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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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- Best overall stress relief gift: Bearaby Tree Napper Blanket
- Best for tension: Neckteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
- Best for the self-care lover: Nectar Donut Delight Bath Bomb Box
- Best for sleep:Nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask
- Best for aromatherapy lovers: Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
- Best for avid readers: Book of the Month Membership
- Best essential oil: Bergamot Essential Oil
- Best for introverts: Calm Club Big Night In Kit
- Best for tea drinkers: DAVIDsTEA Sleep and Relax 12 Tea Sampler
- Best for daily meditators:Calm subscription
- Best for the plant lover: Bloomscape ZZ Plant
- Best journal: Axel & Ash Press Pause Mindfulness Journal
- Best for guided journaling: ‘52 Lists for Calm’ by Moorea Seal
- Best hands-on activity: Gray Malin Hawaii 2-Sided Puzzle
- Best for stomach cramps: CHICIRIS Special Protection Sets Far‑Infrared Warming Waist Belt
- Best for unwinding in the shower: Miss Patisserie Mini Shower Steamer Selection Box
- Best for tired eyes: Patchology Moodpatch Chill Mode Eye Gels
- Best for stress-free wake-up calls: Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant
- Best for the crafter: Embroidery Kit
- Best for yogis: GAIAM Yoga Bolster Pillow
- Best for the homebody: Parachute Soft Rib Robe
- Best stress-relieving supplement: Rae DeStress Capsules
- Best skin care add-on: Aveda Stress-Fix Composition Oil
- Best wearable gift: The Comfy Original Sherpa Wearable Blanket
- Best for sore muscles: The LifePro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Whether it be related to work, family, relationships, or otherwise, stress can play a major factor in people’s lives.
When left unchecked, stress and anxiety can have major side effects, like long-term cardiovascular, sexual, digestive, and mental health issues.
To stay healthy, managing your stress levels is of utmost importance — that’s why we think everyone could benefit from the gift of relaxation at any time of the year.
By reading customer reviews and reviewing studies on techniques for stress relief, we’ve rounded up 27 of the best stress relief gift ideas for anyone in your life.
Our list of recommended products is based on the following factors:
- personal experience
- high ratings of at least 4 or 5 stars
- customer ratings and reviews
- variety of gifts
Pricing guide
- $ = under $25
- $$ = $25–$50
- $$$ = $51–$99
- $$$$ = over $100
Best overall
Bearaby Tree Napper Blanket
- Price: $$$$
- Pros: This blanket has a range of colors and can promote restful sleep for adults.
- Cons: Some reviewers thought this product was overpriced, and the holes in the knit kept them too cool.
- Best for: hot sleepers
Weighted blankets can be a useful and cozy tool to add to your arsenal of de-stressing products. They’re designed to emulate deep pressure stimulation therapy, which may help relax the nervous system, though more research is needed to confirm their benefits.
While there’s a multitude of blankets on the market, Bearaby weighted blankets are designed to be more stylish. The chunky knit blanket comes in six colors and can be a great couch or bed throw.
Another major perk of the Bearaby Tree Napper is its cooling effects. The blanket is made from eco-friendly eucalyptus fibers and Tencel lyocell fabrics that can wick away moisture — a necessary feature for hot sleepers.
The Tree Napper blanket comes in weights of 15, 20, and 25 pounds. The brand recommends the blanket be roughly 10 percent of a person’s body weight, so it should only be used on adults to ensure safety.
Best for tension
Neckteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
- Price: $$
- Pros: This massager provides adjustable neck and back pain relief.
- Cons: Some reviewers complained about receiving defective massagers or felt the pressure was too strong.
- Best for: anyone with neck and back tension
When stress creeps up on you, you might feel tension in your neck and shoulders. The Neckteck neck and back massager is a luxury that won’t break the bank.
The device is a bestseller on Amazon and has amassed more than 47,000 reviews. The shiatsu massager has eight nodes that are designed to knead deeply into the skin at three different speed options.
