The little luxuries that make you feel pampered every time you use them

If somebody handed you twenty-five bucks and said "go buy yourself something nice," how would you spend it?

This morning in the shower I used a body wash that smells like heaven. Or, more precisely, like violet leaf, pepper, and sandalwood. One reviewer said the scent evokes “the bark of a redwood tree and of the sound of streams of clear water trickling nearby.” What a way to start your morning, right?

This body wash (which I purchased several times before it was phased out, sniff) was initially a gift from a friend who loved her own purchase so much she just had to share—and so she bought one for me. This friend introduces me to all kinds of great stuff I would never find without her, because she has a practiced eye for finding what she calls “little luxuries.” She finds deep satisfaction in uncovering small indulgences that are undoubtedly a splurge but don’t break the bank, and make you feel pampered every time you use them.

Finding these special things is almost like a game for my friend. She revels in finding those quotidian items that are particularly good, and if they’re not particularly well known, so much the better—the discovery process accounts for much of the enjoyment. She loves nothing more than to scoop up an accessible extravagance that delivers an outsize amount of joy for the expense. Was that special body wash much more expensive than the stuff you can (and I often do) buy by the quart at Target? Yes. But does it, for ten minutes, make me feel like I’m living my best spa life? Absolutely.

When we’re talking about little luxuries, we’re not talking about the kinds of purchases that Consumer Reports or Wirecutter advise you purchase as a “best value.” No, we’re dealing in far more idiosyncratic territory, because for something to feel luxurious it has to feel appreciated—by you. The value comes from the joy it brings you, whatever it is. Period.

For my friend, a little luxury might look like a new hair mask that makes not just a discernible but an incredible difference in her hair, or an inexpensive eye mask that delivers great bang for the buck, or the absolute best dried fruit for her charcuterie board, or tiny tea lights exactly right for the season, or a lip gloss in the exact shade she’s always wanted, from a brand with not only a great product but beautiful packaging. She’s willing to pay an extra few bucks for the packaging, because this item is more than serviceable to her: it’s a luxury.

My luxuries are different: I love lip gloss and hair masks and fancy dried lemons, but you know what else I really love? Costco delivery. On a busy day that feels like the height of luxury.

Sometimes, in that Don’t Overthink It-style spirit of experimentation, I’ve tried some things I expected to feel luxurious, only to discover I just really don’t care that much. Last year I ordered a box of BEST OF YOUR LIFE assorted California citrus, because I adore citrus fruit. I discovered that this supposed best of class grapefruit—even though I REALLY love grapefruit—just doesn’t do it for me. But for some people this same box of citrus would make their entire winter.

Your little luxuries—whether you’re enjoying them in the present tense or dreaming about future possibilities—will be uniquely yours. That’s why this topic makes for such interesting conversation!

When you wish to selectively choose a strategic splurge—or if somebody handed you twenty-five bucks and said “go buy yourself something nice,” how would you spend it?

P.S. We’ve talked before about the closely related idea of simple abundance. That post and its comments section—along with the ongoing comments I receive from you, all these years later—are one of my very favorite things in Modern Mrs Darcy history! Read that post here: you’ll be glad you did.

The little luxuries that make you feel pampered every time you use them

If somebody handed you twenty-five bucks and said "go buy yourself something nice," how would you spend it?

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Find your next read with:

100 Book recommendations for every mood

100 Book recommendations
for every mood