So it’s the “eve” of Christmas Eve, and many of you may still be shopping for those last minute gifts for family and friends (or even for yourself). I don’t get overly involved in Christmas shopping anymore, as I buy enough things throughout the year, and like to share special items with friends and family when I discover them, versus waiting for a particular day of the year to do so.
As such, figured I’d do a quick list to feature some items and activities I’ve enjoyed recently, and they may just be the right last minute gift idea you were looking for. Most of these items are fairly easy to find or create, inexpensive, and can be picked up at that 11th hour before stores start closing their doors for the holidays.
Believing that individuals should take the time to take a “time-out”, each of these gift ideas allows you (or your gift recipient) to do just that. Whether its for 5 minutes or 50 minutes, I’ve integrated these things into my life in 2015 to stimulate my mind, take care of my body, and nourish my soul.
Hope you will enjoy a spa bunny “time-out” during the holidays and in the New Year to come!
The Confessions of a Spa Bunny Top 10″Time-Out” Gift Ideas:
Alluring Aromatherapy – I’m so in love with aromatherapy, and can always find a scent to match my mood, lift my mood, and combat whatever ails me. Essential oils (EO) offer you so many health benefits, from easing a headache (peppermint oil), to invoking a sense of calm (lavender), helping you breath easier (eucalyptus), or helping your mind focus (rosemary). I’ve moved beyond just using oils topically My favorite EO brand is 21 drops for applying topically, as it is already pre-blended in 100% organic Jojoba oil to a safe and effective concentration. I throw them in my purse and can use throughout the day as needed.
My latest obsession however, is with aromatherapy diffusers. Little machines that allow you to place pure essential oils in them (do not use oils already blended with a carrier in your diffuser), and the resulting
scent is diffused into the air. Some require water, some don’t. Some require an electrical outlet, and some are portable and powered by batteries. There are even some designed especially for your car! The fancier offer color and/or sound therapy as an additional feature. The type of diffuser you choose is up to you, but most are very easy to use. They all have the same goal in mind: allowing you to experience the benefits of aromatherapy through unconscious inhalation, as the selected scent magically fills your room or office. Beats the chemical laden air fresheners that are sold by many manufacturers, and causes more harm than good. I’ve tried several and must say my favorite is palm-sized portable diffuser by Spa Room that runs on AA batteries and uses an essential oil absorbing pad which you can layer with one scent or multiple scents to create your own customized blend. You can find aromatherapy oils and diffusers online at places like Amazon or Puritans Pride, or in your local home goods stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Ross.
Invoking Childlike Creativity – Word on the street is adult coloring books are the next best thing to meditation. While I can’t attest to the validity of that statement at this time, I did recently provide attendees from my last Confessions of a Spa Bunny”time-out” event with their own mandala coloring book and a set of coloring pencils. One night I picked a page and started coloring in my book – a design with lots of parrots in trees – Jungle Wonders I believe was the theme of this particular book. I did not feel the 
same sense of calm as meditation, but it did take my mind off of anything else I may have been pondering on before I started. It allowed me to focus in the moment on that parrot and what color his next feather would be. Definitely a great gift for keeping your mind sharp and sparking that creativity you may not have otherwise brought to life. The types of books and designs in them seem endless, so find one that speaks to you and give it a try. I found my book and supplies at Five Below, but have also seen them in Barnes & Nobles, and Dollar General.
Spa Pedicure & Chill – This past Saturday night, I gathered all my pedicure products and had me a good ole at-home spa pedicure night. Whether you want to give the pedicure or let the individual do their own, it really d
oesn’t take much to create a basket full of pampering goodies for your feet! Whether you buy a spa pedicure machine, or just pour hot water in a large pot or tub, the desired effect can still be created. Visit your local Walgreens, CVS, or spa boutique, and pick up some nail files/clippers, buffers, body or foot scrub, moisturizing lotion, fuzzy socks, and nail polish. You can take it a step further and create a more organic and detoxifying foot soak by adding fresh lemon, essential oils, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar to the water. Light some candles or turn on that aromatherapy diffuser to further create a relaxing spa-like environment. Proceed to meditate, put on a Netflix movie, or start that book you’ve been wanting to read while you let those toes soak and chill. A perfect winter “time-out” whether you are solo or if you make it a pedicure pampering party for two.
Motivating Mindfulness– How often does one stop to live in the 
moment? To recognize the beauty around you, to put that thought to paper, to set intention into your day, or to just say thanks for all the things you are grateful for. Find gifts that inspire, that invoke these feelings of gratitude. Whether its a journal inscribed with an inspirational message, a book of mindful quotes, a scenic picture of nature, a spiritual symbol, or cards printed with positive words and affirmations which you can reflect on throughout the day, sometimes it just takes a small momentum to motivate mindfulness throughout your day.
Cozy Therapy – There’s nothing like coming home from a long day at work, getting a shower, making a cup of tea and winding down with a warm neck wrap. you’d be surprised how much tension you carry in your neck, back, and shoulders throughout the day. A little hot neck wrap therapy can do wonders! These also come in many varieties, and for different areas of your body. You have your traditional neck wraps, which you can heat in the microwave (or with a towel warmer), or some styles require an electrical outlet, but provide continuous heat without the need to reheat. Then you also have larger body wraps that cover larger portions of your targeted area, cozy socks that can also be heated for those tired feet, as well as eye masks and warming wrist wraps. I’ve seen them all. For kids (or big adult kids), they even have stuffed animals that actually turn into heated buddies that you can warm up and cuddle with at night. Some of the electric or battery operated ones add the element of massage, while others are infused with aromatherapy, so you get those benefits as well. Most can be served cold to relieve different ailments (by placing in the freezer for a designated time period) thus serving as both a heat and ice pack in one gift. I always see these in my local Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Ross stores, as well as spa boutiques, online, and other department stores.
Music for the Soul – Sound can be so therapeutic. Ever been having a bad day, then your favorite jam comes on the radio, and you totally forget all the negative things that were consuming your mind? Somehow music gets into your bones, into your head, and into your soul. It does allow you to dance like no one is watching, and most times you don’t even care if someone is. Brighten a day with the sound of music. Whether its buying a CD of a favorite artists, a subscription to unlimited music downloads or access via MP3, creating a customized playlist, buying an instrument, or gadgets to help enhance your music experience like speakers or headphones, the options are limitless for bringing sound therapy into your next “time-out” session.
Wine & Dine – I must say, until this past week, my wine experiences have been quite novice to say the least. Usually sticking with white wines, a chardonnay or semi-sweet selection of some sort. However, with recent holiday parties and festivities, I’ve broadened my palette and have grown
rather fond of these sweet red wines I’ve been introduced to. Having said that, when I went into the store to pick up some selections of my own, the array of choices was quite overwhelming. One thing I did notice though was the bottles of wine looked like an art display themselves. Each unique, classy, and eye catching in some capacity. I picked one, not because I knew the wine, but for the captivating artwork alone, which felt so mysterious and wild! It is then I realized what an experience one can create with the perfect bottle of wine, a nicely prepared meal (whether home-cooked or at a restaurant), some soothing tunes, and a moment to take a nice deep breath and savor each sip as your taste buds have a time-out all their own. A bottle of wine is a timeless gift, and can be found at your local alcoholic retail establishment, select grocery stores, and some bulk wholesalers like Sam’s Club/Costco.
Bringing Sexy Back – hey, it doesn’t matter if you have someone to show your sexy to or not, everybody (male and female) needs that article of clothing, undergarments, or lingerie that makes them feel oh so good! Whether its a matching bra/panty set, a plush robe, some designer boxers, or a sexy sheet set, find those items that bring sexy back to yourself and to your bedroom. I found a black lace set of bunny ears, that I just had to have, as it exuded a certain sexy spa bunny swag, paired with a lacy lingerie ensemble, and VIOLA! Any department store or specialty lingerie boutique will have several options to choose from. If you don’t know the exact size needed, just get a gift receipt for easy trades or a gift card with a customized note that indicates the gift they seek should help them find their sexy!
Spa Day Surprises – Who doesn’t like a spa day? Well, maybe there are those who don’t, and maybe there are those who don’t know if they do or not because they’ve never been, but I wouldn’t be the spa bunny I am today if I didn’t mention this in my list. Spa days are so much more than massages. Nowadays, your service options are endless, ranging from body treatments, facials, reflexology, holistic counseling, acupuncture, reiki, and much more (that’s not even taking into consideration spa amenities like the sauna and steam room offered at some locations). Typically, there really is something for everybody at the right spa.
Surprising someone with a spa day can sometimes be difficult, especially when trying to catch up with someone who has a busy schedule, and not knowing with they are comfortable with, but most spas offer gift certificates! This allows the individual to make an appointment that is convenient to them, and pick the services that appeal to them most. Even better, some spas allow you to purchase gift certificates online – instant gratification – and you don’t even have to leave your house to retrieve the gift! This may not be as inexpensive as the other options, but you can also catch some amazing spa deals at high-end luxury spas for a fraction of the cost on sites like Travelzoo, Spa Week, and Groupon to name a few (be sure to read all the fine print though when purchasing voucher deals).
Travel Bliss – nothing says a “time-out” like a getaway. Whether its a tropical trip to a warm destination with a beach, a cozy retreat to a ski lodge, or a local overnight getaway to a B&B, time away from your normal surroundings always provides an opportunity for rejuvenation of some sort. Check out deals on sites like Travelzoo, LivingSocial, Jetsetter, or your favorite hotel’s website to plan your next travel bliss escape.
I’ll be talking more about each of these “time-out” gifts on future Periscope broadcasts, and posting pictures on Instagram, so be sure to follow @confessspabunny. Happy Holidays!
The H.I.S Agency, LLC 