Top Picks: The Best Gifts for People with Anxiety
In a rush? Here are my top picks for the best gifts for people with anxiety (Click on any of these to learn more)! Keep scrolling to see a breakdown of the best anxiety gifts by price and category.
Category | Under $25 | $25-100 | $100+ |
|---|---|---|---|
Gadgets | |||
Home | |||
Lifestyle | |||
Consumables |
Under $25 Best Gifts for People with Anxiety
“Don’t Panic, Do This!” by Tyler Ellis
Not to toot my own horn, but… toot, toot.
Here’s a great book on stopping anxiety and panic attacks immediately. This book was written to be the perfect gift for someone with anxiety. With over 100 different methods, it’s ideal for that anxious friend or family member who wouldn’t usually read a mental health book. Just pick up the book, flip to any page, and learn a new, quick, and actionable coping method.
You can learn more about the book or purchase one (eBook and Paperback available) by clicking the link!
Great For: People suffering from moderate to severe anxiety or panic attacks. People willing to learn new coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
Yogi Bedtime Tea
As a gift for someone with anxiety, caffeine-free tea (aka herbal tea) is the only way to go. But not all herbal teas are created equal. After running a test comparing over 20 different relaxing herbal teas, I found passionflower tea to work the best. Not surprising, since studies have found the anti-anxiety effects of passionflower to rival that of certain anxiety medications. Not bad for a plant! [1]
My favorite brand was Yogi Bedtime tea. You can find it in most supermarkets or buy it here.
Great For: People who have trouble sleeping due to anxiety, or who desire a natural solution for anxiousness.
Kava Kava Candy
Kava Kava Candy is an incredibly cool product that delivers stress-relieving kava root in candy form. In Polynesian cultures, kava root is used to create a slightly intoxicating, highly relaxing beverage. Preparing kava yourself is time-consuming, so these kava candies are massively convenient. They’re made to be mild, but a few of them can definitely help take stress down a few notches.
If you still have questions, you can check out my full review of Kava Kava Candy here. Or, you can buy some using the coupon code DONTPANIC for 15% off your order!
Great For: People looking to relieve some stress at work without getting in trouble or becoming overly intoxicated.
Scented Bath Bombs (or Shower Steamers)
There are few better ways to unwind at the end of a long day than with a hot shower or bath. You can make a bath even more relaxing by adding some scented bath bombs to the tub. Bath bombs make good gifts for people with anxiety, regardless of the recipient. I promise, even the most rugged of mountain men will (from the privacy of their bathroom) love relaxing in a tub full of bubbles.
I recommend scented over non-scented bath bombs, as aromatherapy can bring additional anxiety benefits. For those without a bathtub, shower steamers work just as well.
Great For: People looking to relieve stress and anxiety at the end of a long day.
Anxiety Journal
Sometimes the best gift for someone with anxiety is just being there to listen when they need to vent. Of course, it’s impossible for us to be available 24/7 to support our friends (hey, we’re only human). For this reason, an anxiety journal can be a great anxiety gift. This allows our friends to vent through expressive writing and keep track of their feelings and progress over time
There are many great anxiety journals to choose from. Here's one of my favorites.
Great For: People looking to vent, or to access and confront buried feelings and emotions.
Adult Coloring Books
Adult coloring books are good gifts for people with anxiety who just need to take their mind off things for a while. Sure, there’s nothing revolutionary about a coloring book. But most of us also didn’t have much anxiety at all back when we spent all day coloring. Think about it…
Today, adult coloring books are popular and range greatly depending on what you’re looking for. Would your friend enjoy more intricate, artistic designs – or simpler ones? Would they prefer something funny? Something with a theme? You know them best, but I’ll link to a popular option to give you some ideas.
Great For: People looking for a fun distraction from their anxieties and worries.
Stress Relief Balls
The classic stress relief ball is, perhaps, the grandfather of all stress and anxiety gifts. It’s hard to picture 90s office culture without imagining a disgruntled employee going to town on one of these bad boys. While the stress ball is far more rudimentary than modern fidget toys, sometimes simple is good. This a timeless way to “burn off the jitters” without having to leave your desk.
You can check out one good option by clicking the link.
Great For: People looking to burn off negative energy and stress at the office.
SHASHIBO
The SHASHIBO (short for Shape-Shifting Box) is one of the coolest fidget toys I’ve found for anxiety relief. Starting as a cube, the magnets can be manipulated into over 70 different shapes and possibilities. You can even stack several SHASHIBO together to create more unique structures. I’ve got one of these things myself, and let me tell you, it’s extremely gratifying when you randomly discover a new shape.
