These 25 Gifts Are Stress Relievers
It goes without saying that the holidays can be stressful. From dealing with family drama to trying to juggle everything on the to-do list, the merriest time of year can be the hardest time of the year, too. So, when it comes to gifting this season, why not shower your family and friends with items that will provide some sweet relief during the holidays and beyond.
Think of these presents as the gifts that truly keep on giving. Whether it's a diffuser for aromatherapy, an eye mask to aid in sleep, or even bath salts for a nice, soothing soak, these products can be used year-round for some R&R. Take a look at some of our picks below—and the best part is that these gifts are so universal, that pretty much anyone on your list will be happy to receive them.
1. Vitruvi Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser
We love talking about the benefits of essential oils here—so, of course a diffuser had to be at the top of our list. The act of diffusing certain essential oils can help relieve stress and anxiety, and work as a sleep aid. The Vitruvi porcelain diffuser is one of our favorites: It's sleek, runs for up to seven hours, and has an automatic shut-off function.
2. Parachute Sateen Sheet Set (Queen)
What can be better (and more calming) than slipping into a fresh pair of sheets? It's a luxury that everyone can get behind (or into). This sateen set from Parachute is silky soft and comes with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases.
3. Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
There's something about a sleep mask that feels so luxurious—or is it just me? Whenever I wear one, I feel like Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, but with more bedhead. As glamorous as this mask is, it also does a good job of blocking out any light that might disrupt sleep.
4. Lululemon The Reversible Mat 5mm
Working out can be a stress reliever—especially yoga. Help your friend keep up their practice with a new mat, like this classic one from Lululemon.
5. Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts
A bath can be a healing experience. Gift someone these bath salts that are a mixture of Himalayan pink sea salts, ylang ylang, and vanilla oil.
6. YnM Weighted Blanket
While there's not a lot of scientific studies about the effects of weighted blankets, many people believe they can soothe and comfort. Gift this to the person in your life who needs some help in the sleep department.
7. Pine & Eucalyptus Scented Home Candle
We swear this candle is nothing like the "Christmas Candle" in that hilarious SNL sketch with Emma Stone. Whoever you gift this to would be silly to give it away—they'll be lighting it whenever they need a calm moment.
8. Taylors of Harrogate Classic Tea Variety Box
The ritual of having a cup of tea can be so soothing. This set comes with 48 servings of tea with English breakfast, earl grey, decaffeinated breakfast, lemon and orange, pure assam, green tea with jasmine, organic peppermint, and organic chamomile.
9. Sagely Naturals Stress Treatment CBD Roll-on
For your friend who's obsessed with the calming effects of CBD, gift them this roll-on that's formulated to treat stress. It also contains lavender oil and bergamot oil.
10. Eberjey Alpine Chic Reversible Modal-Jersey and Fleece Robe
Sometimes a quick way to unwind from the pressures of the day is to change out of your work clothes, get in a cozy robe, and just veg. So might we suggest giving your friend or family member this ultra-cozy jersey and fleece robe?
11. Versed Look Alive Hydrating Plumping Mask
A face mask makes a great stocking stuffer, and it's a stress-reliever to boot. And after all of the indulging and activity of the holiday season, this hydrating mask will help soothe skin.
12. I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal
Journaling can be a powerful form of self-care. This hardcover journal has mindfulness exercises to help slow down and reflect.
13. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
We can't all have a live-in masseuse, but you can get your loved ones the next best thing to that. This back massager is highly rated on Amazon with over 9000 ratings and 4.5 stars. It provides a deep-tissue massage and has a heating function to soothe muscles even more.
14. Apple AirPods Pro
Okay, you might be thinking, "How are AirPods relaxing?!" But, actually, when used correctly, they can be. How else will someone be able to listen to guided meditations?
15. Nee-Doh Dohzee
While this isn't exactly a novel idea for a stress-relief gift, a stress ball really does help. This oversize ball can be kneaded, thrown, and squished. It's the perfect stocking stuffer.
16. Moon Juice The Full Moon Sachets
Okay, it might seem weird gifting someone supplements, but the products from Moon Juice come highly recommended by our editors who've tried them. This variety pack of sachets targets stress while transforming skin, mood, and more.
17. Sleepy Jones Marina PJ Set
The softest pair of pajamas can help make any bedtime ritual a little better. It doesn't get more classic and cozy than a flannel set.
18. Feelmore Labs Cove
This wearable has "stress-cancelling" technology. When you wear it, you'll feel gentle vibrations behind your ears, which will help regulate anxiety. It also has sleep benefits, too.
19. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book
Adult coloring books have been trending for a few years now because of their relaxation benefits. Whether it's for a friend who already has a few at home, or for a family member who hasn't had a coloring book since elementary school, this one is best gifted with a nice set of coloring pencils.
20. Homedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa
This foot spa is almost like having pedicure services on speed dial. This one comes with toe-touch controls so they can adjust the temperature and jets with their toes. It also has a splash guard to avoid any messes.
21. Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion
Another one for the CBD enthusiasts in your life: Lord Jones's body lotion will soothe and restore dry and red skin. It also contains shea butter (for moisturizing) and menthyl ethylamido oxalate (for cooling).
22. Body Back Scalp Massager/Head Massager
I don't know about you, but just looking at this scalp massager gives me that tingly feeling on my head. It's a total instant relaxer, and at $5, you can get one for everyone on your list.
23. Nordstrom Fair Isle Cashmere Blend Socks
Just like the robe above, a pair of cozy socks can provide some comfort after a long day, especially when it's chilly outside. These 100% cashmere socks are made just for sleep time.
24. Mount Lai De-Puffing Jade Facial Roller
For your friend who takes her skincare and self-care routines seriously, this jade face roller helps de-puff and relieves facial and jaw tension.
25. Urban Outfitters Huggable Llama Cooling + Heating Pad
It looks like a stuffed animal, but this llama heating and cooling pad is for the adults. Microwave it for warmth, or freeze it to chill out. It's also filled with lavender for a calming scent.
Next up: These Will Be the Hottest Wellness Gifts This Year, According to Pinterest
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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