Just because people say it's better to give than to receive, doesn’t mean you have to play martyr and deny the fact that when you wake up on Christmas morning to presents under the tree, you’re pretty damn excited to rip off the wrapping and see how your loved ones chose to spoil you this year. You work hard, and probably don’t play as hard as you deserve, so it’s not a crime to scope out gifts to buy yourself for Christmas. Trust me, friends, you've earned it.
And don't you dare think, even for the tiniest of milliseconds, that splurging on yourself is in any way selfish. Think of it this way, OK? Gift exchanges are wonderful, and I'm sure you're very appreciative of any present a friend or loved one goes out of the way to give you. But, unless you make a detailed wishlist or Pinterest board and send them out for reference every year, I'm willing to bet you don't receive everything you want.
If you a) have the funds and b) are constantly adding and deleting a specific item from your digital shopping cart, allow yourself the luxury this holiday season and treat yourself. Here are a few special gifts to buy yourself for Christmas this year, because you deserve a little TLC and spoiling, too.
Eye Gels - "TRY ME" - 3 pack, $12, Honest Hazel
I will not hesitate to admit that I am a sucker for cosmetic trends on Instagram. Lime Crime, Dose of Colors — you name it, I've tried it.
Lately, however, viral makeup products have been pushed aside, allowing real skincare goodies shine though. I'm all about self-care these days, so once I spotted Honest Hazel's eye gels all over the health and wellness social accounts I follow, I knew they'd be at the top of my wishlist.
24 Days of Tea, $45, David's Tea
To say that I'm a tea addict would be the understatement of the year. I come from an Irish household where tea time was served all the time, and on average, I'd probably sip down about three cups a day.
Over the years, I've expanded my palette well beyond traditional black brews, and I personally find joy in sampling new flavors, which is why this advent calendar of loose leaves from David's Tea has me working my way up on my husband's "Nice List." In each miniature compartment, you'll find a tiny tin of single-serving delicacies like cream of earl grey, silk dragon jasmine, and white cranberry bark. Now that sounds like a delicious way to kick off the new year, no?
Women's Cropped Hoodie in Pale Turquoise, $38, Gymshark
I've been a fan of Gymshark's since the very beginning of my fitness journey. If you're a fan of Lululemon, I'd definitely go out on a limb to say this brand is the slightly more affordable version.
Gymshark leggings are bae, and their sports bras fit nice and snug, but I've been eyeing this turquoise hoodie from the second I got wind of its release. Obviously, cropped anything is associated with warmer weather, but when you're killing it at the gym, this is definitely a staple piece for any high-intensity wardrobe.
Limited-Edition Magic Star Collector's Set, $49, Tarte Cosmetics
Purchasing high-quality makeup adds up fast. For an all-encompassing set, you're generally spending over $50, but thankfully, Tarte's giving the gift of affordable cosmetics to its loyal customers this holiday season.
This limited-edition set is comprised of all the essentials you'll need to perfect a full face. With 25 exclusive matte and metallic eyeshadows, the brand's signature clay blushes, highlighter, bronzer, and every tool necessary to master a wicked cat eye and bold lip, this is the dream set every beauty buff deserves to treat herself to this year.
4" Live Assorted Succulents Set of 4, $49, Urban Outfitters
Not all of us were born with a green thumb, OK? I know myself, and even though I love the look of plants, I definitely am not one for maintaining them.
This succulent set from UO is perfect for anyone who adores the homey aesthetic plants add to their space, but is admittedly sort of forgetful when it comes to trimming thorns and daily watering. TLC requirements are minimal with these lovely blooms; just make sure they're strategically located where they can soak in the sunshine, and water once in awhile for nourishment.
The Earthy One Gift Box, $48, Hello Crisp
I recently came across Hello Crisp and instantly fell in love with the brand's cozy, minimalist aesthetic. They offer a range of themed gift boxes catering to unique personalities, and this earthy blend stood out to me as the perfect wintertime treat.
Each product is hand-selected and made by artisans that are environmentally friendly and produce high-quality goods. The Earthy One is comprised of a black pepper birch wood cedar candle, a body lotion that harmonizes notes of vanilla and greenery, as well as a warm apple-scented soap bar enhanced with amber and wild lavender.
I Know Guac Is Extra, But So Am I - Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt, $35, Wholesome Culture
Guac may be extra, but it's worth it — and so are you.
I love graphic tees and sweatshirts emblazoned with phrases that are not only catchy, but speak to my soul. Avocado speaks to my soul and my stomach, so Wholesome Culture's crewneck truly says it all. Plus, their sizes seem to run a little roomy, which is optimal for post-holiday dinner lounging.
Avanto Beanie - Knitting Kit, $49, We Are Knitters
I realize that knitting is often associated with a vision of a grandmother in a rocking chair with balls of unraveling yarn at her feet, but We Are Knitters is making this craft cool again, and I personally want in on the fun.
The site is divided into levels of expertise, so if you're a beginner, there are tons of kits to get you started. The Avanto Beanie kit is technically a two-for-one special if you think about it. Not only will you be honing a new skill, you'll also have a chic piece of headgear to sport all winter long.
3-Month Membership, $45, Book of the Month Club
If you prefer books over people, there's a club for that. Share your joy of enticing plots and genius character development by gifting yourself a three-month membership to Book of the Month Club.
The process is simple: Choose one or multiple of five titles showcased each month, and have them shipped to your door (sometimes the brand sneaks a surprise inside your bundle), and enjoy!
If you're looking for a book club that's a little more engaging, Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss launched their own exclusive association where readers can purchase Belletrist's monthly pick and discuss via social media.
Erin Condren 2018 Hardbound LifePlanner, $30, Amazon
I wouldn't exactly call myself cheap, but I'm definitely not the type of girl to pay a visit to the mall on a weekly basis and waste money on material things I don't need (except books — you can never have too many books).
When it comes to planners, though, I've been known to splurge. Some people look at $30 for a planner and think it's outrageous. I, on the other hand, am drawn to pricey notebooks and will gladly drop a few bills on a hardbound planner clad with pages dedicated to setting goals and organizing schedules.
Erin Condren's life planner comes in three designs: watercolor splash quote, painted petals, and floating florals. It's also huge, with 164 pages to doodle, take notes, and plan your entire 2018. Is it worth the big bucks? For you, I definitely think so.
