gift guide: slowing down
THE WORLD is a bit crazy right now. And that’s without taking into consideration all of the 'other’ things that you might be managing in your life on a daily basis. Just being a citizen of the world is so much to navigate with everything coming at you ALL of the time and most of it eliciting some kind of reaction. Even if those feelings are positive, it’s just constant input and it can get really overwhelming. Which is why it’s essential to take a sec each day [ideally] to ground yourself and take a breath.
CALL IT self-care, pampering, wellness… whatever makes sense to you. I chose to call it ‘slowing down’ because I think it encompasses the intention, which is to just ‘be’ for a few minutes and let go of what’s happening in the world or in your living room. If you love to wake up at 5 a.m. to meditate, great. If you relax by getting in a daily work out, amazing. If you have exactly 4 minutes in the shower, awesome, make the most of that time so that when those 4 minutes are up, you’re ready to take on what’s next. Whatever works for your system and your lifestyle is perfect as long as you’re being intentional about the time.
OF COURSE you don’t need a single thing but your mind and breath to achieve the benefits of ‘slowing down.’ But if you want to incorporate some other tools and fun stuff, I got you. I’ve compiled a rad list of beautiful things that can help you take a sec or enhance the ritual if you’re already dialed in. They’re designed to bring just a little bit of peace to your day. And of course there’s no greater gift than the gift of a little peace and intention. I hope you’re able to take the time to nurture yourself and slow down, even if just for a minute. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
Gifts for Slowing Down
> Vyrao is a super interesting fragrance brand that is founded entirely on intentionality and amplifying your energy through the incorporation of specific plants and flowers [the founder is admittedly ALL about the ‘woo woo’]. Each of their scents has been created with the idea that ‘neuroscents’ activate neuropathways to elicit a particular benefit like grounding, awareness or happiness, so each one is designed to awaken a different intention. My husband gifted me The Sixth [for mindfulness + intuition] and I really love it. You can embrace the ‘woo woo’ or just wear it because it smells amazing, either way, it’s gorgeous. There’s a discovery set that is so beautifully packaged and is a great way to find the scent you connect with. I say embrace the ‘woo woo’ and make it part of your daily ritual. >
> Inspire a slow moment or lean into your existing ritual with a stunning Fellow Matcha Set. It comes with all the pieces you need to make your favorite and it comes in 4 really pretty colors. Add some Japanese Hakusan Matcha for a complete ritual and perfect gift [the matcha producer’s family has been cultivating tea since the 1600s, so it seems they might be on to something]. Aah, now that’s better. > $129.95
> If you want to reap the benefits of a sauna at home any ol’ time you want, check out HigherDOSE’s Infrared Sauna Blanket. Infrared heat is said to provide full-body relaxation, calorie-burning, detoxification, increased blood flow, muscle recovery, better sleep and glowy skin. Yes please. The Blanket is also layered with amethyst and tourmaline, which is meant to calm your mind and boost your mood. Sounds like a pretty darn good gift for just about anyone, especially athletes and wellness lovers. > from $699
> Different from an infrared blanket, the Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Blanket is a great choice for those who prefer a cool, non-sweaty recovery option. Red light therapy is said to benefit skin rejuvenation, increase cell repair and reduce inflammation [among other things]. Bon Charge uses the most-studied and therapeutic levels of red and near-infrared light for max benefit and the intensity is adjustable to your preferences. The ‘blanket’ is actually two mats that zip together like a sleeping bag, so you can use it in a few different ways, too. You can use one mat and share the other with a friend [I’ll be right over…]. This is a serious level-up for anyone you love who’s dedicated to ‘optimizing’ their health. > $1,999
> Check out for a few minutes and do an analog version of everyone’s favorite NYT games. Puzzle Mania! includes Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee and some other really fun games that aren’t online. My husband loves this thing. It’s a perfect way to ignore your phone for a sec and put your mind to something else. > $38
BUY FROM Barnes & Noble or Amazon
> Is there really anything more relaxing than a bubble bath? Make it ‘extra’ with a Calm Club Bath Board from Haven Well Within. It has a book stand, ceramic incense holder and spots for all your other supplies. Add a few fun bath + body goodies for an awesome gift and some quality ‘me time.’ > $70
> An Omnilux Contour Face Mask is two gifts in one. It’s a little moment of forced relaxation for 10 minutes [I turn on a podcast or audiobook] a few times a week while it work its magic. Red light masks are designed to reduce fine lines and pigmentation, stimulate collagen production and promote healthier looking, more youthful skin. I truly LOVE mine and have definitely seen a noticeable difference in the quality of my skin and complexion. I’ve been using it for almost 2 years and it still looks brand new and feels worth every darn penny, especially when you consider that it costs about the same as two facials. Add on the Contour Neck and Décolleté for the full luxe experience. > $395
