We've all seen the standard self-care box: a scented candle, a face mask, and some bath salts. While these are great for a relaxing evening, they often miss the mark on a deeper, more lasting kind of wellness. What if self-care was less about a temporary fix and more about building sustainable habits and a resilient mindset?
We asked 14 thought leaders a simple question: "What’s one underrated item that should be in every self-care kit?" Their answers were illuminating, moving beyond superficial pampering to reveal a focus on mental clarity, emotional grounding, and purposeful intention.
The Power of Pen and Paper: Journals and Notebooks
A recurring theme was the power of putting thoughts to paper. It’s an age-old practice with profound modern benefits.
Belle Florendo, Marketing Coordinator at Sunny Glen Children's Home, highlights the gratitude journal as an "unsung hero." She explains how this simple tool helps children reframe their perspectives. “Jotting down three tiny wins... teaches the brain to seek stability amid chaos. That daily practice lowers cortisol, strengthens emotional regulation, and primes kids to engage more openly.” She sees these pages as a "roadmap to hope," proving that a small journal can create lifelong confidence.
Ydette Macaraeg, Marketing Coordinator at Santa Cruz Properties, echoes this sentiment with her suggestion of a plain, pocket-sized field notebook. For her clients buying land, these notebooks "capture everything from soil observations to the first spark of a home design, helping them stay centered through the ups and downs." She emphasizes that the act of turning abstract hopes into something tangible can calm the mind better than any scented candle.
Maybell Nieves, a Surgical Oncologist at AlynMD, shares a personal story about how a gratitude journal transformed her daily mental health. "I find it fun to write all the good things that happen everyday and feel grateful about them. It might seem simple but it has been a big change in my life and mental status."
Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager at Olavivo, and Michael Kazula, Director of Marketing at Olavivo, both championed the journal for its ability to promote mindfulness, emotional processing, and mental clarity. As Michael puts it, “Journaling promotes mindfulness, emotional processing, and mental clarity, making it a valuable tool for self-reflection.” This simple tool aligns with the growing emphasis on mental well-being over purely physical pampering.
Allyssa Powers, a Therapist and Educator, provides the scientific backing for gratitude journaling, calling the research "rock solid." She explains, “regularly practicing gratitude literally rewires our brains for positivity... It's like going to the gym for your mental health.” She cites research by Dr. Robert Emmons, noting that gratitude can increase happiness by up to 25% and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This practice, she says, is a "reset button for your mental state."
Tech with a Purpose: Tools for a Digital World
In a world dominated by screens, some thought leaders suggest that the right technology—or a tool to mitigate its effects—is essential for modern self-care.
Wayne Lowry, CEO of Scale By SEO, calls blue light blocking glasses a "secret weapon for digital success." After suffering from headaches and poor sleep from long hours of screen time, he found immediate relief. For Wayne, protecting your vision and mental clarity isn't just self-care; it's a "business investment that pays dividends."
Iva Maja Cvetko, a Doctor at AlynMD, suggests including earbuds in a self-care kit. She sees them as a "great tool for creating a small 'personal escape' when we're feeling overwhelmed or burned out, whether it's through music, podcasts, or simply calming background sounds."
The Little Things that Make a Big Difference
Sometimes, the most impactful items are the smallest and most often overlooked.
Rory Keel, Owner of Equipoise Coffee, suggests a pouch of artisan coffee paired with a reusable filter. For him, coffee is more than a beverage; it's a "mindful pause that restores harmony." He explains that his company’s small-batch roasting creates a nuanced flavor that turns coffee prep into a ritual, not just a routine.
Nick Vitucci, Co-Founder & CEO of AIScreen, advocates for a high-quality lip balm. She notes that "dry, cracked lips can be incredibly uncomfortable and distracting," and a soothing balm offers a "touch of comfort" that can make a big difference in how someone feels all day. It’s a small, inexpensive, yet thoughtful item.
Natalie Wood, Owner of Laughing Sisters, reminds us that self-care doesn't always have to be serious. She suggests including something to make you laugh, like "a funky pair of socks, a sassy motto on a notebook or a candle that speaks to an inside joke." For her, a good giggle is a powerful mood-improver and a reminder of how loved you are.
The Ultimate Gift: Permission and Affirmation
This is where self-care truly becomes transformational. More than physical products, these are tools for changing our internal narrative.
Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte, a Self-Care, Financial Wellness, Mindfulness & Resilience Advocate at Pheel Pretty, champions the Permission Slip Pad. She describes it as "power in ink," a gentle, handwritten reminder for women who often feel they need permission to rest, say no, or choose themselves. It's a tool that "helps women unlearn the guilt we've inherited and replace it with boundaries, softness, and radical self-trust."
Nick Vitucci, Head of Marketing at Leto Graphics, highlights the emotional impact of a handwritten affirmation or intention card. He states that unlike products that get used up, a thoughtful card can be revisited anytime, providing a "sense of connection... that feels truly intentional."
And this brings us to what might be the most powerful and underrated item of all: affirmation cards.
Affirmation Cards: The Next Level Ultimate Gift
While journals and handwritten notes are powerful, affirmation cards take this practice to the next level. They are not just paper; they are curated, intentional words designed to shift your mindset and build lasting confidence.
Grace Olayiwola, Founder of BitsStyleJourney and ALGstudiostore, perfectly sums it up: "One of the most underrated yet powerful items to include in a self-care kit is a set of affirmation cards." She explains that while physical relaxation is important, "the mental and emotional reset that comes from reading a daily affirmation is often overlooked." Positive, intentional words have the power to "shift mindsets, boost confidence, and help reduce anxiety."
This is exactly why ALGStudioStore's affirmation cards are poised to be the ultimate gift. They don't just ask you to think of something positive—they provide the words you need when you're struggling to find them. They are a tangible, beautiful, and thoughtful way to deliver the kind of self-care that truly transforms.
Imagine opening a gift box to find not just a candle, but a beautifully designed card that reads, "I give myself permission to be imperfect today." Or, "My worth is not tied to my productivity." These aren't just statements; they're invitations to a new way of thinking. They act as a daily anchor, pulling you back to a place of self-compassion and strength.
ALGStudioStore's commitment to designing these cards to complement their personalized self-care items—like chamomile tea and lavender bath salts—creates a truly holistic experience. It’s a one-two punch: relax the body with their curated products, and reset the mind with their powerful affirmation cards.
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with negative messages and impossible standards, affirmation cards are a counter-narrative. They are a gentle, consistent voice of encouragement. They are the ultimate gift because they don't just offer a moment of peace; they equip you with the tools to find peace every single day.
