Our Top Amazon Self-Care Picks Ahead of the Holiday Season

The holiday season is often a source of joy, relaxation, connecting with others and looking ahead. But for some, it also comes with stress, pressures to meet competing expectations, and more. Layer a pandemic and an uncertain global climate on top of that, and it’s easy to see why self-care during this upcoming stretch is so important. Here are Slice Staff top picks for ways we slow down, re-centre and look after our well-being during the holidays.

Bathtub caddy tray with a book and glass of wine

Amazon.ca

1 / 10

Bathtub caddy tray

“Aside from the usual bath salts and fizzy bath bombs, a bath caddy is on my wish list this year. It's only been in the last few months that I've fully come to appreciate the benefits of regular baths and I feel like this would be the best way to introduce my book or iPad to my evening ritual. After all, no one likes their book pages with soaked edges.” – Laura G., assistant editor, Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada

Utoplike

Bathtub Caddy Tray with Adjustable Arms (Natural Bamboo)

$40

Amazon.ca

2 / 10

Lemon Balm

“When I'm feeling stressed (and let's face it, the holidays are sure to bring a little chaos our way) I rely on lemon balm to keep myself calm. This miracle herb helps me relax without feeling sluggish. And because it's non-habit forming, I can take it multiple times per day (and trust me, there's days when I need to). As soon as I notice my bottle getting low, I make sure another one is on its way.” – Jennifer P., editor, HGTV Canada

Vimergy

Lemon Balm 4:1 (30 ml)

$11

Amazon.ca

3 / 10

Standing Easel

“Anticipating the mind-bendingly long Canadian winter ahead, I wanted to make sure I had lockdown-friendly things to do outside of playing video games and eating Cheetos, so I bought an easel. Planning to paint my feelings instead of eat them.” – Alexa K., social media manager

HOMCOM

72.4" Folding Wood French Artists Standing Easel

$100

Amazon.ca

4 / 10

Epsom salt

“Unscented Epsom salts, hands down. I've been having baths almost nightly since my days of living in a century-old home in Vancouver — complete with a clawfoot bathtub. Great for aching muscles, winter chills or just general relaxation at the end of the day. Although I no longer have that beautiful tub, the nightly tradition still remains.” – Jen F., editor, Food Network Canada

Epsoak

Epsom Salt 2 lbs

$25

Amazon.ca

5 / 10

Shoulder and back massager

“Fact: I have the worst posture. Working from home has certainly not helped that! After a long day of sitting while staring at my laptop, my neck and shoulders are definitely hurting. I know I should consider just sitting better, but instead, I got a deep kneading neck and shoulder massager. You can also use it to pinpoint other parts of your body that are aching as well. Eventually, I'll learn to fix my posture. Maybe I'll even splurge on a real massage. For now, I'm using this!” – Melissa T., digital strategist

MaxCare

Cordless Rechargeable Shoulder Massager

$77

Amazon.ca

6 / 10

Bio-Oil

“I have extremely dry skin, and suffer eczema breakouts from time to time, so scoping out the best moisturizers is top of mind for me every fall and winter season. I originally tried out BioOil for the purpose of minimizing visible stretch marks, and fell in love with the scent and quick absorption of the oil into my skin. So where I used to only use BioOil on those stretch mark areas, I now use it as my full body moisturizer. I use it after a shower, and find that a little goes a long way. BioOil leaves my skin feeling super soft, makes it glow, and the scent is really so nice and light.” – Heather M., producer, History Canada

Bio-Oil

Skincare Oil Specialist Formulation (125 ml)

$22

Amazon.ca

7 / 10

At-home workout essentials

“Movement is so important for my mental health. Though I won’t be strength training at a gym this winter, I’m doing my best to stay motivated at home. I’ve ordered a few key essentials (weights, kettlebell, resistance bands!) and am transforming our rarely-used basement into a makeshift workout studio.” – Britt D., digital strategist, Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada

AmazonBasics

10 lb Vinyl Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight

$25

Amazon.ca

8 / 10

Sweet almond oil

“I've started making my own moisturizing hand scrubs. Not only is the activity soothing in the same way baking is (minus the calories), it helps keep my dry winter skin in check. I start with a base of coconut oil and sweet almond oil for my skin and organic castor sugar and whatever essential oil I please.” – Lydia H., producer, Food Network Canada

Aura Cacia Coop

Sweet Almond Skin Care Oil (118 ml)

$12

Amazon.ca

9 / 10

Planner starter set

“I’ve used some form of agenda/journaling hybrid since high school. Then, it helped me juggle three part-time jobs and the demands of a specialized academic programme, while documenting my thoughts and important events. Later, it allowed me to tame the chaos of full-time uni studies, part-time work and all the responsibilities that come with being a single parent. While my life today feels less like herding cats, the habit of putting pen to paper still helps me set my intentions, and allows me to make thoughtful decisions about how I spend my time. When coupled with a nice glass of vino and some fancy stationery, it can be a creative, relaxing way to end the day while planning for what lies ahead.” – Dragana K., assistant editor, Slice, and History

AT-A-GLANCE

Undated, 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", Desk Size , 7-Ring, Faux Leather Teal Planner Starter Set

$62

Amazon.ca

10 / 10

Self-care by zodiac

“Self-care looks different for everyone. Rather than trial and error with generic strategies, why not approach our routines through our zodiac signs? As a classic Pisces, I found this easy read to be helpful and even a little inspirational. Since, I’ve purchased other books from this series for a number of my friends (except for Scorpios because the ones in my life resist advice from the stars).” – Chloe T., editor, Slice

All products featured on Slice.ca are independently selected by our editors. For more products handpicked by our editorial team, visit Slice's Amazon storefront. However, when you buy through links in this article and on our storefront, we earn an affiliate commission.

The Little Book of Self-Care for Pisces: Simple Ways to Refresh and Restore According to the Stars

$17