25 Self-Care Gifts for Women Over 40 (Not Just for the Holidays)

Silk (not satin) pillowcases are a gamechanger, especially for us women in midlife. Your hair is protected, not only keeping curls happy and frizz at bay, but it reduces breakage and split ends. Kinder also to skin, you're less likely to get pillow creases and your skin stays more hydrated (cotton will absorb all those lotions and potions).

There are many silk pillowcases on the market, but Slip cases I personally own, have washed on the gentle cycle for years at a time, and still look and function great. Slip also has a fantastic range of colors and prints. They are made from the highest grade (6A) long fiber 100% pure mulberry silk, with a thickness of 22 momme and enforce the strictest quality guidelines, including non toxic dyes. They also zip closed, so the pillowcase won't slip off the pillow in the middle of the night.

I would think this is a gimmick, but I own it and it's pretty great. It's easy to use and only takes ten minutes. This 5-step system from Shark pairs hydro-powered technology, proprietary skincare, and contrast therapy to gently exfoliate, clear pores, deeply hydrate, and depuff — revealing your healthiest glow in just 10 minutes. Clinically tested and developed with dermatologists.

Whether it's wanting to be able to enjoy live music or wanting to enjoy a better night's sleep, a pair of comfortable earplugs are a must in midlife. I personally own LOOP earplugs and appreciate that they offer various ear inserts for a custom fit, they look good, they're easy to get in and out, and LOOP offers a variety of different kinds of earplugs depending on your need. From ones to gently filter noise at the mall or coffee shop, hearing protection at concerts, or complete noise cancellation, LOOP offers it and in a bunch of great colors and finishes.

This is self-care in the true and intimate sense. This vibe is powerful, gender-neutral, and doesn't try to replicate a part of anatomy or a children's toy. If found in your drawer or luggage, it almost looks like some sort of skincare device, especially when in its travel pouch. Called Best-in-Show by The Strategist, maude's soft-touch vibe is made with 100% platinum-grade silicone (RoHs passed / FDA grade) and is a discreet, quiet, easy-to-use, 3-speed vibrator. With a runtime of up to 2.5 hours and charged via USB, it’s water-resistant, phthalate- and latex-free and can go anywhere. Comes with a natural canvas travel pouch perfect for storing the vibe and other essentials. All this for less than $60.

I didn't think I could fall in love with a hand cream, but this one is so beautiful, so luxurious, and so effective I can't not share it. This is a medium-dense cream that gloves hands in a soft layer of nourishing ingredients overnight, for those just-manicured results each morning.

Formulated with retinol, colloidal oatmeal, and panthenol to repair and restore hardworking hands and weathered cuticles from the effects of manual labor, harsh weather, and aging. Housed in a beautiful refillable case, Theraplush is designed to live stationary on your nightstand, to be used as the last step before bed.

Made from 100% mulberry silk that's easily washable, this is low-maintenance luxe at its finest. And there's a beauty bonus: Silk fiber contains 18 kinds of amino acids that make it amazing for skin nourishment. It's also hypo-allergenic and naturally thermoregulating to keep you comfy whenever you slip it on. Available in four colors and sizes XS-XL, this little bit of self care is surprisingly less than $125.

This candle is inspired by azure waters meet golden sands. The hidden coastal town Todos Santos provides a respite for the urban weary. Enchanting notes of eucalyptus, vanilla and palo santo carry you on an evocative voyage into the recesses of your imagination.

Comfortable and chic, SOMA's Cool Nights pajamas have been a personal favorite for years and became a must one I became perimenopausal dealing with night sweats. Cool Nights® Pajamas are loved by millions of women thanks to their softness, stretch, and lightweight fabric that’s always cool-to-the touch. Mix and match for a custom fit; several styles come in short lengths and you can choose shorts, pants, camisoles, different sleeve lengths, and dresses for the perfect gift.

