Wellness is about finding small moments to slow down and care for yourself. These present ideas will help your loved ones carve out time for self-care.
If the person you’re buying for enjoys a pampering session, loves their yoga routine or could use some rare peace and quiet, these wellbeing gifts are designed to help them unwind and de-stress.
You’ll find options that add a touch of everyday luxury as well as practical products to improve their home setup.
Less than £30
Sheet face masks
While the jury is still out on how effective face masks are, I think they make a great stocking filler or to bulk up a present. This range from Garnier features a mix of ingredients and I love using them to chill out on a Sunday night.
Faith StricklandWhich? senior editor
We like: Perfect for a pamper night
Watch out for: Pick masks for their skin concerns
Relaxing evenings at home can help you feel rejuvenated, as rest is vital for your wellbeing. Unwinding with a face mask will also provide extra hydration to your skin.
This set of five Garnier face masks includes three sheet masks and two eye masks, available in scents such as coconut, lavender, orange and pomegranate.
Glossier Balm Dotcom
I’ve bought these lip balms as gifts for a few friends and for myself. They’re lovely to use and come in lots of different flavours/shades – even a birthday cake flavour.
Poppy GauntWhich? senior editor
We like: Lots of scents and tints
We don’t like: Some scents could be overwhelming
Treat them to a new, more luxurious lip balm than they would usually buy.
Winter can be tough on lips, but an effective lip balm can help soothe dryness. It will provide instant hydration and protect delicate skin from damage.
Glossier’s Balm Dotcom comes in several flavours, such as hot cocoa, lavender or wild fig. Each one has a sheer tint for a subtle pop of colour, too.
See our guide to the best lip balms for more similar options.
Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream
We like: Pink rose and bergamot fragrance
We don’t like: Don’t use on irritated or broken skin
Soap & Glory’s hand cream will be a lovely treat to gift your loved ones.
Formulated to deeply moisturise and soften skin, it uses ingredients such as shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow. Plus, its signature pink rose and bergamot fragrance should make their hands smell lovely, too.
You can buy it in a couple of sizes – the smaller 50ml option will easily fit in a handbag.
Read our guide to the best hand creams to find out more and to see other similar options.
Yoga mat
One of the best practical gifts I’ve ever received was a yoga mat a few Christmases ago. I use it most days for everything from sun salutations to desk-chair recovery stretches.
Yasmine CrosslandWhich? senior writer
We like: Includes a carry strap
Watch out for: People with sensitive knees may need a thicker mat
Inspire a mindful and active routine by giving your friend or family member a new yoga mat.
Essential for yoga, stretching, and muscle-building exercises, a high-quality mat provides a stable, grippy surface that helps maintain balance and minimise discomfort from a hard floor.
Choose an affordable mat for someone just getting started or upgrade to an avid yogi’s setup with a premium, non-slip and beautifully decorated mat.
Bath salts
A good gift for those with aches and pains or in need of relaxation. The scientific evidence for baths being a good way to absorb magnesium via Epsom salts isn’t great, but baths themselves do have proven benefits. Anything that makes this more pleasant and relaxing is likely to be well received.
Jessica CarsonWhich? health and wellbeing editor
We like: Chill out and destress
Watch out for: Not everyone enjoys baths
Bath salts make a thoughtful gift for people who enjoy a warm bath to unwind and de-stress.
Epsom salts or magnesium may help soothe tired, aching muscles. Scented versions can help to promote relaxation and are ideal for people who need an excuse to indulge in a bit of self-care.
Glass nail file
Glass nail files last forever and are so much more effective than a normal nail file. They also feel less damaging.
Shefalee LothWhich? principal researcher
We like: Luxurious upgrade to the beauty tool
Watch out for: May require more time and patience than an emery board
A glass nail file is a sleek upgrade to the classic emery board and the perfect addition to a night of pampering.
Switching to glass may mean it lasts longer than the cheaper alternative and has been reported to benefit your nails, such as reducing chipping.
This inexpensive gift will be appreciated by anyone who likes to take care of their nails.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
I’m naturally sceptical about anti-ageing brand claims, but The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% emulsion really works for me. Strong retinoids can irritate the skin, but the retinoid in this product has been scientifically proven to be gentle, even at 5% concentration. It’s a luxe gift without the luxe price, plus it lasts for ages.
Martha RobertsWhich? senior writer
We like: An inexpensive product for beauty fans
Watch out for: Everyone’s skin has different needs
The Ordinary strips back skincare staples, leaving out unnecessary ingredients without inflating the prices.
The Granactive Retinoid Serum 5% in Squalane is water-free and claims to exfoliate and renew the look of skin. It promises to give you the perks of a retinoid without the side effects of dryness and redness. You just need to apply a small amount to the face each evening.
Pilates grip socks
I do a lot of reformer Pilates and you need grippy socks. Even though I take care of mine and wash them inside out (as recommended by my instructor), they eventually lose their grip. I hope to find some new ones under the tree.
Shefalee LothWhich? principal researcher
We like: Prevent slipping during workouts
Watch out for: Pricey in comparison with everyday socks
Perfect for yoga and Pilates lovers, grip socks are a handy tool to improve balance and overall ability in mat-based exercises.
They provide better control and greater stability because of the non-slip, rubberised soles. You’ll be less likely to fall, and they could help you have better form in your movements, too.
Less than £50
Candle
Lighting a candle on a dark winter’s evening or after a busy day at work always helps me to unwind and feel a little less stressed. Neom have several lovely smelling options.
Faith StricklandWhich? senior editor
We like: Luxurious and calming
Watch out for: Pick the right scent for your home
Cleaning the house, cooking a nice meal and watching a movie are all acts of self-care. But the ritual isn’t complete without a scented candle.
The combination of a therapeutic fragrance and the soft flicker of the flame transforms your home into a cosy, relaxing sanctuary.
Neom’s scented candles are made from naturally derived wax and blended with essential oils. You can buy them in all sorts of scents, such as Christmas Wish with mandarin, cinnamon and tonka bean, or Perfect Night’s Sleep with lavender, chamomile and patchouli. Each comes in an aesthetically designed glass jar.
Less than £100
Pulsio Air massage gun
Available from Pulsio (£69.99)
Aches and pains are a natural part of being a runner and, although a good cool down and a stretch always help, at least some soreness in your muscles feels like an inevitability. Massage guns were a revelation and helped cut my recovery times by around half.
Joel BatesWhich? principal researcher
We like: Lightweight and portable
We don’t like: Smaller than other massage guns
For faster recovery after intense exercise, such as strength training or running, a massage gun is a must-have. They work by delivering percussive strokes into muscle tissue, increasing blood flow and reducing tension.
The Pulsio Air weighs 0.45kg and has a speed range of 1,200 to 4,500 percussions per minute, with a 12mm amplitude for targeting muscle tension. In the box, you’ll find four interchangeable massage heads: round ball, fork, bullet and flat, along with a carry case to keep everything in one place.
Read our guide to the best massage guns to find out more and to see other similar options.
Comfier Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager
We like: Range of adjustable settings
We don’t like: Use for only 15 minutes at a time
If you’re buying a gift for someone who regularly complains about tired, aching feet, a foot massage will provide instant relief.
The Comfier Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager brings the spa experience to your home, offering treatments that combine deep kneading, compression, rolling and vibrations, all enhanced by heat.
Plus, there’s a built-in timer, three adjustable settings, washable foot liners and it comes with a remote control.
See our guide to the best foot massagers for more information and similar options.
Glow Recipe skincare
A Glow Recipe skincare set was given to me as a gift, and the watermelon toner has since become one of my go-to products. I love how it makes my skin look and feel, the scent is delightful and the chic bottle brightens up my bathroom shelf.
Yasmine CrosslandWhich? senior writer
We like: Elegant packaging
Watch out for: Not everyone wants a multi-step skincare routine
A dedicated skincare routine has the potential to improve your wellbeing because it not only results in soft, healthy and glowing skin, but the daily ritual also provides a crucial moment to slow down and practice self-care.
