Gift Guide // Rest + Relaxation

1. Relax Dead Sea Bath Salts, Elucx ($24)  //  2. Handmade Flaxseed + Lavender Eye Pillow, Gardenmis ($20)  //  3. Repose Calming Tea, Rex Organics ($8)  //  4. Sundays Mug, Miss Poppy Design Shop ($20) //  5. Handcrafted Spa Gift Set, Anemone ($30)  //  6. Cloud Slippers, Urban Outfitters ($39)  //  7. Chief Joseph Blanket, Pendleton ($239)  //  8. Mischief & Merry Truffles, Williams-Sonoma ($19.95)  //  9. Tranquility Candle, Neom Luxury Organics ($45, UK only)  //  10. Sleep Sound Therapy Machine, Sound Oasis ($59.99)  //  11. Sshhh Earplugs, CB2 ($12.95)  //  12. 200-Thread Count Painterly Stripe Sheet Set, Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. ($119+)

I've noticed lately that when people ask me what I want for Christmas, I always respond with something along the lines of "some relaxation, please." And although I always say it with a laugh, I've come to realize that I'm not really joking. This year has been both the best and one of the most exhausting of my life. In my particular case, I have a baby, a full time job, and a husband who is gone half the year - and I don't feel like I've sat down for more than five minutes a day in longer than I can remember. Sound familiar? I'd be willing to bet that every single one of us, regardless of situation, is pretty freaking tired by the end of the year. Maybe it's your job, or school, or your kids, or just plain old life - but there is likely one or more things in your life that have left you feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break. Am I right? I'm fairly certain that most of our friends and family probably feel the same. And this is the reason for which I decided to put together some items that will help you give the (much needed and guaranteed appreciated) gift of R and R this holiday season.

If you go big when it comes to holiday gifts, you could always opt for a tropical vacation or a spa weekend. But these items are smaller (and for most, more realistic) gift ideas sure to bring comfort and de-stressing to all who receive them. The Spa Gift Set from Anemone, for example, contains a handcrafted Herbal Facial Steam, Cleansing Grains, Cacao Rose Mask, and Chamomile + Almond Butter Cream, sure to make the receiver feel instantly pampered. (I own this set and can attest to this. Also check out their handcrafted Goats Milk & Honey Cream which is another personal favorite. And pssst, use this coupon code for 20% off your purchase of $25 of more: BONUS25.) Or how about those super cozy (and super cute) faux shearling Cloud Slippers from UO? I feel like you'd basically melt as soon as you slipped them onto tired, achey feet. Although a bit more of a splurge than the other items, the Pendleton Chief Joseph Blanket is the ultimate relaxation-inducing gift that your recipient will cherish for many years (I've had one for 15 years and it's held up amazingly well). You could even take several of these items and put together a big ol' Basket of Relaxation for someone really in need of unwinding. I may actually do just that…


What about you? Got any other ideas of great gifts to help loved ones rest and relax?

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