8 Calming Gifts for People with Anxiety That They’ll Actually Use
Practical and Calming Gifts for Anxiety Relief and Self-Care
While the holiday season is filled with a ton of gift guides, most of the time the lists just feel like more a list of “stuff.” If you’re looking for the best gifts for people with anxiety, consider something that’s more than just a material item.
Sure, material things can bring you momentary joy, but wouldn’t it be better if your gift addressed something your loved one deeply needed but didn’t even realize?
If someone in your life struggles with anxiety, is navigating a tough season, or is highly sensitive, giving them a practical, grounding, and truly useful gift could be a game-changer in their day-to-day world.
Just a small tip: don’t announce, “I got this for you because I know you’re anxious. 😉”
Best Gifts for People with Anxiety
Best Gifts for People with Anxiety: Snooze Noise Machine
This is hands-down one of the best gifts for people with anxiety who struggle to sleep or live in a noisy environment.
I genuinely can’t sleep without mine, and everyone I’ve suggested it to has raved about how it transforms their nights.
Unlike many sound machines with tracks that can feel repetitive or artificial, this one produces soothing, realistic white noise, making it a perfect gift for anxiety relief.
It drowns out the city sounds, barking dogs, or even a partner’s snoring, creating the perfect backdrop for restful sleep.
Incredibly practical and perfect for your loved ones who could use a better night’s sleep.
Practical Gifts for Anxiety Relief: Eye Mask
A no-frills eye mask might not scream “luxury,” but hear me out. This simple sleep tool can have a surprising impact on someone’s well-being, particularly when it comes to rest and relaxation.
Whether they’re blocking out light during sleep, using it for meditation, or just catching a quick moment of calm on the couch, an eye mask is a practical addition to anyone’s self-care toolkit.
This is the same eye mask I use each night to sleep and in my ketamine sessions with clients.
Best Weighted Blanket for Anxiety Relief
If you’ve never tried a weighted blanket, let me tell you—you’re missing out. This cozy, comforting staple is a game-changer for sleep, relaxation, and even grounding after a long, stressful day.
Weighted blankets use gentle pressure to create a sense of security, similar to a hug. This can calm the nervous system and promote better sleep.
I can’t believe I went so long without one, and I plan on gifting them to both my parents and in-laws this year (shhh!).
The possibilities are endless—use it while meditating, reading, or simply unwinding on the couch. I use this one during my ketamine therapy sessions with clients.
Thoughtful Gifts for Anxiety: Noise-Canceling Headphones
When I first moved to New York City, I found the constant noise overwhelming—especially on the subway. I love listening to audiobooks, but my old headphones just couldn’t compete with the chaos of the city, and I found myself dreading trips on the subway.
That’s when someone clued me into noise-canceling headphones, which was a revelation. For some reason, I thought of these as unnecessary luxury items. But no, suddenly, the subway didn’t feel like such a daunting ordeal.
These headphones are a lifesaver for anyone in your life who’s easily overstimulated. They’re perfect for commuting, working in noisy environments, or simply carving out a little pocket of peace in a busy world.
Soothing Gifts for Anxiety: Herbal Tea + Teapot
There’s something undeniably soothing about the ritual of making tea. Pairing a selection of calming herbal teas with a thoughtful teapot is a great self-care gift for anxiety.
Loose herbal teas—like chamomile, lemon balm, or tulsi—are especially lovely for their calming properties. If you’re not sure where to start, find a local apothecary (or explore Rebecca’s Apothecary online or IRL in Boulder for high-quality, sustainably sourced herbs).
This gift is both nurturing and beautiful—a small reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things.
Calming Gifts for People with Anxiety: Essential Oils
Did you know that scent is the fastest pathway to the brain? That’s why essential oils can be so powerful for calming the mind and body.
Some great options include lavender (for relaxation), geranium (for emotional balance), and lemon balm (for stress relief). Pairing a few essential oils with a diffuser makes for a thoughtful, themed gift.
Using essential oils as part of a sensory support toolkit helps soothe the nervous system in stressful times. It’s a win-win.
Calming Gifts for Highly Sensitive People: Bilateral Tappers
Okay, this one is a bit niche, but hear me out. These are the same buzzers I use in my EMDR sessions with therapy clients, and they’re incredible for nervous system regulation.
Bilateral tappers work by creating alternating stimulation (a buzz in the left hand, then the right) to help calm the brain and body.
They can be used for grounding, processing emotions, or even managing stress in the moment.
You can slip them into your pockets or attach them to wristbands for easy use. This might not be the most obvious gift, but for the right person, it could be incredibly soothing and regulating.
Koshi Chimes a Self-Care Gift for Anxiety
Koshi chimes are more than just a beautiful decorative item; they’re a tool for soothing the nervous system and creating moments of calm.
These hand-crafted wind chimes are made in the Pyrenees Mountains and are carefully tuned to produce harmonious, ethereal tones that resonate deeply within the body and mind.
I’ve mentioned these before because, well, I’m obsessed.
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing—they truly elevate any space with their chic, minimalist design—but they also serve a greater purpose: calming the nervous system and grounding the listener in the present moment.
No musical ability needed.
A Note on Giving the Best Gifts for Anxiety
Gifting items that support someone’s well-being is about more than just the object itself. It’s about the message behind it—the care, thoughtfulness, and acknowledgment of what they might need.
When choosing the best gifts for people with anxiety, think about practical items that bring comfort, calm, and a sense of ease.
Whether it’s a weighted blanket, Koshi chimes, or essential oils, these thoughtful gifts for anxiety can make a lasting impact on your loved ones’ well-being.
You’re offering a moment of ease, a pocket of joy, or a small reminder that they’re loved and you see them.
So, as you shop for your friends and family, think about the tools, rituals, or comforts that have made a difference in your own life. Those are the gifts worth sharing.
Happy gifting!
More notes on anxiety:
Julie Goldberg is a licensed therapist and the founder of Third Nature Therapy. Her practice focuses on helping individuals better understand their inner world, befriend their nervous system (instead of working against it), and navigate changing relationships. She offers somatic therapy, EMDR intensives, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY.