Gift Guides, Holiday
Self-Care Content Creator Rowena Tsai Shares Her Rakuten Holiday Gift Guide
2020 has been quite the year, and one of the things we’re doing to make it more manageable is self care. As we round out the year, it’s important to make your journey into 2021 as joyous and fulfilling as possible. That’s why we asked Rowena Tsai, your go-to guru for all things personal development, self love and productivity, to put together a list of her favorite things to help make life a little easier and a lot more meaningful. Check it out.
P.S. Don’t forget to join Rakuten before you start shopping to feel the joy of Cash Back this holiday season!
“I want to get my life together”
Anytime is a great time to slow down, reflect and reset, especially around the holidays. These have been my go-tos to help me stay grounded and sane. And I hope these, whether individually or combined as a “starter kit” of sorts, can help you and/or your loved one, too.
1. Moleskine Large Soft Cover Dotted Notebook
Whether you’re starting a bullet journal, gratitude journal, morning pages, or all of the above, putting pen to paper is one of the most satisfying ways to hit reset. Check out my video on How to BuJo for Beginners.
2. Nike Training Club App
Your reliable pal whenever you’re in need of a little pick me up and endorphin spike. Kirsty Godso, please adopt me.
3. 10% Happier by Dan Harris
The best book on meditation for those who are unfamiliar with the practice. It also serves as an amazing reminder for those who are familiar. An easy, relatable, and humorous read.
4. uni-ball GEL RT Retractable Gel Pens, 12/Pack
I like my pens fine-tipped and gel. So precise and glides effortlessly across paper like butter on warm toast. These, along with the Signo 0.38, are my all-time faves.
5. 2021 Moleskine 5" x 8.25" Planner
These helped me survive college. It’s also great for those who cannot be bothered hand-drawing lines every week. 😀
“I want to splurge on something useful”
Gifts worth the investment for yourself or for that special someone in your life. (◕‿◕) Over the past few years, these things that sparked the most joy in my life and are highly functional, innovative and long-lasting.
1. Cotton Napper
Allow the weight of the blanket to press away all your worries. Just kidding; a blanket can’t do that. But it can help relieve stress, decrease anxiety and improve your sleep. 🙂
2. Instant Pot Duo™ Nova™ 3-Qt. 7-in-1, One-Touch Multi-Cooker
If only I could seal my work in a pressure cooker and turn hours of labor into mere minutes as I frolic… look up Just One Cookbook’s short rib recipe. You’re welcome. 😉
3. One SL
More “nice-to-have” and less “necessity” but if music is life, your soul will dance happy dances and thank you.
4. Dyson V8 Absolute
Life changing. Best adulting purchase to date. I now look forward to the weekends just so I can zoom around my apartment with this cordless toy gun.
5. Vitamix Explorian E310 Blender
Green smoothies are my one greatest love. A quality blender is the best way to get your daily servings of fruits & veggies in just a matter of seconds.
“I want to share something meaningful”
To me, the most meaningful gifts are thoughtful ones. Someone knowing you well enough to know what you need before you know it yourself. Here are five books covering topics we all go through at some point in our lives. Skim it first, then gift a copy to a friend!
1. Atomic Habits : An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Habits form the basis for any change we want to make. This is the inspiration behind my Systems vs Goals series.
2. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Purpose, meaning, suffering… Finding purpose and meaning in suffering. This is another book I wish I read much sooner. One that reminds me to consciously live as meaningful and fulfilling a life as is humanly possible. A must read.
3. Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success by Napoleon Hill
A thought provoking and timeless reminder on the importance of thinking for ourselves. Another book that every single person should read. 🤓
4. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
In a world that’s constantly telling us we’re not [fill in the blank] enough, this is a book I wish I read when I was going through my darkest times of insecurities and self-doubt.
5. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
Find yourself procrastinating or shying away from pursuing your dreams? This book is the antidote to the feeling that even the top performers feel everyday — resistance.
Shop Rowena’s favorite items and get Cash Back on everything when you become a Rakuten member. Signing up is free and easy, and you’ll get a $10 Welcome Bonus after your first qualified purchase. Join Rakuten today!
Check out Rowena on Instagram and YouTube for more every day inspiration.
From the latest tech to the hottest fashions and everything in between, the editors at The Smart Shopper are in the know and ready share their expertise. Check out our posts on shopping secrets and product trends for those who live for a little retail therapy.
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