21 Gift Ideas for Personal Development Junkies

Oftentimes, the holidays serendipitously morph into a time we reflect on the past year—take stock of what and who we’re proud of, and give thanks for how far we’ve come. With a new year (and its resolutions) just around the corner, why not give friends and family gifts that will help them be their best selves in 2020?

Here are 21 gifts to help your loved ones (or yourself! #treatyoself) improve every aspect of their lives in the next year to come:

For Those Who’ve Been Taking a Multivitamin Every Day Since the Age of 5

The health nuts in your life likely already have step-tracking apps and an entire drawer full of athleisure, so you’ll need to think outside of the typical wellness box for these folks. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:

1. HelloFresh Subscription

After all the holiday cookies and pies (so many pies), who wouldn’t appreciate tasty yet healthy ready-to-cook meal kits shipped directly to their front door? HelloFresh (starting at $59.94) offers a diverse range of meals to choose from that can work around many dietary restrictions, and you can even manage your weekly menu from your smartphone. The fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards make it easy to create your own culinary masterpiece and jumpstart a healthy new year.

2. Felix Gray Computer Glasses

Felix Gray glasses (starting at $95) effectively filter the pesky blue light that emanates from computers, smartphones and other electronic devices, which can cause symptoms like eye fatigue, headaches or blurry vision. Felix Gray’s lenses are clear (so you won’t look like a 90’s comeback kid at the conference table) and eliminate screen glare that can cause additional eyestrain—not to mention these stylish frames are made with handcrafted Italian acetate and quite easy on the eyes.

3. Air220 Air Purifier

For city dwellers, air pollution can pose a significant risk to your health, and unfortunately the air is something largely out your personal control. That is, until the air220 ($229.99). This sleek and compact in-home air purifier ensures the air quality in your home is always safe. Covering up to 800 square feet, the air220 works to clean indoor air with three levels of filtration to capture smoke, dust, pollen, hair, pet odors and more, and all with a motor that keeps the room “library quiet.” 

For Those Who Need Help ‘Faking It’ Till They Make It

While looks should by no means be a top priority in improving yourself, there’s no denying that feeling confident can have a big impact on all aspects of your life. These gifts are sure to help you feel like you’re on your A game:

4. Original Grain Men’s Wood Watches

With Original Grain watches, you can look good, and feel good doing it. Its specialty watches (starting at $199) focus on quality, craftsmanship, authenticity and bring a unique spin to luxury watches so you can be true to your own style and personality. Even better, Original Grain partners with Trees for the Future and has planted one tree for every watch sold since 2015 to foster sustainability and combat deforestation.

5. Smile Direct Club’s Teeth Whitening System

Nothing says confidence like your best smile. Bright on™ is a professional-grade teeth whitening system made with the same enamel-safe whitening agent used by dentists and designed to get teeth to their brightest bright in one week. Smile Direct Club’s whitening kit ($79) works three times faster than whitening strips and includes whitening pens containing a proprietary Bright Boost™ formula (which is vegan!), plus an LED accelerator light to get your pearly whites shining faster.

6. Celestial Silk Pillowcases 

Silk acts gentle on the skin to help prevent wrinkles, has temperature-regulating properties to help you sleep more comfortably, and is a nearly proven method to prevent morning bedhead so you can feel confident as soon as you wake. The Celestial Silk pillowcase ($34.99) uses 25 mm silk, which is thicker, more durable and more luxurious than lighter weights because the denser weave provides almost 30% more silk than its economical counterparts. Another highlight: Celestial Silk donates 10% of proceeds to local charities near its USA headquarters.

For the People Who Want to Find More Ways to Self-Reflect

Mindfulness is thought to lower stress levels, increase attention and help you become a better decision maker. And the best part about it, mindfulness can take on several forms. These gifts will inspire you to take a moment out of your day to check in with yourself and find balance:

7. Maiya Yoga Mat

Available in three patterns highlighting important yogic symbols, these yoga mats are luxuriously dense for top-of-the-line comfort and cushioning, so even someone with back or joint pain will feel comfortable throughout their workout. Maiya’s yoga mats ($148) are OEKO-TEX certified-safe, latex-free, and made with a closed-cell surface to prevent moisture and sweat from seeping into the mat and breeding bacteria. 

8. Héron Meditation Candles

A newly launched collection, the Héron Mediation Candles ($165) help you set intentions and find deeper meaning in your day-to-day life. The candles come as a set of three (Rise, Radiate and Rest), each with a different attached mantra for you to read as you light the candle. Meditation doesn’t have to be hard, and Héron candles help make meditation for the busy person more systematic. 

9-10. Mantra Accessories

Sometimes it’s helpful to have a physical reminder of your goals nearby so you don’t stray too far from the path. For both men and women, Pyrrha’s talisman jewelry (starting at $165) uses authentic wax seals from the Victorian era to incorporate unique imagery with symbolic meanings—simply pick the mantra that suits you best, such as “New Beginnings” or “Never Settle.” Talismans are available in the form of necklaces, rings and even cufflinks, and they are crafted sustainably with 100% recycled sterling silver and 14k gold. 

Another option in a more delicate style is the handcrafted Becoming necklace ($54), available in sterling silver or 14k gold. The Becoming Jewelry line offers phrases like “Be Brave” or “Choose Joy,” and each piece arrives paired with a literary quote to inspire you every time you wear it.