Bonus: The massager is heated, which can help boost circulation and reduce stiffness.
Whether your loved one has a case of text neck or they just need to decompress, an on-demand massage is a gift that will be put to good use.
Best for the self-care lover
Nectar Donut Delight Bath Bomb Box
- Price: $$$
- Pros: Products are cruelty-free with a range of scents.
- Cons: One reviewer says the Watermelon Splash bath bomb included black seeds that required extra cleanup in the tub.
- Best for: bath lovers
Nectar’s set of doughnut-themed bath bombs are a sweet (pun intended) gift for the bath lover in your life. The pastel color palette and whimsical shape can make the set a playful touch for a bathroom counter.
Nectar’s bath bomb formula includes kaolin clay, Epsom salt, and skin-nourishing almond oil. The colorful bath products are handmade in Las Vegas and use natural, vegan-friendly ingredients.
Hot baths have many health benefits like stress relief, reduced inflammation, and a better night’s sleep. Bath bombs are one way to make a healthy habit even more enticing for your loved one.
Best for sleep
Nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask
- Price: $$
- Pros: This mask blocks light and aids sleep.
- Cons: Some reviewers wished the sleep mask was heavier.
- Best for: anyone who has trouble falling asleep
If you’re shopping for someone who loves their weighted blanket, a weighted sleep mask is a natural progression.
The unique design of the Nodpod mask helps block out light and provides deep pressure—similar to a weighted blanket—on your eyes. There’s no strap or Velcro, so it won’t be too tight or get stuck in your hair.
Many reviewers found that the Nodpod mask helped them calm down at night and get a restful sleep. Some verified buyers also claimed the sleep mask helped alleviate their headaches.
Best for aromatherapy lovers
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
- Price: $$$$
- Pros: This diffuser has a modern design and comes in eight colors.
- Cons: The stone can stain if you have any essential oil residue on your hands. Some essential oils are toxic to pets, pregnant women, and children, so make sure that the oils you pick are safe for your home.
- Best for: people who enjoy room scents from air fresheners and candles
Aromatherapy has been a longtime natural treatment for stress. A growing body of research continues to suggest its effectiveness.
A small 2017 study found that when using lavender essential oil on study participants receiving a massage, those receiving the oil reported a 12 percent decrease in stress, while those only receiving a massage noticed just a 3.3 percent decrease.
The Vitruvi stone diffuser dilutes essential oils and disperses them into the air, filling the room with the aroma of your choice. It’s designed to be sleek and subtle, making it a great addition to a nightstand or countertop.
Best for avid readers
Book of the Month Membership
- Price: $$–$$$$
- Pros: You can choose a book from five options.
- Cons: This option is only available in the United States.
- Best for: avid recreational readers
Opening a book helps people enter a different world with new perspectives.
Reading can help increase empathy, enhance your vocabulary, and even reduce stress. One 2019 study found that recreational reading helped reduce psychological distress in university students during the school year.
Book of the Month takes the guesswork out of picking a specific book to give. The membership, available in plans ranging from 3 to 12 months, ships a new book to the reader’s house each month.
Readers can choose from five books that are vetted by the Book of the Month team, including some early releases for the VIP bookworm in your life.
Best essential oil
Healing Solutions Bergamot Essential Oil
- Price: $
- Pros: This versatile, inexpensive essential oil has proven effectiveness.
- Cons: It shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin.
- Best for: someone who has experience with essential oils
This inexpensive bottle of essential oil puts the power of stress relief in your gift recipient’s hand.
Several studies have shown that bergamot essential oil can
It’s a versatile pick since your giftee can use it in a diffuser or take it with them on the go for a pick-me-up whenever stress rears its head. All they have to do is put a couple of drops on a cotton ball and take some deep breaths.
Best for introverts
Calm Club Big Night In Kit
- Price: $$$
- Pros: This themed care kit has sustainable packaging.
