Living Well 42 Therapist-Approved Wellness Gifts to Give Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season Gifts guaranteed to help friends and family feel comfy, cozy, and cared for By Hannah Owens, LMSW Hannah Owens, LMSW Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 17, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Mind / Jaclyn Mastropasqua The term “wellness” gets thrown around an awful lot these days—but what does it really mean? Maybe your “wellness” is an act of self-care, like treating yourself to a spa day. Or maybe your “wellness” is something you do for your mental health, like writing in a journal. And if you want to support the wellness of a friend or family member? What’s their “wellness”? With the holidays coming up, we’ve assembled a collection of 42 gifts with an eye toward wellness, curated by a real-life therapist. Does your best friend have ADHD? We’ve got some great fidget toys. Does your mom have trouble sleeping? Why not get her a silky sleep mask or a white noise machine? Read on for our 42 best wellness gifts for anyone you know who needs a boost this holiday season. Sleep Does someone in your life struggle with getting a good night’s sleep? Try these seven gift ideas for your favorite sleep-deprived friend. Best Sound Machine Hatch Sound Machine Amazon View On Amazon $130 View On Hatch.co Why We Chose It Sometimes, all we need is a little quiet distraction to set our minds at ease and fall asleep quickly, and the Hatch Restore white noise machine provides exactly that. With both nature sounds and white noise (constant staticky sounds that are soothing to the ear), the Hatch Restore makes it easy to drift off. For access to meditations, sleep stories, and soundscapes as well, Hatch offers a membership through its app that’ll give your sleepy loved one an even wider array of resources. Best Sunrise Alarm Clock Winshine Touch Wake Up Night Light Amazon View On Amazon $29 Why We Chose It For centuries, humans woke up naturally as the sun rose—but our modern-day alarm clocks and phone alarms have put a stop to that. Waking up suddenly is not only unpleasant, but it's actually against our nature! The Winshine Touch Wake Up Night Light with Sunrise Simulation provides a steadily increasing glow over the course of a half hour, mimicking the sun and letting your body wake up slowly and healthily. So if you know someone who struggles to get out of bed in the morning, this light is sure to help. Best Sleep App Calm App Subscription View On Calm.com Why We Chose It Does someone you love need a new sleep routine? Maybe they spend hours doom-scrolling on social media or lie awake at night going over every little mistake they made that day. Calm is an app that can help with anyone’s sleep hygiene, with before-bed meditations and sleep stories that lull you off into dreamland in just a few minutes. When we tried Calm, we never heard the end of our favorite sleep story—so we know for sure it works! In fact, we liked Calm so much that we included it in our 2023 Online Therapy + Wellness Awards. A gift card to Calm includes a year’s subscription and access to its entire library of sleep resources. As of November 2023, Calm is offering a sale of 50% off new annual Calm Premium subscriptions. I Tried the Calm App to Help Improve My Sleep Habits Best Sleep Mask Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask Revolve View On Amazon $50 View On Nordstrom $50 View On Lunya.co Why We Chose It Sometimes, our bodies need a physical reminder that it’s time to go to sleep—and that’s where sleep eye masks come in. The Lunya washable silk sleep mask is soft and plushy, making it super comfortable, and the fact that it’s washable means no worries about it getting gunky and gross. Best Body Pillow Buffy Body Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $69 View On Buffy Why We Chose It Know someone who’s a side sleeper but can never get comfortable? This is the gift for them. The Buffy Cloud body pillow is perfect for people who need more support when they’re lying in bed, making it easier to fall asleep. This body pillow is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free too, so your sensitive and vegan friends can rest assured (pun intended) that this is a great option. Best Cooling Sheets Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set Amazon View On Amazon $160 View On Oliveandcrate.com Why We Chose It Do you have a friend or family member who runs hot and can never get comfortable when they’re sleeping because of night sweats and humidity? Look no further—the Olive + Crate cooling eucalyptus sheet set is here to save the day. Guaranteeing that you won’t overheat in the night by providing moisture-wicking action that’s cool and hygienic, these sheets are perfect for your hot-blooded loved one. Best Mattress Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress Casper View On Amazon $2,340 View On Wayfair $1,995 View On Nordstrom $2,495 Why We Chose It Can your significant other never get comfortable in bed? Maybe you need a new mattress. The Casper Nova hybrid mattress provides memory foam support while also keeping you cool and dry during the night, and its special feature is pressure relief, so your partner can finally get the good night’s sleep they deserve. Though this would definitely be a splurge because of the price tag, if you