Gift Guides: The Bathroom

Art by Be.Franke

In COVID the bathroom has taken on a new importance, instead of a rushed pass through in the first 30 minutes of the day, it is now a retreat from the outside world. Instead of a focus on what needs to happen before leaving the house, there is a newfound focus on what relieves stress and makes us feel cared for.  That said, there are still the items below that are helpers in a zoom world when we haven't seen the inside of a salon in a year, but the emphasis is on self-care because in 2020, we could all use a healthy dose of that. 

Consider coupling any of the below with a virtual consultation with a local dermatologist, aesthetician or MUA who can offer targeted advice and recommendations to your recipient.

Because none of us were really prepared for the DIY pedicure situation, and what on earth do you put your foot on to get a good angle for painting your nails?  Internet favorite polish company, Olive and June has solved that issue with their Pedi System - a perfectly slanted foot pedestal that doubles as a storage case for a number of professional tools and their lovely polish. Pedi System from Olive and June.

For going straight from shower to email (although maybe not entirely zoom-friendly), a microfiber towel that cuts drying time in half and has a built-in elastic band for perfecting the towel turban. The Hair Towel from Crown Affair.

Because everyone's zoom-face deserves some extra pampering - whether a surge of winter weather moisture from my favorite Jet Lag Mask above, The Shortcut overnight facial from Versed or the crazy expensive (but supposedly worth it?) Active Botanical Serum from Vintner's Daughter.

For fighting pimples with flair - a set of star-shaped hydrocolloid stickers that suck the juice out of any future zit before it has a chance to make an appearance on your next facetime. Big Yellow + Refill from Starface.

For post-workout, or just post-tough-day - a thermogenic gel scented with Arnica, Black Pepper, Lavender and Patchouli provides instant relief for tension and sore muscles while relaxing and reinvigorating. I-Recover Mind & Body Gel from Indie Lee.

To include in that post-tough day mix - they may not be getting massages, but this could be the next best thing- an easy to heat or chill therapy pack for targeting neck and shoulder tension. Neck Wrap Therapy Pack from Slow North.

And for tension a therapy gel and heated wrap can't touch - a neck and shoulder massager that couples kneading action, heat, and the weight of your arms to really dig into those knots. MaxKare Shiatsu Neck Massager available only on Amazon.

For road warriors who are missing stays in hotels with impeccable bathrooms and an endless supply of towels. One of the best decisions I ever made for our bathroom was buying enough washcloths that a fresh one was always available. While the Pendelton option above is divine, this Coyuchi bundle gets you closer to one for each day of the week and with this bundle, you'll never want for a fresh one.

For reading in the bath - some highly recommended books that provide a dose of much-needed therapy. What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer and Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman - please pick up either or both from your local bookstore or buy from Bookshop, an online bookselling platform that allows you to direct the proceeds from your purchase to a local store.

For a "just woke up like this" flush and glow that requires nothing more than smudging on. A creamy palette from my favorite natural beauty brand (looking forward to welcoming their lipsticks back once I leave the house/don't need to wear a mask). Color & Light Palette from Kosas.

For winding down - a total blackout sleep mask that combines hot and cold therapies to relieve any number of stresses (and we know there have been a number). Manta Sleep Mask - be sure to check out the individual eye cups and head straps for added benefits.

Also for winding down - the perfect holder for his shower beer. Non-damaging silicon that sticks to everything, wipes clean and has built-in drain holes. Sudski from Tooletries.

For waking up - a top reviewed scrub for sloughing off dead skin with a morning shot of caffeine. Original Coffee Scrub from Frank Body.

Also for waking up - a more caffeinated eye gel to guarantee he's bright-eyed for the first video call of the day. Natural Wake Up Eye Stick from Oars + Alps.

For stretching the effects of that eye gel a little further - a set of medical-grade silicon eye masks that can be re-used over and over again in combination with your favorite serums or moisturizers to provide targeted treatment. Cut down on waste and increase the impact of your product at the same time. Forever Eye Mask from Dieux Skin.

And for when no amount of serum can cover the effects of a whole bottle of wine on a Tuesday night (because COVID), a potent puffiness reducer for keeping in the freezer. Ice Roller from Heyday.

For manifesting a truly spa-like experience - a shower bouquet made of eucalyptus and other fragrant herbs to hang behind their showerhead so that the steam releases aromatherapy. Beautiful options are available from sellers like ReRoot Gardens (pictured above) and Eucalyptus Blooms. You could also consider a monthly subscription from Eucalyptus Farms or perhaps, best of all, work with your local florist to create one or collect the materials to assemble it yourself.

For maintaining a beautifully scented oasis between showers - I adore this woody jasmine fragrance, and having it in a diffuser instead of a candle means that the bathroom always smells amazing. Moonrise Reed Diffuser from P.F. Candle Co. 

For playtime - a collection of bathtime ingredients (and a little mixing bowl) for kiddos to make their own clean concoctions. Natural, non-toxic, vegan, and paraben-free body wash/shampoo/bubble blends in a series of delicious scents. Bubble Box Set from Dabble and Dollop.

For post-pampering lounging - a divine set of sweats that call out what we all are now. Homebody Lounge Set from Magnolia. 

Also for lounging - for him or for her - while there are no shortage of sweats with a COVID cult following, see Vuori or Entireworld or Lou & Grey - we like the look of these (and their shorts variety). Super simple, super soft. Long Jambys from Jambys.

For combatting winter dryness, soothing stressed sinuses, and diffusing therapeutic scents. A new, healthier take on a humidifier from Canopy.

For pampering the furry friends (a new challenge in our lives this year) - a specially formulated pupper shampoo to match their coat type (shedding or non-shedding) plus a series of conditioners to keep skin healthy and moisturized.  Shampoos & Conditioners from Pride + Groom.

For dealing with the fact that I haven't had a haircut in over a year. This miracle worker is the only thing making me zoom presentable. I've even been asked if I've been to the salon (although I think my 6" of roots tell a different story). Revlon One Step Volumizer Hair Dryer available at Ulta and every other big box store.

For reflecting on all of the good that happened around the edges of a tough year. A simple guided gratitude journal with matching pens. Grateful Duo from Alleyoop.

Finally for extra relaxation - a wearable weighted blanket that comes in the form of the fluffiest robe. Modernist Weighted Robe from makers of the original weighted blanket - Gravity. Other robes I love from waffled, to turkish to kimono (with a special champagne pocket!) to snuggly sweater.