Finding gifts for yourself can feel indulgent. Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas. In the middle of getting gifts for all the important people in your life (which is way more fun in my opinion), sometimes, it feels like why bother getting a gift for yourself?

And I don’t mean the gift of the sink clogged again so I’m gifting myself a call to the plumber. I’m talking about real gifts. (But, if you need a plumber, please don’t delay in calling one!)

When the kids were little, I loved the hand-painted flower pots and coupon books they gave me. But, now that they are older, and I’m a single mom, I don’t rely on my kids to remember occasions. It’s great when they do, but, a few years ago, I started celebrating little and big moments and getting my own gifts.

Here are a few gift ideas:

1. Take a moment. Who says a gift has to be something unwrapped? We may wait for someone to give us permission take time for ourselves, but that often doesn’t happen. Ask yourself if I had time alone, what would I do? Maybe it’s splurging on a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop, taking a walk, taking a bath (uninterrupted!) after the kids are in bed. Whatever you do, make it something that allows you take a moment to breathe.
2. Connect. Find your people and take time to really connect–another free gift! We often text people and check in with each other throughout the week, but don’t stop to have a real conversation with our people. Take a walk with someone, call someone to catch up, or grab a quick lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. These things always help me refreshed.
3. Stay rooted. When I was in the throes of some really hard times, I made my own index cards of verses that reminded me to stay rooted in the truth. As moms, we do all the things and let our wells run dry too often. When I feel like I’m running on empty, that’s about the time I realize I need to stop and spend extra time in the Word. If you want a fancier version, Ruth Chou Simons has beautiful cards to encourage you with truth that you can carry with you. I also made graphics for my mirror, but Andrea Howey’s art work makes a beautiful addition to any wall.
4. Record. I do love my iPhone for all the reminders and electronic lists, but I treasure a new notebook with really good quality paper, and these are some of my favorites. I find that the act of actually hand writing things in a notebook, whether it’s prayers, praises, or to-do lists, makes them more memorable.
5. Worship. Whether it’s old favorites or discovering something new, listening to praise music is just what I need. This and this is what I have on repeat now.
6. Indulge (locally). Buy yourself a new plant from a local nursery, a bouquet, and get takeout. I love cooking, but it’s nice to take the morning or evening off and pick up some food from a local favorite.

These are just a few ideas, but find some of your own!