Kalejunkie’s Holiday 2020 Self Care Gift Guide

November 28, 2020

The year is 2020, and we are in the midst of a global pandemic – something I don’t think anyone would have guessed at this time last year. And it’s hitting me hard. Since March, our lives have changed – we aren’t going out as much (if at all). We have seen loved ones lose jobs and, get sick, perhaps even lose their lives. We woke the F up and took a stand for the injustices in our country, because Black Lives Matter.

And perhaps our own mental health took a nose dive, as we were forced to adjust to this new normal. I know mine did; and if I’m being honest, I’m still not “myself.” It now takes even more of an effort to take care of myself, so that I can be my best for my family. One day at a time.

So this year, I decided to create three Holiday Gift Guides, one of which is self-care focused.

In this guide, I put together a curated list of all of the things that I love and use, in order to look and feel my best. From the perfect bath time essentials, to my fav cozy sweatshirt, to my fav cookbook and delicious nut butters…this is a list of all the things that help me live the best version of myself. Especially during this pandemic.

Here’s what we’ve got.

CBD Bath Bombs $45 (set of 4) Let’s face it, a nice, soothing bath at the end of the day is the ultimate form of self-care. And bath bombs are fun, especially when they are infused with CBD for maximum relaxation. I always recommend the brand Equilbria Women, not only because it’s a woman-owned brand, but because the quality is unparalleled! Use code KALEJUNKIE for 15% off your first order at Equilibria.
Olipop sparkling prebiotic beverages $40 – The best form of self-care is treating your gut kindly, and one of the best ways to do that is with Olipop sparkling prebiotic beverages! They are basically a healthier soda (think classic root beer, but healthier), and each can contains 9 grams of prebiotic fiber, and 2-3 grams of sugar. Order your friends and family a variety pack, or better yet, sign up for a subscription. Use code KALEJUNKIE to save 20% off sitewide, and get free shipping!
Cozy Ugg slippers $99 – For some reason, the only time I ever buy slippers (for myself and others) is at the holidays. Maybe it’s the weather change, when it starts to get cold outside, it’s time to keep those toes nice and warm and snuggle up at home! ANd when I do purchase slippers, I always go for Uggs, because they are so damn comfy and the quality is really nice! These leopard ones are my all-time fav!
Full focus planner $29 – I am not someone who loves to journal my feelings endlessly. Instead, I need a planner that helps me stay extremely organized, and that includes a small component for gratitude and to celebrate wins. This journal has been absolutely life changing for me. When people ask me how I “do it all,” the answer is with my Full Focus PLanner! This is a great gift for all the go-getters in your life, and for those who simply could use some encouragement getting organized!
Dry Farms wine subscription $88-$299 – Because sometimes self-care includes a nice glass of wine! But if you are like me, you want to drink (amazing) wine and feel good, with no headaches or hangovers. That’s why Dry Farms wines are the best! They are sugar free, lab tested for purity, keto friendly, and basically the best gift you can give someone. Be sure to use my link to grab a free bottle of wine for a penny!
Portable blender $35 – One of my favorite ways to stay fueled on the go is with a portable blender! I recently partnered with Oster to share this blender, but this is totally unsponsored – I love it! At $35, what a fantastic way to blender your smoothies and take them with you wherever you go!
The perfect milk frother $69 – My morning routine is super sacred to me, and that always includes making the perfect cup of coffee, and of course, having the perfect foamy milk to pour on top. I have had this Nespresso Aeroccino for the past few years, and it is quite simply the best!
Inexpensive, but awesome coffee whisk $15 – Don’t want to go full steam and purchase the Nespresso Aeroccino? That’s ok. For $15, snag this little rechargeable whisk! It’s the perfect stocking stuffer, and unlike other whisks that use batteries, this one doesn’t!
Silk pillowcase $110 – If you aren’t sleeping on a silk pillowcase, I want you to consider investing in one, especially if you have fragile hair that’s prone to breakage (like me). Silk pillowcases most definitely help reduce breakage and truly enhance shine. I 100% recommend purchasing one. There are many cheaper brands on the market, but Slip is a brand that is known for very high quality, and I don’t skimp on that.
Ralph Lauren crew socks $26 for a pack of 6 – Crew socks always feel so 1990s to me and that’s why I love them so much. And for $26, you get 6 color pairs of Ralph Lauren crew socks and I am obsessed!
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask $48 – Usually my Go-to skin mask is the R&R Mask from Summer Fridays. But during hte colder fall and winter months, my skin needs a little extra TLC, so I treat it to the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask, which infuses a ton of moisture into the skin. It’s definitely a must-have, and the perfect stocking stuffer too!
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum $185 – Sure, $185 sounds like a hell of a lot of money to spend on a skincare product, but if you can swing it, this product alone has changed my life. I have been using it for about 3 years now, both day and night, and my skin is thriving! Because it’s so expensive, I love surprising people with it, because it’s usually something that someone purchase for themselves (but most definitely should! It’s glorious!)