can swing it, it might just be a hit! Anxiety, Stress, and Focus Know someone who’s stressed or dealing with anxiety? Try these 13 gift ideas for the worry-wart in your life. Best Fidget Ring JZMSJF S925 Sterling Silver Spinner Fidget Rings Amazon View On Amazon $29 Why We Chose It This is a great gift for someone who would benefit from a fidget toy but who wants to keep their fidgeting subtle. Specially designed for people with ADHD, anxiety, and autism, this sterling silver fidget ring has a center that spins and nine different designs that cater to the one you love. From mantras like “Just breathe” and “This too shall pass” to cute embossed designs of bunnies and paw prints, you’re sure to find a ring that strikes a chord with your loved one. Best Fidget Toy for ADHD Tangle Jr. Fidget Toy Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Walmart $40 View On Tanglecreations.com Why We Chose It Know someone who always needs something to do with their hands? The Tangle original fidget toy is perfect for those who can’t sit still or who always need to be moving, and can be especially helpful for those with ADHD who need some outside stimulation to focus best. You can take apart and recombine these toys, which makes for a wide variety of ways to stay occupied, and they’re great for both kids and adults. Best for Stress Vive Therapy Putty Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Vivehealth.com Why We Chose It Slime is a big thing nowadays, but what if I told you there was a slime specifically designed for stress relief? That’s Vive Therapy Putty. Sold in a pack of four with four different resistance levels (from extra soft to firm), you’re guaranteed to find a putty that helps your loved one de-stress and relax. They’re made from non-toxic and odorless silicone, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess—perfect for stressed kids and adults alike. Best Weighted Blanket Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket Sleep Number View On Sleepnumber.com Why We Chose It Weighted blankets have been shown to decrease anxiety and stress, making them a perfect gift for a loved one dealing with these issues. And we think the Sleep Number True Temp weighted blanket is the best choice. Despite being heavy, it’s designed to keep you cool, and you can choose either a 12-pound or 20-pound blanket (whichever is closer to 10% of the recipient’s body weight). It also comes with a removable quilted cover, making cleaning the blanket easy—one less thing for your stressed loved one to worry about. Best Meditation Retreat (That Won’t Break the Bank) Kadampa Meditation Center New York Kadampa View On Kadampanewyork.org Why We Chose It Got a loved one who’s into meditation? Why not send them on a meditation retreat? Kadampa Meditation Center, located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains in New York, offers classes and three- to five-day retreats that won’t break the bank. There are retreats for beginners, retreats focusing on healing, and even silent retreats, so no matter what your loved one needs, you can find a program that’s right for them. Perfect for anyone who needs a quiet weekend away! Best Meditation Retreats Best Aromatherapy for Anxiety Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $8 View On Planttherapy.com Why We Chose It Aromatherapy can be useful for relaxation, and research has shown lavender to be especially powerful against anxiety. So for anyone in your life who’s feeling particularly anxious, a bottle of Plant Therapy lavender essential oil could be a lifesaver. Whether they dab some on their wrists throughout the day or put some on their pillow before they go to sleep, this essential oil can be a great addition to anti-anxiety self-care. Best Aromatherapy for Stress Plant Therapy Worry Free Essential Oil Blend Amazon View On Amazon $18 Why We Chose It If you have someone in your life who’s a little bit stressed (like most of us are nowadays), Plant Therapy’s Worry Free essential oil blend will make a great stocking stuffer. With tried-and-true anti-stress scents including lavender, sweet marjoram, ylang ylang, Australian sandalwood, Roman chamomile, and balsam of Peru, this sweet, flowery blend can be used to combat stress during the day and help promote sound sleep at night. Best Aromatherapy for Focus Plant Therapy Rosemary Essential Oil Amazon View On Amazon $9 Why We Chose It The scent of rosemary has been shown to help with focus, so a bottle of Plant Therapy’s rosemary essential oil is a great gift for any student or hardworking breadwinner in your family. (And as a bonus, it’s great for your hair and scalp!) Best Essential Oil Diffuser ArOmis Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Aromis.co View On Etsy $90 Why We Chose It We know that aromatherapy can combat stress and improve your mood and your sleep, so why not fill the whole house with fragrance? The ArOmis essential oil diffuser is beautiful, made out of glass and wood, and is super easy to use—no water or heat necessary. So whether your friend or loved one needs to chill out with some lavender or improve their focus with rosemary, this is the diffuser for them. Aromatherapy Scents for Stress Relief Best for Therapy Talkspace Gift Card View On Talkspace.com Why We Chose It Cost is often the reason people cite for not seeking therapy, and for good reason—an