feet deserve.
Jenni Kayne Pleated Skirt
Jenni Kayne
If you’re willing and able to invest in a luxurious gift for yourself this year, we say go for this flattering yet comfortable knit skirt from Jenni Kayne. Its polished look means it’ll work on just about any occasion, and because it travels well, it’s a great option to pack for holiday travels. Along with the Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, this is one of Katie’s must-haves.*
Lancôme Rénergie Moisturizer
QVC
We know it’s sometimes hard to justify spending money on skincare, but we view the daily routine of applying products as dedicated self-care moments — think of them as investments in yourself. This two-pack of Katie’s go-to moisturizer delivers a serious dose of hydration and leaves your skin feeling firm and lifted. To really make the most of your daily applications, spend a couple minutes giving yourself a facial massage while you put it on. We promise it’ll send you to your happy place.*
Litter-Robot 4
Litter-Robot
Owning a pet is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but cleaning out your kitty’s litter box is one of life’s greatest displeasures. Take that unpleasant chore off your to-do list once and for all with the Litter-Robot 4, which is the result of five years of product development. This machine automatically self-cleans after every use; manages odor; and helps track your cat’s weight, health, and more. If you’re feeling extra festive, wrap it up for your cat to open as a clawsome activity.
Dermelect Self-Esteem Professional Neck Firming Lift
Dermelect
Getting a cream that addresses concerns for mature skin would be an interesting (and potentially insulting) gift to receive, unless the giver know you really well. That’s why we recommend buying it as an item of self-indulgence. No one sticks their neck out for you quite like you, so take care of that neck with this targeted product that addresses fine lines and crepey skin.
Merit Retrospect L’Extrait De Parfum
Merit
When we found out that one of our most-loved makeup and skincare brands was dropping a perfume, we had to get our hands on it. Merit’s long-awaited L’Extrait de Parfum, Retrospect, is alluring, sophisticated, and sure to become your go-to scent. Grounded by vanilla, musk, and moss, it has floral notes of jasmine and rose that tangle with bright bergamot and pear, giving it a complex profile that lingers on your skin long after the initial spritz.*
GemsNY Solitaire Sapphire Earrings
GemsNY
Buying yourself fine jewelry is the ultimate flex, and since diamonds are forever and a girl’s best friend, we see no reason you shouldn’t go all in on a new bauble you’ll own for life. You can make it a truly personal journey with GemsNY, too, because pretty much every piece of jewelry on its site is customizable. You get to choose the metal type and precious gemstone, ranging from tanzanite to diamonds, and everything in-between; you can even pick from a variety of colors. (Did you know that sapphires come in pink?). If you want the classic blue stone, these show-stopping yet versatile earrings caught our eyes.
Harlem Candle Co. Lady Day Floral Ceramic Candle
Nordstrom
Is an at-home spa day even complete without a beautiful candle to set the scene? Light up this gorgeous candle inspired by Billie Holiday, put on some jazz, and close your eyes while you enjoy the sweet smells of lush green leaves, jasmine, and coconut. And when the candle finally burns out, you can repurpose this ceramic container to store bobby pins, matches, or whatever you have lying around.
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Coach
Buying a designer bag is a reasonable way to mark an achievement, like getting a new job or making it through Thanksgiving with your distant relatives unscathed. But it’s pricey, so we probably only do it once a year, and are pretty discerning about which bag we choose. Thankfully, we have no doubts about this viral tote: The Coach Brooklyn shoulder bag has been all over TikTok lately (and on Bella Hadid), but it has mass appeal beyond Gen Z. It’s roomy, timeless, and will go with just about every outfit.
Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set
Quince
Your bed should be a refuge from daily stress, and the sheets you use can make or break your mood. This Quince set is made from 100 percent long-staple organic cotton, so they’ll last a lifetime and won’t irritate your skin, while the cheery gingham print will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip to the European countryside, à la Cameron Diaz in The Holiday.
Hoka Bondi 8
Zappos
In order to best protect your feet, knees, hips, and lower body in general, you should replace your running or walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If an upgrade is in order, Katie and our staff suggest Hokas. These bad boys will give you maximum support, which is our main priority, but the bright-colored foam will also put a little bounce in your step.
lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pant
lululemon
A pair of new joggers isn’t just an excuse to lounge, it’s a reminder to start prioritizing comfort in all aspects your life. This sleek pair from lululemon come in 14 colors, and you can choose from a short, regular, or tall inseam. They went viral on Instagram, with reviewers claiming the pants frame their bums beautifully — sounds like a selling point to us.
Cushion Lab Seat Cushion
Cushion Lab
We’ve all caught ourselves doing the “discomfort dance” after a couple of hours in the car. It starts when your lower back begins to ache, so you wriggle around trying to find a position where the dull pain doesn’t distract you from the road. Living with a sore body is never ideal, so try a spine-aligning car cushion to make driving more enjoyable. Reviewers say they’ve survived 10-hour-long roadtrips without pain thanks to this product, while others claim they can’t live without it for even the shortest of commutes.
*Denotes a paid placement.