- Cons: There are currently no reviews on this product.
- Best for: homebodies and anyone who needs to unplug
Over the last two years, everyone’s spending a lot more time inside. Give your night in an upgrade with the Calm Club Big Night In kit.
The curated box includes essentials for curling up on the couch, like cozy wool socks, a soy wax candle, and a ceramic mug for your favorite hot beverage. For mindfulness, Calm Club also includes a wooden puzzle to help focus your thoughts. There’s also a sleep mask for when it’s time to turn in for the night.
This care package may be a great gift for loved ones who could use more self-care and less work.
Best for tea drinkers
DAVIDsTEA Sleep and Relax 12 Tea Sampler
- Price: $$
- Pros: This collection has a variety of caffeine-free flavors.
- Cons: A few reviewers didn’t like the flavors, though many enjoy them.
- Best for: anyone who enjoys tea in the evening or those who want to avoid caffeine
DAVIDsTEA has more than 150 loose-leaf teas to choose from, which can feel overwhelming for shoppers.
The sampler features 12 tea leaf blends designed to aid relaxation and sleep. Options include popular chamomile and rooibos, as well as blends like Halo Headache and Lavender Buttercream.
Conscious shoppers may admire the sustainability efforts of DAVIDsTEA. The fair trade certified brand is allied with the Ethical Tea Partnership, an organization with a mission to make the tea industry more sustainable and fairer for tea farmers, their families, and the environment.
Best for daily meditators
Calm subscription
- Price: $$$
- Pros: Calm suggests meditations based on your ratings, and new content is frequently being added.
- Cons: The app requires a commitment to see the full benefits of meditation.
- Best for: anyone who wants to dabble in meditation or learn new relaxation techniques
Calm is an award-winning app that provides calming techniques, morning stretches, guided meditations, and sleep aids.
The app is available for iOS and Android devices as well as desktops, and has a 4.8-star average rating in Apple’s App Store. Among the many tools within the app, users can learn and meditate with the stars.
From meditating with professional basketball player LeBron James to taking a master class in creativity with Elizabeth Gilbert, the membership sprinkles celebrity-led content into the experience.
Some sleep stories on the app are narrated by A-listers like Kate Winslet and Harry Styles. Yes, you can give the gift of falling asleep to the sound of Idris Elba’s voice.
Best for the plant lover
Bloomscape ZZ Plant
- Price: $$$
- Pros: Studies show that plants can boost mood and productivity.
- Cons: Plants require weekly care, and watch out for bugs!
- Best for: people who enjoy connecting with nature
Plant-lined shelves and hanging pothos plants have taken over Instagram feeds and TikTok videos. Garden centers have been teeming with new customers; many centers reported a huge boom in 2020.
But plants are more than just a pretty thing to sit on the windowsill.
Research finds plants are powerful tools to boost positivity and concentration. A 2019 study analyzing the impact of indoor plants in work environments concluded that plants decreased anxiety in employees in a Japanese office.
When buying for a plant newbie, aim for one where a green thumb won’t be a prerequisite. The ZZ plant is a hardy piece of greenery that can survive in low light and requires minimal maintenance.
Best journal
Axel & Ash Press Pause Mindfulness Journal
- Price: $$
- Pros: Journaling reduces stress and can help organize thoughts.
- Cons: The lined sections for prompts may make some users feel limited. It ships from Australia, which incurs high shipping cost to the United States.
- Best for: people who find it easier to reflect when using writing prompts
Small habits like keeping a journal can help reduce stress symptoms.
The Press Pause journal is chock-full of writing prompts and questions that can help guide people who are new to journaling. The 52-week journal also includes inspirational stories from writers who share their own journey with mindfulness.
Taking a small portion of the day to jot down goals, reflect on gratitude, and document memories can create a special memento to look back on in the future.
Best for guided journaling
‘52 Lists for Calm’ by Moorea Seal
- Price: $
- Pros: Reviewers found the book’s pictures to be calming.
