2018 is almost over and you know what that means? You survived.
You overcame all the bullshit news and upsetting occurrences that have taken place this year, and for that you deserve some celebratory self-care.
Finding the perfect present for someone who's been burned by 2018 might seem like just another challenge standing in the way of you and the new year, so we thought we'd lend a helping hand.
From next-level sweatpants, sweet treats, motivational trinkets, an entire calendar filled with good news, here are 20 brilliantly restorative gifts to give this holiday season.
1. Good News Calendar
At times, 2018 has felt like one endless stream of very bad, no good, absolutely terrible new stories. So why not kick off 2019 by ensuring you'll read a whole bunch of good news? This delightfully positive Good News Calendar, designed by illustrator Sarah Baumann, will help.
The Good News Calendar isn't your average calendar. It highlights basic U.S. holidays, sure, but also international holidays, historical events, birthdays of icons like Michelle Obama, and even fun goofy holidays like mac-n-cheese day.
Each month also feature a timely illustrated story that's sure to lift your mood, so even if the world around us is burning we'll always have something good to celebrate. 🙃
Price: $28.00 on Signetsealed.com
2. Feejays
Are you a fan of comfortable pants? If so, you should probably invest in the sweatpants of all sweatpants: Feejays.
What makes them so special? Well, for starters, they have FEET attached. They're cozy pants, socks, and slippers in one ... like Snuggies for your legs! Feejays also sell special hoodies with mittens attached so you can keep your hands warm, too. Imagine, chilling on your couch on a cold day with only your neck and head exposed to the elements. A dream.
Price: $40.00 on Amazon
3. 'This Is Fine.' coffee mug
The slogan that helped so many of us through the most chaotic moments of 2018 was, without a doubt, "This is fine." So in 2019, rather than repeating the words on a loop, why not get them on a mug instead?
Now, when anyone wants to know how you're doing they can simply glance at you sipping coffee from a mug emblazoned with KC Green's iconic dog comic and realized you are quietly in distress and do not need any additional nonsense added to your plate. Thank u, next.
Price: $17.00 on Topatoco
4. S’well water bottle
Hydration is a key component of self-care, and also something people neglect a lot! Two excellent reasons why you should treat yourself to a high-quality water bottle.
S'well water bottles are great because they're reusable and help cut down on harmful plastic consumption; insulated, to keep your drinks super hot or cold for 12 to 24 hours; and products of a woman-owned company that partners with charities like UNICEF and (RED). You can even also personalize your own bottle.
Price: $21.00+ on Swellbottle.com
5. "Good Things Happen" keychain
Sometimes life sucks and you just need a friendly in-the-moment reminder that not everything will be absolute fiery trash forever.
Adam J. Kurtz, an artist who specializes in making people smile through the confusing, emotional parts of life, has the perfect keychain to help. When you're feeling down, just glance at the "Good Things Happen" keychain to restore some faith and help yourself.
Price: $12.50 on Adamjk.com
6. Jade facial roller
Your face makes a lot of expressions for you so the least you can do is give it a nice massage every once in a while. Jade facial rollers are a cheap, refreshing way to pamper your face — not to mention they're said to help reduce swelling and more effectively work products into your skin.
Price: $17.00 on Amazon
7. Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
Your eyes are probably strained from constantly reading and staring at screens, so they deserve some extra love, too. And Skyn Iceland's Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels — masks dedicated to rejuvenating the delicate skin underneath your eyes — are the perfect solution.
The gels are said to cool, firm, and brighten your tired eye area, and you only need to leave them on for 10 minutes. The Office star Jenna Fischer swears by them and often starts her day off by applying them fresh from the fridge.
Price: $15.00 on Skyniceland.com
8. Klorane dry shampoo
Sometimes you're too exhausted to even wash your hair, and you know what? That's fine! In fact, it's one of the reasons dry shampoo was invented.
For people who have to spend hours drying and styling their hair after a shower for it to look presentable, washing can be a pain. So next time you wish you could hold out another day or two before disrupting your schedule and submerging your hair, do it! Reach for some Klorane instead and keep living your damn life.
Price: $20.00 on Kloraneusa.com
9. UnREAL Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate comes in handy when you've been burned by an entire calendar year, so we suggest stocking up on Unreal Peanut Butter cups.
The rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter will make you feel like you're indulging to the highest extent. But the candy is made with organic ingredients; is certified vegan;non-GMO Project Verified; and gluten, soy, and dairy-free. You get maximum flavor with minimum guilt.
Price: $5.00+ on Getunreal.com
10. Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask
All of the makeup, skincare, body washes, and self care sets in the world can be a bit overwhelming to navigate if you're unsure exactly what it is you're looking for. But if you're in need of a nice, simple, refreshing face mask, Glossier's got you covered.
Glossier's Moisturizing Moon Mask will help hydrate your skin with a brilliant blend of ingredients like licorice root, lemon extract, honey, and aloe.
Price: $22.00 on Glossier.com
11. Weighted blanket
Weighted blankets are said to help comfort people with anxiety and, in certain cases, even aid in sleep. Great! But the only problem is a lot of high-quality weighted blankets can be pretty pricy.
If you're looking to invest in a cozy heavy blanket that's gotten high reviews but won't put a massive dent in your finances, Amazon recommends this 12 pound one from Brookstone.
Price: $110.00 on Amazon
12. Boulangerie candle
Anthropologie is, at times, extremely overpriced and it remains unclear how mere mortals can afford to shop there on a daily basis. But I must admit that sometimes, when I get stressed and am in close proximity to an Anthropologie store, I walk in and smell the candles.
Many scents are lovely and soothing, but Boulangerie's Espresso scent is my personal fave. And you know what? I think I've finally convinced myself to splurge on one, because in terms of Anthropology, these babies are actually cheap.
Price: $18.00 at Anthropologie
13. A lip mask
Lips need some attention too, and we're not talking about the occasional swipe of a chapstick. Go out of your way to care for your lips by buying a restorative lip mask. They have exfoliating sugar scrubs, sleep masks, and more.
Lip care doesn't have to be expensive, either. This Aqua Jelly Lip Mask is cheap, but ingredients like shea butter, coconut, honey will leave your mouth feeling hydrated and smooth. We do think you're ready for this jelly.
Price: $4.00 on Peachandlily.com
14. Motivational quote pencils
So much of our lives are spent typing on keyboards that we've almost forgotten the magic that can occur when pencil meets paper.
Why not take some time every day to unwind by putting down your phone, closing your laptop, and writing by hand? With a PENCIL, not a pen. Motivational pencils are a great writing tool to help keep you inspired and focused. They come in a variety of colors and feature a bunch of encouraging phrases.
Price: $2.00+ on Etsy
15. A subscription for something you love
Subscriptions are great because they're the gifts that keep on giving. Whether it's television, wine, cheese, or books, there's bound to be a subscription out there to suit your interests.
The Strand Bookstore in Manhattan, for example, offers a variety of book box subscriptions for different genres that will bring goodies and compelling books you might not have otherwise picked up right to your door.
Price: $38.00 - $200.00 on Strandbooks.com
16. Chrissy Teigen's cookbook
Can you say comfort food? Though I'd hate to admit it, we can't live solely off peanut butter cups. But that's OK because there's a bunch of other delicious foods in the world like cheesy jalapeño bacon cornbread, fried chicken wings, and vegetable tortilla stew — all of which the delightfully entertaining Chrissy Teigen will teach you how to whip up for yourself in her newest cookbook, Cravings.
Price: $18.00 on Amazon
17. Baby Foot peel
Masks aren't just for faces, you know. Feet need exfoliation, too. And for all your foot softening needs, Baby Foot's got you covered.
Baby Foot's exfoliation foot peel will take you on a magical, strange, and mildly disgusting (but very effective) journey. Simply put the treatment-filled booties on to apply the exfoliant, wash it away, and over the next week your dead skin will start to peel away. Gross, and also great.
Price: $20.00 on Amazon
18. Smartwool socks
While we're on the topic of foot care, why not treat your feet to a cozy new pair of wool socks? Smartwool has a huge selection of socks, both performance and casual, that will keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.
The company makes sustainable products using Merino wool — a moisture repelling, thermoregulating fabric that especially comes in handy for fans of the outdoors. Winter is coming, and you probably need new socks.
Price: $12.00+ on Smartwool.com
19. A real alarm Clock
Deep down, you know it's time for you to switch over to an actual alarm clock and stop relying on your phone to wake you up.
The act of staring at your phone screen before bed has been deemed bad. It can effect ability to fall asleep and, in turn, be harmful to your overall health. Put down the phone and invest in an alarm clock. In case you're still reluctant we've suggested a super inexpensive option from Target you can buy to test the waters.
Price: $8.00 at Target
20. Pick Me Up book
Who among us doesn't need a little pick me up every now and then? Adam J. Kurtz, the aforementioned artist who designed the "Good Things Happen" keychain, knows you do. So he also created this fun portable pep talk.
The Pick Me Up book is full of activities, quotes, and pieces of advice to help get you through difficult times. And once you've filled out the book you can look back through the pages to give yourself hope.
Price: $10.00 at Adamjk.com
Here's to livin' a calmer 2019!
