GIFT GUIDE
30 Top Stress Relief Gifts, From Personal Massagers to Fancy Alarm Clocks
Whether you're treating your most overwhelmed pal or yourself, maximum relaxation is just a squeeze, whiff, or sip away
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Even the most chill people experience some level of heart-pumping stress. Whether you’re shopping for someone who just nabbed a new high-pressure gig, a pal going through a bad breakup, or a loved one who just needs to loosen up, there really isn’t a bad time to treat someone (or yourself) to the best stress-relief gifts. And given that plenty of last year’s stressors have carried over to 2023 (politics and the pandemic, to name just two), you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t need to indulge in some self-care.
Maybe you’re looking to take the weight off your most overwhelmed friend or family member’s shoulders, or you could use something to dial down your own anxiety. Whatever the reason, we’ve rounded up some of the best gifts for stress relief.
From classic squeeze balls and heated slippers, to smart alarm clocks that help the chronically online sleep better, keep reading for our top gift ideas that promote maximum relaxation.
1. Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is built with mental health in mind, according to the brand, for the giftee who’s always talking about wanting to sleep better and get their stress levels under control. There are a bunch of health metrics available, including heart rate monitoring, temperature sensing, blood O2 levels and breathing rate.
For a compact smartwatch that provides advanced health monitoring in a sleek package, the Fitbit Sense 2 deserves a spot on your gift recipient’s wrist.
2. TruMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck, Back and Shoulder Massager
When they can’t get to an IRL massage session, your white-knuckled recipient can turn to TruMedic’s InstaShiatsu+ heated massager to roll out knots on their neck, back, legs, and any other sore spot.
This cordless and rechargeable device’s pressure and position can be customized to suit each person’s needs, and it also features a reverse mode for effortlessly kneading out muscle tightness. Wrap it around your neck and shoulders for instant relief; some also swear by using it on the balls of their feet, and pulling on the straps to stretch it out while getting a foot massage at the same time.
Buy TruMedic InstaShiatsu+ $149.44
3. Pact Room Service Sheet Set
A good night’s rest can bring relaxation in the morning, and that’s where Pact’s organic cotton sateen bedding comes in. These wrinkle-resistant bedsheets feel silky and cool, so they’re a great gift for anyone who in need of decent shut-eye. The set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, two pillowcases, and a handy laundry bag, and they’re made in a fair-trade factory too, so you can really rest easy.
Buy Pact Room Service Sheet Set $130+
4. Maison Margiela REPLICA Bubble Bath Scented Candle
If your giftee doesn’t have the time (or a properly-equipped bathroom) for a much-needed soak, perhaps the next best thing is to make their room smell like one. Parisian fashion house Maison Margiela’s fresh floral candle promises “comforting clean accords” of white musk, coconut milk, rose, and soap bubbles to create an atmosphere that feels like a warm dip in the tub.
Buy Margiela REPLICA Bubble Bath Fragrance $65
5. Sips By Personalized Tea Box
For those who seek calm in a cup of tea, send them a personalized subscription from Sips By. Your leaf-loving loved one will get a variety of four gourmet teas selected from over 150 brands from around the globe, which to fill anywhere from 15 to 45-plus cups per month. Environmentally-conscious sippers will be happy to know that the company includes usable and biodegradable tea filters, and each monthly box also includes tasting notes, recipes from experts, discounts, and more.
Buy Sips By Personalized Tea Gift Card $36
6. Bespoke Post Drift Box
We’re fans of Bespoke Post’s thoughtful themed gift boxes and the fact that they include items from small businesses (which you should be supporting year-round). The company’s sleep-promoting Drift kit includes Gravity’s weighted eye mask, BluBlox’s evening-friendly Lumi Sleep+ redd light bulb, Salt Lab’s magnesium spray oil, and The Good Patch’s stick-on Dream patches (infused with 10 milligrams of melatonin, hops extract, and valerian root), all to guide your most exhausted pals doze off easier.
Buy Bespoke Post Drift Box $65
7. Loftie Clock
While we’re on the topic of slumber, banning smartphones from the bedroom is easier said than done — and Loftie’s smart clock is a great way to give digital addicts the gift of screen-free sleep. For anyone who uses their phone as a morning alarm or for playing white noise or evening meditations, the all-in-one clock, night light, and Bluetooth speaker eliminates the need to use devices (and the sleep-disrupting blue light that comes with them) from rise-and-shine and bedtime routines.
Its two-phase alarm mimics the way we naturally wake up, and Loftie’s ever-changing playlist is filled with soothing sound baths, meditations, breathwork guides, and more snooze-worthy content.
8. Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
Studies show that aromatherapy can help alleviate symptoms anxiety, stress, and depression. Design-minded R&R seekers can rest easy with this essential oil diffuser by Vitruvi. Its sleek silhouette looks handsome on anyone’s nightstand or coffee table, and the matte ceramic cover brings a touch of luxury to bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms of all decor styles. Available in multiple colors.
