I first found out about the concept of self care jars a while back and loved the idea. I realized not everyone has heard about them, so I wanted to share the idea with you too!
Think of this as your mini guide to self care jars. I’ll go through what they are, what you need to make one, how to make and use one, and some of the best self care ideas to go along with it.
What is a self care jar?
A self care jar is beautifully, simply named for exactly what it is — a jar filled with self care ideas!
Think of a self care jar as a list of self care ideas, just in a more fun, easy-to-use format. Instead of looking at a list of ideas, instead you can reach into your jar, pull one out, and try that self care idea. Don’t fancy it? Put it back and pick up a new one. It’s your jar, you make the rules.
For some people their self care jar is literally a jar — like a glass mason jar. For others it’s a cardboard box, or a jewelry box, or some other small container. It’s not the jar that’s important, it’s how you use it.
I love the idea of using a self care jar as part of your everyday or weekly routine, or whenever you need it. Sometimes people use it when they feel that burnout feeling coming, others when they’re having a low energy or low self-esteem day or week. It’s completely up to you how often you use this self care practice — make it part of your routine or use it on special occasions. 
What you’ll need to make your own self care jar
You don’t need a huge amount of materials to make your own self care jar. All you need is a jar (or container) of some kind, some paper, and a pen or pencil. Oh, and some ideas!
Here’s what I recommend:
- An empty glass jar, small box, or other small container
- Several sheets of paper (in different colors, if you have them)
- Pen, pencil, or marker
- Scissors (to cut up your paper)
- A list of self care ideas
You can also gather some colored markers or mini stickers if you want to decorate your self care ideas. These are totally optional though, and you absolutely don’t need anything beyond the basics to get started.
How to make and use a self care jar
To make your self care jar, first take your container. Leave it empty and undecorated, or add some personalization if you want with some ribbon, stickers, or marker pens.
Next, get your pieces of paper and your list of self care ideas. What you’ll want to do is write down as many self care ideas as you can onto the paper, as we’re going to cut this up, fold it, and place them into the jar when you’re done. Use whichever ideas spark joy in you, and avoid any that you don’t like. Remember, it’s your jar, so use it on your terms!
If you have different colored paper, you can use this to section out different types of ideas in your self care jar. Some different ways to organize your ideas include:
- Physical, mental health, spiritual self care ideas
- At-home or outside the home self care ideas
- Free, inexpensive, or more expensive self care ideas
- Quick, regular, and all-day self care ideas (try some of these 5 minute self care ideas)
Once you’re done writing, cut or rip up the sheets of paper so you have a new self care idea on every piece. Now we’re going to fold them up, place them inside the jar, and close the lid.
When you’re ready for a self care moment, reach into your jar. Pull out the first idea you see and start working on it! It might be anything from putting your favorite pajamas on to baking a recipe, depending on what you choose to put in the jar.
You can decide whether to either put ideas back in the jar after you’re done with them or remove them to keep all the ideas fresh.
And that’s pretty much it!
50+ of the best DIY self care jar ideas
Maybe the hardest part of making a self care jar is thinking of all the ideas to put inside it! Fear not though, I have soooooo many self care activity ideas and self care tips.
Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:
- Bake your favorite cookie recipe
- Make your own self care box
- Say some self love or positive affirmations out loud
- Have a wellness day
- Enjoy a slow morning
- Binge watch some TV
- Declutter your living space
- Write in a self care journal
- Write a manifestation list
- Enjoy an at-home spa day
- Listen to a podcast
- Plan and host a self care party
- Enjoy your lunch outside
- Diffuse some essential oils
- Catch up with your favorite YouTube channels
- Take a self care bath
- Use a face mask
- Add something to a gratitude jar
- Enjoy some guilt-free social media time
- Design a fun print on Canva
- Dance around the living room
- Plan a solo date
- Re-watch your favorite movie
- Send a thank you note to a loved one
- Make a list of self care gift ideas to treat yourself to
- Do a full skincare routine
- Read a short story
- Plan your next self care day
- Watch some funny Reels or TikTok videos
- Write in your gratitude journal (see my journal prompts for ideas!)
- Choose something of your choice off your self care menu
- Do something crafty
- Plan a self care weekend
- Buy a new sticker or printable on Etsy
- Have a pedicure
- Plan a digital declutter session
- Call or text a friend
- Go for a walk around the block
- Make a self care vision board
- Donate money or your time to a charity of your choice
- Order take out
- Enjoy a manicure
- Explore a new hobby
- Buy something from your Amazon wishlist
- Write a gratitude list
- Make an upbeat playlist
- Get cozy with a new book
- Color or doodle
- Revamp your bedroom or living space
- Light a candle
Want even more ideas? If you subscribe to my weekly newsletter in the box below you’ll get a copy of my ultimate list of self care ideas — it’s a printable guide that you can download, print, and use to help you make your self care jar.
Embrace doing little things for yourself with your new self care jar
A self care jar can be a great way to encourage you to embrace more self care moments in your life. I hope this guide shows you how easy the process can be, so you can create your own self care jar for little moments of self care in your everyday.
