There comes a point in December when a person sits down with a cup of tea, remember three things they meant to do, and get up again before they’ve even had a sip.
If that sounds like someone on your Christmas list, why not give them something that helps them enjoy a little time to themselves?
Self-care gifts can be as simple as a pair of warm slippers for someone who always has cold feet, or a book by an author they love. The trick is to think about what they’d actually look forward to doing on a free afternoon.
Put together a quiet evening in
A paperback, a pair of thick socks and a packet of their favourite biscuits would make a lovely little parcel. For someone who enjoys a long soak, try bath salts in a fragrance you know they like. If they only have a shower, a good hand cream and a soft towel might see considerably more use.
You could put together a small hamper with their favourite tea or hot chocolate, something to nibble and a magazine they’d normally leave on the newsagent’s shelf. If you’re on a tight budget, one well-chosen treat and a handwritten card will do nicely.
Give them something to look forward to in January
A voucher for afternoon tea, a spa treatment, a spa package from Rituals, Boots, etc., a cinema ticket or a trip to a favourite garden might be just the thing once the decorations come down.
If they enjoy your company, offer to go with them and sort out the booking. January can feel like a very long month, especially once the last of the Christmas chocolates has gone.
Give a couple of hours of your time
Think of the person who says they’d love a quiet afternoon but can never find one. If you know them well, offer to walk the dog, look after the children or bring round Sunday lunch and take the washing-up home with you.
Put something specific in the card. “I’ll bring dinner round one Saturday in January. Shall we pick a date?” is much easier to take up than “Let me know if you ever need anything.”
And if you’re still wondering what to give, think about a small thing they’ve mentioned in passing. Perhaps they miss sitting down with a good book, or they’d love a cup of tea while it’s still hot. There’s your Christmas present.
Give the gift of self-care this Christmas with cosy treats, January outings and practical ways to give someone a little time to themselves.