> No matter what you’re doing, if you’re wearing a Barefoot Dreams Robe, it’ll just be better. If you need to wear it while you wash the dishes, that’s cool. If you can wear it while you snuggle up with a cuppa and a good book or show, even better. Either way, you’ll be hugged by super cozy, super soft squish that’ll take it up another notch. They have several styles and lots of soft, pretty colors to choose from. You can’t go wrong. > from $99
> Whether you already have an active meditation practice or are just testing the waters, a Zafu Meditation Cushion will make it much more comfortable. These are handmade in Utah and come in a few pretty colors. They’re made of durable jute and are stuffed with US-grown buckwheat. And they’re pretty. > $80
> There’s something super calming and meditative about coloring and I love Millie Marotta's Coloring Books. Her intricate drawings are stunning and getting into all of those little spaces takes real focus, making it a really great activity for winding down or grounding yourself. There are tons of pretty themes to choose from and few ‘pocket sized’ books that are perfect for taking on the road with you. Add some pretty pens for a really great gift. > from $9.95
> If painting is more your thing, try a Figured’Art Paint by Number Kit. It comes on a wooden disc, which is super cool. The kit includes everything you need to complete your project and there are some really pretty themes to choose from. And when you’re done, you have a lovely piece of artwork to hang or gift. These could be super fun to do on your own or with a group. > $24
> If the only time you have to take a breath is while washing your hands between calls, make the most of it with Sidia’s The Hand Exfoliant. I love this stuff and really think it’s helping to keep my winter hands happier. It’s a gel-like wash with just the right amount of gentle grit to leave your hands feeling smooth and cared-for. Follow it with a SidiaHand Serum to complete the process. Check out my whole Clean Hand + Nail Care Collection for more ideas. And make sure to take a nice deep breath while you’re scrubbing. > $39
> Step up your meditation practice with a Crystal Singing Bowl designed for deep relaxation and healing. It’s made from pure quartz crystal and precisely tuned to 432Hz for a ‘calming and harmonious sound.’ They have lots of other sizes and colors, too. Om. > $69
> A dear friend lights a candle first thing each morning in preparation for moving through her morning routine, which is such a nice, grounding ritual. They do say that lighting a candle can be therapeutic for helping to reduce stress, enhance your mood and promote mindfulness, which all makes sense to me. I love Brooklyn Candle Studio [Santa Fe, Santal and Maui are my favorites] and they have so many scents and sizes to choose from, plus they’re really pretty. They also have a Candle of the Month Club, which would be a really awesome gift for your candle + scent lovers. >
> Even if your moments of peace only come right before bed or just after the alarm goes off, Hatch Restore 3 can help make them count. It’s a phone-free alarm clock that wakes you gently with a gradual ‘sunrise’ and calming sounds, which is particularly nice in the darker winter months. The display is totally dimmable so it doesn’t keep you up and it’s just really pretty. There is an optional Hatch+ app that features meditations, stories, bedtime podcasts and more for really optimizing your sleep routine, but you don’t need it to enjoy the benefits of Hatch. I love mine. > $169.99
> One way I take a minute each day [actually twice a day] is doing my skincare routine morning and night. It’s a few quiet moments and helps me feel ready for what’s next. If you’re a skincare lover, too [or love one], the most premium gift that literally keeps on giving is a monthly Detox Box fromThe Detox Market. They’ll send your special person the creme de la creme of the latest skincare and makeup each month. You can choose a 3 or 6 month subscription or a month-to-month that recurs until you cancel [which is really easy]. I have found new favorites from my Detox Box that I never would’ve tried otherwise and I just get super giddy when it shows up. > from $39.95
> If you’re looking for a bit of a spa moment, no matter the season, your skin will be better off with Kate McLeod’s Lotion Bars and Shower Oil. Made with cocoa butter and luscious fatty acids, the Body Stones leave your skin soft and nourished. And the Shower Pebbles are concentrated cocoa butter, plant oils and exfoliants that melt onto your skin with hot water, turning your bath or shower into a full spa and leaving your skin impossibly soft. There are different gorgeous scents to choose from depending on the season and a Recovery Stone for sore muscles, too. I love them. Choose one or go for a Set for a really stunning gift. > from $38
> Puzzles can be super meditative and relaxing. Jiggy’s puzzles are extra gorgeous because they’re all designed by emerging female artists around the world. They also come with special glue so you can frame your hard-earned piece of beautiful artwork, so it’s really two gifts in one. You can even make a custom Personalized Puzzle with a meaningful photo or drawing. > from $40
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