A woman embroidering on the couch

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Whether it be related to work, family, relationships, or otherwise, stress can play a major factor in people’s lives. And, when left unchecked, stress and anxiety can have major side effects, like long-term cardiovascular, sexual, digestive, and mental health issues.

Everyone could benefit from the gift of relaxation at any time of the year, because managing your stress levels is of paramount importance to staying healthy.

We reviewed customer reviews and studies on stress relief techniques to find the 27 best gift ideas for anyone in your life.

The list of recommended products is based on factors.

  • personal experience
  • The ratings should be at least 4 or 5 stars.
  • Customer ratings and reviews.
  • There are a 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 used to add to your de-stressing products. They are designed to mimic deep pressure stimulation therapy, which may help relax the nervous system.

Bearaby weighted blankets are designed to be more stylish than the other blankets on the market. The blanket is made of knit and can be used as a couch or bed throw.

The cooling effects of the Bearaby Tree Napper are a major perk. The blanket is made from eco-friendly fibers and fabrics that can help hot sleepers keep their body dry.

The blanket has weights of 15, 20, and 25 pounds. The brand recommends that the blanket be used only by adults to ensure safety.

Shop now at Bearaby

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

“You might feel tension in your neck and shoulders when stress is on you. The Neckteck neck and back massager is a luxury that won’t break the bank.”

The device is a top seller on Amazon. The shiatsu massager has eight points that are designed to massage the skin at three different speeds. The massager can help boost circulation and reduce stiffness.

An on-demand massage is a gift that will be used well, whether your loved one needs a massage or not.

Shop now at Amazon

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

The bath lover in your life will love the doughnuts-themed bath bombs from Nectar. The set is playful and can be used 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.

Shop now at Nectar

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

“Weighted sleep masks sound like a progression if you are shopping for someone who loves their weighted blanket. The Nodpods mask has a unique design that blocks out light and provides deep pressure on your eyes. It won’t be too tight or get stuck in hair because it’s not a strap or a Velcro.”

Reviewers found that the Nodpod mask helped them sleep better. Some verified buyers claimed the sleep mask helped them sleep.

Shop now at Amazon

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.

Shop now at Amazon

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.

“Picking a book to give is not easy. Each month, a new book is sent to the reader’s house by the membership. The Book of the Month team has five books that they check out and choose from for the readers to choose from.”

Shop now at Book of the Month

Best essential oil

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 relieve anxiety, improve mood, and increase positive feelings.

It is a versatile pick since you can use it in a diffuser or take it with you on the go for a pick-me-up whenever you need it. They just have to take a couple of deep breaths and put a cotton ball in their mouth.

Shop now at Amazon

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

Everyone is spending more time inside over the last two years. The Calm Club Big Night In kit is for upgrade.

The box includes items for curling up on the couch, like cozy wool socks, a soy wax candle, and a ceramic mug. A wooden puzzle is included in the Calm Club to help focus your thoughts. When it is time to sleep, there is a sleep mask.

This care package is a great gift for a loved one who needs more self-care and less work.

Shop now at Anthropologie

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.

Shop now at DAVIDsTEA

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.

“The membership sprinkles celebrity-led content into the experience, from meditating with professional basketball player and member of the NBA’s Cleveland Clinic, to taking a master class in creativity with Elizabeth Gilbert. Kate Winslet and Harry Styles are two of the A-listers who narrate sleep stories on the app. You can give the gift of falling asleep to the sound of the voice of the man.”

Shop now at Calm

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 a watch 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 2020 study analyzing the impact of indoor plants in work environments concluded that plants decreased anxiety in employees in a Japanese office.

“When buying a plant, make sure it is a plant that won’t require a green thumb. The ZZ plant is a hardy piece of greenery that can survive in low light and requires minimal maintenance.”

Shop now at Bloomscape

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 remember goals, reflect on gratitude, and document memories can be used to look back on the past.

Shop now at Alex & Ash

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 and enjoys finding new stress-reducing techniques

Moorea Seal is an author and mental health activist who has a line of journals that focus on subjects like bravery, togetherness, and happiness. Each week of the year she has a book called “52 Lists for Calm.”

The four sections are Present, Look Back, Move forward, and Release. Seal has a journal with images and illustrations. She uses quotes and strategies to help those who are struggling with stress.

Shop now at Amazon

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

Gray Malin is a fine art photographer who has traveled the world. His photos of beach umbrellas and the blue waters have become famous.

“Rather than being a part of a gallery, Malin’s work has evolved into a lifestyle brand. His photography is on phone cases, postcards, and tote bags.”

