Treat yo'self!
November 30, 2015 5:42 PM
Looking for the most luxurious, pampering gifts...
You are a late-20s, early 30s lady
You have a high stress job where you sit a lot
You like spas, massages, baths, quality products--jewelry, makeup, clothes
You like home-y things like board games, movies, tv shows
You like nerdy things, too--like video games, star trek, etc
You also love good foods--a nice restaurant experience, a really tasty jar of jam...
You are not a partier.
You don't like sports
What have been the gifts that have given you the feeling of the most luxurious or pampering experience? Or what are the gifts that add a little bit of luxury to your everyday?
I know everyone has different definitions of luxury/pampering, which is why I mentioned all that above. I have a friend who is all those things, and her birthday is nigh
You are a late-20s, early 30s lady
You have a high stress job where you sit a lot
You like spas, massages, baths, quality products--jewelry, makeup, clothes
You like home-y things like board games, movies, tv shows
You like nerdy things, too--like video games, star trek, etc
You also love good foods--a nice restaurant experience, a really tasty jar of jam...
You are not a partier.
You don't like sports
What have been the gifts that have given you the feeling of the most luxurious or pampering experience? Or what are the gifts that add a little bit of luxury to your everyday?
I know everyone has different definitions of luxury/pampering, which is why I mentioned all that above. I have a friend who is all those things, and her birthday is nigh
Exquisite chocolate.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:51 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:51 PM on November 30, 2015
My Nespresso machine. I can have a delicious latte or cappuccino within 3 minutes anytime I desire one for less than $1. Best postpartum purchase ever for feeling like a fancy human.
posted by gatorae at 5:58 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by gatorae at 5:58 PM on November 30, 2015
You don't give a price point, so I'll just say that my down comforter from LL Bean is the most luxurious thing in my life. It's bliss.
There are also a few really good AskMes on this subject that I can't link to on my phone, but they're among the top of all time if you know how to navigate infodumpster.
posted by pretentious illiterate at 5:59 PM on November 30, 2015
There are also a few really good AskMes on this subject that I can't link to on my phone, but they're among the top of all time if you know how to navigate infodumpster.
posted by pretentious illiterate at 5:59 PM on November 30, 2015
I think nothing beats a certificate to a spa. If that's too dear, I'd try going to Sephora and asking for help selecting a great gift. Lush has some great gift boxes right now too. Really nice candles are luxurious too. You're a good friend!
posted by areaperson at 6:00 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by areaperson at 6:00 PM on November 30, 2015
OH OH OH. Gatorae reminded me. I also have a milk foamer. I now roll out of my blissful bed and have delicious coffee filled with cafe-level foam. Heaven.
posted by pretentious illiterate at 6:00 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by pretentious illiterate at 6:00 PM on November 30, 2015
Do you live somewhere cold? Do you have an electric mattress pad warmer? That is the thing that makes me think "I am fancy and take care of myself" every single night from October - May.
posted by jessamyn at 6:05 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 6:05 PM on November 30, 2015
A super fancy bathrobe.
posted by Metroid Baby at 6:10 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by Metroid Baby at 6:10 PM on November 30, 2015
High quality (actual) truffle oil.
A woman whom I know also enjoys high-quality marijuana, and a vape can help shift smoking from hobby to luxury, or so I am told. Whether or not your friend would also enjoy high-quality marijuana is something that is best sussed out before proffering it as a gift, or so I am told.
If she enjoys photography, a really sharp macro or other specialty lens can be nice, as they're often things that are a joy to use but hard to justify spending money on.
posted by klangklangston at 6:11 PM on November 30, 2015
A woman whom I know also enjoys high-quality marijuana, and a vape can help shift smoking from hobby to luxury, or so I am told. Whether or not your friend would also enjoy high-quality marijuana is something that is best sussed out before proffering it as a gift, or so I am told.
If she enjoys photography, a really sharp macro or other specialty lens can be nice, as they're often things that are a joy to use but hard to justify spending money on.
posted by klangklangston at 6:11 PM on November 30, 2015
Really large, really fluffy towels to use after you get out of the bath strikes me as a very nice everyday luxury item considering how often you'd use them.
posted by mmascolino at 6:16 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by mmascolino at 6:16 PM on November 30, 2015
Lush bath bombs or bubble bars are the best thing ever.
posted by ilovewinter at 6:19 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by ilovewinter at 6:19 PM on November 30, 2015
Lavender toothpaste from Italy.
posted by oceanjesse at 6:23 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by oceanjesse at 6:23 PM on November 30, 2015
Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream.