11. Teak & Twine Spa Day Gift Box

Self-care in a box! The Spa Day ($123) has everything you’ll need to relax, rejuvenate and take a moment to focus on yourself. This box includes Herbivore Botanicals bath salts, lavender lip balm by The Honey Hutch, a rose soap quartet, an English Garden candle and shortbread cookies. However, Teak & Twine also offers customizable boxes (starting at $50) if you want to design the perfect #selfcaresunday box for your loved one.

For the Free Spirits Who Like to Recharge by Traveling

Burnout is the surest way to cramp your style in 2020. Traveling and seeing the world from a completely new and fresh perspective is a great way to go on the offensive against workplace exhaustion. Apart from plane tickets, these gifts are the next best thing:

12. Away’s New Expandable Bigger Carry-On

The newest carry-on in the Away line, the Expandable Bigger Carry-On ($295) is the perfect suitcase for the frequent flyer. The softside carry-on is made with a durable, water-resistant nylon with Away’s signature interior compression system, an easy-access front pocket, and exterior zip designed to expand so you can fit more souvenirs in your bag on the trip home.

13. Ghurka Leather Products

Whether you need a boardroom appropriate oversized purse to pack more into your allotted “personal item,” or stylish ways to transport your jewelry or liquids, Ghurka (starting at $325) has something to fit the bill. The Wayfarer tote, Dopp #31 travel pouch for organizing your toiletries, and the Jewelry Roll #229 to safely store your accessories without tangling or damaging them, are all made with refined leathers and smart designs that will last a lifetime of TSA checkpoints.

For the People Who Are Always Still Awake When Santa Visits

The New York Times recently reported on a new study that found sleeping too little may increase the risk for osteoporosis, and last month another study revealed a lack of sleep may make someone more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke or develop heart disease. Yikes! Gift these to your loved ones who need a gentle nudge to log more zzz’s:

14. Relaxation Weighted Blanket 

If you like the feeling of being hugged ever so gently while sleeping, this is your blanket. Sleep Number’s Relaxation Weighted Blanket ($199) will enhance your sleep experience by incorporating the relaxing effects of deep pressure stimulation for reduced stress and anxiety. It’s available in three weights (15, 20 or 25 pounds) and three colors.

15. Purple Harmony Pillow:

Likely the most unique pillow you’ll ever sleep on, the new Purple Harmony Pillow ($159) utilizes the famous Purple Grid Hex to prevent it from falling flat over time. Engineered to be the best pillow for everyone (yes, that includes side sleepers, back sleepers and everything in between), the Harmony Pillow incorporates over 1,500 open air channels to help you keep a cool head throughout the night. And if you just can’t get enough of the Grid, Purple has a Hybrid Premier mattress that will give the same No Pressure Support across your entire body.

16. Papa & Barkley CBD

When your body is tired but your mind is alive, cue Papa & Barkley (starting at $29.99). The brand offers CBD Capsules, Tinctures and Balms made from all-natural ingredients grown on Colorado farms to assist with whole body relief, better sleep, lowered anxiety and calmed sore muscles. All products are formulated without chemicals or solvents and can be delivered nationwide.

For Those Who Want More Than Mints and Chapstick Stocking Stuffers

Proving greatness can still come in small packages, these small gifts will surely have a mighty impact:

17. AquaNotes

The ideal gift for people who always get their best epiphanies while in the shower, this eco-friendly and recyclable waterproof notepad and pencil allows you to jot down your next big idea before it’s washed down the drain. One AquaNotes pad ($7) includes 40 sheets of paper and each sheet is perforated for easy removal.

18. Multi-Size Metal Straw Pack

Taking an active step to lower the amount of trash in our landfills and oceans is something to celebrate. SandCloud created sleek stainless steel straws in two sizes that come packaged with a cleaning wand to make being eco-friendly as seamless as possible ($7). Plus with every purchase, 10% of profits go toward marine conservation.

19. Dollar Tea Club Subscription

There is plenty of research on the ways drinking tea is beneficial, such as reducing risk of heart attack or stroke, boosting your immune system and teeth health, lowering anxiety, and keeping you hydrated. For packages starting at $1 a month, you can have truly unique and festive tea blends mailed straight to your doorstep. All of Dollar Tea Club’s teas are ethically sourced through direct trade and contain no artificial flavors. Currently there are over 30 blends sourced from five countries available, with new blends being added to the mix regularly.

For Those Who Like TED Talks But Want More Than Just Motivation 

Get into your success groove with iconic and life-enhancing personal development seminars on audio and video, easily accessible via tablet or phone:

20-21. Online Personal Development Seminars

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Want hours of actionable pep-talks in the palm of your hand? SUCCESS curated two packages of digital seminars to boost your professional development, each containing more than 50 hours of video and audio presentations available on smart devices. You can choose from The Ultimate Jim Rohn Holiday Bundle, with leadership insights and powerful life lessons from “The Mentor to the Masters” himself, or The Ultimate SUCCESS Holiday Bundle to learn from some of the most inspiring names in personal development: Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, John C. Maxwell and more. Plus, both packages are currently on sale at more than 90% off!

Main photo by Efetova Anna / Shutterstock