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Developing a self-care box or self-care kit can be a really helpful step in your self-care practice. If you are looking to build your own affordable and effective DIY self-care kit filled with practical self-care products, you’ve come to the right place.
This post is all about how to build a DIY self-care kit and has 27 great ideas to fill it up!
Self-care is a critical part of a balanced and healthy everyday life.
For a long time, I underestimated the importance of including simple self-care activities in my daily routine.
I neglected self-care over and over again… and then would wonder why I felt so burnt out 24/7.
This is when I wish I had a self-care box to keep me on track with my self-care routine.
As a productivity junkie, people pleaser, perfectionist, and planner addict, I have a tendency to “go, go, go” for as long as I possibly can.
Within the last few years, I’ve learned the hard way that this is not healthy or sustainable.
I reached my burnout breaking point. At this time, I committed to self-care.
Now, I make a conscious effort to include small acts of self-care in my everyday life.
Whether it be a quick self-care shower, a simple 5-minute self-care activity, or an entire self-care day, it is a constant priority for me.
Self-care is now a full category in my planner. (Is my inner Type-A personality showing? π )
One of the main things that have made my commitment to self-care easier has been my DIY self-care kit.
What is a Self-Care Kit?
A self-care kit (also called a self-care box) is essentially a collection of items that bring you joy, relief, relaxation, or other pleasant emotions.
Just as self-care is personal, creating a DIY self-care kit is also a highly personal experience.
Since we are all individual beings, the contents of our self-care box will naturally look a bit different.
That’s perfectly okay – and even recommended! When you create your own self-care kit, you SHOULD be customizing it specifically to you!
That said, there are some self-care items that tend to bring universal comfort. Stay tuned – we will get into all those self-care kit ideas later on in this post!
NOT INTO THE SELF-CARE KIT? LEARN HOW TO MAKE A SELF-CARE JAR HERE
Why Do You Need a Self-Care Kit?
To answer this in the most basic way possible, having a self-care box (or kit) sets you up for success.
A self-care kit was first recommended to me in online therapy and has been one of the most valuable tools in my self-care practice.
Having a self-care box or self-care kit (whatever you want to call it!) makes self-care feel convenient and easy.
Oftentimes, the days we need self-care the most are the days that we feel the least motivated to seek it out.
Ironic, I know.
But think about it. If you’ve had a really tough day at work, you may be tempted to come home and continue that stress throughout the evening.
Or maybe you are tempted to sit on the couch and mindlessly scroll for hours. (This is okay on occasion – but not the best self-care activity/habit to get into.)
Having a self-care box filled with productive and effective self-care activities that I can reach for is much more helpful.
MY DIY self-care kit has come in handy more times than I can count.
With a self-care kit, no effort, planning, or thinking is required on my part. That’s the dream!
How to Make a DIY Self-Care Kit
How you choose to build your DIY self-care kit is almost as personal as what goes into it! The most important thing to remember is this:
There is no right or wrong way to DIY a self-care kit.
While I may have some tips for making your self-care box, you really can’t mess it up. As long as it feels good to you, it’s perfect!
Here is the basic outline of how I recommend making your self-care kit. Take this and make it your own! Add, subtract, and substitute as needed.
Step 1: Buy (or Make) a Self-Care Box
There are tons of adorable options for the vessel you use to build your kit. You may choose to buy a cute storage bin or box. Or maybe you’d prefer to use a big glass jar.
Heck, you can even repurpose an old shoebox if you want to do it for cheap!
The choice is totally yours!
I personally LOVE my Kate Spade Nesting Box to hold all my self-care essentials.
They’re so cute and match my room perfectly, so I just leave my self-care kit out next to my desk!
But you can choose anything you’d like! I’ll link my Kate Spade boxes here as well as some of my other favorite options I’ve found online below.
Don’t feel the need to purchase anything if you don’t want to! A shoebox works just as well! You can even decorate an old shoebox!
Consider size here. You want something that will be big enough to hold everything you want in your self-care kit, but not something too big to store.