It's so good, especially in winter.
posted by sweetkid at 6:28 PM on November 30, 2015
It's so good, especially in winter.
posted by sweetkid at 6:28 PM on November 30, 2015
A gift certificate to an outstanding cheese shop. I tend to use gift cards to buy things like underwear and water filters, so it was really nice to have no choice but to spend that money on amazing, expensive cheese.
posted by obfuscation at 6:34 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by obfuscation at 6:34 PM on November 30, 2015
I usually have to sort of sneak pampering in, or I won't do it - a posh face serum does it for me. (Seeing one on the shelf prompts me to take the extra minute or two to use it, and massaging it in winds up being accidentally meditative.) Hard thing to get right, though - maybe a gift certificate from Sephora.
2nd bedding-related stuff; my pick would be a kick-ass mattress topper, if she doesn't already have one.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:34 PM on November 30, 2015
2nd bedding-related stuff; my pick would be a kick-ass mattress topper, if she doesn't already have one.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:34 PM on November 30, 2015
Banila Co. Miss Flower and Mr. Honey Cream (review) Ingredients List
MIZON Returning Starfish Cream
These two creams are all the rage on the /r/AsianBeauty subreddit, which focuses on Asian skincare products. It looks sublime, and it's packed with tons of actives. There are tons of info on other pampering beauty products (both skincare and makeup) on that subreddit, if you want to go down the rabbit hole.
I would also get Guylian Seashell Chocolates, since those are the highest quality seashell chocolates and they are amazing.
posted by yueliang at 6:35 PM on November 30, 2015
MIZON Returning Starfish Cream
These two creams are all the rage on the /r/AsianBeauty subreddit, which focuses on Asian skincare products. It looks sublime, and it's packed with tons of actives. There are tons of info on other pampering beauty products (both skincare and makeup) on that subreddit, if you want to go down the rabbit hole.
I would also get Guylian Seashell Chocolates, since those are the highest quality seashell chocolates and they are amazing.
posted by yueliang at 6:35 PM on November 30, 2015
Get a silk comforter, preferably Chinese since they invented it
I sleep with one every night, and now I sleep terribly if I don't have a blanket like that. I think that's luxury...
posted by yueliang at 6:45 PM on November 30, 2015
I sleep with one every night, and now I sleep terribly if I don't have a blanket like that. I think that's luxury...
posted by yueliang at 6:45 PM on November 30, 2015
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
This wool comforter
Godiva Dark Hot Chocolate
You can't have too many silk nightgowns or cashmere sweaters.
posted by kmennie at 6:48 PM on November 30, 2015
This wool comforter
Godiva Dark Hot Chocolate
You can't have too many silk nightgowns or cashmere sweaters.
posted by kmennie at 6:48 PM on November 30, 2015
I don't know you, and yet I think I might be your friend. How odd is that?
My favourite decadent little treat is pate de fruits. They're like little bites of the most intense jam imaginable and they are pretty expensive so I don't tend to buy them for myself. There are probably very excellent sources wherever you are, provided that wherever you are is a major city, but if you're like to order over the internet I'd recommend Michael Recchiuti and Thomas Haas if you are in the US or Canada, respectively.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:52 PM on November 30, 2015
My favourite decadent little treat is pate de fruits. They're like little bites of the most intense jam imaginable and they are pretty expensive so I don't tend to buy them for myself. There are probably very excellent sources wherever you are, provided that wherever you are is a major city, but if you're like to order over the internet I'd recommend Michael Recchiuti and Thomas Haas if you are in the US or Canada, respectively.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:52 PM on November 30, 2015
I asked something a little bit similar a few years ago about Affordable Luxuries and got some great answers.
posted by Miko at 6:59 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by Miko at 6:59 PM on November 30, 2015
Vaguely on the pampering theme, I find the board game Dixit to be quite relaxing and inspires a sort of thoughtful state in me/the people I'm playing with. It's fairly well-known these days in the board game circles, though, so might need to check if she already has it.
posted by sarahsynonymous at 7:02 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by sarahsynonymous at 7:02 PM on November 30, 2015
Get yo'self to a Korean Spa (preferably a Ladies only version) stat!