average out-of-pocket therapy session can cost upwards of $200. That’s why a gift card to an online therapy service like Talkspace (one of our Online Therapy + Wellness Awards winners) can be such a great present. You can give your loved one a single 30-minute live therapy session or unlimited text therapy with guaranteed responses five days a week for a month, and all they have to do is answer a few questions before they can pick their therapist from a curated list. I'm a Therapist and I Tried Online Therapy at Talkspace: Is It Worth It? Best Journal for Anxiety The Anxiety Journal Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On Barnesandnoble.com $20 Why We Chose It This beautiful journal is a great choice for a friend or family member struggling with anxiety. It walks you through how to identify (and, therefore, knock the wind out of) anxiety symptoms, and offers easy and accessible exercises to combat anxiety and stress. Pages are lined with mental health-related quotes from philosophers like Socrates and Seneca, as well as information about how technology (like social media) can exacerbate anxiety—which is why an analog journal like this one is such a good tool. Best Journal for Focus L'Atelier Coworking The Focus Journal Amazon View On Amazon $20 Why We Chose It We could all use some help focusing in this busy world. So if you know someone who wants to take control of their schedule and make focus a priority, this is the journal for them. With undated pages that allow for bullet journaling, agenda setting, and productivity tracking, anyone can use this journal to make goals and work towards them in a way that doesn’t feel threatening by showing the date on every page. Plus, it comes in three colors (black, grey, and yellow), so you can personalize this journal to match its recipient’s personality right off the bat. Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones Amazon View On Walmart $379 View On Staples $383 View On B&H Photo Video $379 Why We Chose It With all the distractions out there nowadays, noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver when it comes to focus. These wireless Bose headphones fit over the ear completely, effectively blocking out sound while keeping your music, phone calls, and podcasts clear and sharp, and are Bluetooth-equipped with a built-in microphone. So whether your kid needs to quietly study for a quiz or your partner needs to get work done in a bustling office, these headphones will do the trick. Meditation and Mindfulness Whether your loved one is looking to up their meditation game or strengthen their mindfulness skills, these eight gifts have got you covered. Best Self-Care Journal Insight Editions Self-Care Amazon View On Amazon $5 View On Barnesandnoble.com $17 View On Insighteditions.com Why We Chose It “Self-care” can be a difficult term to nail down—what’s self-care for one person might be onerous for another. But "Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal" makes it easy to develop a personalized self-care routine. This 90-day guided journal offers mindfulness and relaxation prompts that are sure to soothe the friend or loved one you gift this to. Best Gratitude Journal Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal Amazon View On Amazon $6 Why We Chose It Practicing gratitude has been connected with higher levels of happiness and satisfaction, and has even been proven to help with sleep and the immune system. That’s what makes "Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal" such a great wellness gift. With prompts that encourage the writer to jot down things they’re thankful for, reflect on happy memories, and process the significance of the good things in their life, this 90-day guided journal is perfect for someone who could use a little lift every day. Best Mindfulness App Headspace Meditation App View On Headspace.com $70 Why We Chose It Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app designed to help the user develop coping skills for stress and anxiety, build an easy meditation practice, and simply live every day with more mindfulness—and in fact, we were so impressed with Headspace that we included it in our 2023 Online Therapy + Wellness Awards. So if you know someone who wants to dip their toe into meditation, Headspace is the perfect place to start. I'm a Therapist Who Tried Headspace to Help Conquer My Stress Best Yoga Blanket El Paso Designs Mexican Yoga Blanket View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $44 Why We Chose It Got a yogi in your life? Spice up their yoga routine with a Mexican yoga blanket from El Paso Designs. Handmade in Mexico, these blankets come in a variety of colors and are machine washable (a necessity after a sweaty yoga session). Best Yoga Mat Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat Amazon View On Aeromats.com Why We Chose It If your friend or family member is into yoga, this is the yoga mat for them. Super cushiony and comfy, the Aeromat Elite yoga/pilates mat is made of non-slip material and won’t stretch out as you use it. Plus, its affordable price beats out its competitors. Best Adult Coloring Book You're a Mother F*cking Badass: Motivational & Inspirational Swear Word Coloring Book for Adults Amazon View On Amazon $7 Why We Chose It If your loved one needs to let off some steam (and has a potty mouth), this