In a world that often celebrates the unyielding resilience of Black women, the need for rest and self-care is often overlooked. Day in and day out we carry the weight of multiple roles, juggling careers, families, and communities all while facing stressors like racism, microaggressions, and health disparities—and let’s not even begin to talk about the disappointment of the recent election cycle. As a collective, we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s simply time for us to take a step back and go lie down.
A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that Black women report some of the highest levels of stress and burnout, with over 45% stating that they experience significant stress in their daily lives. So, rest and self-care isn’t just an act of indulgence, it’s a necessity for total well-being and life longevity. As you prepare to shop for the Black women in your life this holiday season, consider these gifts that will help her prioritize herself. After all, it’s what she deserves.
This Black woman-owned brand knows a thing or two about the need for rest. Being rooted at the intersection of scent, sound, and self-care, Kobi Gregory and Tasha Harris aim to inspire other women to kick back and love on themselves a little harder. Each hand-poured candle also comes with a curated Spotify playlist of songs that make your alone time a more immersive experience. With notes of cucumber, champagne, and lavender, the #Chillaxin’ candle is sure to be the perfect start to a day—or night—of doing nothing.
Available at Kobi Co.
Since founding The Nap Ministry in 2016, Tricia Hersey has advocated for the necessity of Black women to let go of our need to always be “on” and to partake in the healing benefits of naps as adults. She recently released her second book, which she considers a modern sacred object, medicine for a sick and exhausted world. “There is another way. Focus on the escape. Focus on the transformation,” Hardy writes. “We can just be. We are beautiful. We are enough. We are escape artists. We Will Rest!”
Available at Amazon
There’s nothing like putting on your favorite pajama set for a cozy day in the house. Fancy Homebody owner Vanessa Kelly launched her brand to ensure we not only take time for ourselves but that we can look and feel good while doing so. This long-sleeved satin sleep set comes in three colors and is perfect for the Black woman who still likes to be stylish even while lying down.
Available at Fancy Homebody
Gift that high-end hotel-quality sleep with these luxurious sheets. It’s like taking a staycation without all the money. Designed with a special scientifically patented fabric created to eliminate sweaty slumber, the recipient will find themselves racing to hop in bed each night. With three neutral color options—white, gray, and tan—they’ll also be able to easily coordinate with any decor found in their home.
Available at Lusomé
Of course, rest can look different for all of us. Some like to do so with many of the aforementioned items, and others like to disconnect by binging endless hours of their favorite movies or television series—and that’s okay, too! This Plus Series Roku TV is the ideal vessel to do just that. Not only does it have a crisp 4K resolution, but giftees can further block out the world’s noise by connecting their favorite pair of Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones to ensure their time is truly undisturbed. It is also compatible with Roku-branded smart home products like LED color-changing light bulbs, cameras, and more.
Available at Amazon
A complete game changer in the world of sleep technology. The Chilipad Dock Pro is essentially a temperature-controlled mattress pad that ensures people can achieve their best sleep yet. After all, the point of quality rest is ensuring it goes uninterrupted. Whether your favorite person feels hot when they sleep—like many women experiencing perimenopause—or prefers a warm bed, this device can be set via the accompanying app for the ultimate slumber. With temps ranging from 55 degrees all the way up to 115 degrees, they’ll find themselves reaching their REM cycle faster than ever. Oh, and if you they a bed, don’t worry; there’s a dual option, too. Also, for those who prefer to stay cool when they rest, the brand’s Chilipad Cube is also a great entry-level product to gift.
Available at Sleepme
In her recent documentary, rapper Megan Thee Stallion spoke of how attending a wellness retreat helped her pause and slow down from the busyness of stardom when the walls began closing in. Offer a similar approach while allowing the gift recipient to join other Black women who see the benefit of prioritizing their well-being with this 5-day Pompano, Florida retreat. Hosted by Kristen Guillory, PhD, and wellness coach Danielle Anderson from July 3-July 7, 2025, as an attendee, they’ll experience everything from yoga and breath work sessions to rooftop kickbacks and, of course, plenty of rest.
Available at Kristen Guillory