Buy Vitruvi Stone Diffuser $123
9. MindPanda Empowering Gell Stress Ball Bundle
When all of the high-tech relaxation gadgets aren’t cutting it, sometimes a classic stress relief ball will do the trick. For anyone on your gift list who could use an optimistic reminder or two (or three), this trio of BPA-free gel balls combine aromatherapy, mindfulness, and traditional squeeze therapy to relieve anxiety. Each ball features a different scent and firmness, and the set also makes a cool gift for musicians who want to improve their grip and hand muscles.
Buy MindPanda Empowering Gel Stress Ball $21.99
10. Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts
Whether your relaxation-loving recipient is already on the CBD train or they’re ready to dip their toes into the cannabis ingredient, Lord Jones is continues to be one of our most trusted gifting options. The brand says a heaping scoop of its High CBD Formula Bath Salts (which are also concocted with pink Himalayan salt, Epsom salts, arnica, and calendula petals) can help induce calm and wash away tension. ( You might want to pick one up for yourself, while you’re at it.)
Buy Lord Jones High CBD Bath Salts $50
11. Volt 3V Smart Heated Slippers
If your tense loved one needs to upgrade their standard pair of cozy slippers, give them a smart upgrade with Volt’s heated booties. They’re lined with fuzzy insulation for maximum comfort, and the built-in thermostat automatically adjusts the heat. The rechargeable lithium battery packs promise up to four hours of non-stop warmth, and the sturdy outsole is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Buy Volt Heated Slippers $149.95
12. Saje “Relaxation Room” Kit
If you’re shopping for a busy jet-setter, Canadian wellness brand Saje’s “Relaxation Room” kit will help even the most time-pressed traveler carve out a minute or two to unwind. A sense of calm is just whiff away, thanks to the four-piece set, which includes essential oil blends to help with stress release and to help you stay “present.” Add 10-15 drops to the diffuser of your choice. Everything packs away easily into an included storage box.
Buy Saje Relaxation Room Kit $44
13. Speks Original Magnetic Balls
Forget those unsightly fidget spinners — Speks’ set of hundreds of 2.5-millimeter magnetic balls look great on the desk of anyone who needs a distraction from their day-to-day stress. These versatile magnets help spark creativity and offer a tactile way to express imagination, especially during that three o’clock slump.
Buy Speks 2.5mm Magnet Balls $34.95
14. Walden Meditation Cushion Set
Interior decor-minded giftees can get their dose of zen and design with this sleek meditation cushion and mat set by NYC-based Walden. The cushion is filled with hypoallergenic buckwheat hull sourced from upstate New York, and topped with memory foam padding for extra support. Both pieces are covered with moisture-resistant, antimicrobial fabric that’s easy to clean. Available in multiple colors.
Buy Walden Meditation Cushion Set $245
15. Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel Cream
As far as soothing lotions and creams go, Dermatologica’s sound sleep cream is certainly a luxe gift — and it’s worth every penny. This exceptional cream repairs skin as you sleep, and even helps you sleep better in the process. Motion-activated French lavender essential oil, plus sandalwood and patchouli, help provide aromatherapy that helps you experience a deeper, more restful sleep. Meanwhile, Persian silk tree extract reduces the physical signs of fatigue.
Buy Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel Cream $84
16. Hypervolt Go 2
Whether your recipient needs to release stress and tension or soothe those tired muscles after a grueling workout, the Hypervolt Go 2 is the only portable massage gun you’ll ever need. It’s extremely portable, weighing only 1.5 pounds, and offers three power modes as well allowing you to choose the intensity of your massage. You can also download the Hyperice app and test out guided workouts for muscle relief, or switch things up with the flat head and bullet head attachment.
17. Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket
With a huge temperature range, this Sun Home infrared blanket is great for giftees obsessed with the sauna. It can be adjusted between a mellow 95 degrees and an intense 167 degrees. The temperature, as well as the timer function, is easily adjustable using the blanket’s control panel. The blanket itself is made of a comfortable, easy-to-clean material, and heavy-duty velcro closures do a great job of trapping heat while you get your sweat on.
Buy Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket $499
18. CBD Relax Bears
These CBD gummy bears come in fun flavors like “blue raspberry,” green apple, lemon and cherry. Each gummy bear contains 10mg of CBD and Green Roads says the gummies are the perfect way to relax after a stressful day at school or work.
Green Roads gummy bears are made from USA-grown hemp and formulated with the help of physicians to ensure functionality (I.e. they work!). Each jar contains 30 gummies; take one daily to start.
19. Apollo Neuro
Wrist watches aren’t just for tracking your fitness goals or even helping you sleep anymore — these days, you can gift a wearable like the Apollo Neuro to help relieve stress.