- Cons: Some Amazon reviewers complained that the book came damaged, though there are no reviews on the Barnes and Noble listing.
- Best for: anyone looking for inner reflection who enjoys finding new stress-reducing techniques
Author and mental health activist Moorea Seal is known for her line of journals that focus on subjects like bravery, togetherness, and happiness. Her book “52 Lists for Calm” is teeming with thought-provoking prompts for each week of the year.
The prompts are separated into four sections: Present, Look Back, Move Forward, and Release. Seal’s journal features images and illustrations designed to spark serenity. She also incorporates mindfulness strategies, essays, and quotes meant to help those who are struggling with burnout.
Best hands-on activity
Gray Malin Hawaii 2-Sided Puzzle
- Price: $
- Pros: This puzzle has beautiful photography on both sides for a 2-in-1 product.
- Cons: Some reviewers said puzzle pieces weren’t sturdy and can tear.
- Best for: people who enjoy hands-on activities
Fine art photographer Gray Malin has traveled the world capturing beauty from a bird’s eye view. His aerial photos of candy-colored beach umbrellas and crystal blue waters have become his trademark.
Rather than lining the halls of a gallery, Malin’s work has evolved into a lifestyle brand. His photography is emblazoned on phone cases, coaster sets, postcards, and tote bags.
The artist’s two-sided puzzle features Hawaii’s famed Waikiki Beach on one side and a verdant Kauai coastline on the other. It may be the perfect calming tool for a friend who needs to step away from their screen and focus on the moment.
Best for stomach cramps
CHICIRIS Special Protection Sets Far‑Infrared Warming Waist Belt
- Price: $$
- Pros: It straps onto your body so you can walk around with it.
- Cons: It ships from a third-party seller, so it may take longer to arrive.
- Best for: anyone with painful menstrual periods, uterine cramping, or stomach tension and cramps
Since heat can help loosen muscles, a heating pad can be a handy tool for stress relief. This one uses far-infrared heating technology, which heats up rapidly and goes deep into muscles and the uterus (if applicable). It has three heat settings.
As an added perk, it straps to your body so you can walk around with it, so you don’t have to commit to lying down when using it.
Best for unwinding in the shower
Miss Patisserie Mini Shower Steamer Selection Box
- Price: $$
- Pros: Scents included with these products are cruelty-free.
- Cons: There are currently no online reviews on Asos for the Miss Patisserie steamers.
- Best for: people who like to unwind in the shower, especially those who don’t own a bathtub
Are shower steamers the new bath bombs? These essential oil-infused shower steamers are one way to bring your hot showers to the next level.
Break off a piece of the Miss Patisserie product and place it on the floor of the shower. The scents blend with the hot steam and fill the shower with an aroma designed to soothe.
The package comes with six steamers with essential oils like juniper berry, lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, jasmine, and orange. The de-stressing steamers are also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
Best for tired eyes
Patchology Moodpatch Chill Mode Eye Gels
- Price: $
- Pros: Many shoppers felt the eye patches left them feeling refreshed.
- Cons: Some reviewers found the eye gels to be too slippery.
- Best for: people who stare at screens for long periods of time or experience poor sleep leading to tired eyes
When shopping for a skin care devotee, eye gels may be a nice pick-me-up to add to a regimen. Patchology Moodpatch Chill Mode eye gels have a cooling effect intended to soothe.
The gels are infused with cannabis seed oil, which contains anti-inflammatory gamma-linolenic acid to soothe the skin. The product’s allantoin and rhodiola extract may help calm redness, while the reishi and snow mushroom extracts may hydrate the under-eye area.
Similar to the time-honored method of using cut cucumbers on your eyes, the eye gels are cool to the touch. The eye gels can help depuff tired eyes in the morning or provide a little indulgence after a long day.
Best for stress-free wakeup calls
Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant
- Price: $$$$
- Pros: Reviewers applaud the alarm’s customizable programs and call it a “peaceful” way to wake up.
