10 Gift Ideas to Help Reduce Stress & Anxiety (that people will actually want!)
by Allison Soffar, on Nov 30, 2021 9:14:39 PM
The holiday season is the most magical time of year. The joy of giving gifts and spending quality time with family creates lasting memories that we cherish forever. However, the holidays can be equally stressful for everyone. It can often be hard to know what to buy our loved ones, and our busy schedules often limit the time we have to come up with the perfect gift.
In addition, many of us know someone who deals with anxiety. However, buying our loved ones meaningful gifts that encourage positive mental health can also be challenging. For that reason, we made a list of ten gift ideas that can not only alleviate the stress of buying presents but also reduce the anxiety of our loved ones. These gift ideas will make our loved ones happy and help them relax in their daily lives.
The Glows Pro white noise sound machine is the perfect gift for anyone who struggles to fall asleep. The compact machine features 31 total soothing sounds from white noise to nature. Anyone who receives a white noise sound machine this holiday season will appreciate it every night before drifting off to sleep.
Play-Doh may possibly be one of the most underrated products for childhood development. In addition to allowing children to express their creativity, Play-Doh offers the opportunity for kids to safely engage in sensory play. The classic product is a great gift for kids because it’s both relaxing and engaging.
3. Aromatherapy Diffuser
Just as the white noise sound machine can help relieve anxiety through its soothing noise, aromatherapy diffusers do the same with their smells. Whether you choose a diffuser that uses incense or essential oils, the aromatherapeutic scents can provide our loved ones with a sense of calm. In addition, some products, such as Grove’s Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser, also emit a soothing ambient light.
Weighted blankets have been proven to help ease anxiety when going to bed. That’s because the extra weight on the blanket applies pressure to the body and simulates a feeling of being hugged. The snugness of weighted blankets makes them a great gift idea to give loved ones a better night’s sleep.
5. Mental Health Lifestyle Books
Until recent years, mental health has been unfortunately overlooked by mainstream culture. Therefore, books that provide valuable information on mental health make fantastic gifts. One example is The Creative Coping Toolkit: The Book by iNDIEFLIX CEO Scilla Andreen. This book helps people of all ages connect with loved ones and express their feelings through 10 simple activities.
6. Big Feelings Pineapple
The Big Feelings Pineapple is the perfect gift to promote emotional health at an early age. The 26 different face pieces help teach children the important nuances of social-emotional learning. Because the ability to accurately communicate feelings can be complicated for people of all ages, having Big Feelings Pineapple at a young age can provide lifelong benefits.
7. Textured Stuffed Animal
Teddy bears are classic toys for a reason. The soft texture of stuffed animals provides kids comfort for any occasion. As simple as it seems, textured stuffed animals make great holiday gifts that greatly reduce anxiety in children.
8. Epsom Salt
There’s no better way to end the day than with a relaxing Epsom salt bath. The soothing sea salt is perfect for easing stress at the end of a long day. The calming sensation of Epsom salt makes it a great gift for someone with anxiety.
9. Journal
Although a journal may be the simplest gift on this list, it may also be one of the most beneficial. The fast-paced nature of daily life often gives us no time to reflect on our thoughts. With life seemingly moving at a million miles an hour, getting someone a journal for the holidays helps promote positive reflection. Journaling is a great coping mechanism for anxiety, as it allows people to get intrusive thoughts out of their heads and onto paper.
10. Affirmation Cards
This mindful deck helps you reinforce positive thoughts. This is the perfect gift for those who are seeking resources and tools for optimism and encouragement. Affirmation cards are a great tool for boosting positivity, as they act as prompts to connect with your inner self, ask questions and remind yourself of the positives in your life. These cards are a great way to build a positive routine focused on self-love and
confidence.
The holidays can be a challenging time, we hope that these 10 gift ideas help reduce that stress for everyone involved. Each of these gift ideas are great to help both you and your loved ones relax this holiday season and beyond. The gift of positive mental health is priceless, and the benefits will be appreciated for a lifetime.