They are incredible!!
posted by brookeb at 7:16 PM on November 30, 2015
They are incredible!!
posted by brookeb at 7:16 PM on November 30, 2015
A quality set of pajamas (matching top and bottom; embroidered crest optional)
Shearling lined slippers
Good honey, tea, scotch, etc. Actually my fantasy luxury is to order that Russ & Daughters breakfast basket where they overnight you bagels, lox, babka, etc. and have the laziest most decadent morning at home for no particular reason.
posted by mama casserole at 7:26 PM on November 30, 2015
Shearling lined slippers
Good honey, tea, scotch, etc. Actually my fantasy luxury is to order that Russ & Daughters breakfast basket where they overnight you bagels, lox, babka, etc. and have the laziest most decadent morning at home for no particular reason.
posted by mama casserole at 7:26 PM on November 30, 2015
Oh, these are all fantastic!! Thanks for all the suggestions so far, keep 'em coming! I can't wait to go shopping :)
posted by sprezzy at 7:53 PM on November 30, 2015
posted by sprezzy at 7:53 PM on November 30, 2015
Take a bath and slather your body in gorgeous L'occitane almond bath products while you treat your face to a Glamglow facial and read some trashy Tudors historical fiction by Diptyque candlelight (I am pretty fond of the vanilla scent which has a touch of sexy sandalwood mixed in).
Then, put on your badass Natori caftan and lounge around like the inner Mrs Roper that you know you are.
posted by joan_holloway at 7:59 PM on November 30, 2015
Then, put on your badass Natori caftan and lounge around like the inner Mrs Roper that you know you are.
posted by joan_holloway at 7:59 PM on November 30, 2015
Ooh you totally described me. The best gifts like this I have received are:
cashmere socks
high thread count sheets
scented soy candles
truffle oil
Scandinavian wool felt slippers (also another time, proper sheepskin ugg boots)
thick woven pure wool blanket
a sample pack of lots of different flavoured olive oils and vinegars
really nice hand lotion (the specific scent is pretty individually dependent, so you need to know what they like)
bath salts in a pretty glass jar
home-infused liqueurs
home-made chocolate truffles
posted by lollusc at 8:03 PM on November 30, 2015
cashmere socks
high thread count sheets
scented soy candles
truffle oil
Scandinavian wool felt slippers (also another time, proper sheepskin ugg boots)
thick woven pure wool blanket
a sample pack of lots of different flavoured olive oils and vinegars
really nice hand lotion (the specific scent is pretty individually dependent, so you need to know what they like)
bath salts in a pretty glass jar
home-infused liqueurs
home-made chocolate truffles
posted by lollusc at 8:03 PM on November 30, 2015
A subscription to Birchbox or similar.
Muddy (milky) bath salts: 1, 2.
I replaced all my lightswitches with motion sensing dimmers and now it feels like my house is taking care of me! -- but there was a lot of upfront work there, so maybe not unless you're up for installing them.
posted by ecsh at 8:04 PM on November 30, 2015
Muddy (milky) bath salts: 1, 2.
I replaced all my lightswitches with motion sensing dimmers and now it feels like my house is taking care of me! -- but there was a lot of upfront work there, so maybe not unless you're up for installing them.
posted by ecsh at 8:04 PM on November 30, 2015
Honeycomb Sea Sponge feels like heaven! I have the 6 to 7 inch size and just adore it.
(did not purchase from this store, linked only for info)
posted by JujuB at 8:49 PM on November 30, 2015
(did not purchase from this store, linked only for info)
posted by JujuB at 8:49 PM on November 30, 2015
I feel like everything I've ever bought that isn't the softest throw made of the plushest faux fur ever feels cheap the minute it leaves it's box.
Seriously, the feeling of the most incredible faux fur against your bare skin...nothing can top how luxurious that feels. Maybe long underwear made from silk but just get both.
posted by discopolo at 9:17 PM on November 30, 2015
Seriously, the feeling of the most incredible faux fur against your bare skin...nothing can top how luxurious that feels. Maybe long underwear made from silk but just get both.
posted by discopolo at 9:17 PM on November 30, 2015
Getting my car washed/towel-dried.