is the adult coloring book for them. “You’re a Mother F*cking Badass” is 40 pages of positivity with a grown-up twist. And since coloring has been shown to help relieve stress, this book is perfect for the person in your life who’d get a kick out of relaxing while still swearing like a sailor. Best Meditation Cushion Florensi Meditation Cushion Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $40 View On Florensi.com Why We Chose It Sometimes it’s hard to get comfortable when you’re meditating—sitting cross-legged on the floor isn’t the best position for everyone. So if you know someone who needs some extra support as they chant “Ommmmmmm,” look no further than the Florensi large velvet meditation cushion. Stuffed with all-natural buckwheat hulls and foam padding for extra comfort, this cushion promotes good posture and takes the pressure off your body so you can focus on your meditation practice. Plus, it comes in six different colors, so it’s sure to complement your friend or family member’s interior decorating. Best Affirmation Card Deck Knock Knock Affirmators! 50 Affirmation Cards to Help You Help Yourself…Without the Self-Help-y-ness Amazon View On Amazon $20 Why We Chose It Affirmations can sometimes feel cheesy and insincere—you can only tell yourself “today is going to be a good day” so many times before it starts to feel like a lie. That’s where Affirmators! affirmation cards come in. Written by comedian Suzi Barrett, this pack of 50 cards puts a new twist on positivity that even the cynic in your life can relate to. Comfort and Self-Care These nine gifts will make any friend or family member feel comfy and cozy. Best Candles Homesick Candles Amazon View On Amazon View On Homesick.com $38 Why We Chose It Is your loved one missing their home state? Or maybe they’ve been pining for their favorite vacation destination, which they haven’t visited in a while? Enter: Homesick candles. These candles have specialized scents representing all 50 states and a bunch of cities and countries that are sure to bring up fond memories of any place. Homesick also has candles representing special occasions, like buying a new home. So whatever the circumstances, Homesick is sure to have you reminiscing in no time. Best Self-Care Subscription Box TheraBox Self Care Subscription Box TheraBox View On Mytherabox.com Why We Chose It If you know someone in your life who deserves some quality “me time,” TheraBox is the subscription box for them. Curated by therapists, these monthly boxes contain self-care items like skin care, candles, journals, and more, altogether valued at over $200. Every item is hand-picked, cruelty-free, and therapist recommended, so you can be sure that your loved one will get the most out of each box. Best Bathtime Subscription Box Bath Bevy Subscription Box Bath Bevy View On Bathbevy.com Why We Chose It Long, luxurious baths are the definition of comfort and relaxation, and Bath Bevy is here to make sure you do your bath right. This monthly subscription of bath necessities like bath bombs, bath salts, bubble baths, and sugar scrubs is perfect for anyone who could use a good pampering. Don’t have a bathtub? No worries—Bath Bevy also makes subscription boxes with shower-friendly goodies like body washes and whipped scrubs. Best Self-Care Subscription Boxes Best Plant Delivery Service The Bouqs Company The Bouqs Company View On Bouqs.com Why We Chose It Indoor plants have been shown to boost your mood and calm your nervous system, making them the perfect comforting gift for a friend or family member whose mental health could use a lift. The Bouqs Co. delivers all sorts of plants, from easy-to-care-for succulents to rare orchids—so even if your loved one lacks a green thumb, they’re sure to benefit from Bouqs’ wide selection. The Bouqs Co. also offers a subscription service, with new plants delivered to your doorstep every month. Best Light Therapy Lamp Verilux HappyLight Lucent Amazon View On Amazon $40 Why We Chose It Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is very real—and even if you don’t have a specific diagnosis, the colder, darker months of the year tend to make people feel gloomy and down. So if you know someone who gets the “winter blues,” the Verilux HappyLight light therapy lamp is sure to do the trick. With two different light settings (including 10,000 lux of light, the recommended dose for light therapy) and a compact design that can fit on any nightstand or work desk, this lamp will literally brighten your loved one’s day. Best Slippers Acorn Faux Chinchilla Collar Slipper Courtesy of Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Acorn.com Why We Chose It If you’ve got the kind of person in your life who needs to be comfortable above anything, the Acorn faux chinchilla collar slipper is a must. With a soft faux fur lining, insulating synthetic wool, and a durable sole that can be worn both inside and outside, these slippers are perfect for living in 24/7. Plus, they’re machine washable, so no worries about keeping them clean! Best Unisex Slippers Landeer Memory Foam Slippers Couple Style Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon Why We Chose It Who doesn’t love a great pair of slippers? Getting comfy before bed can help get you in the right mindset for sleep, and the Landeer memory foam slippers do the trick. Available in both men's