How to Make a DIY Self Care Kit (+ 30 Box Ideas for 2024)
These 30 diy self care kit ideas will make any box, basket, or package a treasured essential.
My friend made an insightful point the other day. She acknowledged that the last year has been difficult for her mental health.
So, she decided to be proactive about her future well-being. She couldn’t control outside factors, but she could make herself a homemade self-care kit. She was taking matters into her own hands.
“We can not direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
Dolly Parton
There is a lot in life we can’t control. But how we care for our mental and physical health is still up to us. It’s time to acknowledge that.
A DIY self care box makes a fantastic addition to whatever season you’re in OR a perfect gift to someone you love!
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission. See my disclaimer for more.
Want to keep these ideas handy? Pin the list to Pinterest!
What is a Self Care Kit?
A self care kit is a collection of items that make you feel good. They support your emotional health by nourishing, uplifting, and sometimes bringing you back from the brink.
So, let’s build a magnificent comfort box. One that helps gain perspective when you desperately need it.
What Should Go in a Self Care Kit?
The DIY self care kit box ideas below cover the senses – smell, touch, sight, smell, and taste. Keep your individual preferences in mind to make the best custom care package for you.
Visual Self Care Box Ideas
First, check out these diy self care kit ideas to get started!
1. A Light Book or Romance Novel
*Redeeming Love has a 4.8/5-Star Amazon Rating
Sometimes, when you’re low, what you need is to escape. Whether that’s a murder mystery, action-adventure, or longing romance, find something you’ll ENJOY. We won’t judge!
Get a book that will take you to a faraway place. Preferably a beach.
2. A Fresh New Journal & Fun Pens
*Great value!
Journaling is therapy.
And we ALL need some good therapy sometimes! So, add a beautiful journal to the mix or bright pens that you’ll be excited to use. Then, alleviate your worries and stress with a good writing session.
Other posts to help with your journaling:
- How to Journal for Beginners
- Thought Provoking Gratitude Prompts (free printable)
3. Nail Polish
Sometimes, a girl just needs to feel pretty. Am I right?
So, indulge in quality nail polish or fake nails for when the time is right. There are a lot of options for easy nails these days!
Check current price on this fun gel polish kit!>>
4. Fresh Photos
Next, print photos that you love or create a go-to collection of photos in your phone. Often, looking at pictures of your friends and family can give you a needed mental boost. See these popular photo frames>>
Pro Tip: I got family photos taken last fall for the sole purpose of having something new to look at in winter!
5. A Vision Board Kit
A vision board kit can be just what you need to re-align with what you want out of life – pulling you out of a rut. See creative examples of vision boards for specific ideas or grab a free vision board template.
*Need something else that’s inspiring? Grab a free self-care toolkit with 50 self-care ideas and a free checklist!
6. Thank You Cards
*Amazon’s Choice
There’s no doubt, we’ve all felt disconnected from others in some way.
So, add a few thank you notes to your kit to send to those you love. Not only will it boost your mental health, but you’ll make someone else feel good too.
7. Positive Quotes & Phrases
This is FREE! Simply write a few quotes that will uplift you in tough times.
Here are quote posts that will inspire you:
- Fierce Quotes in Times of Adversity
- 87 Self Care Quotes to Boost You
- Quotes to Develop an Attitude of Gratitude
- Motivational Vision Board Quotes
Low on time or energy?
Then, buy something with a quote or collection of inspiring quotes.
8. A Personal Growth Book
At times, we crave to feel the satisfaction of inner growth. What can you learn?
Year of Yes and Gifts of Imperfection are popular picks. Or, check out the full list of 50 Empowering Books for Women to see if anything resonates with you.
For a variety of books to put in your kit, see this list of the current NY Times Best Sellers. You won’t regret having a few exceptional reads ready when you’re stuck inside.
The Right Kind of Noise
The sounds in your space and what you tell yourself make a huge impact on your quality of life. So, check these ideas out!
9. Affirmation Cards for Your DIY Self Care Kit
*Reader Favorite!
After an affirmation challenge turned me into a groupie, I had to include easy affirmation cards that help you love on yourself. Because we all need extra love once in a while.
*Readers also love these empowering question cards >>
Or write your own using:
- the free daily affirmations ebook
- spiritual self love affirmations
- or powerful anxiety affirmations.
10. A List of Stations or Playlists
Do you know where to find calming music when you need it?
Take a few moments to create a short list of songs (or playlists) for when you need to be inspired or to calm down. Have them ready!
11. A White Noise Machine
Trouble sleeping? If sleep gets tricky for you, a white noise machine is the perfect solution to get your best sleep ever.
*Other sleep products like this light-blocking sleep mask and earplugs are also popular!
12. A List of Positive Podcasts
Next, another list for your DIY self love kit! Hey, it’s free!
Spend a bit of time searching for podcasts that will help you feel good. There are SO MANY inspiring podcasts out there today. And they are an amazing resource for mental health and growth.
This post of podcasts would be a good place to start!
Diy Self Care Kit Items to FEEL Great
If you are tactile or you respond to the power of touch, these DIY self care ideas are for YOU!
13. Face Masks
A face mask, or an entire replenishing variety pack will keep your skin feeling fresh and replenished in the harsher months.
*This unique Dead Sea Mud Mask is also a favorite for self-care box ideas.