Upgrading my seat on a flight.
posted by bendy at 12:07 AM on December 1, 2015
Upgrading my seat on a flight.
posted by bendy at 12:07 AM on December 1, 2015
Diptyque candles
Ugg shearling slippers
Cashmere scarf
Any luxury brand sampler sets (perfume, tea, hair care, etc)
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 2:03 AM on December 1, 2015
Ugg shearling slippers
Cashmere scarf
Any luxury brand sampler sets (perfume, tea, hair care, etc)
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 2:03 AM on December 1, 2015
A gourmet food tour in my own city
A session in a sensory deprivation float tank
A night in a hotel in my own city, ideally with room service breakfast included
posted by the agents of KAOS at 4:14 AM on December 1, 2015
A session in a sensory deprivation float tank
A night in a hotel in my own city, ideally with room service breakfast included
posted by the agents of KAOS at 4:14 AM on December 1, 2015
Your friend be me. Voluspa candle, a bunch of blush peonies, a bottle of Veuve rosé champagne, a tub of Lush's Turkish Delight body smoothie, and a giant box of chocolates from La Maison du Chocolat.
posted by travellingincognito at 5:38 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by travellingincognito at 5:38 AM on December 1, 2015
Candles, candles, and more candles. Or diffusers if you're concerned about fire safety. My recommended brands, in ascending price, include Voluspa, Nest Fragrances, Diptyque and Jo Malone.
If you don't have it already, get some nice warm mood lighting for your living room or bedroom.
Also, upgrade your hand soap and body wash to something pleasantly fragrant. EO has great scents and is not that expensive. Most of the fancy candle brands also make scented soaps if you wanted to go really high-end.
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 7:01 AM on December 1, 2015
If you don't have it already, get some nice warm mood lighting for your living room or bedroom.
Also, upgrade your hand soap and body wash to something pleasantly fragrant. EO has great scents and is not that expensive. Most of the fancy candle brands also make scented soaps if you wanted to go really high-end.
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 7:01 AM on December 1, 2015
Anything from Aveda. Great quality products. Aroma heaven!
posted by strelitzia at 9:22 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by strelitzia at 9:22 AM on December 1, 2015
Korean facial beauty products. Cloth face masks are huge right now.
posted by lizbunny at 9:25 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by lizbunny at 9:25 AM on December 1, 2015
A friend of mine who sings recently gifted me a box of her favorite throat lozenge candy things: Grether's pastilles. They are surprisingly good and... helpful? I get hoarse easily and I've noticed that having one of these before and after a long talk seems to help my throat recover quickly. That might be wishful thinking, but they're also very tasty (I linked to the blackcurrant ones, but they have other flavors).
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 9:39 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 9:39 AM on December 1, 2015
+1 on candles and diffusers. For candles, my favorites are Diptyque (Baies is my all-around favorite, and they have holiday/winter scents as well) and Jo Malone. This past year, I bought a diffuser from Muji and it is my new favorite thing. You add water and a couple of drops of essential oil and it wafts the scent into the room. It also has a timer and turns off automatically if it's knocked over. Perfect for clumsy people like me.
Fresh has beauty products are lux and small amazing. The rice dry oil feels great post-shower or bath and you smell like you went to a spa.
A heavy throw blanket would be essential to fully cocoon during binge watches. This one from Restoration Hardware looks fancy and does the job well.
posted by kogester at 5:43 PM on December 1, 2015
Fresh has beauty products are lux and small amazing. The rice dry oil feels great post-shower or bath and you smell like you went to a spa.
A heavy throw blanket would be essential to fully cocoon during binge watches. This one from Restoration Hardware looks fancy and does the job well.
posted by kogester at 5:43 PM on December 1, 2015
Food: Jamón ibérico de bellota
Pampering: anything from Lush, especially the bath products.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:07 AM on December 2, 2015
Pampering: anything from Lush, especially the bath products.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:07 AM on December 2, 2015
Dood. Would so get the boyfriend shirt from Kule, go home and then burn these thingies after i dismantle the fire alarm..
posted by speakeasy at 11:51 AM on December 2, 2015
posted by speakeasy at 11:51 AM on December 2, 2015
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posted by fingersandtoes at 5:47 PM on November 30, 2015