This article originally appeared in Bloomi's Intimate Talk.
It’s that time of year again: A time for merry, cheer, and of course, fa-la-laing through finding the best gifts. But as we all know, holiday joy doesn’t mean a completely stress-free time, either. That’s why, every year, we put together a self-care gift guide just for you.
Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults say something causes them stress during the holiday season. That’s why, during this season, letting yourself and those around you participate in self-care is so important.
Whether you need a gift your lover, friends, family or even a present for yourself, we’ve got a guide to the eight self-care gifts straight from our favorite BIPOC, queer-owned brands, below.
1. Momotaro Apotheca
Ready to ditch an itching, irritated and inflamed vulva? Momotaro Apotheca, a queer-owned vulvovaginal care brand, has just what you (or someone else) might need. We love their best-selling:
- Salve ($37): A certified organic balm for vulvovaginal dryness, itching and irritation that will leave you feeling soothed, hydrated and smell amazing! Since using these, I’ve not had a UTI or yeast infection — after intimacy, sex, wearing tight clothes — all year.
- The Tonic ($48): A vitamin rich oil to nourish and restore sensitive skin. I like putting mine in the bath or using it after I shower to calm my most sensitive areas.
- Probiotic ($35): Formulated to protect, promote, and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, this probiotic is.a great addition to any person with a vulva in your life.
2. Night Shift Wax Co.
A woman and queer-owned company, Night Shift Wax Co. is for those who love scents but are sensitive to them.
After suffering from many allergies caused from mass-produced home and body fragrances, founder Samantha Cipriani set out to create a product that was hypoallergenic and plant-based. Upon receiving a certification in perfumery she began formulating scents for natural soy candles and personal fragrance products.
Plus, they’re all cruelty-free and are made with clean ingredients! We love these:
- Chai Latte Soy Candle ($17): A tea + coffee house favorite! Capturing the scent of a warm chai latte and filling your home with a beautiful fall fragrance.
- Botanical Rollerball Perfumes ($20): These rollerball perfumes are made with 100% all-natural plant and mineral ingredients - no harmful fillers added.
- Hand & Surface Sanitizer ($11): A luxurious, pretty bottle of hand and surface sanitizer — and it’s all natural and organic.
3. Steamy Lit
Who doesn’t love romance books and vibrators? With Steamy Lit, a woman-founded and latina-owned book subscription service, you can get both! Whether you love diverse romance or you have a good friend who finds her steamy sessions while reading,, we recommend:
- The Steam Box ($60): A one-time box (that can be made into an ongoing subscription) filled with the first book of the quarter, a vibe, and 2-3 other specially curated items that celebrate self-love and embrace your sexuality.
- Buying a book at The Steamy Lit bookstore!
4. Frizz + Co
Have a curly-haired queen in your life? Consider shopping for a perfect self-care gift at Frizz + Co — a BIPOC-owned brand founded by a curly haired woman on a mission to help others embrace their natural hair, too. We love these options:
- The Repairing Hair Mask ($59): The Repairing Hair Mask is specifically designed for curly hair. Formulated with ama-leaf, baobab fruit, vegetable proteins, and amino acids, experience a luxurious, lightweight, creamy texture that revitalizes your curls without weighing them down.
5. The New Savant
This queer, BIPOC-owned candle brand, crafts daring fragrances that transport you to emotional destinations. We love these three picks:
California Christmas Candle ($42): Nostalgic, warm and cozy. Top notes of warm desert air, sun-baked sea salt and minerals. A middle of dry patchouli, california oranges and a base of cognac, caramelized sugar and vanilla.
Androgyne Candle ($42): Mysterious, fluid and alluring. Top notes of sea salt, lavender. Middle of rose petals, plum, dewy peony and a base of smoked resin, dark woods and rich incense.
Architect’s Daughter Body + Home Mist ($28): An all-in-one scent solution: a superfine body and home mist is designed to elevate every corner of your world – from your personal scent of the day to a quick refresh of bed linens.
6. Loquita Bath and Body
Who doesn’t love a good bath bomb?! Loquita Bath and Body, a Latina-owned bath and body brand, is top-notch and has great gifts for anyone who is Latina or simply wants to support a Latina-owned brand.
- UNICONCHA BATH BOMB ($9): In their own words, it smells like unicorn caca, a sweet fruity tropical medley of scents.
- ANTI PENDEJADA BATH SOAK ($12): If you need a long unwinding soak, consider this. Scent: Icy wood, a whisper of musk, and noted of vanilla. A sharp scent hopefully will knock the pendejadas out of you
- Coquito Whipped Soap ($13): Made to smell to a tee like authentic coquito from Puerto Rico, this whipped soap will leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
7. Oui The People
A body-care brand that is founded on diversity and inclusion, Oui The People prides itself on honoring your complexities—to say “f*ck that” to perfection. To celebrate your softness and your strength, they champion your journey to doing whatever makes you feel good. Here are our fave products:
- Body Renewal Set ($35): A skin smoothing, brightening, and hydrating trio in a travel-ready set.
- Hydrating Body Gloss ($65): A lightweight body oil meets serum with antioxidant and skin barrier-boosting ingredients for deep hydration and an instant glow.
- Lactic Acid Body Wash Travel Size ($10): A perfect stocking stuffer! A rich body wash with lactic acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates for smoother texture and even skin tone.
8. Bloomi
Last, but certainly not least, Bloomi. As a Latina-founded brand focusing on bringing pleasure and intimacy to the forefront of folks lives, we’ve got a few goodies for you to gift, too.
- Caress Full-Body Massager ($65): Caress is a powerful, flexible, body massager designed to relieve tension and stress. The pleasure-ball side allows for full-body stimulation and relaxation.
- Luxe Arousal Oil ($45): Luxe Arousal Oil is a clean, oil-based formula made with plant-derived ingredients that help increase pleasure before and during intimate moments.
- Massage Clitoral Vibrator ($45): Massage Clitoral and Body Vibrator is a powerful, flexible device ranked by Women's Health Magazine as one of the best toys according to intimacy therapists.