- Cons: Reviewers complain about the device’s reliance on Wi-Fi.
- Best for: anyone who has trouble waking up from the sound of their alarm
Getting adequate sleep is necessary for a healthy life. A general rule for adults is 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
Sacrificing extra Zzz’s can have a detrimental effect on wellness. Research shows that 21 percent of adults report feeling more stressed if they don’t get enough sleep.
With sleep being such an important part of life, the Hatch Restore can be a helpful aid for loved ones in need of some quality shut-eye.
The Hatch Restore is a multi-use relaxation tool that features a sound machine, meditation app, and a sunrise alarm that simulates the morning sun. The device also includes a soft-glow reading light.
Best for the crafter
Snuggly Monkey Embroidery Kit
- Price: $
- Pros: The template makes it easy for beginners.
- Cons: Embroidery hoops are not included with some design kits.
- Best for: crafty loved ones
Much like adult coloring books, activities that require focus and distract from self-awareness can result in relaxation.
Etsy has a stockpile of crafting kits that focus on everything from candle-making to pottery. Embroidery—the skill of hand-sewing art onto fabric—is a popular craft on Etsy’s marketplace, where hundreds of thousands of embroidery kits are available.
Fiber arts like sewing have been incorporated into art therapy programs and explored by researchers. The embroidery trend has also captured consumers: Google Trends shows a 2020 surge in embroidery-curious users searching for ways to start the craft.
Etsy seller snugglymonkey has garnered more than 20,000 reviews and provides embroidery hoops, patterns, and supplies for crafters.
Best for yogis
GAIAM Yoga Bolster Pillow
- Price: $$$
- Pros: This pillow can offer support to enhance a yoga practice.
- Cons: Some reviewers found the bolster pillow to be too firm.
- Best for: yogis and the yoga curious
Any yogi knows that the best part of a yoga practice is Savasana (aka Corpse Pose).
Using a yoga bolster can alleviate pressure on joints and deepen the stretches of certain poses. Bolsters are similar to a pillow but feature a firmer foam that provides lumbar support.
This GAIAM yoga bolster is highly rated on Amazon. It has a 4.8-star average rating on thousands of reviews—80 percent of which gave the pillow 5 stars.
Best for the homebody
Parachute Soft Rib Robe
- Price: $$$$
- Pros: This robe can be used after a shower or for lounging.
- Cons: Some reviewers complained about the fabric snagging easily.
- Best for: people who enjoy comfort wear
Cozy weekends need their own uniform.
Parachute’s soft rib robe is made from 100 percent cotton terry cloth, a material that many reviewers call “cuddly.” While comfort is key, Parachute’s design features ribbed lines and side-seam pockets.
Gray and white are two reliable color choices, but the robe is also available in a rust-like “clay” color, like the one on Popsugar’s list of colors dominating 2021 runways. Eighty-one percent of reviewers awarded it between 4 and 5 stars.
Warning: You may be tempted to buy the Parachute robe for yourself.
“I loved this robe so much that in a matter of two days [I] bought one a day for other people. They love their robes too,” writes a verified customer.
Best stress-relieving supplement
Rae DeStress Capsules
- Price: $
- Pros: These capsules come at an affordable price point compared with competitors.
- Cons: Some reviewers felt no positive effects over their time of use.
- Best for: anyone who wants to incorporate supplements into their wellness routine
A flurry of vitamin brands has emerged on the market with an aesthetic of simple design and familiar fonts that have come to symbolize modern wellness.
While stress-relieving supplements sound appealing, some brands can cost upward of $60 for a month’s supply. Rae Wellness, founded in 2019, has supplements starting at $14.99. Its DeStress capsules have the same ingredients that aim to combat stress at a far more accessible price.
Studies conducted on ingredients like the Ayurvedic herb
Best skin care add-on
Aveda Stress-Fix Composition Oil
- Price: $$
- Pros: The oil can be used for multiple purposes.
- Cons: Some reviewers felt they ran through the product quickly.
- Best for: beauty and skin care lovers
Aveda Stress-Fix Composition Oil is an aromatic product that can be used as a body oil, scalp oil, or bath additive.
The multi-use product blends certified organic lavender, lavandin, and clary sage scents into its formula. The composition’s jojoba and sunflower oils also moisturize and work as antioxidants.
A perk of this Aveda oil is its ability to multitask, making it more than just a one-trick pony of a present. It can be used from head to toe, acting as a pre-shampoo scalp massage oil or a nourishing foot rub for calloused feet.
The Aveda website also suggests adding a few drops of oil into the bathtub for a full-body soak.
Not sure what skin care ingredients you need? Check out How to Skip the Beauty Buzzwords, Plus 12 Ingredients Derms Swear By.
Best wearable gift
The Comfy Original Sherpa Wearable Blanket
- Price: $$
- Pros: It always keeps you warm and cozy even when you’re walking around.
- Cons: It only comes in one size.
- Best for: the person who likes to be cozy or is always cold
There’s just something about wrapping yourself up in cozy sherpa that can help melt stress away (especially if it’s paired with a good book or the next captivating Netflix original!).
The Comfy has microfiber on the outside, a warm sherpa lining, and a hood so your gift recipient can fully cover themselves whether they’re lying on the couch or doing things around the house.
It comes in 20 colors or designs, so you can personalize the gift a little more.
Best for sore muscles
TheLifePro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
- Price: $$$$
- Pros: It comes with multiple massage heads for different parts of the body.
- Cons: Some reviewers say the battery doesn’t last long.
- Best for: people who have sore or achy muscles
Stress and sore muscles can go hand in hand.
Professional massages can help alleviate this issue, but the cost and time commitment stack up quickly. Instead, this massage gun from LifePro gives your gift recipient the opportunity to have a quick percussive massage anytime they want.
It comes with eight massage heads to help target different muscle groups and has five levels of intensity, so the massage can be as surface-level or deep as desired. It also has a nifty carrying case so everything stays together.
Stress affects everyone at some point in their lives, but it can manifest in different ways.
Some people feel muscle tension, especially in their neck and shoulders. Others have trouble sleeping or find it difficult to unwind at the end of the day.
Just like there are different physical manifestations of stress, there are a variety of proven ways to manage it.
When choosing a stress relief product to gift a loved one, consider their symptoms and preferences.
For example, if someone has trouble sleeping, they might appreciate a weighted blanket or a sunrise alarm clock that can help balance circadian rhythms.
If muscle tension is their biggest problem, they might prefer a neck massager or a massage gun. If they like baths, soaking salts can help relieve stress; for the shower fans, you can get shower steamers instead.
Everyone experiences stress, but unmanaged and persistent stress can have long-term consequences on your overall health.
Stress can cause emotional and physical symptoms like:
- headaches
- acne
- digestive issues
- low libido
- tense muscles
- low energy
- changes in appetite
When stress persists, it can have detrimental effects. Long-term stress can cause:
- mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety
- gastrointestinal issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastritis
- heart disease and increased risk of heart attacks
- high blood pressure
- increased risk of stroke
- a lowered immune system
- an impact on fertility
Managing your stress levels can help improve your quality of life.
Everyone encounters stress in their lives. Work priorities, family, health, financial stability, and current events can all play into major stressors. Honestly, just the act of gift-giving can be stressful!
Stress-reducing habits and activities can transform a person’s day and bring relief. Bringing a little relief into a friend or family member’s life with a thoughtful present can be an impactful and memorable way to show you care.
Ready for a calm and stress-free holiday? Check out Healthline’s Season of Self-Care, your go-to destination for the latest must-have health and wellness gifts for your loved ones – and you!
Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She’s been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor’s Travel Guide. In addition to writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram.