Anxiety is a widespread mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can show up as constant worry, nervousness, and a general sense of fear. It can be hard to watch someone you care about struggle with anxiety, but one of the best ways to support them is to understand what they’re going through.
Thoughtful gifts can also make a difference. The right present can promote calm and relaxation, which can significantly improve someone’s well-being. The best gifts offer an opportunity to unwind and de-stress.
If you’re looking for anxiety gifts for her, you’ve come to the right place. This article explores a variety of gift ideas designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation in individuals experiencing anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
We all feel anxious from time to time. But for some people, anxiety isn’t just an occasional worry or fear. It’s a feeling of unease that sticks around and gets in the way of daily life. It can be tough to focus, hard to sleep, and you might feel restless, tired, and irritable. Your muscles might feel tense, too.
When anxiety gets to this level, it might be an anxiety disorder. Here are a few:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Phobias
If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional. A therapist can help you learn ways to manage your anxiety and feel better.
The gifts we’re going to talk about in this article can be a nice way to offer comfort and support to someone with anxiety. But they aren’t a substitute for professional help. If you’re concerned about your anxiety, please reach out to a mental health expert.
How to choose the right anxiety gifts
Buying a gift for someone with anxiety can be tricky. Here are some guiding principles to help you make the right choice:
- Personalize it. The gift should reflect her interests and preferences. A generic gift might miss the mark.
- Focus on relaxation and self-care. Prioritize gifts that promote relaxation and stress reduction. Think calming activities and cozy comfort.
- Think about sensory experiences. Gifts that engage the senses in a calming way can be especially effective. Consider aromatherapy, soft textures, or soothing sounds.
- Make it practical. Choose functional gifts that can be easily incorporated into daily life. The more useful the gift, the more appreciated it will be.
- Go for quality. If you’re considering something like CBD oil, prioritize high-quality products from reputable brands.
- Ensure safety and suitability. Double-check that the gift is safe and appropriate for her needs and health conditions. For example, weighted blankets have weight recommendations, so be sure to consider them.
Sensory Gifts for Anxiety Relief
For some people, managing anxiety means finding ways to engage their senses in calming ways. Here are some gift ideas that do just that.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets provide deep pressure therapy, which can ease anxiety and help you relax. The idea is that gentle, distributed pressure signals the brain to calm down and can help you feel grounded and safe.
Some research suggests that deep pressure therapy may increase the levels of serotonin and melatonin in your brain. Those hormones are associated with happiness and sleep. At the same time, deep pressure therapy may lower the level of cortisol, the stress hormone.
One popular option is the Bearaby Cotton Napper. Its knitted design helps keep you cool, and it’s made of breathable organic cotton, so you won’t overheat.
Aromatherapy Diffusers and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy diffusers can create a relaxing atmosphere by filling the air with soothing scents. It can be a great way to set a mood and create a calming space, especially if you find it hard to wind down after a long day.
Some popular essential oils known for their calming properties include lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. But really, any scent that makes you feel good can be helpful!
The Neom Wellbeing Pod is a popular aromatherapy diffuser that can help create a peaceful environment.
Therapy Dough
Therapy dough gives you a tactile sensory experience that can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s like a grown-up version of play dough that you can squish, roll, and mold to your heart’s content. The repetitive motion can be surprisingly soothing.
Comfort and relaxation gifts
When you’re looking for a gift for someone with anxiety, you can’t go wrong with a gift that brings relaxation and comfort. Here are some ideas.
Sleep masks
Sleep masks are a simple way to block out light and create a darker sleep environment, which can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. If you know someone who struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep because of light, a sleep mask could be a thoughtful gift.
The Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask is a popular option. It’s designed to provide gentle pressure, mimicking the calming effect of a weighted blanket. This can help promote relaxation and ease anxiety.
Cozy pajamas
Comfortable pajamas can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. When you’re feeling anxious, slipping into a soft, cozy pair of pajamas can be a simple way to signal to your body that it’s time to relax and unwind.
The Eberjey Gisele Tencel Modal Rib Relaxed Short PJ Set is a luxurious and comfortable option. Made from a soft, breathable fabric, these pajamas are designed to feel gentle against the skin. They’re a gift that says, “Take some time for yourself and relax.”
Calming teas
Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender have calming properties that can help ease anxiety. A warm cup of tea can be a soothing ritual that helps you relax and unwind after a long day.
The Vahdam Assorted Herbal Tea Variety Pack offers a variety of calming herbal teas, including chamomile, lavender, and mint. With a range of flavors to choose from, this variety pack is a great way to introduce someone to the benefits of herbal tea for anxiety relief.
