It can be extremely difficult to pin down a “perfect” holiday gift for everyone in your life. The holidays can remind us how different our loved ones truly are, and can make us question if we ever really knew them at all.

Gift cards can seem so impersonal, clothing seems too personal to shop for someone else, jewelry is too expensive, food preferences are too subjective, and for some reason, some people in our lives can just trigger a blank when it comes to gift ideas.

One category that often gets overlooked is also arguably the most universal: wellness. 

It can be difficult for people to find time for themselves, as work, school and parental duties can get in the way. Because of this, people often do not invest in “self-care” items for themselves. But wellness is integral in creating a sustainable, healthy life. 

I know what you are thinking: sounds expensive. It definitely can be, but it does not have to be to improve the lives of your loved ones. 

Although some of the products that the wellness community promotes can be extremely costly, there are a few items that are relatively affordable and will last long enough to make them good investments. 

I recommend the URPOWER 2nd Gen Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser because of its accessibility and diversity of uses. First, it can be purchased from Amazon for under $30, making it quite affordable and easy to order. This is an ideal choice for last-minute shoppers. 

Second, the device shuts off after seven hours, ensuring that your wellness needs are met as you sleep without wasting unnecessary electricity or essential oils. It also has the option of acting as a night light, which can be great for those with young children. 

People tend to focus on purchasing products that improve the visual aesthetics of their home, and as a result, products that can improve things such as air quality and mood get overlooked. 

Diffusers not only improve the quality of air, but can also improve the quality of sleep and can aid in relaxation. Many people view their home as a place to decompress from the stress of the outside world, but do not invest in products that can maximize their experience. 

Furthermore, diffusers that have essential oils have even more benefits. Aromatherapy has been proven to boost mood, improve mental clarity and enhance focus. 

A 2018 study found that some scents, such as eucalyptus, citronella and lemon, can even act as a natural insect repellent. 

“Essential oils (EOs) with good repellent properties and low toxicities to the environment and humans have been considered as an alternative to conventional synthetic insecticides,” the study found.

By using essential oils to repel insects, you can avoid using harsh chemicals in your home, which can be harmful to continuously breathe in the long term. As the fragrance also improves the scent in the home, it can act as a safer alternative to traditional candles. 

Candles have been a go-to gift, especially during the holiday season. As their housewarming capabilities are a kind gesture, they are not ideal for everyone. Candles are more prone to both wax spills and the chance of burns, making them a hazard. Additionally, if the recipient lives in an apartment, they may not be allowed to have candles. Diffusers are a safer alternative. 

Furthermore, a 2017 study conducted in an intensive care unit showed the impressive impacts of aromatherapy. 

The trial was split into two groups, with participants practicing deep breathing with the essential oils, as where the controlled group went to sleep without exposure to the essential oils. The group that used essential oils had better outcomes.

“Aromatherapy alleviated stress and improved sleep quality in intensive care unit patients after 2 days of the experimental treatment,” the study found.

Aromatherapy is a simple addition to one’s life that can drastically improve their quality of sleep. 

Everyone deserves to have daily self-care that is not contingent on work they have completed or the productivity of their day. There are simple things people can do to seek this level of comfort every day. The kindest act is showing that you care about your loved ones’ well-being. Gifting a diffuser will do just that, and will contribute to a more fulfilling life, both physically and mentally.