Use these simple self care kit ideas to build your absolute DREAM self care box. Create your mini self care kit with these relaxing, affordable essentials to instantly turn a bad day into a good one!
We've ALL had those days. The bad days that no matter what you do, everything in your life seems to be falling apart.
What I've come to learn is that those rainy, no good, very bad days are, unfortunately, inevitable.
BUT... instead of cursing at the world or getting your anger out on your loved ones, realize 1) this bad day will pass 2) have a self care box for mental health at the ready.
Yes! A self care kit for women where you have all your favorite goodies all in one place will absolutely put your mind at ease. Because (for me at least), I know I NEVER think straight and sometimes let my emotions get the best of me on terrible days.
However, rather than lashing out at the world, I know I can always count on my self care kit to calm me down and center myself to what's truly important in life.
You may be thinking I don't have the time or money to build a self care kit. Self care doesn't have to be some big expensive thing, nor should self care feel like a chore to do.
In this article, you'll learn 35 easy self care kit ideas you can use to build your very own self care box. You'll also discover how you can make a mini self care kit for loved ones in your life to show your love & appreciation for them! ????
In this post you'll learn the top self care kit ideas to fill your go-to self care box.
What Is A Self Care Kit?
A self care kit (or self care box or package) is a basket where you place items that make you feel good, safe, relaxed, and overall bring you peace and happiness.
Life can be overwhelming. With so much going on, it can be easy for your thoughts to spiral and before you know it it feels like your life is out of control.
Setting aside time for self care can effectively help relieve stress to reduce overwhelm and burnout in your life.
Although it’s good to practice self care consistently, sometimes life often throws a curve ball (or two or three!) your way. This can lead you to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Therefore, a self care kit serves as a ready-to-go basket full of your favorite things. Items that give you joy, make you feel your best, bring you confidence, and help you learn something new about yourself or the world.
Why Do You Need A Self Care Kit?
You need a self care kit because, unfortunately, you can’t pick when your bad days come your way.
It’s essential to understand that self care, by no means, is just for when you are feeling down or sad. You can and should practice self care consistently according to your own unique schedule.
That being said, it’s always good to have a ready-to-go collection of items that bring you joy and relaxation at the ready in case you do have an unexpected bad day here or there.
Bad days are inevitable. However, what you do to overcome and lift yourself up from your daily stressors and challenges is what’s important.
A self care kit provides this sort of “emergency” box (if you will) of goodies that will surely boost your mood despite having a crumby day. Rather than sitting and catastrophizing your life struggles and stressors.
Trust me…. I’m an avid overthinker. It’s not fun to just sit in your catastrophizing thoughts when you can focus your energy on building yourself back up thanks to a self care kit.
How To Make Your Very Own Self Care Kit
Self care is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. Yes, there are some classic self care favorites (i.e. journaling!!).
But, you should customize your self care basket to be a collection of things you know you enjoy and will bring you joy and peace.
Not what you think is the most aesthetically pleasing, or what “everyone else does” on social media with their self care routine.
Here are three tips for creating your very own self care kit for women you’ll LOVE.
Pick Your Self Care Kit Basket
First things first, you need a cute basket to place all your fun self care essentials in.
You can choose any box lying around your house that you like.
If you are in need of a super cute basket on a budget… don’t worry… I’ve got you.
Target has all types of great bins and baskets that are PERFECT for creating a self care kit.
Below is the type of Target basket I use for my self care kit. And the best part is there's all different types of patterns & colors to choose from.
Select Your Favorite Self Care Kit Ideas
Below are the 35 top self care kit ideas. However, there are truly soooo many ways to practice healthy self care habits besides these 35 things.
Make sure to pick the self care kit ideas that most resonate with your needs and interests. Ones that you know will bring you joy and make you feel rejuvenated to take on the world!
And always remember, how you practice self care may look different than how someone else's self care routine looks like. And that's okay!
Replenish Your Kit & Try Something New
Eventually, you may run out of things in your self care kit. No biggie. Just remember to refill your self care kit from time to time to ensure you’re stocked for those dreaded bad days.
And, consider trying something new and going out of your comfort zone when it comes to self care. If you’ve never tried something but it sounds like something you may enjoy, consider giving it a go in your next self care routine.
You just may find your next favorite self care essential this way!
35 Simple Self Care Kit Ideas To Fill Your Self Care Box
Here are the top 35 self care kit ideas you can use to fill your basket with your favorite self care essentials.
1. Journal
A journal is a great way to put your thoughts down on paper.
Catatrophizing and overthinking can be toxic. Especially if you are dealing with chronic stressors that seem to have no end in sight.
Journaling has the power to put all your spiraling thoughts down on paper so you can more effectively work through your thoughts and stressors.
2. Book Your Interested In
Another self care package ideas for her is to put a book you are actually interested in your self care kit.
There's no point in buying a book solely because it's trendy, but you know you have no desire to read.
Personally, I LOVE self-help style books. Need a book recommendation?!
Brianna Wiest's 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think is a great self development style book that's a quick read!
3. Nail Kit
There's nothing like a little beauty TLC. Putting a nail kit in your self care kit for women is great to give yourself a well-deserved manicure or pedicure.
I personally LOVE doing gel nails as gel wears longer and better than traditional nail polish.
4. Face Mask
Who doesn't love a good face mask?! Filling your self care box for mental health with facial sheet masks is sure to put your mind at ease while also hydrating and perfecting your face.
There are soooo many great, affordable face masks on Amazon. My personal favorite is the Pearl Brightening Face Mask on Amazon.
It's soothing on the sink, smells amazing, and leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth.
5. Candle
Another self care kit ideas essential is a candle with your favorite scent.
Candles can be a soothing way to relax and enjoy a little aromatherapy.
I'm OBSESSED with Bath & Body Works candles. There's sooo many great options to choose from. And, you can even order Bath & Body Works candles off of Amazon!
6. Favorite Candy
Eating your favorite sweets is another great way to boost your mood.
Fill your self care kit with all your favorite sweets so you can enjoy when you need a pick me up.
7. Epsom Salt
Taking a bath when you're stressed gives you time to relax and destress... no matter how hectic life can get.
Consider putting an Epsom salt bag in your self care kit for the next time you want to soak in the tub and relax.
8. Bubble Bath
Consider adding bubble bath product into your self care box.
If you want to take a bath, you can easily add some bubbles AND epsom salt for a super relaxing bath.
9. Hair Mask Oils
Consider putting some hair mask oils like Argan oil and Castor Oil in your kit.
Doing a simple hair mask is another great self care kit ideas, and it's super easy to do.
Simply put a few drops into the palms of your hands and massage it into your hair. Wait about 15-20 minutes to let the oils sink into your hair and scalp.
Then, take a shower to wash off the oils for silky smooth hair AND a reason to take a long relaxing shower.
10. Tea
Tea is another great item to add to your self care kit.
There's nothing like being able to hold a warm beverage and indulge in a yummy drink.
I personally LOVE drinking decaf tea specially designed to get you sleepy.
Soooo if you're looking to take a snooze as a restorative self care idea, consider putting some tea in your kit to help you relax and maybe even take a nap too!
11. Plan Financials/Budget
Although budgeting isn't the typical fun, aesthetic self care idea... hear me out.
Budgeting is not only productive, but financials in general can be a HUGE stressor in people's live.
Therefore, consider leaving a notebook or financial planner in your self care kit just to ensure you are on track to meet your financial goals.
12. Gratitude Journal
There are soooo many things to be grateful for in life.
However, often when your busy or overwhelmed, it can be easy to forget about all the great people and things in your life.
Consider having a gratitude journal/ notebook in your self care kit. Jot down and list all that you're grateful for.
And, next time you need a little pick-me-up, you can easily add onto your existing list and reflect upon all the things you're grateful for from past entries.
13. To Do List
Sometimes with sooo much going on in life, it can be easy to forget everything that needs to get done.
Consider having a to do list and filling out all your tasks down is another productive self care kit ideas.
This will not only help you destress by not having to remember everything you need to get done.
But, this will also keep you accountable to NOT procrastinate on your tasks.
14. Fuzzy Socks
Who doesn't love wearing fuzzy socks to instantly feel better?
Consider adding fuzzy socks to your self care kit for women to help make your feet extra warm and cuddly.
There's so many fun fuzzy sock patterns and colors on Amazon for cheap too.
15. Fun Markers/ Pens
If you are obsessed with art, considering putting art supplies like these marker pens in your self care kit.
You can draw, color in a coloring book, and even write or bullet journal with these marker pens.
Therefore, if you're more of a creative, artsy person, consider adding these variety pack marker pens to your self care kit.
16. Slippers
This also makes for a great self care kit gift for a friend or family member (to be discussed later in this article!!).
17. Projector
Cue the movie or your favorite TV series with this projector.
I bought this projector on Amazon about a year ago, and it's a game-changer.
Normally, I watch Netflix on my laptop. But, with doing all my work on my laptop, I constantly feel like I'm on my laptop all day long.
This projector provides the perfect way to enjoy your favorite shows in a fun & unique way.
All you have to do is plug your laptop into the projector (cord comes with projector) and bring up the show you want to watch.
18. Words Of Affirmation
Although not a specific product, consider printing off or jotting down some words of affirmation on nice paper to post on your self care basket.
Words of affirmation are powerful to help boost your spirits, even if you're having a terrible day.
Consider going on Pinterest and printing out some aesthetically pleasing words of affirmation pins. Or, jotting some words of affirmation sayings in a journal (i.e. I am enough, I am worthy of love, etc.)
19. Playlist Of Favorite Songs
Consider listening to your favorite songs while you use the items in your self care kit.
We all have those songs or fav artists that instantly brighten your day and put you in a better headspace.
If you don't have it already, consider getting Spotify to create and listen to your favorite songs the next time you're practicing self care.
20. Hot Chocolate
If you're not much of a tea person, consider adding hot chocolate to your self care kit.
Not only will a warm beverage calm your mind, but hot chocolate is soooo yummy and easy to make.
21. Cute Mug
To go with your hot tea or hot chocolate, consider adding a cute mug in your self care kit.
There is sooo many cute mugs on Amazon at Target to choose from. And, they're affordable too!
22. Comfy PJ Set
Have a go-to PJ set in your self care kit. There are tons of cute sets on Amazon and Target for super cheap, while being cute & comfy.
Sometimes, I find when I physically change my clothes into "comfy clothes" it helps calm my mind. And, who doesn't love wearing a cute PJ set while practicing self care?!
{RELATED POST: 15 Simple Self Care Night Routine Ideas}
23. Gift Cards
When you receive gift cards on holidays, birthdays, or special occasions, consider putting all your gift cards in your self care kit.
This way, when you're feeling down, you can look forward to using those gift cards from your favorite stores to buy things you love.
And.... this will make you feel a little less guilty for going a shopping splurge haha!
24. Print Fun Photos From Phone
Decorate and fill your self care kit with fun photos from your phone.
You likely have THOUSANDS of pictures over the years on your phone. Take the time to favorite the pictures you like on your phone and print them out OR order nice copies off of Shutterfly.
I personally have the Shutterfly app on my phone so I can easily order print photos from my phone that are delivered to my house.
25. Vision Board
Make a vision board to put in your self care box for mental health. Vision boards are great to manifest your goals and what you want out of life.
I like going on Pinterest and printing out aesthetically pleasing pins that are connected to goals on what I want to achieve.
26. Cards
Another top self care kit ideas is putting cards (i.e. thank you cards, plain cards, etc.) in your kit. This way, you can think about someone you've been meaning to thank, or simply writing a letter to someone important in your life to show you're thinking about them.
27. Positive Quotes
Another way to decorate your self care kit is with positive quotes.
There are tons of great quotes on Pinterest you can easily print out and attach to your self care kit or have in a stack in your basket.
28. Motivating Podcasts
Consider listening to a motivating, uplifting podcast while you do your self care activities.
Personally, I find podcasts to 1) help me learn something new, 2) motivate me, and 3) distract my mind from overthinking.
So, if you're thinking of taking a bubble bath or painting your nails, consider listening to a podcast you enjoy.
29. Lotion
Lotions are great to keep your skin hydrated and calm your mind and body.
There are so many AMAZING scents of lotions out there. I especially like the Aveeno lotion brand as it doesn't have that artificial smell that other lotions can sometimes have.
30. Body Scrub
A body scrub is another great thing to include in your self care kit.
The next time you want to take a long shower or soak in a bubble bath, you can use this body scrub to exfoliate your skin.
Exfoliating is great to get rid of the dead skin cells on your skin's surface.
But.... be sure to NOT over exfoliate, and just do so 1-2 times per week. Otherwise, you risk irritating your skin!
{RELATED POST: Best Shower Routine For Glowing Skin}
31. Lip Scrub
Consider adding a lip scrub to your self care kit. Like a body scrub, a lip scrub helps exfoliate your lips.
Who doesn't want silky smooth, soft lips?!
Be sure to follow your lip scrub process with some lip balm to add some hydration back into your lips.
32. Letter To Yourself
Write a letter to your future self and keep it in your self care kit.
You change more than you know! And, progress, no matter how big or small, can be extremely encouraging.
So, consider writing a letter to your future self so you can look back on it and be proud of how you've grown.
33. Blanket
Place a comfy blanket in your self care kit to make you feel extra soft and warm.
Cuddling in your favorite blanket is sure to make you feel relaxed and put your mind at ease.
34. Eye Mask
If you're looking to take a snooze, an eye mask is another great essential to have in your self care box.
Consider buying a silk eye mask so it's gentle on your skin.
35. Little Tissue Pack
Always have some tissues in your self care kit.
Crying is nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, crying can actually help you process and get through stressful times rather than bundling up your emotions until you're too overwhelmed or burnout.
Give A Mini Self Care Kit As A Gift
You can even give a self care box to a friend or family member in your life. They’ll surely appreciate this thoughtful gift. And, it will help your loved one practice some much needed self care in their own life.
Who To Give A Self Care Kit To
Think about all the important people in your life. Whether it be a family member or friend, all these people have surely helped you in times of need.
Show your appreciation for them by giving them a self care kit personalized to what gives them joy.
Because, let’s face it, no matter if it’s a parent or friend, we all face some stressful moments in life and need a little TLC.
Self Care Kit For Friends
Think about what your friend loves/ what their hobbies are.
Is your friend into art? Consider getting them more of an ~artisty~ self care kit filled with cool pens, markers, coloring books, and/or a gift card to Michaels.
Is your friend into all things skin care & beauty? Consider making them a beauty related self care kit filled with a face mask, gua sha, facial exfoliator, lip scrub, and lip balm.
Self Care Kit For Students
A self care kit for students (i.e. college students) is an absolute necessity. School is hard!
Fill their self care kit with relaxing items like their favorite snacks, a blanket, a candle, comfy PJs, and some fuzzy socks.
And, consider putting in some school-related essentials they may appreciate like: extra pens, pencils, sticky notes, and a notebook.
Self Care Kit For Parents
Being a parent surely isn’t easy. Consider giving your parents a self care kit to show your appreciation for how great a parent they’ve been.
Include their favorite snacks, a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant, a card showing your appreciation for them, a cute mug, slippers, and even a picture of you and your family.
Self Care Kit For Siblings
You love them, you hate them. But, there’s no denying your siblings are always there for you.
Show your appreciation for them by giving them their very own mini self care kit filled with their favorites!
Consider giving them their favorite snacks, journal, a gift card to their favorite store, print fun photos of you together, a candle, a book you think they’d like, and more!
What To Put In Your Self Care Kit Gift For Loved Ones
Building a self care kit for a loved one at first can seem overwhelming.
What self care kit ideas do I get them?
How do I package the items?
Follow these 5 simple steps to make a self care kit your loved one is sure to LOVE.
Step One: Think About What They Like
Again, everyone’s self care kits will look different depending on what they enjoy and find relaxing.
Therefore, when creating your self care kit gift for your loved one, think about what they like.
What hobbies do they do? What are their favorite stores? What snacks do they like? Do they enjoy painting their nails?
Reflect on what they might like and jot down some ideas of things you can fill their self care kit with.
Step Two: Stick To The Basics
When in doubt, stick to the basics. You don’t have to get too fancy with this if you don’t want to.
Creating a self care kit as a gift for a loved one is meant to be fun and show your appreciation to them. NOT stressful and take lots of time out of your day.
If you have no idea about what to fill the kit with, consider putting in a journal, fun photos of you together, a face mask, fuzzy socks, a cute mug, a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant, and a cute card or message inside.
Step Three: Get A Box Or Basket
Use a box you have lying around your house, get a basket from Target or Amazon for cheap to fill, or get a free USPS box (only select options are free, like priority mail) if shipping the self care kit.
If you are shipping the self care kit, USPS is great because you can again order a FREE box online (select options like priority mail) and have it delivered straight to your door.
Or, go to a local USPS to pick up a box (again, priority mail boxes are free) to fill.
Then, when it comes time to ship the kit, you can either stop by your local USPS store to ship it.
Or, if you don’t want to leave your house, pay and print a shipping label online on the USPS website and just ship from your home or drop it off at a USPS-designated mailbox/drop-off.
Step Four: Decorate Your Gift Box
Consider decorating the mini self care kit gift with all sorts of cute decorations such as:
- Confetti
- Encouraging quotes wrapped around the items in the kit
- Scatter Hershey Kisses around the box
- Use tissue paper to stuff the box
Step Five: Write A Sweet Message
Write a message on card stock or in a card to show your appreciation for the loved one getting the self care box.
This doesn’t have to be a long, elaborate message if you don’t want it to be. Simply a couple of sentences showing how thankful you are to have them in your life is all you need.
Top Self Care Box Subscription Ideas To Try
Did you know there are self care subscription boxes? Find out what subscription kit services and other subscriptions you can sign up for to seamlessly integrate self care into your life!
1. TheraBox
TheraBox is a self care subscription box that contains 1 activity designed to bring you joy and positivity into your life. And, 7-8 wellness products to bring joy, peace, and feel your best self each and every month!
2. Birchbox
Birchbox is a monthly beauty and wellness subscription service. Choose 2-5 products you want and receive a free surprise gift for each month in your box.
The great thing about this subscription service is, if you want to, you can choose the products you want in your box. Not just receive products everyone else gets each month!
3. Gym Membership
Although not a subscription box filled with goodies you get each month, a gym membership is still a great way to exercise self care.
With a monthly gym membership, not only will you strengthen your physical body, but mentally improve yourself to be the best, most confident version of yourself.
This post is about the simple self care kit ideas you can use to create your DREAM self care box.
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