and women's sizes and with 13 different colors to choose from, these slippers are both soft and supportive, providing cushioning for those who need more arch support and making it less painful to be on your feet for a while. So if your friend or family member would wear slippers 24/7 if they had the choice, these are the slippers for them! Best Fashion Slippers UGG Fluff Yeah Slide Amazon View On Nordstrom $40 View On Ugg.com $70 View On Macy's $70 Why We Chose It Have a fashionista in your life who doesn’t want to sacrifice style for comfort? These are the slippers for them. The UGG Fluff Yeah slides bring all the softness that the UGG brand is known for while still offering bright colors and that brand-name recognition that the fashion lover in your life is after. How to Relax Your Body and Mind Best Massager VIKTOR JURGEN Back Massager, Neck Massager with Heat Amazon View On Walmart $36 Why We Chose It Everyone loves a good massage—even better if you can get one in the comfort of your own home. That’s where the Viktor Jurgen back massager comes in. This small, powerful massager is designed specifically for head and neck massages, but can really be used anywhere; plus, it’s got built-in heat, making every massage that much better. Best for Partners Need a present for your significant other? Look no further than these five wellness gifts for that special someone. Best Card Deck We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $17 View On Walgreens $25 Why We Chose It Are you in a new relationship and want to learn more about your partner? Then try We’re Not Really Strangers, a card game focused on cultivating and deepening the meaningful relationships in your life. With 150 questions designed to bring you and your partner together, this game is a great way to spend a cozy holiday evening with your significant other. Best Date Ideas Book The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition Amazon View On Amazon $50 View On Target $50 View On Theadventurechallenge.com $50 Why We Chose It Sometimes, a little spontaneity can really liven up a relationship. So if you and your partner are in the mood for an adventure, look no further than "The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition." This book features 50 ideas for date nights that you can only uncover once you’ve scratched off the page, ranging in excitement from cozy (like visiting a bookstore together) to outrageous (like baking an apple pie blindfolded). And you can even write in the book like a journal afterward, documenting all your adventures together. Best Bathrobe Lands' End Women's Supima Cotton Long Robe Amazon View On Amazon View On Landsend.com $76 Why We Chose It Would your lady live in her pajamas if she had the choice? Add the Lands’ End women’s Supima cotton long robe to her leisure-wear collection. The company says it’s “designed to fit every body,” and it comes in petite, regular, and plus sizes. Available in solid colors or fun prints, this lightweight, 100% cotton robe is sure to be your partner’s new favorite thing. Best Book Eight Dates Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Barnesandnoble.com $23 Why We Chose It Every relationship benefits from clear communication, and the book "Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" helps couples out with important (and sometimes difficult) conversations. Written by two world-renowned marriage researchers and clinicians (who happen to be married to each other), this book draws on 40 years of research to help you and your partner talk about trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams. The 10 Best Relationship Books of 2022, According to an Expert Best Journal for Couples Uncommon Goods Personalized Anniversary Journal Uncommon Goods View On Uncommon Goods $130 Why We Chose It Recording happy memories with your partner has never been easier than with Uncommon Goods’ personalized anniversary journal. With four pages devoted to each anniversary from year one to year 60, you can write and add memorabilia (like ticket stubs) to every page, or use the plastic sleeves that are included to store photos. The embossed cover can be personalized with your names and the date of your anniversary, making it an even more special gift. Methodology We searched through hundreds of wellness items that have been tried, tested, and recommended by a wide variety of editors with expertise in each topic, and the final choices were hand-picked by a licensed therapist. We chose only the best-reviewed gift ideas to include in this guide, guaranteeing that each selection is the best of its kind. 6 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sleep Foundation. Weighted blanket benefits. Malcolm BJ, Tallian K. Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?. Ment Health Clin. 2018;7(4):147-155. doi:10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147 Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2020;23(9):1100-1112. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2020.45269.10541 Logan A. Expressing gratitude to improve health. Mayo Clinic Health System. Bobby J. Mental health benefits of coloring. Mayo Clinic Health System. Lee MS, Lee J, Park BJ, Miyazaki Y. Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. J Physiol Anthropol. 2015;34(1):21. doi:10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit