No girl math needed for these self-care splurges
Ah, girl math—the fine art of justifying purchases by the number of uses before we hit ROI (return on investment), considering something “free” if you use a gift card (that you paid for before, but who’s counting?), and how more discounts mean more savings. But rationalizing aside, it’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy the little luxuries that make life sweeter, brighter, and more indulgent.
Here’s a list to get you started—and while you’re at it, make sure to slip in a little something for yourself, too. Because treating yourself? That’s all part of the fun.
For the girl bosses
The best gifts for girl bosses are the ones that invite her to pause, reset, and take it easy.
Think gift certificates for massage sessions from Khozy Lounge, Foot Zone, or Cinese Foot Spa to loosen up those tight muscles (a ventosa does wonders for all that tension). Westin Manila even has a Gentle Reset booklet—vouchers that let them avail a massage treatment of their choice at the hotel. A wellness getaway out of town by Simula Wellness Retreat, Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, or Qi Wellness in Tagaytay gives them that much-needed mind-and-body reset.
For the beauty lovers
Beauty is the name of the game, and these girlies are not ones to skip a step in their carefully curated skincare and makeup routine.
Give the gift of good skin with serums, lotions, and emulsions from the Key Radiance Care collection by Clé de Peau Beauté to keep skin moisturized, radiant, and hydrated. Supplement their makeup bags with staples from Clinique (the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is a personal favorite, while the Plenty Pop Longwear Lipstick set makes for a festive addition), the Moist Mochi Highlighter and Aura Mood Lip Tint from Barenbliss, or even the MAC Connect In Colour eyeshadow palette.
For the homebodies
Netflix and chill (not in that sense!) is a homebody’s definition of fun—no explanation needed. These are the people who’d rather stay in, queue up their favorite show or playlist, and enter their cozy era, surrounded by softness and comfort.
Curated gift boxes with savory deli meats and spreads, accompanied by a bottle of wine from Deli by Chele or a petite graze box by Bizu Patisserie make the perfect accompaniment to their binge watch sessions, while cozy striped pajamas in sherbet hues and striped cotton linen robes from Land of Nod, along with the Washable Knit Ribbed Polo Sweater and Pants set from Uniqlo promise comfort all day, all night.
For the fitness buffs
From snapshots of Strava runs to mirror selfies at the gym, fitness buffs think a new water bottle is a personality trait and that a new set of activewear is a form of self-expression. That said, the best self-care gifts for them are gifts that match their energy—like gym memberships, yoga mats, and accessories that move with them.
Start with activewear pieces from Uniqlo (especially from their AIRism line), Recess, and Shape, or consider smart accessories like the Oura Ring and Apple Watch. Meanwhile, sports tumblers from Stanley, Corkcicle, or Klean Kanteen are made to last, and are perfect for making sure they stay hydrated.
And finally, gift certificates from Electric Studio (for boxing, cycling, and Reformer workouts) and Manila Athletic Club (for boxing and Pilates) make great gifts for those who want variety.
For those who are always always-on-the-go
Self-care for people who are always on the go is something that makes traveling easier, more seamless, and effortless—whether it’s an organizer to keep things in one place, portable chargers, or even a travel-sized wellness kit.
Keep the clutter out of the way with packing cubes by Paccube or Bash Manila; a cute retro-vintage Polarbox cooler that comes in bright pop-y colors from Certified Calm (available in 12 liters and 20 liters) to keep drinks, snacks, and supplies cool; or even a powerbank (the more mAH, the better) from Anker.
And for those with furbabies, the Dupree, an airline carry-on pet car seat by pet protection brand Tavo, is a definite must-have, along with durable water bowls from Ollie Bowls and leashes from Zee.Dog keep energetic dogs at bay. Don’t forget a good ol’ neck pillow for the furparent, too. The Uratex Z neck pillow delivers in both relief and softness.
