Little Treats, Big Joy

By Kat La Mantia | August 1 2024 | GeneralAllGiftBlogAdults

Life is hard. Stress piles on us all, from macro factors like election season and climate change to the everyday grind of getting through the days. Sometimes the only antidote that feels within reach is indulging in a little treat.

“Little treat culture” is all over social media, encouraging us to take our joy where we can find it as an act of self-care. Small luxuries that make us smile without breaking the bank are crucial. In fact, “joy” often tops the charts as the main factor that drives purchases, dominating other considerations like trendiness and premium quality.

Retail therapy is real, but concerns about overconsumption are, too. TikTok is full of users who are tired of being served ads by algorithms and influencers for products. No, we don’t want fridge organizers we’ll never use, or cheaply made fast fashion. Budgets are tight, and plastic is filling the ocean. So what do we want? Happiness.

We’ve curated a list of 100 books and gifts that spark joy. With bright colors, positive vibes, and a one-of-a-kind feel, these little treats are guaranteed to make you smile!

Discover your next “treat yourself” fave, whether it’s an invitation to engage in some fandom-fueled nostalgic play with paper dolls that allow you to swap between your favorite Taylor Swift era looks, adorable tiny hedgehogs delivering some big life advice, a sweet and aesthetic Peter Rabbit tote bag, or whimsical mushroom stickers perfect for decorating any water bottle or laptop!

Explore All 100 Little Treats

A Taylor Swift paper doll book featuring her iconic eras
9781923049765
Dress up Taylor in her most iconic fits with this illustrated press-out paper doll book.
$16.95 US
Oct 08, 2024
8-1/2 x 11
Paperback
32 Pages
Smith Street Books

The Official Guide to Love, Friendship, and Coffee
9780593849569
Take a self-care trip to Stars Hollow with this collection of life lessons from the Gilmore Girls
$14.99 US
Sep 17, 2024
5-1/16 x 7
Hardcover
128 Pages
DK

Hedgehugs and Happiness for When Life Feels Prickly
9780593582190
The perfect little pick-me-up and motivational hedgehog high five we all need, with full-color photographs and encouraging, self-care messages of mindfulness from an adorable little hedgehog.
$16.00 US
Oct 22, 2024
5-1/2 x 7
Hardcover
96 Pages
Ink & Willow

500-Piece Puzzle
9781963183061
Satisfy your craving to build something tasty with this 500-piece jigsaw puzzle celebrating Whataburger!
$29.95 US
Oct 22, 2024
8-4/5 x 11
Game
Blue Star Press

9780593896129
The Very Hungry Caterpillar bookmark
$4.00 US
Aug 14, 2024
Merchandise
Out of Print

9780593581759
For the first time ever, fans of Maya Angelou have creative space to write their own masterpieces alongside quotes from the phenomenal poet, memoirist, activist, and actor in this elegant and evocative journal.
$17.99 US
Sep 03, 2024
5-11/16 x 8-1/8
Hardcover
192 Pages
Clarkson Potter

9781536238389
A beautiful postcard set companion to the stunningly curated FungariumThis collection of fifty stylish postcards features Katie Scott’s stunning illustrations of fungi. Vividly capturing the beauty and complexity of fungi, these postcards are perfect for sending to friends, gifting to loved ones, or pinning on your wall.
$17.99 US
Sep 03, 2024
5-1/16 x 6-7/8
Cards
50 Pages
Big Picture Press
Age All

A Journal
9780593579701
This guided journal features 365 quotes, jokes, and prompts to make you smile every single day—part of the bestselling Do One Thing Every Day journal series.
$12.95 US
Dec 05, 2023
4-1/2 x 5-3/4
Paperback
368 Pages
Clarkson Potter

928 Astrology Stickers from Aries to Pisces: Stickers for Journals, Water Bottles, Laptops, Planners, and More
9780593233344
Broadcast your sun sign and celebrate other facets of your star chart with this book of 928 astrology-themed stickers.
$14.00 US
Sep 28, 2021
6 x 7
Paperback
80 Pages
Clarkson Potter

9780593749579
Curl up with a good book.Product Details • Set of 2 pins• Brass with black nickel finish• Weight: 0.15 ounces• 1 inch in diameter
$19.00 US
May 05, 2020
4-1/2 x 3
Merchandise
Out of Print

9781925811186
This zoological and photographic odyssey documents the cutest, cuddliest, and silliest animals of all time, to brighten up the days of humans across the world.
$14.95 US
Sep 03, 2019
6-1/4 x 7-1/4
Hardcover
96 Pages
Smith Street Books

A Coloring Book of Little Wins and Miniature Masterpieces
9780143137856
From bestselling author Johanna Basford, a charming, pocket-sized coloring book that invites artists to create satisfying and simple masterpieces
$16.00 US
Nov 07, 2023
6 x 8
Adult Coloring Book
80 Pages
Penguin Life

Stories From the Best of Humanity
9781426223464
Embrace—and share—the transformative power of kindness through stories of more than one hundred GOOD PEOPLE, brought to you by Upworthy, the beloved social media platform where millions find inspiration, joy, and daily affirmation.
$28.00 US
Sep 03, 2024
6 x 8-1/2
Hardcover
320 Pages
National Geographic