The 7 Best Therapy Gifts

Need gift ideas for a friend to support their mental wellness and self-care?

Of course you want to get something that has some function and maybe some form, too.  Take it from a counselor – here is a quick guide to some things which I have personally and professionally found useful over the years.

*By the way, this blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any companies, it’s meant to be for educational purposes only.*  Now let’s get started.

#7 - Wheel of Emotions Throw Pillow

This, I love.  For people who struggle with emotional identification and expression (AKA, all of us), this pillow is a great reminder of feelings words to use beyond the typical “good”, “bad”, “happy”, “sad”.  Also a great gift to consider for the writers in your life.

#6 - Smelly Stuff like candles, essential oils, incense, diffusers, etc.

Fun fact, your sense of smell is the strongest sense you have out of all five senses.  Ever smell a scent that takes you back to a fond childhood memory?  Realtor trick 101 is baking a mug of vanilla extract on low before a house showing.  Why?  Because that scent often smells like home to people, which can help people associate the house they’re looking at with coziness, making them more likely to buy the home.  So it’s no wonder that relaxing scents can help us set the tone in our environment and relax after long, stressful days.

#5 - A Journal

A nice journal with a fancy pen if you want.  Journaling is not technically a form of social support but is similar, and it can be a way to write down our thoughts and feelings and challenge them.  Therapists often recommend journaling as a way for clients to validate their own feelings (I certainly do), so you’ll probably be doing them a favor by saving them a trip to get one on their own.

#4 - Weighted Blanket

Another fun fact – there’s something very special about weighted blankets which decrease cortisol (our stress hormone) and increase dopamine and serotonin (our relaxation hormones).  Yes, it’s kind of like receiving a big hug.  This is a gift which can be very helpful to people who experience anxiety, depression, and trauma.  Do not underestimate the power of the weighted blanket!  Plus, they’re comfy and warm.

#3 - A Coloring Book

Coloring is an awesome way for people to unlock their creativity and get in touch with their emotions.  As a bonus, it helps people to practice a skill often worked on in therapy called mindfulness.  Bonus points if the coloring book has positive messages and affirmations.

#2 - A subscription to Headspace

This is a great app which features guided meditations for sleep and relaxation.  You can gift someone a subscription here.  Now, it is a little bit of a pricier gift at $69.99/year, so if that’s out of budget you can always check out their free mini Youtube series, found here.

#1 - An Experience

Cooking classes, a movie gift card, a pottery class, a self-care certificate of some kind (i.e., massages, hair and nail care) – especially for people with depression, an experience can be a great way for a person to change their environment and perspective.  Especially around the holidays, there are plenty of local vendors who can get you a great deal and a great gift for your friend or loved one.

And while you're buying gifts for others, remember to do something nice for yourself, too!  Have a mindful day.