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10 Holiday Gifts for the Friend Who’s Always Stressed
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10 Holiday Gifts for the Friend Who’s Always Stressed

The words “holiday” and “relaxing” don’t typically go in the same sentence. While the holidays are a time for merrymaking and selfless acts of kindness, it’s also a time for making end-of-year deadlines, navigating difficult family members and meeting everyone’s high expectations.

If you have a friend who’s particularly stressed out and overwhelmed, now is a great time to find a gift that can help them find a little Zen — not only for the remainder of 2022 but for the year ahead. That’s where we come in.

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We’ve rounded up 10 stress-busting holiday gifts for the friend in your life who’s constantly on high alert. From soothing teas to trendy weighted blankets, many of these thoughtful gifts are scientifically proven to help your frazzled giftee get back to a state of calm. (Hint: If your friend seems particularly stressed this holiday season, consider treating them to an early present!)

  1. Aromatherapy Shower Steamers – Few things rival the calming powers of a hot, steamy shower. And if you want to make the experience even more relaxing and luxurious for your friend, gifting them a set of aromatherapy shower steamers is sure to do the trick. Similar to bath bombs, shower steamers are infused with essential oils that disperse when they make contact with water. All your friend has to do is drop one in the corner of their shower and allow the scent to melt away their tension and stress.
  • Weighted Blanket – Sure, an ordinary blanket can be comforting during times of stress. But if your friend hasn’t tried cozying up to a weighted blanket, they’re definitely missing out. The weight and sensation of these trendy blankets seem to have a therapeutic effect, triggering the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. Pair it with a soothing music playlist or grounding techniques and you have an unbeatable recipe for relaxation.

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  • Mini Zen Garden Kit – Is your friend struggling to cope with work-related stress? Give them the gift of tranquility with a mini Zen garden. Zen gardens, also called Japanese rock gardens, have long been known for their calming abilities. (They originated in Zen Buddhism temples, offering Buddhist monks a peaceful place to meditate.) Typically featuring a stylized landscape in a small, enclosed space, mini Zen gardens are a great way to enhance your friend’s décor while encouraging mindful contemplation.
  • Meditation App – No list of stress-relieving gifts would be complete without mention of a meditation app. Bill Gates, Arianna Huffington and Derek Jeter are just a handful of highly successful people who swear by the millennia-old practice, which is known to instill a sense of calm and contentment. Headspace and Calm — the two biggest names in the meditation app arena — offer yearly subscriptions starting at $69.99.
  • A Cozy Robe – You can never go wrong gifting a frazzled friend with a high-quality robe (bonus points if it’s a weighted robe!). Whether they’re using it post-bath or for lounging around the house, a plush robe makes every routine all the more luxurious. Modern robes come in various colors, materials and size options, so think carefully about what your friend will prefer. No matter which style you go with, be sure to pick something low maintenance (i.e., no “dry clean only”!).

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  • Stress Relief Gummies – Looking for a thoughtful stocking stuffer? Stress relief gummies are a perfect gift for those who want to manage their stress in a healthy way. These delicious, scientifically formulated supplements usually contain l-theanine, ashwagandha and other ingredients known for their ability to help lower feelings of stress and anxiety. (Note: Certain dietary supplements can interfere with medications. When your friend opens their gift, encourage them to speak with their doctor before incorporating stress relief gummies into their daily regimen.)
  • Mandala Coloring Books for Adults – Chock-full of mental health benefits, coloring can lower stress, improve focus and help you get better sleep. According to the experts, picking up the colored pencils and releasing your inner artist relieves stress by distracting you from unhelpful thoughts that could be causing you distress. So, why not give your friend a Mandala coloring book for adults? The intricate details of these spiritual symbols demand a high level of focus while also giving the coloring book a more grown-up vibe.

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  • Assorted Stress Relief Tea Sampler – On any given day, millions of Americans fire up the kettle to make themselves a cup of tea. And it’s not difficult to see the appeal. Beyond its refreshing flavor, tea contains important polyphenols and other substances that may promote good health. Of course, tea is also inherently relaxing. Nothing quiets the mind and body like sipping a hot cuppa on the couch. For maximum stress relief, look for a tea sampler with assorted chamomile, passionflower, rose and lavender blends.
  • Office Golf Putting Set – There’s a reason why a whopping 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf. Not only is golf good for business, but according to Men’s Health, regularly teeing up can help lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) and blood pressure. If your friend doesn’t have time to hit the links,consider gifting them an office golf putting set. That way, they can putt their way to a calmer state of mind whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed.
  1. DIY Hot/Cold Packs – If you don’t have a big budget to work with this holiday season, consider making a homemade gift. DIY hot/cold packs are ridiculously easy to make, and they’re the perfect gift for chronically stressed-out friends. During a panic attack, your friend can hold the cold compress to their chest or arms, which may help distract them from anxious thoughts. They can also heat their rice pack in the microwave and use it as a hot compress to help ease muscle tension.

There is no one-size-fits-all gift for people dealing with chronic stress and anxiety. After all, everyone deals with stress in their own way. However, the gifts listed above are popular for a reason, and you can’t go wrong giving your friend a present that encourages relaxation and self-care. Happy shopping!

(Psst, don’t forget to treat yourself to something on this list!)

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