Find a happy medium that works for you.
Step 2: Gather Self-Care Kit Ideas
This is where it starts getting REALLY fun.
YOU get to decide what goes in your DIY self-care box. This is a personal decision. Identify and gather self-care items that make you feel your best.
Consider making a list of simple pleasures that bring you joy in life. Or briefly journal about your dream self-care day.
What self-care activities naturally come up? How could you incorporate them into what you put in your self-care box?
Although deciding what to put in a self-care box is personal, here are some guiding ideas to consider.
Things to Consider for Your DIY Self-Care Box:
RELATED POST: The 6 Types of Self-Care + Ideas for Each One
- Branch out into different areas of self-care (ie. don’t do ALL bath supplies!)
- Consider different time availability – add in some fast self-care ideas and some more extended self-care ideas
- Tap into your 5-senses for self-care
- Make self-care categories – include one item for each category in your self-care kit
- Put a price limit – no need to go too crazy!
- Utilize self-care tools you already have – again, no need to go buy a bunch of things! Save your money and see what you already have!
What to Put in Your Self-Care Box: 27 Unique Ideas
Still struggling to form your DIY self-care kit? Lacking the inspiration for self-care ideas?
By utilizing the 6 Types of Self-Care, I have come up with some of the best self-care essentials to consider adding to your DIY self-care kit.
Here are some go-to self-care kit ideas that work great for almost everyone!
Things for Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care is exactly what it sounds like! It’s self-care related to feeling, expressing, identifying, or addressing emotion!
Here are some self-care kit ideas for emotional self-care.
Journal
Journaling is a great self-care tool. Whether it be a brain dump, free writing, or responding to guided journal prompts, a journal allows you to express and identify emotions. Definitely a great tool for your self-care toolkit!
(Not to mention, a self-care box is a great place to keep your journal private!)
Headphones
Listening to music can be a useful tool for getting in touch with our emotions. Consider adding a pair of headphones to your self-care box for when you need to get lost in the emotions of music. Great resource!
Art Supplies
For many, art is a way to express emotion.
As part of your emotional self-care, you may choose to include some art supplies in your self-care kit.
Toss in some pens, pencils, paint, paper, and whatever else you may want to create!
Tissues
Crying it out is sometimes the best thing you can do.
Give yourself permission to cry when you need to. Add a pack of tissues to your self-care box for a simple reminder that it’s okay to be emotional!
Loved Ones to Call
Talking to someone can help you practice emotional self-care. Make a quick list of people you love and trust that you could call to have a deep conversation. Stick that in your DIY self-care kit for when you need to phone a friend.
Things for Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care is anything related to showing love and respect to your physical body. Here are some ideas!
Bath/Shower Supplies
A self-care shower is one of my favorite ways to practice self-care. Add some luxurious shower/bath products to your self-care box.
Some of my favorite ideas include: (click the links to see my favorite products!)
- Good-smelling body wash
- Exfoliating bar
- Bath pillow
- Body butter
- Exfoliating bath brush
- Bath bombs
- Bath drops *my latest obsession!!*
RELATED POST: 20-Step Relaxing Self-Care Shower Routine
Skin-Care
Skincare is another great form of physical self-care. Consider including an extra-luxurious face mask or facial scrub in your self-care box.
My favorite skin-care line is Elemis by far! I have their Superfood Midnight Facial in my own kit!
Hair-Care
Much like skincare, hair care can be a luxurious way to show yourself some TLC. If you have a hair mask or hair-care product you LOVE, toss that into your DIY self-care box.
If you are looking for hair-care suggestions, check out my self-care shower routine for all my favorites!
Sleep-Care
Good sleep is an essential part of physical wellness. Adding some sleep care products to your box is one of my favorite ideas!
Sleep-Care Ideas:
- Silk pillowcase – there are so many benefits to silk pillows!
- Essential Oil Pillow Spray
- Silk Sleep Mask
- Extra special pajamas – I keep my comfiest matching set in my self-care kit!
Favorite Snacks
Nourishment is also a form of physical self-care! Treat yourself to your favorite snacks. As a sweets lover, I like to keep some candy or other sweet treats in my self-care box! Never fails to make me smile!
Tea/Coffee
Treat yourself to a warm beverage as you practice self-care. Consider adding tea bags or instant coffee packs to your self-care box for a special, cozy, comforting treat.
Good Smells
Candles, diffusers, wax burners, and essential oils can all be a form of physical self-care too! In my own DIY self-care box, I keep my essential oil roll-on and a comforting candle.
Things for Mental Self-Care
Mental self-care is anything related to caring for your MIND – whether that be stretching your mind with a puzzle or relaxing your mind with a favorite comfort TV show!
Books
Curling up with a good book is one of my favorite ways to practice self-care. Keep your self-care kit stocked with good reads.
These can be books for personal growth, books for expanding your mind, or just “for fun” fiction books! It is totally up to you. Make it your own!
SEE ALL MY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS HERE
Puzzles/Brain Games
Puzzles are the BEST! Nothing calms my mind down quite like a relaxing jigsaw puzzle or a book of brain games.
Suduko is my go-to brain game of choice, but choose one that you enjoy the most! Wordsearch, crossword, color-by-numbers – they’re all a great addition to your self-care box!
Favorite Movie or TV Show
A feel-good movie or TV show is the perfect way to zone out and RELAX! If you have a favorite DVD, you could include that. If not, consider making a list of your comfort shows or movies and sticking that in your self-care kit
A “Comfort TV Show” list is included in my Self-Care bundle! Grab it here!
(Pst… It’s ON SALE right now!! Get it ASAP!)
Coloring Book
There are so many great mental benefits to coloring.
Coloring can reduce anxiety, relieve stress, induce a meditative state, calm your brain and body, and leave you feeling more relaxed. A definite thumbs-up for your self-care box!
Things for Social Self-Care
Social self-care is a form of self-care that is relational. It often involves other people – friends, family, and loved ones. Here are some ways you can incorporate social self-care into your box!
List of Your “People”
Keeping a list of your loved ones can be a great way to feel connected, appreciated, and loved. Consider making a list of those close to you. Consider jotting down their phone number too in case you want to give them a call for some social self-care!
Money for a Social Outing
Looking o fill up your social self-care tank?
Leave some money in your self-care box for a lunch date with a friend or some coffee with a family member! This is a super simple way to make yourself feel happier!
Compliments List
Keep a list of the most meaningful compliments you’ve received. This may seem conceited, but it’s not! You’re freaking incredible – you deserve to be reminded of that!
Things for Practical Self-Care
Practical self-care is often the things we don’t realize are self-care, even though they are!
Things like cleaning your space, budget planning, meal prepping, etc. are all forms of practical self-care.
Here are some self-care kit ideas for practical self-care.
Budget Planner
Taking charge of your finances is a form of self-care. Whether it feels like it or not, budgeting responsibly is showing yourself care, love, and respect. Consider adding a budget planning sheet to your self-care kit!
Organization List
Add a list of things to organize into your self-care box. Keeping a clean, tidy, and organized space is a perfect way to practice practical self-care.
Educational Resources
Wanting to learn something new? Master a new skill? Start a new task?
RELATED POST: 20 Creative Things to Learn When Bored
Add in some educational resources to your self-care box! This can be a book, an online course, worksheets, flashcards, etc. Things that expand your mind are all great options!
Things for Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care often connects you to something larger than yourself, such as the environment, universe, religion, etc. Here are some self-care kit ideas for incorporating spiritual self-care.
Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are one of my favorite ways to connect with my spiritual self.
I recently got this deck of tarot cards and have been loving reading my cards at night before bed or first thing in the morning. It’s a really great way to connect to something larger than yourself.
Crystals
Crystals are another great way to connect with the universe.
I love visiting my local crystal shop and picking crystals that really speak to me. They can have incredible healing powers, among other things.
