A lot of people are extra stressed right now, and it makes sense why: There's a whole lot going on in the world that's frankly pretty scary. And when some of us get stressed, we turn to self-care to make ourselves feel better. No one could fault any of us for seeking a little comfort right now.
Of course, one of the stressors right now is that not everyone has extra money to spend on items that can feel indulgent. I'm not advocating that anyone spend money they don't have, but I do believe that it's never too extra to take care of yourself, especially when you need it.
In that vein, I found 12 items on Etsy that are all under $20 and that will help make your days a little easier. From super bubble bath to tiny self-care kits to temporary affirmation tattoos, there's still a lot out there that you can buy without spending too much.
Before we dive into what you can buy, I also wanted to mention that there are plenty of resources that are totally free. Taking a few moments each day to meditate or just quietly reflect on how the day treated you can be a powerful thing.
But if you need a little more, don't worry: Here's a list of options!
Affirmation Tattoos
I absolutely love these temporary self-care affirmation tattoos! They're so small that they can be hidden by clothing if you prefer but large enough that you can read the message with just a glance. I love the inner wrist placement, but these could fit anywhere on your body that you wanted to put them.
Shop Now: Anxiety & Self-Care Affirmation Temporary Tattoos ($12, Etsy)
Bath Bombs
We are big fans of bath bombs in my home, and I especially love these rose-scented bombs. Not only are they super adorable, but the smell is absolutely the best. The bath bombs are infused with rose, ylang-ylang, patchouli, and bergamot essential oils.
Shop Now: Field of Roses Bath Bomb ($6, Etsy)
'I'm a Work in Progress' Art
I am the type of person who benefits from putting reminders up for myself, especially if I'm having a rough go of it emotionally. I love the idea of snagging one of these prints and putting it up on the wall in a room that I'm in every day. Which, right now, is all of the rooms I have.
Shop Now: "I'm a Work in Progress" Art Print ($15.77+, Etsy)
Handcrafted Soap
Obviously, a bath-bomb-friendly home is also a scented-soap-friendly home! The combination of cranberry and pomegranate is instantly soothing. But watch out: For some reason, it also makes me hungry!
Shop Now: Cranberry Pomegranate Handcrafted Soap ($7, Etsy)
Personal Journal
Journaling is an ideal activity right now. You don't need a dedicated journal for these times, but it's not a bad idea to get one if you can. Absolutely everyone will know exactly what was going on when they see it in the future!
Shop Now: Funny Journal ($10, Etsy)
Super Bubble Bath
I think it's generally true that adding the word "super" to anything makes it sound extra special, and for me this is especially true when you're talking about bubble bath! Just a few squirts will set you up with a bath that is dreamy.
Shop Now: Super Bubble Bath ($17.13, Etsy)
Cleopatra Milk Bath
This milk bath combines powdered buttermilk, powdered coconut milk, ground oatmeal, and grated soap that the shop owner makes herself. Milk helps to soften and hydrate your skin, and this bath is sure to do both.
Shop Now: Cleopatra Milk Bath ($6, Etsy)
Rainbow Mood Cards
These mood cards are so cheery I almost can't stand it! Each card has an idea or phrase on it that is designed to help the reader "embrace new habits to boost your mood and improve your well-being." The 20 cards each have a different activity that "encourage self-care, personal development, mindfulness, self-confidence and emotional awareness."
Shop Now: Mood Cards ($16.43, Etsy)
Lucky Paper Stars
These jars look simple, but that's deceptive. Each jar is filled with origami stars that are designed to help lift your spirits just by looking at them. Easy to do, sure, but it's pretty remarkable that it works so well.
Shop Now: Self-Care Jar, Lucky Paper Stars ($13.68, Etsy)
Mini Self-Care Kit
These tiny self-care kits can be personalized with "tea, a small selection of handmade oracle cards, tiny art, incense and matches, natural/found objects, tiny affirmations and a handwritten message." This makes them ideal for yourself or to send to someone else.
Shop Now: Tiny Self-Care Kit ($10, Etsy)
70 Acts of Self-Care Zine
Zines are incredibly little pieces of literature, truly. This one is jam-packed with ideas for taking care of yourself, and with 70 acts, there's a lot to choose from. You can also tuck it into your pocket or your wallet and pull it out when you need a boost.
Shop Now: 70 Acts of Self-Care Zine ($2.60+, Etsy)
'Thoughts Aren't Facts' Pin
I am very fond of enamel pins, and I especially love ones that are pretty and that have messages. The idea that "thoughts aren't facts" is always relevant, but it feels especially so right now.
Shop Now: "Thoughts Aren't Facts" Pin ($10.51, Etsy)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
