How to Create Your Own Self Care Kit (25 things to add!)

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How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

We all know we’re supposed to be practicing self care regularly…

… but it’s REALLY hard to make yourself a priority.

Whether you have a super busy career, a bunch of kids, or just feel guilty taking time for yourself, it’s all too easy to let YOUR needs fall off the to-do list.

In addition to carving out a very specific time slot in your calendar, consider putting together a self care kit to make it easier!

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30 self care challenge ideas! Use them for a 7 or 30 day self care challenge, or sprinkle them into your life daily to nourish your body, mind, and soul.

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What is a self care box?

A self care kit is a designated space where you keep the things that help you relax and recharge.

The idea is to have all of your favorite self care items together in one convenient place. 

That way it’s ready and waiting for you when you need it most.

Try a self care subscription box

Not into the ‘diy self care kit’ idea? Give yourself (or someone else) the gift of monthly self care with a self care subscription box!

TheraBox is curated by therapists, and designed to reduce stress and increase joy.

Each month, you’ll receive a box with $100+ worth of self care goodies. TheraBox is widely loved, and has amazing reviews.

You can get all the details about TheraBox right HERE.

It’ll bring a smile to your face every month when it gets delivered!

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

What should I put in a self care basket?

To create your own self care kit, grab a box, basket, or container of any kind to store your comforting items.

You can use something you already have at home, or buy a pretty box to designate as your self care kit.

Think about the things you enjoy doing, and the items that bring you comfort.

Self care is personal, so customize your box with your very favorite things.

Looking for inspiration? Here are 25 ideas of things you could include!

Things to Put in Your Self Care Kit

1. Favorite DVDs

Watching your favorite movie or TV show is always fun, and can be a great distraction if you’re feeling down.

Of course you can stream a lot of shows and movies online, but having them on dvd makes it super convenient and reliable.

Try including a favorite childhood movie or series for that extra comfort factor.

2. Tea

A warm, soothing drink like tea or hot chocolate can be very relaxing to sip on during your self care session.

There’s just something about a warm mug…

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

3. Notebook and pens

Be sure to include a notebook in your self care box.

That way you can journal your thoughts, doodle, braindump, or write a list of your dreams or goals.

Most of us never take the time for self-reflection, but it REALLY helps to get your thoughts and feelings out on paper.

Related: 15 Lists to Make to Organize Your Life

4. Favorite candle

Your sense of smell is incredibly powerful, and a familiar scent can be super comforting.

The flicker of the flame is really relaxing too!

5. Gift card

While most of us practice self care at home, it would be such a nice treat to include a gift card in your kit.

A $5-10 gift card for a local coffee or ice cream shop is a great idea.

It’s like a present for your future self!

6. Manicure kit

If your self care routine includes pampering and grooming, a manicure set and nail polish are a good idea.

You could include everything you’d need to give yourself a pedicure or manicure.

It’s just so convenient to have it all together in one place.

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

7. Book

Your favorite novel (or one you’ve been meaning to start) is the ideal way to wind down.

A book of short stories, a magazine, fancy catalog, or anything else you like to read is perfect too.

Related: 20 of the Best Ways to Find Time to Read

8. Fuzzy socks

Soft, warm socks just have a way of grounding us. 

You can even get the kind with aloe to soften your feet while you’re busy enjoying another activity.

Plus, it’s really hard to relax if your feet are cold!

9. Essential oils

Lavender essential oil has a calming influence, and can set the right tone for your self care night.

You can use it in a roller ball, or put it in your essential oil diffuser.

👉 If you want some fun scent blends to put in your diffuser, check out our Seasonal Essential Oil Recipe Book! It has 100+ recipes, for every season of the year.

10. Headphones

A good pair of headphones or earbuds is perfect when you’re trying to have some ‘me time.’

Especially if they’re noise cancelling!

You can tune out any other noise in your house, and listen to whatever you want instead.

11. Stuffed animal

If you have a cuddly stuffed creature you love, that’s exactly what you need in your self care kit.

It really is comforting to have something to hold in your arms. A body pillow also works, but it probably won’t fit in your box!

12. Yoga mat

Stretching or doing some simple yoga can really help ground you when you’re feeling stressed.

You can even follow along to a guided meditation or yoga class on YouTube.

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

13. Snack

Comfort food like dark chocolate or a crunchy snack is a nice treat to add to your kit!

You can munch on it while you read or watch a movie.

14. Bath bomb

A hot bath with bubbles, salts, or bath bombs is certainly a nice way to relax.

Put your favorite bath and beauty products together, and keep them together in your self care box.

Related: Everything You Need to Have a Pamper Night at Home

15. Blanket

If your box is big enough, add in a soft blanket. A heated throw or weighted blanket is especially comforting. 

I really love my weighted blanket. It helps me sleep every night.

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

16. Bubbles or Play-Doh

Blowing bubbles and playing with Play-Doh is surprisingly relaxing. Seriously! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

The bubbles have the added benefit of helping you with deep breathing. And squishing the Play-Dough is just plain fun.

Here’s a recipe to make your own homemade dough with essential oils.

17. Eye mask

There are a few different kinds of eye masks you could include.

A cooling mask feels really nice, and can bring down puffy eyes. 

Then there’s the kind you’re probably familiar with, that just blocks out the light. They’re perfect for a nap.

I have this heated eye mask, and I absolutely love it. It’s very soothing, and really helps with headaches too.

18. Coloring book

Coloring is a creative outlet, and gives your hands something to do.

The adult coloring books are more challenging, but I actually enjoy using kids’ books.

Don’t forget to add in some crayons or coloring pencils too!

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

19. Massager

A shiatsu heated massager is really nice on sore or stiff muscles.

You can use it on your neck, back, feet, or legs to loosen up.

20. Playlist

In the olden days, we would’ve put a cd (or mixed tape!) with our favorite playlist in a self care box.

These days, it’s harder to add a playlist to your kit. 

But you could keep a written list of songs, YouTube videos, or stand up comedy routines you love to listen to.

21. Small games

A Rubix cube, handheld game, yoyo, or tennis ball to bounce is a good way to occupy your hands while you relax.

You could also do a word, number, or brain puzzle. Or even a jigsaw puzzle.

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

22. Tissues

If you plan to read or watch something emotional, or just need a good cry, tissues are a good addition to your box.

23. Heating pad

There’s just something very soothing about a heating pad.

It helps your aches and pains, while making you feel very cozy.

I also like to use a neck heating pad for neck stiffness. The weight of it is also relaxing on your shoulders.

24. Body scrub

Using a body scrub in a warm shower will leave your skin feeling SO soft. And make you feel very pampered!

You can also include a lip scrub for the full spa treatment.

Related: How to Make Your Home Smell Like a Spa

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

25. Bible or devotional

If you’re a Christian (or open-minded to it), add the Bible or a devotional journal to your self care kit.

You can read through your favorite passages, pray, or get inspiration from a prayer journal.

Ready to create a self care kit?

I hope these ideas have inspired you to make your own box of self care items.

You can pull the box out whenever you need to relax. All your favorite things will be together in one convenient place.

You can also use these ideas to put together a self care gift basket for someone.

Let’s all make taking care of ourselves a priority!

P.S. Don’t forget to grab the pretty self-care checklists from the Freebie Vault!

For more self care inspiration, check out:

How to create your own self care kit! Ideas of what to put in your stress relief box, so you can pamper yourself when you need it most.

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