Not to mention, most crystals are small so they are a totally practical idea for a self-care kit!
Manifestation List
Manifestation and the Law of Attraction are something that I swear by.
Keeping a written manifestation list in your self-care box is a great reminder of your spiritual connection to the universe.
(If you’re new to manifestation, check out The Secret. It will get you started on the right foot!)
Meditation Tools
Meditation is a wonderful self-care tool, although a bit difficult to physically put in your DIY self-care box. Maybe you could include something as simple as writing down the name of a podcast, playlist, or app to remind you to meditate.
Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are such a beautiful way to show yourself love.
Add some positive affirmation cards to your self-care kit to boost your mood and remind you to be kind to yourself.
Use your affirmation cards to raise your vibrations and attract beautiful things into your life.
Giving a Self-Care Package as a Gift
As we know, there are tons of ideas for what to put in a self-care box for yourself… but what if you want to give a self-care package as a gift?
If you know the person really well, this could come naturally to you! Maybe you know exactly what forms of self-care they enjoy the most. If that’s true, it’s a no-brainer!
But if you’re struggling with self-care package ideas for a loved one, here are 20 of the best things to put in a self-care gift box.
These are crowd-pleasers that anyone would be happy to receive!
Top 20 Self-Care Package Ideas
These are some of the most practical, well-loved, and affordable DIY self-care gift box ideas!
1. Journal
Journals are a great option for a self-care gift box because they have so many different purposes. There are endless ways to fill up an empty journal!
2. Essential Oils
Whether it be oils for a diffuser, a roller ball to apply to their skin, or an essential oil candle, essential oils are the perfect thing to put in a self-care box.
3. Coloring Book
In addition to the many mental benefits of coloring, sitting down with a coloring book can be an incredible way to reconnect with your inner child.
Coloring is an amazing form of self-care. (There are even coloring books specifically for self-care!)
4. Tasty Treats
Chocolate, candy, snacks, and other tasty treats make a perfect addition to a self-care gift box. I mean, who doesn’t love unwinding with their favorite treat?
5. Face Mask
Face masks (or any type of skin-care item) are a crowd-pleaser. When you think of self-care, face masks and bubble baths are what come to mind, right? Treat your loved one to a face mask in their self-care box.
(There are tons of drugstore face mask options too, which helps keep this box affordable!)
6. Cozy PJ Set
No self-care night is complete without comfy PJs. Adding in a comfy pair of pajamas can really take a self-care box to the next level.
I promise that whoever is receiving this gift will LOVE this addition.
7. Candles
Lighting a candle can be such a calming experience. A good candle really sets the tone for a perfect self-care night.
Find an affordable candle that smells relaxing and add it to your self-care gift box.
9. Positive Affirmation Cards
Positive affirmation cards are an incredible tool for self-care, especially for those on a journey toward self-love.
There are tons of printable positive affirmation cards that make it super affordable!
10. Gift Cards
You can never go wrong with a gift card to Starbucks, a good restaurant, or a favorite store (Target is always my go-to for gift cards!)
By including a gift card in someone’s self-care box, you are encouraging them to take themselves on a self-care date. How fun is that?!
11. Books
A good book makes an incredible self-care gift basket addition. Whether it be a self-improvement book, a romance novel, an inspirational poetry book, or even a fun magazine – some good reading material is always a great idea!
12. Warm Beverages
Cozy drinks just scream “self-care!”. Some comforting tea bags or coffee packs can be a great touch to a self-care box.
13. Self-Care Journal
Self-care journals or worksheets are the PERFECT touches to a self-care kit. There are some amazing self-care resources and workbooks out there. Oftentimes, they’re super affordable too!
14. Fuzzy Socks
Who doesn’t love a good pair of fuzzy socks? Enough said.
(Plus you can get these for like $1 in the Target dollar spot!!)
15. Manicure Kit
A manicure kit can be a super unique and fun addition to a self-care gift basket or box. It’s the perfect little nudge and a reminder to pamper yourself!
16. Hair Mask
Again, treating someone to a quality hair mask can be a gentle nudge to encourage them to take part in some pampering self-care.
We all deserve a little at-home spa treatment every once in a while, right?
17. Bath Supplies
Bath bombs, bath beads, bath oils, etc. – ALL foolproof options for an amazing self-care gift box. (These are also super affordable if you’re looking for a cheap option!)
18. Cozy Blanket
Simply curling up with a blanket is such an underrated form of self-care. Add in a cozy blanket to your loved one’s self-care package. Blankets are a gift that everyone can appreciate, regardless of age, gender, etc. We all love blankets!!
19. Slippers
Much like a cozy blanket, who doesn’t love a good pair of slippers?!
Depending on your budget, you can get some awesome faux fur slippers for cheap or you can splurge a bit and get some fancier slippers (these are my all-time favorite Ugg slippers).
20. Handwritten Note
These are all affordable self-care package options, but a handwritten note is priceless.
Write your loved one a kind letter or note about how much you love them, care about them, or how much they mean to you. Trust me, this will be the best part of all!
Get These Self-Care Kit Ideas:
Self-Care Box Subscriptions
If you’re looking to skirt all the work of actually making a DIY self-care kit, knowing what to put in your self-care box, and actually filling it up, there are some great companies that offer a self-care box subscription service!
There are many self-care kits out there, but these are the 3 that I feel are worth the cost:
Best Overall: TheraBox
TheraBox is probably the most well-known self-care subscription box. It’s been recommended by Forbes, BuzzFeed, Good Morning America, and more – and for good reason.
Their pricing is unbeatable, their products are amazing, the boxes are always unique and changing, and the subscription (and cancelation) process is seamless. I can’t say enough about TheraBox. It’s the first self-care box I got myself and I just adore it.
Best for Introverts: Introverts Retreat
As an introvert myself, introvert self-care is my favorite form of self-care. Introverts Retreat includes solo activities and self-care tools just for introverts. From books to candles, teas to salty snacks, and much more, Introverts Retreat is a great self-care box option for my fellow introverts!
Best for Beauty-Lovers: BirchBox
BirchBox isn’t a self-care box specifically, but it’s a super fun subscription box that I got for YEARS.
Every month they send you new skin, hair, makeup, and beauty products.
Oftentimes these are high-end products that you might not otherwise splurge on.
I have never had an issue with BirchBox and getting the box in the mail always feels like a little gift from me to me!
How will you enjoy your DIY self-care box?
Now it’s your turn!
Will you opt to make your own self-care kit? More interested in a self-care subscription box? Or are you here to learn how to put together the perfect self-care package for a friend?
Let me know what you’ll be putting in your self-care kit in the comments below!
Enjoy!
Concerned says
Thank you fo such a great list π Hope you’re taking good care of yourself too1
By the way, tarot cards and crystals are more dangerous than they seem. I used to enjoy those too, but God really doesn’t like them. I promise you the cost isn’t worth it. π
Please be safe π
Delaney says
Thanks for the concern! I’m glad you enjoyed the list! Wishing you all the best!!
Linda says
Thanks for these great ideas. Your list inspired me. I have a friend who is grieving and I want to put together something special she can take out when sheβs feeling really sad. I now have a plan with so many great options! Thanks again!
Delaney says
I’m so glad you found inspiration. It is so kind that you are looking to put together something for your friend. Sending you both all my love!
VINEVIDA says
These DIY self-care kit ideas are simply outstanding and perfect for enhancing our well-being in 2023. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and refreshing compilation.
Delaney says
Thank you so much for these kind words!! So glad you enjoyed!
Aromachology says
Truly loved reading these refreshing ideas. Your suggestions are a breath of fresh air, offering innovative ways to prioritize our well-being in today’s fast-paced world. Thank you for all these wonderful suggestions.
Delaney says
This is so sweet!! Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed this!! <3
Mel says
Hi Del, a photo of Frankie is a must in my self care kit! πΆπ