I own this, I love this, I recommend this. Like a weighted blanket for your eyes, this lightly weighted, supersoft-fleece sleep mask designed to alleviate stress and anxiety. It's excellent for migraines, and the Nodpod can be connected in back to turn into a classic eye mask. Available in a range of colors.

I own an Embr Wave bracelet (read my Embr Wave bracelet review) and I find it utterly genius. Chilly this winter in a drafty office or home? Sleep hot and it causes you to be restless? The Embr Wave bracelet generates a series of pleasant cool or warm sensations on your inner wrist, activating a natural brain pathway that helps you feel better. And as someone who owns one, it truly works and is worth it!

A Wardrobe Oxygen reader shared she bought and loved this makeup mirror and when my mirror kicked the bucket, I bought one for myself. And I have to say it is FANTASTIC! Available in four finishes, this mirror has different levels or brightness and multiple colors of light for any situation. It looks elegant, is well made, and it's less than $70 for a mirror that looks far more expensive. I like the removable magnifier mirror for closeup situations. I have now had this mirror for almost a decade, and a couple of years ago bought the smaller version for my daughter. Both of us are very happy with it!

This may look like a weird gift but hear me out. Have you ever gone to a chiropractor or physical therapist and before your session they hook you up to a machine with electrodes that send little pulses to your trouble area to relax the muscles? Well this is exactly the same thing, but the machine is smaller than a smartphone! And I know this specific machine is great because I own the same exact one, bought it two years ago and it's still doing great!

With the ability to add up to four pads and control the pulse strength and style, this machine keeps a charge for weeks and can easily be added to one's back, joints, feet, most anywhere for pain relief and muscle relaxation while you're watching TV or reading a book. It has a timer so it won't go too long, and you can easily adjust the pressure while wearing it. The pads last for months, the machine is easy to use, and it's a great alternative to traditional pain relievers all for less than $40.

Wish you could have a sauna on your budget and in the size of your current home? This infrared sauna blanket from Higher Dose is for you. Infrared saunas claim to boost immunity, increase blood flow and circulation, and improve mood by increasing endorphins and serotonin through increasing the body's thermal energy. It also increases your heart rate, and can give your body the experience of a workout while watching your favorite Netflix series, reading a good book, or meditating. Taking up no more space than your spare blanket, this can be used on your bed, couch, or floor and is also known to help improve sleep.

Many times before I have written about the benefits of dry brushing. It is one of the simplest and lowest-cost ways to perform self-care. Light brushing over dry skin can increase circulation, reduce the appearance of cellulite, prevent K.P., help moisturize absorb better, provide an even canvas for self tanners, and much more. I love the morning ritual of dry brushing, it wakes me up and feels so good. I own this same dry brush and find the quality stellar, the bristles the right density and firmness, and the long handle helpful for getting my back and other body parts.

My husband bought into the weighted blanket hype several years ago and claimed to have the best sleep of his life with it. I tried his blanket for a nap and got so hot (hello perimenopause) but I loved the feel of the weight on me. So when I found the Tree Napper by Bearaby I was thrilled.

Made from natural eucalyptus fibers, this silky-soft and sustainable cooling weighted blanket is perfect for hot sleepers. The weight on your body from blankets like this stimulates the production of serotonin (the happy hormone), reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases melatonin, which helps you fall (and stay) asleep.

Machine washable and dryable (FYI it takes me two rounds in my dryer or one round and some time outside on a nice day to get it 100% dry), this has been a favorite for me whether it's sleep soundly or having an uber cozy and chill afternoon on the couch.

When I worked in Corporate America, I had a windowless office that someone thought would be a good idea to be painted brown. With super high ceilings having super strong fluorescent lights, the room was either a cave or causing a migraine. I did a lot to make that space comfortable - multiple floor and desk lamps, art on the walls, but the best thing I got was a HappyLight.

The perfect size to put on your desk next to your laptop, this light made my body feel happy like it would outside on a beautiful sunny day. Therapy lamps claim to boost energy, improve mood, regulate sleep, and enhance your focus and I have found just that. I regularly place my HappyLight next to me while working in my bedroom or at the office.

Sometimes the best self care is a reminder of how amazing you are. The Goddess necklace from Awe Inspired is a gorgeous way to wear your power with style. Each pendant on your choice of chain length features a mythological Goddess. Her relief is designed by hand based on historical art and symbology and hand polished to finish. Made from Sterling Silver with the option for 14K Gold Vermeil, you can choose from 14 goddesses from Athena, the goddess of wisdom and courage to Selene, the goddess of intuition. And use code ALISONG15 for 15% of your order.

I didn't want to believe it, but I tried it... and it works. Ten minutes in the morning while letting the dogs out, making coffee, or meditating clears skin, brightens complexion, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It's also a way to force one to take ten minutes a day for one's self. I have tried a couple of red light masks, and this is the one I find the most effective.

Thanksgiving weekend, I had a night where I drank a little too much. My sister put the "rescue" patch from this kit on my wrist and I do think it helped me recover faster. I bought my own The Good Patch patches and have appreciated them for a bit of a wakeup on an important day after a tough night's sleep, a bit of comfort to an aching back, the ability to wind down after a stressful event, without consuming anything.

Buy one, or make a collection. They are great added to a gift basket and make a great stocking stuffer.

In midlife, you may be becoming reacquainted with your body, your relationship, or starting something new. Whether it's solo or with another, this gift set offers all one needs for intimate self-care. The Coconu Wave Bundle pairs a quiet yet powerful (and quite beautiful) personal massager with your choice of Coconu lubricant (oil, water, or hemp infused) and Pure Toy Cleaner. Use code ALISONGARY at checkout for 15% off your order.

You know how you see something all over social media and it makes you skeptical? Well, I bought my husband a Manta sleep mask a year before I saw it all over social and I have to say the ads are true. This is a fantastic sleep mask for both comfort and for blocking out all light. It stays in place as you shift while sleeping, keeping absolutely all light out.

And with the adjustable eye cups, you can get a custom fit without any eye pressure (great for those who have lash extensions and lash lifts!). Personally, I like the silk one which is kinder to the skin and hair (no hair or face dents).

Mary & Jane melts are vegan, gluten free, + sugar-free and have just the right amount and type of Delta-9 THC to offer a light lift or hint of relaxation. Sunny brings daytime focus and flow. Super Sunny turns happy hour into a vibe. Dreamy delivers the best sleep of your life.

Melts absorb through the mucous membranes in your mouth — no digestion required, no waiting an hour. Most customers feel the effects within 15 minutes. Use code ALISON20 for 20% off your purchase.

This is not a cheap gift, but gosh is it life-changing. My husband and I got one back in 2022 when I was deep in the throes of perimenopause. Night sweats, insomnia, and suddenly I was snoring more than ever before. This dual-zone customizable mattress cover is silent, can adjust temps quickly and throughout the night so you can get into bed all snuggly warm, it will know to cool in deep sleep to keep you asleep, and even warm up to help you gently wake in the morning. Reduce the need for heat and A/C and get the best sleep of your life; for more details check out my Eight Sleep for perimenopause review.

Three decadent bars of hemp-infused gourmet chocolate for a rich and relaxing treat. With 1mg THC, 1mg CBD per piece, these just offer a hint of relaxation. This sampler offers one Dark Chocolate Salted Toffee, one Milk Chocolate PB Crunch, and one Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate bar. Use code WARDROBEOXYGEN at checkout for 20% off your purchase.

Everything you need for an at-home spa experience that exfoliates, nourishes, and restores body and mind. Shop the Kate McLeod Spa Day Set for complete renewal. Includes: Daily Stone Starter Kit, Daily Pebble, Dry Brush, Body Mitt, Travel Bag.