holiday gift guide: part 1

what to buy someone with anxiety:

as christmas comes closer and closer, we know there's always those who wait until the last minute to buy gifts for everyone (me included).

i have researched and created a list of items to purchase for the person you know with anxiety. I have put them in categories to hopefully help you organize them and decide what you want to get for the person you love. (all images have links to take you directly to purchase these items online)

journaling/workbooks:

anxiety journal--journaling your experience is one of the most helpful steps of dealing with anxiety. this journal will help you to sooth stress and eliminate anxiety.

an anxiety workbook--a workbook that gives you activities to help soothe anxious thoughts and distract your mind. based upon therapeutic research by professionals.

you can also find a bunch of workbooks on etsy that individuals have created on their own, they're really cool if you don't want a published book like above.

adult coloring books--coloring isn't just theraputic for children, it can be calming even for adults. if you think i'm just making it up, you probably haven't colored since you were a child. (note: not suitable for all, but for some, they'd be funny!)

mindfulness cards--cards that help you to be mindful and be grateful everyday.

relaxing:

essential oil diffuser and oils--the best oils to help ease anxious thoughts are frankincense, lavender, bergamot, chamomile, vetiver, Ylang Ylang,

relaxing herbs--while effective for anxiety, they can cause serious damage to other parts of the body:

Kava- good for anxiety, but can cause serious liver damage.

Passion Flower- beneficial, but can lead to drowsiness and confusion.

Valerian- very beneficial but not suggested for long-term use.

Moral of the story, these are beneficial in SMALL doses, not enough research to develop as long-term treatments.

(this one is hard to link, because they are so many types and places to buy, so if you're interested, just search them up and find what's best for you or the person you're buying for.)

subscription to meditation app--meditation is often a helpful tool to those dealing with anxiety. apps such as headspace and calm offer services to help guide individuals through meditation and relaxation. Headspace is offering a sale right now, so it's the best time!

relaxing bath set--if you have the ability, bath time is such a soothing experience and there are many items to purchase for these soothing times. here's a few:

these can include anything (but aren't limited to) like body scrub, bath bombs, candles, soap, etc.

healing crystals--if you learn the meaning of crystals, they can become very inspiring and healing to those who choose to use them. I find them very interesting!

candles--there are so many unique candles out there today. so easy and can personalize and customize to your liking.

spinning rings--these are new to the anxious people world, but i find them super intriguing!!! it's basically a ring that has a spinning ring attached to the top, for fidgeting and worrying. here's a few i've seen. (in the third image, if you click on it, it will take you to the tik tok of the girl making her own ring!)

a worry stone--a simple stone, doesn't have to be over the top but is an easy fidget to carry around just in your pocket or purse.

a zen garden--a cute little scenery for your desk or anywhere easy to use, for times you need to distract yourself from the world. many different types!!

salt lamp-- not only are they cool decorations, but they are believed to boost mood, improve sleep and ease allergies.

incense and holder--whether using it for religious purpose or mere aesthetic, there are a bunch of different burners and ideas to choose from.

motivation:

inspirational mug--doesn't matter the saying, just something to make someone smile!

motivational prints--i have been collecting so many prints lately and i absolutely love them. I try to get mine as local as possible but society6 and etsy are great websites to buy from real people and support their small businesses.

a worry jar--I love the idea of worry jars! simply put your worries into the jar to get them out of your head and onto paper. it really helps to not internalize our worries and realize that they aren't that big of a deal majority of the time. (you can make your own or order them, the link will take you to a cute one i found on etsy).

friendship bracelet--just a simple reminder that you have people that care about you!

LDR bracelets--if i was in a long distance relationship (LDR) this is something i would consider a must-have. they can work for anyone: friendship, relationship, sibling, etc... When you tap your bracelet, the other bracelet vibrates as well so when you think of the other person you can tap the bracelet and they will know you're thinking of them.

a buddy box subscription--i found this subscription box while researching gift ideas and i love the idea of it sooo much. there are many different types of subscription boxes, but this one was my favorite.

positive enamel pins--if you know me, you know i love to collect enamel pins and i keep most of mine on my purse. they are so fun and inspiring and can be basically anything that you want them to be. cute and simple idea for an easy reminder with someone with anxiety to think about you when they see it.

sleepy time:

honey--did you know that honey has at least 10 health benefits? these include, but are not limited to: blood sugar regulation, probiotic, beautiful healthy skin, soothes coughs, boost memory, provides nutrients, treats wounds, heals burns, helps with seasonal allergies, reduces ulcers, and acts as an anti-fungal/anti-bacterial.

look at this adorable little jar of honey!!!

herbal teas--also good with honey, but many options for day time, nighttime, or anytime!

daylight therapy light--these lights are so cool and help those dealing with anxiety have a calming start to the day or end of the night.

this one is a little pricey, but there are cheaper options out there at Walmart and amazon, etc.

aromatherapy pillow--these pillows come with a specific scent that induces better sleep. many options and colors available!

white noise machine--sleeping in a silent, dark room is my worst fear. white noise machines offer just ~noise~ to block out the scaries. the one below acts as a night light too!

weighted blanket or stuffed animal--a weighted blanket should be approximately 10% of your body weight, that way you have some weight, but you're also not being suffocated. remember, these are not for everyone! but they are known for inducing better sleep and reducing anxieties. The stuffies are the same way, just more personable!