This wearable works by delivering smooth, gentle vibrations to your wrist or ankle that the brand says activates a nervous system response, helping get you out of a “fight or flight” state of stress. Connect it to the Apollo app, which features seven modes based on how you want to feel, like “Clear and Focused” or “Sleep and Renew”.
20. Luxy Light Therapy Lamp
One of the easiest ways to boost your mood is with a little bit of light therapy. This UV-free desk lamp delivers a warm, cascading glow to mimic the appearance of sunlight. It’s great for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) or those who need a pick-me-up during the day.
The mood lamp delivers up to 10,000 lux of light; choose from three modes based on your light sensitivities and desired effect. The LED natural light lasts approximately 50,000 hours, so there’s not need for constantly changing batteries.
Buy Luxy Light Therapy Lamp $25.14
21. Ostrichpillow Heatbag
If you know someone who needs to melt away their stress or recover a little “me” time, this Heatbag should be an essential part of their self-care kit. It’s filled with natural clay, rather than water inside, which is safer to use and stays warm or cold for a longer period of time. The filling is wrapped inside a squishy memory foam cover and lined with a T-shirt-soft jersey material. Microwave the clay for just 30 seconds and zip it inside the cover.
Buy Heatbag by Ostrichpillow $60
22. Sunday Scaries Side Piece Bundle
According to Sunday Scaries, their CBD products are for the “everyday worries” in life, like dealing with your annoying coworkers, rush hour traffic, and yes, even those Sunday night moral hangovers. Sunday Scaries’ CBD gummies contain 10mg of third party-tested broad spectrum CBD, along with vitamin D3 and vitamin B12. The Side Piece bundle also includes their 500mg CBD Oil, for anyone looking for a nighttime calming reinforcement.
Buy Sunday Scaries Side Piece Bundle $43
23. NOVICA .925 Sterling Silver, Copper and Brass Spinner Ring
Novica produces rings with ethical standards and all of their creations, including this tri-tone meditation spinner ring, which is certified fair-trade and handcrafted by artisans. This particular one incorporate real sterling silver, copper and brass, and looks more like a beautiful piece of jewelry than a fidget ring, although the movable “spinning” parts let you use it for anxiety and stress relief too.
24. RENPHO Eye Massager
One of the buzziest stress relief tools on the internet right now is Renpho’s eye massager, gently ‘massaging’ your eyes to provide relief. Renpho’s device uses heat and compression to gently knead your eye muscles and the area surrounding it, delivering a soothing, relaxing massage. Bonus: it’s got a built-in Bluetooth speaker for your recipient who can’t handle meditative silence to listen to their favorite tunes and relax while the massager does its work.
Buy RENPHO Eye Massager $74.99
25. Everlywell Sleep and Stress Test
If you know wants to know what’s at the root of their stress, consider gifting one of these at-home tests from Everlywell. The easy-to-take test measures three vital hormones that are needed for a restful night’s sleep, and the results could help them determine why they’ve been struggling with sleep lately — and how to fix the problem. The test also measures their cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and comes with personalized reports and action items based on their specific results.
Buy Everlywell Stress & Sleep Test $159.20
26. Succulent Oil Diffuser
Give them the gift of calm with this succulent oil diffuser which will add their favorite scent to the air around them — just two to three drops of any essential oil will do the trick. You can even add a pack of essential oils to this Christmas gift for the full effect.
Buy Succulent Oil Diffuser $26.50
27. Casper Glow Light
This dimming light is designed to lightly lull your giftee to sleep, according to the brand. It also uses warm light to gently wake you up — without the need for an alarm clock. If they have trouble sleeping or staying asleep, this unique gift is for them.
28. Bearaby Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets have blown up recently, helping people calm down at night and during the day when anxiety crops up. If you know someone who hasn’t tried a weighted blanket yet, pick up this 10 to 25-pound Bearaby woven Napper, made from butter-soft cotton fabric. The chunky-knit Cotton Napper is not only more breathable than regular weighted blankets, but there are no artificial fillers.
Buy Bearaby Cotton Napper $199+
29. UGG Tasman Slipper
Slippers are another gifting go-to, and for good reason. The best slippers, like these UGG Tasmans, are something your loved one might not treat themselves to, but will likely slip on every day once they have them.
Buy UGG Tasman Slipper $109.95
30. Papier Wellness Journal
Papier’s wellness journal is designed to help relieve stress by getting thoughts out of your head, and onto a page. Each page has different prompts, giving your giftee ample room for reflections. Using a wellness journal is great way to work on self-care every day.
The journal is offered in a variety of styles, and can be personalized with custom text, whether it’s a name, or words of encouragement. If you’d like a thoughtful way to help encourage someone to have a healthier life in 2022, this is the perfect gift.
Buy Papier Wellness Journal $27.58
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