10 for $10: Serenity Edition
This is an interesting time of year. We’ve all just come off from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, for one thing. And despite being a bit tired and a bit under-enthusiastic to return to work (I mean, last week was the worst), we’re also simultaneously looking at our lives, making resolutions, adding new routines and habits in the hopes that they’ll stick. So this month I thought I’d create a 10 for $10 list of gift ideas that are meant for you to take a time out. Between all that self-improvement and getting back into the grind, you deserve a little rest and relaxation. So here are 10 gift ideas under $10, all designed with peace and happiness in mind.
Simply Being App – $2.29 USD @ The App Store
Meditation is moving out of the metaphysical and into the mainstream, as more and more people are breaking out their ‘oms’ and affirmations. This app helps guide you through the meditative process – while there are others that are free, this is one of the few that ask for moola upfront and that’s that (the others require pricy purchases to really be worth it).
Hipster Coloring Book – $9.99 @ Amazon.ca
Adult colouring books are being eschewed by some as a sign of our obsession with youth…but the original intent behind the rise of these detailed books was to increase mindfulness by forcing you to hone in on a single task. If you’re keen to see what the fuss is about, Amazon carries a bunch of colouring books at a range of prices, like this hipster book that features everything from goatees to obsolete technology.
Jessie’s Tea – From $7.90 @ DAVIDsTEA
Apparently I’m sympatico with DAVIDsTEA this month – they’ve just released a new line of ‘feel-good’ teas each with their own health and wellness benefits. But I’ve dipped back into their archives to recommend this classic, soothing tea that blends lavender and coconut for a sweet, soothing treat.
Milky Bath Bubble Bar – $7.95 @ Lush
Warm milk definitely has connotations of relaxation – Lush has channelled that soothing sensation into this new bubble bar. Infused with cocoa butter, skim milk, olive oil and orange oil, just drop this into the tub and drift away on a cloud of relaxation.
Reflexology Gloves / Socks – $9.99 each @ Aviva
Reflexology is basically a type of massage therapy that taps into ‘pain points’ on your hands, feet, and head to relieve tension and stress elsewhere in the body. The cool part is, with a bit of research you can DIY at home (ideally with a loved one helping you out). To speed the process along, try these reflexology gloves and socks that help identify the points to focus on depending on where you’re feeling not great in the body.
Mini Zen Garden Kit – $8.49 @ Indigo
Although eventually parodied by the end of the 90s, the idea of a zen garden on your desk is still an appealing one. This little kit contains a booklet that explores the meditative benefits of zen gardening, as well as a little sand pit, rocks, and a rake.
Sage, Cedar & Lavender Body & Room Mist – $9.00 @ Nature’s Essential Garden
You’ll notice a lot of the gift ideas on this list tie back to scent. Aromatherapy is a massive part of relaxation and taking a personal T.O. If you want to destress on the go, keep this Body & Room Mist handy. With a soothing fusion of three herbals, a simple spritz or two can seriously chase away stress.
Relaxus Acu-Reflex Magnetic balls – $5 for the Set
Roll these pointy little balls under your feet or in your hands to relieve tension and pressure throughout the body – it’s sort of like comprehensive reflexology. A great gift idea to keep on your desk for tough days.
Zentangle Basics – $9.99 @ Amazon.ca
As I mentioned, adult colouring books are all the rage – but if you want something a little more active, you may want to look into Zentangles. It’s basically a simple form of drawing that works for even those who aren’t artistically inclined – you just have to have patience and be able to zone out (or in, depending on how you look at it).
Earth to Body Soy Candle & Body Wax – $5
This cool gift ideas combines two gifts in one. Light a candle and make the room smelling amazing. Then, extinguish the candle, dip your fingers into the resulting oil, and lather it on your body (or have someone do it for you for a home massage). Available in a range of scents, including relaxing lavender or sweet orange.
There you have it! 10 ways to invite bliss into your life this 2016. And a bonus entry into my Dear Lil’ Devas giveaway, if you know what’s good for you. Tell me in the comments below – which of these soulful gift ideas are you most interested in?
Canadian Gift Guide 
I love Lush and I love to soak in the tub, so I would love to try the Milky Bubble Bath bar.
I like the candle
I like the Hipster colouring book for adults
The Earth to Body Soy Candle & Body Wax sound perfect. Everything seems great, i always need some stress relief in January!
I would love to try he Relaxus Acu-Reflex Magnetic balls. My poor feet will thank me for them!
The soy candle and body wax sounds divine!
The Reflexology Gloves/Socks are on my list!
I would like to try the Milky Bubble Bath Bar most.
I like the Hipster colouring book. I colour with my children in the afternoons.
I love the meditation app and the reflexology gloves – great ideas & reasonable too.
Relaxus Acu-Reflex Magnetic balls are what I would love to try
I love Lush and I love to soak in the tub
Those magnetic balls look pretty awesome!
I love these, all very perfect for anyone trying to relax. I would say my favourite item is the Lush Body Bar.
Milk Bath Bubble Bar. Yumm!
I would love to try the Zentangles Basic book!
Love the
Earth to Body Soy Candle & Body Wax . I mean how great would it be to have a lovely scent & a nice massage too.
I would find the Milky Bubble Bath Bar from Lush the most relaxing. I’d love to try it.
I like the soy candle and body wax.
I love to colour, especially with my daughter. It’s very relaxing!
I’d like to try the reflexology socks and gloves.
For me relaxing and relieving stress is helped out a lot by a soak in the bath so I would select the Milky Bubble Bath Bar from Lush
The Sage Cedar and Lavender spray sounds beautiful!
Dear Lil’ Devas bonus entry: of these soulful gift ideas I’m most interested in the Reflexology Gloves / Socks – $9.99 each @ Aviva & the Earth to Body Soy Candle & Body Wax – $5 (I can only imagine it being hot-hot)
The tea looks the best.
Of these soulful gift ideas, I like all of them but If I have to chose one of them it would be Jessie’s Teas thank you
I honestly love all of these, but I especially like the reflexology gloves/socks
I’d go for the tea or maybe the reflexology gloves/socks.
I would love to have the Reflexology Gloves and Socks by Aviva! Thank you very much!
The Mini Zen Garden Kit sounds so therapeutic!
I think the Relaxus Acu-Reflex Magnetic balls are neat!
Love the Zentangle Basics book and the Hipster Colouring Book… Two of my favorite pastimes!
The Zentangle has me intrigued….
I like the Sage, Cedar & Lavender Body & Room Mist best