14. Massage Products
Invest in a great massage oil or lotion if you love a good massage. Then, even if you can’t get out, talk your partner into a short massage on tough nights.
*Or, try this spa foot massager that’s popular with readers!
15. Stress Balls
Motivation in a squeeze ball? Yes, please! It’s the perfect calm-down tool when you’re restless, stressed, or anxious.
16. Cozy Fabrics
Next, insert something in your DIY self care kit that makes you feel cozy and well cared for.
A plush (or weighted) blanket, slippers, socks, a robe, or a new comfortable nightgown all encourage you to take it easy and enjoy life’s simple pleasures a bit more.
17. A New Bath or Shower Product
Sometimes upgrading or replacing an old bath product does the trick. A sharp new razor, bath scrub, or shaving gel can be a low-cost way to perk you up.
Or check current price on the spa gift set above >>
Related Post: 100 Easy Self Care Ideas on a Bad Day
DIY Self Care Kit Scents That Support
As it turns out, smell makes a big impact on our emotional health. So, try lavender for relaxation and peppermint for a little pep in your step (source). And check out the two easiest ways to get them below!
18. Essential Oils
While many get out their diffusers to help with cold and flu season, essential oils can be just as helpful for regulating sleep, stress levels, and your mood.
So, keep your mood enhancers in the self care kit as a reminder to be utilizing this important tool.
19. Candles for Your DIY Self Care Ki
A great self care basket includes at least one candle that makes you happy. So, buy a fresh candle and stick it in for easy access when you need to relieve stress.
Tasty Treats for Your Self Care Basket
Ah, food. Our bodies need wholesome quality options, but sometimes you also need a small splurge that gets you through the day.
20. Chocolate
Who doesn’t crave a bit of chocolate now and then?
Now, this doesn’t have to be a sugar bomb (unless you want it to be). There are a lot of high-quality chocolate bars on the market today. Buy something with 85-95% cocoa, and you’ll find the sugar is very low.
21. Hot Chocolate
Which brings me to one of the things we love most about the winter. Cozy, hot drinks. With a little sugar, of course.
22. Healthy Snacks
Next, a few healthy dry snacks can make your day when your general supply is low! Try out one of these:
- popcorn
- veggie chips
- granola bars
- dried fruit
- nuts
23. Quality Coffee
Confession: Fantastic coffee uplifts me in a way other things can not. Maybe it’s the warm cup. Or the jolt of caffeine. Or I just like mornings. Who knows?
But a package of that fancy coffee you LOVE or even a five-dollar gift card can be a gigantic mood booster.
24. Alcohol
Funny enough, Vodka was the first item in my friend’s self care kit! Ha!
Really though, a small nightcap can take the edge off after a long day. (Just don’t let it turn into an unhealthy habit!)
So, perhaps it’s that coveted bottle of red wine you don’t buy often, or ingredients to a new cocktail you’d love to try when the time is right. Make it special and it will be the perfect addition to your kit.
25. Herbal Tea
Finally, a quality herbal tea can be the energizing boost you need in the morning, or just the thing to calm you down at night.
I also find that when I’m struggling to drink enough water, tea helps me fill in the hydration gaps.
What My Self Care Kit Looks Like (25-30)
My Self Care Basket Items include:
- Quarantine Wine (gifted to me by a friend)
- Chocolate bars
- The Alchemist Book (such a beautiful book!)
- Tazo Vanilla Bean Macaron black tea – so GOOD and guilt free!
- Thank you and Just Because Cards
- My New Self-Care Planner (it has been a lifesaver for planning!)
Another unique DIY self care kit example & ideas:
- CBD Candle
- Skin Repair Lotion & Lip Balm
- Chocolates
- Hydration packets
- Sweet Notes From the Kids
Self Care Kits: Subscriptions
If you are the type that loves this idea, but would better appreciate it put together for you, check out these self care box subscription ideas. You get unique wellness items sent to you monthly!
So, all the benefit, and none of the work.
TheraBox Self Care Subscription Box
Therabox is a special set in which a therapist picks out the self-care contents. So, professionals are giving you what you need each month!
Additionally, there’s a happiness activity in every box, which builds your self-love and self-esteem.
HopeBox – Care for Your Body, Heart, & Soul
The Hopebox is packed with unique artisanal items that boost coziness and hope. Which is essential to rebuild in any tough season.
To Consider With Your Diy Self Care Kit
“To be a good parent, you need to take care of yourself so that you have the physical and emotional energy to take care of your family.
Michelle Obama
A self care kit can help you do that. As well as having the emotional energy to conquer your other marvelous life goals and dreams.
And finally, these make fantastic self care gift basket ideas for moms, friends, and teachers as well. This year will bring its ups and downs, so don’t be afraid to spread a little love!
What should go in your DIY self care kit? And will yours be more of a basket or box?
More Wellness Posts & Resources to Enjoy…
- Good Gifts for Anxiety and Depression – items sure to calm down anyone.
- How to Wake Up Early & Triple Your Self Care – why getting up early is the secret to wellness.
- Best List of Good Habits to Improve Your Life – easy habits that change the game.
- Free Weekly Self Care Routine Checklist – uplevel your self-care routine!
Love this idea, a good way to plan ahead at the same time taking care of yourself.
This is also a great gift idea especially when you know someone who has been struggling.
Kathy, you’re right! It would make a great gift idea for someone that needs a little sunshine. Thanks so sharing!