Give the gift of mental and emotional well-being in 2020 with these highly rated products. (Photo: AnnaStills via Getty Images)
To state the obvious, this year has not been good for anyone’s mental health.
A raging pandemic is causing anxiety and sadness; a racial reckoning is causing unrest for many — doubly so for Black Americans; and the 2020 election and associated political strife made an already stressful time more stressful.
As we look for ways to cope during 2020 and through this tough holiday season, many people could use gifts that help alleviate anxiety and increase self-assurance and a sense of calm. That’s not to mention the fact that we’ll likely need these helpful tools in 2021 as well.
Below are some holiday gifting ideas at a range of price points for those on your list who may be looking for a mental health boost.
A Light Therapy Lamp
Darker and colder days often mean a drop in mood, especially for the millions who suffer from seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Light therapy has been shown to combat this mental health issue, so this well-rated Carex SAD lamp for $112 will be a welcome gift for anyone who misses the sun’s rays in the winter.
A Highly Recommended Self-Help Book
As we continue through a pandemic that seems to be getting worse every day, gifting a self-help book to someone who is having a tough time may help them feel inspired. There are hundreds of wonderful self-help books at a range of price points, but Glennon Doyle’s "Untamed," Brené Brown’s "Daring Greatly," Mark Manson’s "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" and Lori Gottlieb’s "Maybe You Should Talk To Someone" are all good options.
An Affirmation Card Deck
These $15 beautifully designed I Am & Co cards keep their namesake promise: They provide anyone who needs an uplifting reminder (so, most of us this year) with 30 affirming statements, including “I am resilient” and “I am grateful.”
Poetry written by some of the most affirming and uplifting poets of now is ideal for anyone who needs a mood boost. Rupi Kaur, Cleo Wade and Morgan Harper Nichols are known for their positive outlooks, calming voices and encouraging reminders and all have books available from around $7 to $15 for seasonal gifting.
A High-Quality Journal
Journaling has long been known to help with overall mental health, with benefits like helping identify stress triggers, cope with depression and manage anxiety. A high-quality journal, like this one from Shinola for $22, is a good gift for anyone looking to put their thoughts and worries on paper.
A Weighted Blanket
Try Baloo’s weighted blankets, which come in various weights and varieties (weighted blanket, weighted comforter and weighted throw). The products are available at different price points, starting at $149, and are praised for their breathable nature and sleek design. While different for everyone, some studies suggest that weighted blankets help with anxiety — and, even if that isn’t the case for all, they at least keep blanket users warm and cozy.
A Delicious And Calming Tea Collection
Tea can be another routine-encouraging present for a loved one who is dealing with stress. And whether the gift receiver chooses to start or end their day with a hot cup of tea, a routine’s a routine. With five varieties in the box, Pukka’s herbal collection of teas makes a great gift. Sets start around $21 for a pack of three; share the stress reliever with multiple loved ones.
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