Self-Care Gifts for a Little Me-Time
Sometimes the best gift is permission to slow down for a minute. These are our favorite self-care gifts, from spa-day-at-home treats to cozy blankets, reading-nook upgrades and little luxuries for the people in your life (yourself included) who rarely take a break.
The guides
Shop all picks
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
The Sleep-Deprived Teen (book) by Lisa L. Lewis
A practical book offering research-backed insight and strategies to help teens (and parents/schools) improve sleep—great for parents of adolescents.
From the guide
Your Turn: How to Be an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims (book)
A thoughtful guidance book for young adults and anyone navigating independence—good as a practical, encouraging gift.
From the guide
Fair Play by Eve Rodsky (book)
A practical book offering a system to rebalance household responsibilities—good as a thoughtful gift for partners or friends navigating the mental load.
From the guide
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
Winner of the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature — a powerful, compassionate novel about grief and identity that's a thoughtful gift for teen readers.
From: 7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They're not just for Pride Month
The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott
A moving contemporary YA novel about a girl completing her late mother's bucket list and discovering unexpected romance — a heartfelt gift for fans of emotional coming-of-age stories.
From: 7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They're not just for Pride Month
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
A semi-autobiographical novel-in-verse about a mixed-race, gay teen discovering drag and identity — a lyrical, powerful gift for teen readers.
From: 7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They're not just for Pride Month
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
A genre-blending YA novel featuring an asexual Lipan Apache protagonist and speculative elements — a distinctive, representation-rich gift for teen readers.
From: 7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They're not just for Pride Month
Camp by L. C. Rosen
A funny, queer-forward YA novel set at an identity-focused summer camp that explores stereotypes and teen relationships — a lively, affirming gift for queer teens.
From: 7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They're not just for Pride Month
The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions by Greta Thunberg
A compilation of expert perspectives on climate science and solutions—a substantial gift for anyone wanting a broad, evidence-based overview.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
A solution-focused guide outlining technologies and policies to reduce emissions—a practical gift for readers interested in policy and innovation.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
It's Not That Radical by Mikaela Loach
A concise, accessible introduction to climate activism and practical steps for change—a good gift for younger adults or teens starting climate conversations.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World by Zahra Biabani
A hopeful collection of climate solutions and stories of systemic change—suitable for readers seeking actionable, positive perspectives.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells
A hard-hitting exploration of climate risks and future scenarios—a compelling gift for readers who want a rigorous, urgent look at warming impacts.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
A seminal environmental classic that sparked the modern conservation movement—a thoughtful gift for readers interested in nature and environmental history.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
Memoir and business philosophy from Patagonia’s founder offering lessons on responsible business and environmental stewardship—great for eco-minded entrepreneurs.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Things We Make by William McDonough & Michael Braungart
A transformative book on sustainable design and manufacturing—good for anyone curious about product lifecycle and circular economy ideas.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas
An exploration of how environmentalism intersects with social justice—a thoughtful gift for readers interested in equity-focused sustainability.
From: 10 essential non-fiction books about climate + protecting the planet | Recommendations from a Gen Z sustainability expert
Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman (book)
A practical, empathetic guide to girls' friendships and social dynamics—helpful for parents navigating and preventing bullying.
From: 5 simple tips to help parents prevent and deal with bullying. We get it. We've been there. And it sucks.
Ready or Not by Dr. Madeline Levine (Book)
A New York Times bestselling parenting book offering research-based guidance to help children thrive in uncertain, rapidly changing times — a thoughtful gift for parents, therapists, or educators.
From the guide
The Thank You Project by Nancy Davis Kho (book)
A memoir and practical guide about writing thank-you letters that can inspire a year-long gratitude practice — a thoughtful gift for someone into self-improvement or journaling.
From the guide
FATHER FIGURE: How to Be a Feminist Dad (book)
A thoughtful parenting book offering insights for dads who want an equitable, modern approach to fatherhood—good as a gift for new or expectant fathers.
From: The best new parent advice from 9 of the smartest, most insightful parent bloggers we know
The Stationery Shop
A romantic, emotionally resonant novel set in Tehran that blends love story and historical upheaval—perfect for readers who like sweeping contemporary romance.
From: 7 fantastic new summer books by women authors to add to your beach tote, stat
A Place for Us
A moving family portrait about identity, belonging, and reconciliation—an emotionally resonant novel that makes a thoughtful gift.
From: 7 fantastic new summer books by women authors to add to your beach tote, stat
The Unwinding of the Miracle
A poignant memoir about life, mortality, and parenting that offers profound reflection—a thoughtful gift for readers of intimate nonfiction.
From: 7 fantastic new summer books by women authors to add to your beach tote, stat