“The artist has created a two-sided puzzle that shows Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach on one side and the other a verdant Kauai coastline on the other. It may be a good way to relax a friend who is constantly on their screen.”

Shop now at Amazon

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

A heating pad can be used for stress relief. This one uses a technology called far-infrared heating, which goes deep into the uterus and muscles. It has three settings.

“It straps to your body so you don’t have to lie down when using it.”

Shop now at Walmart

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? The essential oil- infused shower steamers are a great way to bring your hot showers up to date. Put the Miss Patisserie product on the floor of the shower. The hot steam creates an aroma that fills the shower and makes it feel like a bath.

The package has six steamers with essential oils. The steamers are vegan and cruelty-free.

Shop now at Asos

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 made with cannabis seed oil which has anti- inflammatory properties. The product contains rhodiola extract, allantoin and reishi extracts, and snow mushroom extracts.

The eye gels are similar to the method of using cucumbers on your eyes. The eye gels can help tired eyes in the morning or provide a little refreshment after a long day.

Shop now at Amazon

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, while 37 percent find themselves feeling fatigued or tired because of stress.

The Hatch Restore can be helpful for loved ones who need some quality sleep. The Hatch Restore is a relaxation tool that has a sound machine, meditation app, and sunrise alarm. The device has a reading light.

Shop now at Amazon

Best for the crafter

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

Activities that require focus and distract from self-awareness can result in relaxation. There are a lot of crafting kits on the internet that focus on everything from candle-making to pottery. Hundreds of thousands of embroidered kits are available on the marketplace on the website, and hand-sewing art onto fabric is a popular craft.

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.

Shop now at Etsy

Best for yogis

AJNA 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 AJNA yoga bolster is highly rated on Amazon. It has a 4.8-star average rating on hundreds of reviews — 88 percent of which gave the pillow 5 stars. “As a yoga teacher I’d absolutely recommend this bolster,” says one Amazon reviewer.

Shop now at Amazon

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

They need their own uniform. Many reviewers call the robe made from 100 percent cotton terry clothcuddly. Parachute has 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 gave it a rating of 4 or 5 stars. You may be tempted to buy the robe for yourself. I bought a robe for other people in a day or two, because I loved it so much. They love their robes too.

Shop now at Parachute

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 lot of vitamins have a simple design and familiar fonts that symbolize modern health.

“Some brands can cost $60 a month for a month’s supply. Rae Wellness has supplements starting at $14.99. The same ingredients that are used to combat stress are used in its DeStress capsule.”

Studies conducted on ingredients like the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea have shown some positive findings in stress reduction, though research is developing. The capsules also include L-tyrosine, an amino acid with some promising findings on its link to improved mental function.

Shop now at Amazon

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 multiuse 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.

Shop now at Amazon

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 is something about wrapping yourself up in a sherpa that can help you melt stress away, even if it is with a good book or the next captivatingNetflix original.

The Comfy has a hood that is warm and microfiber on the outside so that your gift recipient can fully cover themselves. It comes in 20 colors or designs, so you can personalize the gift a little more.

Shop now at Amazon

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 be related. The cost and time commitment stack up quickly, so professional massages can’t help. The LifePro gives your gift recipient the chance to have a quick massage whenever they want.”

It has eight massage heads that help target different muscle groups and five levels of intensity so the massage can be as deep as you want. It has a nifty carrying case that keeps everything together.

Shop now at Amazon

“Stress can manifest in different ways at different times in a person’s life.”

People with muscles in their neck and shoulders feel tense. Others find it difficult to sleep at the end of the day.

There are proven ways to manage stress just like there are different physical manifestations.

When choosing a stress relief product, consider the symptoms and preferences of the loved one.

If someone has trouble sleeping, they might appreciate a weighted blanket or sunrise alarm clock that can help.

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, and shower steamers can be used instead.

Long-term consequences of stress can be found in your overall health.

Stress can cause physical and emotional symptoms.

  • There are headaches.
  • There is a problem with the skin
  • There are issues with the stomach.
  • low sexual desire.
  • tense muscles
  • low energy
  • Changes in appetite.

It can have negative effects when stress persists. Long-term stress can cause problems.

  • Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions.
  • gastrointestinal issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastritis
  • There is an increased risk of heart attacks.
  • high blood pressure.
  • Increased risk of stroke.
  • A lowered immune system.
  • An impact on fertility.

Improving your quality of life can be achieved by managing stress levels.

Everyone is stressed in their lives. Major stressors can be work priorities, family, health, financial stability, and current events. The act of gift-giving can be very tiring.

A person can bring relief by changing their habits. A thoughtful present can be a great way to show your appreciation for a friend or family member.

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.