Stress is unavoidable in life, but it tends to get worse for many people as we get closer to the holidays. On top of your daily activities, you have to think about organizing get-togethers and gift exchanges, purchasing said gifts, and making time for family you haven't seen in a while, just to name a few of the season's responsibilities. When you think about it that way, it's easy to see why literally anyone — even the calmest, coolest, and most collected of us all — would be happy to receive gifts for stress relief. Compiling a list of these soothing presents is honestly the best way to not only spread good cheer during the holidays, but good vibes, too, which we can never get enough of, right?
It can be hard to think of gifts to give the loved ones in your life, regardless of how close you are to them. Sometimes your best friend can be the hardest person to shop for, and that doesn't even begin to describe the pain and suffering that can go into shopping for some co-worker you don't even know for the gift exchange at your office. Gift-giving can be a bundle of stress all on its own.
But if you start looking at some of these stress relief holiday gift options, you might just begin to relax yourself. All of them encourage a healthy, happy lifestyle — something that is so simple, and yet so often elusive, especially during this time of year. Here are 11 stress relief gifts that anyone in your life would be happy to receive.
Personal Aromatherapy Pendant, $10-$125, Uncommon Goods
An aromatherapy pendant is the ultimate way to get a sniff of your favorite essential oil all day long. Your loved one can pick from an assortment of scents, and once they put their pendant on, they'll feel a little bit more relaxed throughout the day.
Headspace App Subscription, $13 (monthly) or $96 (annually), Headspace
Headspace is a meditation app that provides a range of stress-relieving meditation assistance, from quick strategies that can help you deal with road rage, to longer meditative practices to follow along with over time.
A subscription is the perfect gift to your yoga-loving friend who doesn't always have time to make it to the studio, or even just anyone in your life who could benefit from a bit of mindful breathing every now and then.
DAMMIT! Doll, $16, DAMMIT! Dolls
A DAMMIT! Doll is the stress-relief doll for adults. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors, and it's the perfect object for someone to take all of their frustrations out on. Give it to your stressed out co-worker, or maybe even an in-law, if they can take the joke.
Snuggie Soft Fleece Blanket, $23, Amazon
OK, a lot of people think Snuggies are lame, but you cannot deny that this invention is straight-up genius. So yeah, your friend might roll his or her eyes when they open it, but you can guarantee they'll use it four to five times a week — minimum — without fail.
Del Mar Naturals Eucalyptus Essential Oil, $10, Amazon
Essential oils are basically little bottles harnessing the best kind of stress relief you can offer someone. Eucalyptus oil in particular is an extremely calming, medicinal oil, perfect for your friend who works in a cubicle and rarely gets to go for a walk in a garden, or have a picnic on the weekend.
Voluspa Maison Candle, $28-$68, Anthropologie
Is there anything better than a deliciously fragrant candle?
Voluspa candles might be a little pricey, but you get pretty good bang for your buck with the burn time and fragrant smell. Giving a candle is an easy no-brainer of a gift that pleases pretty much everyone, even the people who are most difficult to shop for.
Zafu Meditation Cushion, $36, GAIAM
A meditation cushion is a pretty specific gift, so you should probably know if the person you want to give the gift to likes to meditate, or if they're at least interested in getting into it (a New Year's resolution, perhaps?).
If they are into meditation, this is definitely the gift for them, as this ultra comfy cushion will help provide the type of back support they need to stay present while meditating.
Stress Tea, $19, Naturopathica
One of the best ways to unwind after a super stressful day is to sip a big, steaming mug of tea. This stress tea is specifically designed to relax and comfort you, making it the perfect gift for an overworked relative, or any loved one who could use some simple, fast, and, well, tasty stress relief.
WhisperingEffects Colorful Succulent Garden, $22, Etsy
Research shows that being around plants lowers your blood pressure and overall stress levels, so why not gift your friend with a succulent they can put on their desk at work? Succulents are adorable, and it's almost impossible to hurt them, which is a huge plus.
Tweexy The Wearable Nail Polish Holder, $20, Firebox
This is the most brilliant invention of all time, stress or no stress. For the manicure enthusiast in your life, they will love this, even if they don't feel an ounce of stress in their daily routine.
Toast Heated Pillow, $40, Firebox
Not only is this toast pillow freaking adorable, it heats up so that you can get the warm fuzzies while you're holding it, too. It's a perfect gift for friends with chronic pain and muscle aches, or really for anyone who could use a bit of extra warmth in their life.