Makeup brush cleaner $19 – To me there is nothing more annoying than cleaning my makeup brushes – until now. I recently discovered this brush cleaner that’s easy to use and actually fun! I now consider makeup brush cleaning part of my skincare routine!
The best lip scrub $21– Ok, so the best non-toxic lip scrub is from Bite Beauty and I was so excited to see that they have a cute little gift set for the holidays. Remember, your lips need TLC too, and this scrub really gets that dry, flaky skin off your lips. Say hello to the softest lips ever – pucker up!
Kosas Lip Fuel with CBD $20 – Speaking of lips, you guys, buckle up! The Kosas Lip Fuel infused with CBD is a total game changer, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, omg, you will LOVE it! Love love love love it! It’s super moisturizing, clear, lightweight, and definitely not sticky. Plus you get all the benefits of CBD in a single swoop!
Cozy, sexy sweatshirt $136 – Ok, so I know that I said this gift guide was going to be all about self-care, but I couldn’t help but throw in this super cozy and sexy sweatshirt! I loved it so much, I purchased it for myself and it is just PERFECT. I ordered a size small and it fits true to size. If staying nice and warm is an act of self care, then do yourself (or a friend) a favor, and snag one of these!
My favorite eyebrow pencil $24 – Benefit has been around for many years and this brow pencil is the one that I purchase about every 6 months – it is that good. It’s super natural, and very easy to apply. I go for the Medium Brown color and it’s perfect.
Adult coloring book $14 – One of favorite ways to unwind is by coloring! It’s super calming and an act of self-care. Instead of turning on a TV show at night, how about giving coloring a try instead. I loved this coloring book in particulate because it definitely has my sense of humor!
Hanky panky thongs $22-25 – Hanky Panky thongs are the most comfortable undies around! I pretty much feel like I’m wearing nothing. These make the best little stocking stuffer and come in so many fun patterns.
Soft & Cozy Pajamas $120 – this set from Eberjey is my absolute favorite, and I wear it almost every day. It’s lightweigh and uber soft. It feels like a splurge at the $120 price tag, but I can assure you, with the number of wears you will get out of it, you’ll pay it off in no time. You’re welcome – this is a good find!
Silk scrunchies $45 for 4 – If you are looking for hair ties that won’t tear out your hair, these silk scrunchies are for you. Yes, they are expensive, but hopefully you will take good care of them and be sure not to lose them. I have them in all the colors and I love that I no longer have any breakage from hair rubber bands!
My favorite bread plates $48 for 4 – This set from Anthropologie is a must. You’ve probably seen every food blogger out there take pics on this plate and post on Instagram. And that’s for good reason: it photographs well, and has a really pretty texture. And now you can get a cute little set of four!
Ottolenghi Flavor Cookbook $21 – Yotam Ottolenghi’s newest cookbook, Flavor, is a must-have item for any cook in your life. His recipes are incredibly tasty, and it’s packed with lots of tips and tricks. I sit in bed late at night drooling over all the recipes in this book.
Essential oil diffuser $21 – One of my favorite ways to unwind is simply by relaxing in my bed with the diffuser on my nightstand. I love breathing in calming scents and slowing things down. This diffuser is inexpensive and works really well!
Lululemon align pants $98 – I still think that Lululemon Align’s are the world’s best basic everyday legging. I have about 5 pairs in black, and a few other pairs in fun prints. If you are new to Aligns, I recommend buying black because it’s a staple and then incorporating other colors!
Adidas Ultraboost $180 – Ok so if you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know that I am obsessed with my Adidas Ultraboost shoes. I have them in several different colors, and they are the comfiest running and training shoe I’ve found so far. The best part is that you don’t have to wear socks with them!
Georgia Grinders Boxed Trio of Nut Butters $28-$38 – Georgia Grinders nut butters are the best around, and to be honest, it’s pretty much the only brand I buy these days, unless I’m in a pinch. They are made in small batches and contain no added sugars or oils. The best part is that for the holidays, you can purchase gift packages and pick any 3 flavors of nut butters to go inside. They make the best gift! Use code KJFREESHIP for free shipping or KALEJUNKIE20 for 20% off your order. Discounts can’t be combined, so pick which one saves you most $.
The Bearaby Weighted Blanket $249 – When I think about self-care, it’s all about showing yourself some love. How about spoiling a loved one with a Bearaby weighted blanket? They are the ultimate in luxury and feel like you are being embraced by a hug! They are also known to help with anxiety and promote better sleep! You need one too!
Bath caddy $49 – Have you ever wondered how people have a glass of wine, a book, and a candle going on in the bathtub all at once? You need this caddy, and you too, can be that person.
Home gel manicure set $60 – I’m not sure about you guys, but I’m definitely not getting my nails done at the salon as much anymore. I never thought I’d be one to do gel manis at home, but now that I’ve discovered this kit, it’s actually so easy! May or may not return to the salon!