Mindful Activities and Journaling Gifts
Many people find that focusing on the present moment can really help to calm the mind. Gifts that encourage mindful activities and journaling can be a thoughtful way to support someone experiencing anxiety.
Anxiety Journals
Sometimes, the best way to deal with anxiety is to process your thoughts and feelings in a productive way. Journaling offers a safe space to explore what’s going on inside your head, reduce anxiety, and boost self-awareness.
One particularly popular option is The Five Minute Journal. It’s designed to encourage gratitude and mindfulness by helping you set intentions for the day and reflect on your experiences.
Planners
When your thoughts are racing, it can feel impossible to get organized. A good planner can help manage anxiety by providing a structure for your thoughts and helping you manage your time effectively. This can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
The Hobonichi Techo is a beautiful “life book” that allows you to strategize your goals and plan your days in a way that feels both inspiring and manageable. It’s a popular choice for anyone who loves stationery and mindful planning.
Books on Mindfulness and Anxiety
There are tons of great books out there that offer practical strategies for managing anxiety. Two that come to mind are Declutter Your Mind: How to Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Thinking: and The Highly Sensitive Person’s Workbook. Both are full of helpful tips and exercises for calming the mind and navigating anxiety-provoking situations.
Give the gift of experience
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things at all, but experiences. For someone living with anxiety, the right experience can be an amazing gift.
Spa days and massages
Experiences designed to relax and promote wellness, such as aromatherapy massages or hot stone therapy, can be especially welcome for someone with anxiety. Give her the gift of pampering and peace!
Yoga and meditation classes
Encourage mindfulness and relaxation with a gift certificate for yoga or meditation classes, or even explore a chakra meditation script. These practices can help her learn to manage stress and anxiety in the long term.
Sound baths
Sound baths are deeply relaxing and meditative experiences. The soothing sounds and vibrations can help calm the mind and ease tension.
Creative workshops
Pottery, painting, or other creative workshops can provide a much-needed distraction from anxious thoughts and promote self-expression. Plus, she’ll have a cool new skill to show off!
Tech-Enabled Gifts for Anxiety Management
Technology can be a real asset when managing anxiety. Here are a few tech-forward gift ideas that can help:
Sunrise Alarm Clocks
Waking up abruptly can trigger anxiety first thing in the morning. Sunrise alarm clocks can help regulate sleep patterns and ease you into the day by mimicking a natural sunrise.
Consider: The Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock gently wakes you up with a sunrise simulation and calming sounds.
Eye Massagers
Tension often manifests around the eyes, but products like Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Cream can provide relief. Eye massagers can help relieve that tension and promote relaxation.
Consider: The Renpho Eyeris Eye Massager provides a relaxing massage experience that can help ease stress.
Stress Relief Supplements
While not strictly “tech,” supplements formulated to reduce stress can be a great addition to an anxiety-management toolkit.
Consider: Ritual Stress Relief Supplement. It may help with promoting a calmer headspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to give a person who has anxiety?
When choosing a gift for someone with anxiety, it’s important to focus on items that promote relaxation, comfort, and self-care. Good options include weighted blankets, aromatherapy diffusers with calming essential oils (like lavender or chamomile), cozy robes or pajamas, mindfulness journals, coloring books for adults, and stress balls or fidget toys. Experiences like spa days or yoga classes can also be thoughtful gifts.
What is a good gift for someone with anxiety?
A good gift for someone with anxiety is one that helps them manage stress and promote a sense of calm. Consider a subscription box tailored to self-care, a white noise machine to create a peaceful sleep environment, or a gift certificate for a massage or acupuncture session. Anything that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and taking time for themselves is generally a well-received and helpful gift.
Ultimately, the best gift is one that shows you understand and support the person’s needs. Think about what they find comforting and what helps them cope with their anxiety. Even a simple, heartfelt gesture like a handwritten note expressing your support can make a significant difference.
The Bottom Line
When a loved one is dealing with anxiety, a thoughtful gift, such as a crystal bracelet for depression, can bring a little comfort and support to their day.
We’ve covered a lot of ground here, from sensory gifts that soothe to comfort items that bring a sense of peace. Mindful activities can help ground someone in the present moment, while experience gifts can offer a welcome distraction. And let’s not forget the tech-enabled solutions that can provide practical help.
The best way to make a gift truly special is to think about the person you’re giving it to. What are their favorite things? What helps them relax? What are their specific needs when they’re feeling anxious? Tailoring your gift to their unique preferences will make it even more meaningful and impactful, showing them that you truly care and understand what they’re going through.