Top 5 Christmas Gifts for Those you Love with Anxiety
/If someone you love struggles with anxiety, these might be beneficial for them! (Remember to get them other gifts too). If you are the one struggling with anxiety feel free to treat yourself too! It is ok to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Here are some gift ideas that might help!
1. Fidgets
Fidgets are great for those who struggle with anxiety, It can include fidget rings, spinners, cubes, monkey noodles, slime, pop-its etc. If you are buying for a child, be aware that some schools may not allow you to bring these items to school. One of my personal favorite fidgets is the cute octopus that is a fidget spinner, pop-it, and has feelings faces all in one.
While you may just think fidgets are just for kids, think again! Many adults I know have their own fidgets. They keep them accessible on their desk, car or in their home. Fidgets offer a calming effect. While they don’t “cure” anxiety, they can help bring some relief. It gives you a sense of control, it can keep your hands and mind busy which can in turn move your focus away from the anxiety fight, flight, freeze response and to a more rational state. And my goodness, who wouldn’t love to have this cute octopus as a desk toy!?
2. Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are amazing! I received one myself as a gift for Christmas one year and honestly, I wasn’t convinced it would help. Alas, I was wrong. The weighted blanket felt so calming and soothing. The one I had received (from Target) was also cooling. On particularly anxious nights when my mind is running and I have a hard time relaxing, I pull out my weighted blanket and I’m out like a dream.
When you are purchasing a weighted blanket pay attention to the weight of the person you are buying for. The weight of the person determines the weight needed for the blanket. There is a chart that helps you to determine the weight of the blanket, many recommend it needs to be 10% of the body weight. For children under 5 and those with medical concerns, consult with your doctor before using a weighted blanket.
Check out this page for more information on finding the right weight for your blanket:
Casper- How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
We call weighted blankets in our home “anxious blankets,” but they can also be used to help those who experience ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, autism and depression. It isn’t something you necessarily have to use every single night. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety and unable to sleep, this could be very beneficial.
This one from Target is a cooling weighted blanket. Target also has several different kid friendly weighted blanket designs and colors on their website. You can find weighted blankets at most major retail stores.
3. Kinetic Sand
Kinetic Sand is my favorite! It is also one of the most used items in my office for those who struggle with anxiety. Many of my younger clients love the scented kinetic sands, I personally prefer the original one. I also love that kinetic sand feels awesome and is a less messy version of regular sand. This is great to keep in a Tupperware container on the countertop and have it accessible for when you need it. Open up the container and you can play with it while you are making a hard phone call, doing your work, or even if you are simply anticipating a future event.
Kinetic sand is great for sensory regulation. It can relieve some of the tension that you are feeling in your body. It is also easy to physically manipulate, meaning that when you squeeze it in your hands, you can form it and shape it how you want and then slowly let it fall from your hands. It can help those with anxiety to feel a sense of control.
You can find kinetic sand at most major retail stores. This one is from Amazon.
4. Scripture Anxiety and Panic Relief Pocket Booklet to Take on the Go.
I found this listing on Etsy and I think this would be a great tool for those with anxiety. Often times when people are feeling anxious the immediate thoughts are on the anxiety provoking event. When the anxiety rises and panic increases, rational thought starts to go out the window. Remembering your coping skills can be so difficult when those anxious thoughts are increasing. Having this on hand, helps make it so that you don’t have to remember every single thing. You can just remember to look at your flip booklet and it will guide you through it so you can immediately regulate. It has one of my favorite grounding techniques for anxiety 5-4-3-2-1 and also includes crisis lines in case you need it.
Etsy Scripture Anxiety and Panic Relief Pocket Booklet to Take on the Go
5. Anti-Anxiety Notebook
This notebook was created by therapists for those struggling with anxiety. It uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help you tackle that anxiety.
It includes “guided journal entries, structured exercises, regular check-ins and more than 100 notes and tips from therapists encourage you to become aware of your thoughts and emotions, and ultimately help you to reframe, challenge, and change these when needed.”
This notebook will help you to process the anxiety and origins. It can also help walk you through what happened and other potential thoughts you could have instead of the anxious thoughts. This would be great for those already in therapy as an additional support throughout the week. It would also be beneficial for those who are not yet in therapy to begin to understand where those thoughts come from.
Connected Families Counseling nor any of its employees are paid or sponsored by products in this post and will not receive any compensation for this post.