1. High-Quality Bath Towel
Even if you have to rush through your shower before heading to work or school, wrapping yourself even for a minute or two in a soft, plush, absorbent bath towel can give you a little spa moment. No need to buy a whole set if you don’t want to: Even having just one high-quality bath towel in your rotation will feel like a special treat every time you use it.
2. Fresh Flowers
A bouquet of fresh flowers can add a burst of fresh color to your home. You can either subscribe to a flower delivery service, or pick up a budget-friendly bouquet each week when you do your grocery shopping.
3. A Bakery Treat
Fresh bread, a flaky croissant, a gooey cinnamon roll… it all sounds divine, doesn’t it? If you can spare $5 to $10 this week, stop by a local bakery for a special treat to start your day off on a bright note.
4. Quiet Time
Yes, carving out some relaxing time for yourself can be a little luxury, especially if you’re super busy. This might mean getting up 15 minutes earlier just to sit in silence. You could journal, read a book, meditate… any quiet, screen-free activity to give you some peace and quiet.
5. A Scented Candle or Diffuser
Light your favorite scented candle or set up a diffuser to fill a room or your whole home with a lovely smell. It won’t cost you much, but it can make your space feel cozy and luxurious with little effort.
6. A Hardcover Book
Maybe you read with an e-reader, or you like to frequent the local library to borrow books. But from time to time, shop at a bookstore for a pretty hardcover book. Once you finish reading through it, you can display it on a coffee table, bookshelf or nightstand as decor.
7. Freshly Ground Coffee
While pre-ground coffee is convenient, taking a little bit more time to grind the beans yourself with a coffee grinder can feel like a little luxury. Not only does your coffee taste better, but it also creates a relaxing morning ritual.
8. An Artisan Mug
Speaking of coffee, try sipping your coffee (or tea!) from a piece of art each morning. Support a local artist by purchasing a handcrafted mug that you can enjoy your preferred morning beverage from every day. If you're on a tight budget, peruse the mug selection at a thrift shop to score a gorgeous mug at a low cost.
9. Plush Slippers
Your feet will thank you every single time you slip them into some warm, soft slippers. Find a pair you love, whether you prefer a faux fur lining, fleece, cotton, silk or any number of different materials.
10. Soft Loungewear
Along the same lines as a great pair of slippers, soft loungewear will feel like a luxury everytime you wear it. Opt for natural fabrics, like cotton or linen, for the coziest, comfiest feel.
11. A Silky Hand Cream
For a spa-like treatment, keep a container of a silky hand cream at your desk, on your coffee table or on your nightstand. You can choose something scented or fragrance-free. Either way, take your time massaging the cream into your hands for a few minutes of pure relaxation.
12. Design-Forward Stationery
Stationery-aficionados can attest to the power of stylish notepads, greeting cards and other office supplies. If you’re able, pay a little bit more for a notebook with a cover design you love, or artsy thank you cards with matching envelopes over something more basic. It may even inspire you to write more notes to loved ones!
13. A Good Pen
Ah, the feeling of writing with a good pen. It’s tempting to squeeze the life out of the free pen you got from the bank or to buy the cheapest 24-pack of pens at the office supply store, but every once in awhile, upgrade to a fancy pen as a gift to yourself.
14. Finishing Salts
One easy way to make your day feel more luxurious is to use fancy finishing salts on your meals. Whether it’s a flaky sea salt or a wine-infused salt, finish everything from meats to roasted veggies to salads with your nice salts. You’ll actually taste the difference.
15. Eucalyptus for the Shower
Maybe you’ve seen the trend of tying a bundle of eucalyptus around the shower head, and thought it was over-the-top. That might be so, but the scent of soothing eucalyptus as the steam rises up from the shower will make your everyday shower feel like a trip to the most high-end spa. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!