The 20 Best Spa Gifts That Will Win You All the Friend Points

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

No, you’re not alone: Life is hard. Between work, kids, taxes, networking events, medical checkups, housecleaning, and the anxiety of a hot-button election year (to name a few), carving out a moment to decompress could never be more necessary. That’s why nothing says “I see you” to a friend like the gift of relaxation—don’t worry, we were talking about you too.

“Spa-aligned gifts offer a touch of luxury and relaxation that we all crave, especially in our busy lives,” says Designed by JQ’s Jessica Quintero. “Whether it’s a soothing bath soak or a calming candle, spa gifts create an oasis of tranquility at home. They’re perfect for anyone looking to pamper themselves, making them a versatile and thoughtful gift for all.”

How, you ask, does one package a self-care moment? Consider a spa gift, those little luxuries that give your gal pal an excuse to skip away to her oversize tub, with bath oils and foot soak salts in hand, or reward your saintly mother-in-law with a cheery pair of Versace slippers that say “I know being a boy mom to the man-child we both know and love merits putting one’s feet up.” Even a thoughtful chai tea kit or high-tech face steamer will make for a total at-home pampering ritual that your recipient (or you) just might find more transformative than years of therapy.

Ready to carve out some time in your manic life for some blessed rest and relaxation? Here, a curated list of the best spa gifts out there that will remind anyone to take a step back and slow down. Go ahead, get totally blissed out (we know you weren’t asking for a friend).

Waffle Weave Resort Robe

The invention of a giant fluffy, wearable towel—a robe—is truly one of humanity's best contributions. Gifting such a comfort, then, will likely be one of your better contributions. Pottery Barn’s Waffle Weave Resort robe, lined in absorbent Turkish terry cotton, is just the pick, promising to transport the five-star spa experience right to your lucky friend’s home. Hot tip: Getting it monogrammed might be better than including a handwritten card.

24K Gold Hydra Collagen Facial Mask

Remind your friend that he/she is solid gold in your book by gifting something that has been given the Midas touch. Gold face masks boast anti-aging properties that hydrate, boost collagen production, and reduce dark spots. If all that glitters is gold, then this luxurious indulgence will leave your grateful friend’s skin (and aura) sparkling for days. You’re welcome.

Pro Hydro-Mist Steamer Facial Device

If you’ve ever had the glorious experience of a good professional facial, you know there’s no going back to plain old mud masks. At just $165, your fellow bestie’s house can be the next best thing. Sarah Chapman’s professional hydro-mist steamer is everything you (and your friend) need to feel revived and rejuvenated from the comfort of your home.

Queen Silk Pillow Case

Life tip: When nothing goes right, go to sleep—preferably on a silk pillowcase. Thanks to you, one lucky recipient may do just that, thinking of you every time she lays her head upon this smooth cushion. Not only does a silk pillowcase give a bed a luxurious sheen, it’s apparently very good for your hair’s health. We call that a win-win.

Gua Sha Facial Massager

Gua sha has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. This ancient beauty tool has been proven to build a firming, lifting effect on the skin, promoting lymphatic drainage and stimulating collagen. Give your gal pal the gift of fabulous skin with Ogee’s facial massager. “The best gua sha I’ve ever tried,” says one Ogee reviewer. “Very good quality, heavy and cold, exactly what I need in my morning routine.”

Shower Steamer

Whoever said sitting in a tub of water was the only rejuvenating experience? Shower steamers are a prime way to add a little indulgence to the daily routine, proven to clear congestion and promote better skin health. It’s the perfect gift, especially when packaged so prettily.

Cloud Humidifier

We raved about Vitruvi’s Stone Ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser when testing essential oil diffusers, and the scent-sational brand is at it again with a new product: the Vitruvi Cloud humidifier. If you live in a dry climate, ever get sick, are a plant parent, or simply like a humid environment in your home, you’re a candidate for this chic device. Its versatility makes it the ideal gift for any deserving loved one.

