The 25 Best DIY Self Care Box Ideas to Give or Receive

Things to think about before you make your self care box to give (or to make one for you too)

Are you thinking of making a self care box for a special woman in your life – a family member, best friend or teen daughter? Women of all ages (including yourself – if you would like to have one too!) will find something to love in these do it yourself (DIY) self care package ideas.

What will you use to hold your self care box gift (a box, basket or other)?

One great way to build a self care box is to consider what kind of container you want to give the gift in. You could make a self-care basket (like the one below) filled with lots of different personal care items.

Gift Baskets

Or, if you want her to have multiple boxes to open, you could use a gift box (different sizes shown below) in a plain color or with a design (depending on the holiday season and if it is a Christmas gift or a birthday gift).

Gift Boxes

Your other option is to use a gift bag or other wrapping you have on hand. To some people the presentation is important, to others it doesn’t matter. Because the good things inside will be what ultimately counts anyway and the presentation is just the icing on the cake.

Self-Care Box Ideas – Suggested Items

The following are some great ideas to include in your self care gift. And, you can include one or more of the following as your budget allows:

Face Masks

These would be a great addition as a fun way to pamper themself (or as an addition for your own self care kit, for that matter).

Bath Bombs

Some bath bombs like these from Amazon would be a good choice. They come in multiples, so you could include a few and keep the rest for a future gift.

Or if you are feeling crafty and have the time, you can even make your own with this bath bomb recipe from Hip2Save.com.

Gift Card

Include one to a spa, massage service or hair and nail salon. There are lots of possibilities to make the giver feel especially pampered.

Coloring Book and Colored Pencils

Similar to the ones below are a good idea. If you know what her interests are, there are coloring books for just about everyone (from florals, mandalas, fantasy, patterns, animals, you name it). If you want you can also include a nice set of colored pencils, crayons or markers too.

Stress Relieving Self Care Items to Consider Including in Your Self Care Package

If you know your best friend loves nothing better than a hot bath after a stressful day, then bubble bath and bath salts, like these would make great self-care gifts.

Another way you could show you care while letting them choose the scent would be a Bath and Body Works or L’Occitane Gift Card.

Bubble Bath

Bath Salts

Stress Relievers to Add to a Self Care Basket

Another great addition for someone who going through difficult times and who needs to let off a little steam would be to add a stress ball (like the ones below).

As an example, a wonderful friend gave me one of the toys below when I was having a stressful time at work. It was and still is very satisfying to to bang it on my desk when I get really mad or frustrated.

On the flip side, affirmation cards (like the ones shown below) can be a better way to reframe the situation depending on the type of person they are.

Stress Balls

Fun Stress Busting Toy

Affirmation Cards for Women

Yoga and Mindfulness Ideas

Do you have a friend whose favorite things includes yoga as a way to practice a self-care routine? If so, consider adding a new yoga mat or yoga accessories.

You could add something like the ones described in this article on Loveselfcare – “How to Begin a Simple and Easy Yoga Practice” or a water bottle. In addition, an essential oil diffuser with an assortment of different essential oils would also be a great gift idea.

How about adding some of life’s little luxuries to a self-care gift box?

If you just want to acknowledge and recognize your friend for the joy she adds to your life, you could include some little luxuries for her self-care package.

Some ideas to consider include fuzzy socks, nail polish in the latest trend colors, lip balm, and other self care beauty products like these.

Other nice ideas are bath items, eye mask, hand cream, body butter, lip scrub all in a nice gift box.

Fuzzy Socks (aka Butter Socks)

Pretty Pink Nail Polish

Conditioning Lip Balm

Silk Eye Mask for Better Sleep

Decadent Hand Cream

Moisturizing Body Cream

Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Any of the above self care box ideas would be a welcome addition to your self care package. Which ones attract you the most?

Go with your first instincts and don’t over think it as you really can’t go wrong!

Self Care Box Ideas for Extra Bonus Points

You should score extra bonus points from the gift recipient, if your self care gift basket has any of the following items included to take your friend (or your) stress levels down a few notches.

Things you could add to a self care box:

What about a sweet treat like fine chocolate?

Or you could include some pre-packaged cookies like Milano or Biscoff and a selection of tea to have in a new mug (like the one below).

Fine Chocolates

Cute Mug

Variety of Teas

Customize Your Self Care Package with Something Specific to Her Interests

If you know your friend has been too busy over the last year to enjoy much in the way of entertainment (new baby, crazy job, just life, or caring for an elderly parent), you could also gift her with a good book you recommend. Here are some ideas to check out from this recommended list.

Does she love movies and TV shows? If so, you could include a list of your favorite movies too (maybe a gift card to Netflix or other streaming service too).

That way, she doesn’t have to sift through all the options and can just jump into a binge-watching session.

One Last Idea – Give the Gift of Time

Perhaps the best thing you could add to a self care package is a card with a note saying you would love to spend time with your friend. Often what we really need is the connection that comes from spending time with our friends.

It doesn’t matter what you do necessarily, it is the time spent that counts.

Devoting a little of your time and attention to self care can be one of the best ways to take care of your ongoing mental health. Because a little bit can go a long way towards making bad days seem less so.

Your days become better when paired with good things like a phone call with a friend, meeting up at a coffee shop or spending time journaling your thoughts.

For instance, making sure taking care of your overall physical health is on your priority list each day. You can each motivate each other to practice excellent self care on an ongoing basis.

25 (Plus) of the Best Items to include in a Self Care Box

• Cozy Robe
• Fuzzy Socks
• Comfy Pajamas
• Plant or Flowers (if giving in person)
• Face Masks
• Bath Bombs
• Bath Salts
• Bubble Bath
• Gift Cards
• Adult Coloring Book
• Stress Ball
• Yoga Mat
• Water Bottle
• Essential Oils
• Essential Oils Diffuser
• White Noise Machine
• Sleep Mask
• Nail Polish
• Lip Balm or lip scrub
• Beauty Products – like moisturizer, hair masks, lotions, etc.
• Body Butter
• Hand cream or hand lotion
• Assorted chocolates
• Cookies – prepackaged
• Good book
• Journal
• List of good movies to binge watch
• Teas
• Customize by adding something specific to her interests (cooking, gardening, reading, etc.)
• Box, Basket or other Container

Still Looking for More Self Care Box Ideas?

What if you would rather do something that can be outsourced or scheduled like monthly or quarterly self care subscription boxes? If so, please see this article on “Self-Care Subscription Boxes”.

If you are looking for even more inspiration for products than these self care box ideas, check out these “25 Self Amazing Self-Care Products to Help You Destress Now”. Or, if you are looking for more easy self care ideas to suggest for her or yourself, see this article “Simple Self Care Ideas and Tips You Need In Your Life”.

If you think these are great ideas but you want even more, check out the “DIY Self-Care Relax Kit” to help you put a self-care box together in no time.

In conclusion, whether you are making your own self-care kit, a wellness kit or self care basket for someone else, a custom care package can make the perfect gift for that special friend in your life. Enjoy!