I might be 39, but in many ways, 2016 was the year I became an actual adult. Both my father and grandmother died, my daughter got mean-girled, my son started his first real sport, I suffered some health setbacks, and I had to sell my beloved horse. I even cut my hair short for the first time since middle school…and instantly hated it.
Oh, and I packed on 10 pounds of kummerspeck, which is German for “grief bacon.” Which means that heading into the holidays, my daily uniform now is pajamas and shearling boots.
This is not to depress you! Only to say that clearly, I need some self-care — and some self-fabulization — and perhaps I’m not alone.
I need to get my groove back, and these 5 gifts I’m coveting from our holiday gift guides will help me do just that.
Related: Over 350 gift ideas in our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
1. Aromatherapy Diffuser
I’m halfway through my yoga teacher training, which means I’m learning how to breathe. I’m also learning that when I get stressed, I basically forget to breathe altogether. This InnoGear Wood Grain Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser will humidify the dry winter air and scent it with delicious essential oils to help me relax, recharge, and, yes, breathe.
2. Monogrammed Blanket Scarf
This one’s a twofer: I get in on a hot and cozy fashion craze, while I rest easy knowing every Rosa Gold Monogrammed Blanket Scarf purchase benefits Pencils of Promise to help provide education to kids around the world. Plus, it’s going to look amazing with the leather jacket my husband gave me as an early Christmas gift. And those arrows are on point.
3. Revitalizing Body Oil
I’m on deadline with a book due January 1, which means my holiday season is less delightful and a little more frightful. One of the first self-care slips I make is to stop moisturizing. Hello, Drylilah! Something tells me that if I had a really lovely body oil like this Revitalizing Body Oil by Tata Harper, I’d remember to take better care of myself and stay moist. But in a good way.
4. Handcrafted Ethiopian Leather Tote
Before diaper bags, I never carried a bag. But now, even with big kids, I’m addicted to carrying everything with me. This Abera Crossbody Leather Tote would be a beautiful and indulgent addition to my collection, and every purchase from fashionABLE helps create real career opportunities for women in Ethiopia including healthcare, education, and care for their families.
5. Gourmet Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Why does no one tell me that the female body starts breaking down after 35? In the past five years, I’ve lost my gallbladder, as well as my ability to ingest gluten, coffee, full dairy, fried food, or red wine. And edible treats are no longer anything goes. But I’m super intrigued by these Seedlip Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits I found on our 2016 Cool Mom Eats holiday gift guide, which promise all of the indulgence with non of the oh, god, why am I dying hangover. And those bottles! So pretty.