Glow Recipe is a Korean-inspired skincare brand that claims to give you dewy glass skin using fruit extracts.
This set features the Niacinamide Dew Drops hydrating serum, PHA + BHA pore-minimising toner, Pink Juice moisturiser and four sheet masks. All are watermelon-infused and come in gorgeously designed packaging.
Heated throw
This thing is a desert island possession for me as a mum with circulation problems – in fact, I bought a second, so one can just permanently live on my bed.
Lanna RosgenWhich? market analyst
We like: Snug and stylish
We don’t like: Heated throws can be pricey to run
A heated throw is the key to an extra-cosy living room, providing the perfect toasty layer for snuggling up on cold winter evenings.
The Dreamland Herringbone Pattern Heated Throw features six heat settings and a nine-hour timer that automatically shuts it off if you fall asleep with it on. It comes in a range of colours and is machine-washable.
See our guide to the best heated throws for more and similar options.
Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
We like: Silk with an adjustable headstrap
We don’t like: Handwash only
Give the gift of a restful night’s sleep – a quality eye mask can make a world of difference to mood and energy.
Perfect for light sleepers or those without blackout blinds, the Drowsy silk sleep mask is designed to block out light with a silky-soft fabric that protects skin and hair from damage. Plus, the adjustable headstrap will ensure the right fit for anyone who wears it.
They will need to wash it by hand because it’s not machine-washable.
See our guide to the best eye masks for more and similar options.
Foot spa
The Rio multi-functional motorised foot spa allows you to set it to your preferred temperature and let the motorised rollers do all the work on the soles of your feet. Or, if you prefer, you can enjoy the ‘bubbles only’ setting.
Chris BrookesWhich? researcher
We like: Combines heat, massage and bubbles for tired feet
We don’t like: Only fits up to a size 12 foot
A luxurious gift that says ‘relax and put your feet up’, a foot spa will help them decompress after a busy day by soothing muscles and boosting circulation.
The Rio Multi-functional Motorised Foot Spa Bath and Massager features heat, massage and bubble functions, with built-in massaging rollers, a pumice stone and a brush. There are four settings: heat only, massage only, heat and massage, or heat and bubbles, depending on the type of relief needed.
See our guide to the best foot spas to find out more and to see other similar options.
Less than £200
Dyson Supersonic hairdryer
It’s not cheap, but I wouldn’t use anything else on my curly, frizzy hair. Most hairdryers leave me looking like a frizzball, but not this one. It’s light enough that I was still able to use it when I fractured my arm.
Fran Roberts-ThorntonWhich? senior researcher
We like: Doesn’t use extreme heat
We don’t like: Check if they need a new hairdryer
For some people, having gorgeous, bouncy hair is essential, because looking good can help you feel good, too.
The Dyson Supersonic is engineered to dry and style hair without extreme heat, instead using a high-velocity jet of controlled air. Suitable for all hair types, it claims to tame frizz, and keep hair looking sleek and shiny.
The hair dryer includes a diffuser, flyaway attachment, gentle air attachment, and more.
See our guide to the best hair dryers for more information and similar options.
Slip silk monogrammed pillowcase
Buy the Slip silk pillowcase from the Slip online store for £115.
This pillowcase can be monogrammed for a thoughtful gift. The smooth silk feels soft against the skin, helps reduce frizz and hair kinks, and leaves you waking up with fewer face creases in the morning. There are also cheaper versions available, but this brand is very good.
Sarah Joan RossWhich? editor
We like: Beautiful and thoughtful
Watch out for: They will need two if they sleep in a double bed
A silk pillowcase will feel lovely to sleep on and has practical benefits for hair and skin, reducing frizz and keeping your hairstyle intact from the previous day.
It allows your night creams and serums to work more effectively, unlike cotton pillowcases that tend to absorb them, and it will be gentler on sensitive skin, too.
To make the present even more thoughtful and personal, why not buy this Slip Initial Collection Queen pillowcase, which can be monogrammed with the recipient’s initial?
Read more about why we love silk pillowcases and find out whether their wellbeing claims stack up.
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