Reading: Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The Ultimate Wellness Gifts

Home spa goodies, exercise accessories, and massage tools are some of the best gifts for self-care that we curated to help you and your giftees feel great this holiday season. From a portable water jet system to make your bath invigorating to essential oils blended in London, these wellness gifts will ease everyone into the New Year.

Asutra Weighted Neck Wrap ($25)

This weighted neck wrap relieves tension and pain while delivering beneficial aromatherapy with the relaxing properties of lavender buds. The lavender — along with millet buds, sorghum, and clay beads — give this cozy plush wrap a comforting and reassuring heft. Works well for hot and cold therapy.

H by Frette Pique Kimono Bathrobe ($100)

Give someone the best bathrobe ever from the hotel range of Frette, Italy’s premiere luxury linens company. I discovered it recently, tucked away in my room closet, on a trip to Half Moon resort in Jamaica. The 100% pique cotton feels substantial but isn’t heavy and somehow doesn’t wrinkle. I wore it after every shower and felt so posh getting ready for evening cocktails. 

Conair Jet Hydro Spa ($80)

No Jacuzzi? No problem. This portable bath jet system can make any bath a spa moment. The device attaches to a bathtub with suction cups and the continuous water pressure delivered by positional jets can target spots that need a little extra attention.

Gaiam Cold Therapy Roller Ball ($20)

Even if your giftee doesn’t do cold plunges at home, they can do cold therapy with this clever handheld device. The 360-degree rolling mechanism allows you to easily massage areas susceptible to inflammation or soreness, or that just need a little love with uninterrupted motion. 

Aromatherapy Associates Perfect Partners Bath & Shower Oil Duo ($30)

This London-based aromatherapy company was founded 30 years ago by two female former therapists with the purpose of blending essential oils that could be used to improve physical and mental wellness. All ingredients are natural, organic when possible, and ethically sourced. This ultimate self-care set features the Deep Relax blend with chamomile, vetivert, and sandalwood (perfect for unwinding in the evening) and the Revive oil, which has refreshing doses of grapefruit oils as well as juniper berry and rosemary notes.

 Aritzia Golden One-Quarter Zip Hip Sweater ($90)

I didn’t know Canadian fashion label Aritzia (who landed in the US in 2006) had activewear until a debate over leggings erupted at my local gym. Turns out that Aritzia has a following and I clearly have to get to the gym more. Travel & Leisure magazine once dubbed Aritzia’s athleisure “the most stylish” for chilling and traveling and loves how it’s nearly sweatproof. The new quarter-zip sweater in patented lightweight Polartec 200 fleece is perfectly proportioned and sits at the hip. Of the six colors, the rich mocha brown seems the coziest, and there are plenty of bottoms to pair it with. 

Beats by Dre Beats Flex Earbuds ($70)

For that person who keeps losing one earbud (ahem, me), this wrap-around pair stays securely in your ears and around your neck, and feels weightless. The phenomenal sound that Beats by Dre is known for lasts 12 hours without a battery charge. And that’s a plus because listening to music while you work out has been medically proven to be motivating, help you maintain a pace of exercise, distract you from pain, and boost your mood. 

Jade Yoga XW Harmony Mat ($130)

For those who find traditional yoga mats too narrow, Jade has added four inches to the width for its best-selling Harmony mat. The New York Times Wirecutter has loved this mat  for years thanks to its durability and gripability, and this slightly larger size is still small enough to easily tote around, or roll up conveniently at home. 

Snailax Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat & Vibration ($120)

Not all of us use walking desks, so for those who sit a lot, treat them to this massage cushion that can either be strapped onto a desk chair or comfortably placed on a couch or a bed. The choice of massage styles, areas of treatment, and intensity plus heat make this a real treat.

Adopting a Pet (priceless)

The tangible wellness benefits from owning a pet are abundant. The University of California at Davis reports, for example, that 60% of dog owners meet the weekly recommended amount of exercise simply by walking them, and that, overall, pets can reduce stress and anxiety. Just looking into a dog’s eyes can give you a boost of oxytocin, a hormone that is associated with feelings of happiness, trust, and relaxation. Your local ASPCA, Humane Society or other animal shelters are overflowing with potential adoptees. The fees for adoption vary based on an animal’s age, species or pedigree. Find a pet, spread some joy.

Find more great gifts for the holidays here.