Tub Kit No. 1

Your friend is slammed and stressed. Do more than validate her rantings by gifting her these chic bath aromatic bath salts. A mixture of mineral salts, coconut milk, amber, cedar leaf, clove, and lemongrass—her journey of self-actualization can begin no further than the walls of her own bathroom.

Acupressure Mat Set

Gifting an appointment to your friend’s local masseuse is thoughtful; gifting her an acupressure mat she can use for years to come is a godsend. This chic beige-and-gray mat by WTHN applies pressure to specific points on the body, called acupoints, in a way that is similar to acupuncture but without the needles. Dare you not to get one for yourself too.

Chai Making Kit

Shared interests allow for little joys between friends—and an obsession with chai tea is the best mutual passion. Remind your friend that you remembered how much she loves this spicy brew by gifting something you can share together. What good is tea when not spilled with another?

I Love Baroque Slippers

These chic designer slippers with terry towel insoles are everything your loved one needs to be reminded to take a load off—with impeccable (and Donatella-approved!) style.

Mindful Magnesium Bath Soak

If your bestie is a total gym rat, a simple jar of Alo’s new magnesium soak is the perfect little luxury she needs to feel loved. Composed of antioxidant-rich amla berries, coconut, and avocado oil—your friends aching muscles will be ever grateful.

Clyde Electric Kettle

We’re fans of practical gifts, and this classic black kettle with a silicone handle is as practical as it is fun—all the while a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the small things in life.

Bath Oils

OK, we're obsessed with Susanne Kaufmann’s mountain bath oils. The two elegant bottles filled with pine and spruce needles were “designed to transport you to the Alps,” according to the brand. When it comes in a two-pack, we wouldn’t judge you if you kept one for yourself. Wink wink.

Power Duo

Truth: Beautiful skin doesn’t come from makeup; it comes from good skin care. And Soho Skin’s line of skin-care products is everything your dry/oily/pimpled/eczema-stricken/blotchy skin needs. Our ELLE DECOR tester, Rachel Silva, swears by these. “The whole line—the face wash, lotion, overnight mask—is gentle yet effective,” she notes. “I’m obsessed with these amber glass travel-size bottles, which are the perfect gift for a girlfriend who wants to dip her toe in these skin-care essentials.”

Santal 26 Concrete Candle

Fragrance brand Le Labo has been blowing up in recent years, and for good reason. The brand’s unique scents have bestowed it with coveted cult status, so when its famous Santal 26 scent was given life in the form of a candle, we were here for it. We have no doubt your friend will be too. Bonus points for the chic concrete vessel!

Silk Contour Sleep Mask

This colorful, preppy silk mask is giving us all the Audrey Hepburn vibes. It’s a gift that is as fun as it is useful. What are friends for, if not to give you a reason to escape from the stresses of day-to-day life?

Holiday Spa Gift Set

We love a chic gift set moment in which someone else does all the work of packaging but you get all the credit. Neiman Marcus’s holiday spa gift set—complete with tweezers, a face sculpting tool, a cream muslin cloth, bristle body brush, and a cotton hand strap—is just such a specimen. Your friend will say you shouldn’t have—but you know she’s wrong.

Mercedes Marble Bath Caddy

We love a decor moment (obviously) and couldn’t help but slip in a little bling bling for your friend’s bathroom. This marble bath caddy is glamorous, sophisticated, and everything your friend needs to feel like she’s in full retreat mode. Pair with a bottle of her favorite Champagne (yes, there’s a notch for a wine glass) and she’s fully set. Bottoms up!

Prestige Le Pétale Multi-Perlé

Dior does massage tools? That’s correct. At the loss of a mere $115, you can give your loved one a designer product that does so much more than look pretty. This sculpting massage tool contains 21 ceramic pearls to stimulate the skin. Pair it with Dior’s La Micro-Huile de Rose serum and you may never see your friend again (not because she’s avoiding you).

You Might Also Like

• From the Archive: Tour Sarah Jessica Parker’s Relaxed Hamptons Retreat

• 75 Small (But Mighty) Kitchens to Steal Inspiration from Right This Instant