5 Affordable Self-Care Items

5 Affordable Self-Care Items | Writing Between Pauses

When it comes to self-care, I always say the same thing: self-care has 2 branches, self-care and self-soothing. They get used interchangeably and that’s fine! In this situation, we’re going to talk about self-soothing and things you can do to make yourself feel good at the end of a long day.

If you’re like me, you’re following stay-at-home orders and keeping close to home. But that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a little self-care.

Each week, we place a grocery pick up order and a Target pick up order. At Target, we’re usually getting household supplies, like laundry detergent, dish soap, and that kind of thing. But each week, I do try to add in a special item, something that will make us happy. This might be a new toy for Forrest, a craft kit, a new book for Danny, a DVD… whatever. Just something that’s a treat.

I wanted to share a few of the affordable, self-care focused items I’ve gotten from Target recently to make my life feel a little more decadent and to show myself kindness everyday. All of these items are $15 or under. That’s right: affordable, available at Target, and most of them should be available for drive up or pick up.

Want more self-care? Here are two previous posts of mine on the topic:

You can also browse all my posts about self-care routines here.

affordable drugstore self care items Target

1. Pacifica Stress Rehab Coconut & Caffeine Face Mask

Pacifica is one of my favorite drug store brands: it’s high quality, cruelty free, and contains great ingredients without costing an arm and a leg. My second favorite is YesTo, but I’ve found that a lot of people have allergic reactions to their products and I’m always hesitant to recommend them. 

This is one of my favorite face masks to grab when I’m in need of a little pick me up. At $9.99, it’s not too expensive, but it feels decadent and I love how it makes my skin feel. My skin has been very tired and dehydrated lately—all the stress and coffee have definitely been wearing on me! If that sounds like you too, this is a great way to treat yourself on a Friday night (or any night, honestly). 

2. Macaron Bath Bomb Set

I’m sorry, but these are so stinking cuuuute. And they’re super affordable for a set of 4! They smell amazing and will look super cute displayed in your bathroom. You need them. You’ll love them. They’re so affordable. Get 2. Thank me later. 

3. 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal

I’m on record as loving Moorea Seal’s books! I haven’t gotten 52 Lists for Happiness yet, but it is on my list. Next month, I’m restarting the original 52 Lists Project (one per day!) and then I think I’ll get this book. However, if you’re new to journaling, or just looking for a way to de-stress, these are a great stepping stone! They’re beautiful, thoughtful, and give you plenty of space to play. They are also very affordable for guided journals—under $15 and available at Target. 

4. OGX Extra Creamy Coconut Miracle Ultra Moisture Lotion

I know most of us probably own body lotion, but let me introduce you to this $6.99 secret: the best coconut smell lotion in existence. 

Last year, I started a project where, whenever I put on lotion, I would repeat, “Thank you, thank you, [body part]” over and over. It will surprise you how much this has genuinely helped my attitude towards my body. It’s also a great way to remind yourself to thank your body, even on hard days, for doing its best. So, at the end of a long day, rub some lotion on those dogs (that’s your feet, natch) and say thank you. You made it. 

5. Fuzzy Socks

These are sooooooo cute. I’m obsessed. I love socks in general, as I don’t like having bare feet in my house. Nothing makes me feel better, however, than putting a fresh, clean, fluffy pair of socks on when I’m feeling stressed or just need to feel better. I’ll often strip off my “house socks” (old athletic socks, usually) and put on some of my favorites when I’m especially in need of feeling better. They keep my feet warm, they look cute, and they make me happy. I love these ones from Target, but they have tons to chose from, obviously.


Have something that’s keeping you going right now? Let me a comment below and let me know!