We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.This holiday season, give the gift of relaxationbut do not just pick up some lotion for someone and call it a day. Not to be ungrateful, but is there anything more boring than receiving another gift basket with a lotion and a loofah in it? There really isnt. There are better ways to give relaxing, self-care-focused gifts that are actually useful and cool. Please consider the following.The best gifts for skincareIn the parlance of social media, self care and skincare are nearly interchangeable a lot of the time. The good news is there are all kinds of little tools and doodads that can be used for skincare, and these make superb gifts. Depuffing gifts are nice stocking stuffers, and theyre not very pricey. I've been on a wild depuffing kick in my own life lately and use these three things consistently: Try these globes that you freeze and rub on your face ($12.98), a gua sha tool ($7.99), and a gel mask that can be frozen ($8.59). The NuFace MINI+ ($175) remains a covetable, popular present. It uses microcurrents to smooth and lift the skin, plus it's fun and high-tech.However, I've had better results with a competitor, which is even $5 cheaper: The MyoLift QT Plus ($170). It also uses microcurrent technology, but has some added perks: It uses a phone app to analyze your face and give you guidance during microcurrent sessions and comes with pads you can plug into the device and stick on your face so you don't even have to do the work of delivering the currents to yourself. I've noticed slight tightening and a little extra glowiness in my skin with consistent use.Getting someone actual chemical skincare products is difficult, since you might imply you see some kind of flaw in their face they should fix. Avoid this drama with a variety pack of sheet masks, like the Tony Moly All You Need set ($25). I have been a Tony Moly loyalist for 10 years and find their masks and other products to work much better than competitors, for what it's worth. I am especially fond of the caffeinated one foryou guessed itdepuffing.Sheet masks are simple to use, but you know whats simpler? Under-eye patches. In the last year, I switched to the Peauamie multipack, which gives you 30 pairs for $12.99. The pack comes with different varieties that address different concerns, and I use them religiously. A slam-dunk gift. Like I said, getting someone actual chemical skincare products can get dicy. But one kind is always appreciated: Products that provide hydration and improve skin texture and glowiness. I always have a COSRX Favorites set ($36) on hand. It's cleanser, toner, snail mucin (gross but effective!), and moisturizer. Nothing offensive there. Also, a tip: I usually see this set at Marshalls for about $16, so it's definitely possible to get it cheaper if you're going shopping in-store. The best gifts for relaxingWhen its time to relax, you need no less than four products to make it perfect. These are just the rules. We live in a very materialistic society and unwinding from the capitalist grind often paradoxically requires stuff.Shower steamers are cool because they serve no purpose other than to relax you. Theyre like bath bombs, but they release scents in the shower. Its pretty straightforward and they make a nice stocking stuffer. You can get seven for $9.99 at Target.I run through these quickly.A random candle from that gimmicky aisle at the checkout of TJMaxx only shows you put no thought into your gift. But a trendy candle? Thats different. Homesick candles ($28.50 and up) are big, as are birthdate candles ($48.99) and the ever-popular Maison Margiela Replica candles ($70). Win the holidays outright with a Diptyque candle ($45 or $74, depending on size).Everyone loves the Comfy ($49.99), a truly gigantic oversized sweatshirt made of blanket material that is ideal for shuffling around the house in a relaxed daze.One tried-and-true option here is a massage gun, but you should go big or go home: Homedics has a heated one available for $49.99.