The SHASHIBO comes in a wide variety of different (pretty trippy) designs and colors. Check them out!
Great For: People who have a hard time sitting still; anyone looking for a tactile and mental distraction from their anxiety.
Fidget Cube
Fidget cubes are incredibly popular right now. They offer a simple way to keep our hands busy while anxious. For students, in particular, this can be a valuable tool. It’s quieter, and more discreet, than other habits like nail-biting, hair-pulling, or pen-tapping. Each side of the cube offers a different type of tactile stimulation, whether it be pushing buttons, flipping switches, or rolling a ball.
There are a lot of these on the market; including many cheap knockoffs. Use the link for the real-deal original.
Great For: Students who have trouble focusing or who frequently engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviors. People who need to keep their hands busy while anxious.
Moody Reversible Octopus
Perhaps a bit less functional than the other items on this list, it was too adorable not to make the cut. No, this moody reversible octopus isn’t scientifically-designed to reduce your anxiety. But, it’s still a nice way to subtly (or not so subtly) let your friend or significant other know how you’re feeling. Feeling happy? Show the octopus’ happy face. Feeling… less than happy? Flip it inside out and show its angry face.
I’ll include a link in case you want to purchase one.
Great For: People who would appreciate a comforting gift that allows them to subtly share how they’re feeling.
$25-100 Top Gifts for People with Anxiety
Komuso Shift
This is easily one of my top gifts for people with anxiety. The Komuso Shift is a wearable breathwork tool. Designed as a (genuinely cool and stylish) necklace, someone who is anxious can breathe through the Shift to calm down. The size and shape of the device is engineered to prolong exhalation; an act known to help activate the part of our brain responsible for relaxation. [2]
Because it’s so stylish and discreet, the Shift is perfect for anyone prone to anxiety in public places. You can read my full review of the Komuso Shift here. Use code DONTPANIC for 15% off your order.
Great For: People prone to anxiety or panic attacks in public. People with social anxiety. People who tend to hyperventilate or need help with breathwork.
Magic Mind Productivity Shots
Magic Mind is a matcha-based productivity shot packed with naturally occurring L-theanine, adaptogens, and nootropics. For people who usually become jittery or anxious from high-caffeine drinks, Magic Mind is a fantastic coffee alternative. If you're looking for a non-addictive energy boost to help put you in a flow state each day, look no further.
I did an experiment where I drank Magic Mind for two weeks straight, then took a week off to see how it made me feel before, during, and after. You can watch my full Magic Mind review here.
Great For: People looking for an energy boost that actually works without causing anxiety.
CBD Oil or CBD Products
CBD oil is becoming an increasingly popular natural solution for anxiousness. It can be consumed, applied, inhaled, or sprayed to reduce anxiousness. If it’s sold legally where you live, this can be one of the best gifts for people with anxiety. CBD oil shouldn’t contain THC, meaning it won’t get you “high,” but may still show up on drug tests… something to consider before buying.
CBD products aren’t sold on Amazon, but you can buy a wide variety of quality CBD products by clicking the link provided.
Great For: People who are stressed or anxious and don't get tested for CBD work.
Shakti Acupressure Mat
When our mind is tense, our body is tense; When our body is tense, our mind is tense. The Shakti Acupressure Mat is one of the best gifts for people with anxiety or tension in their bodies. While it may be uncomfortable, laying on this mat can help relieve muscle tension and increase blood flow throughout the body. Anyone with anxiety should own something like this.
Great For: People who carry anxiety or tension in their bodies. People who need more of a physical release for their anxiety and tension.
Essential Oil Diffuser
As the name implies, an essential oil diffuser is an essential gift for people with anxiety. Corny jokes aside, I really do feel that everyone should own one of these. Just add a few drops of oil and some water to the diffuser and the room smells great all day. Because aromatherapy can be great for reducing anxiety, choosing the right scent also helps this double as a relaxation tool.
The scents I find most relaxing are lavender, bergamot, rose, or chamomile. For first-timers, I recommend buying a variety pack (like this one) to sample many at once.
Great For: People looking to reduce general anxiousness at home or in the office.
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are hot right now. Not just literally (blankets are warm – get it?) but figuratively as well. Within my own family, at least one person asks for one each year for the holidays. This makes for one of the best Christmas gifts for people with anxiety I can think of. The purpose of the weighted blanket is not just to keep you warm, but to act like a comforting hug that provides a sense of security. Many people with anxiety love this gift and find that it helps them to relax and fall asleep more easily.
Great For: People who want to curl up inside, relax, or fall asleep more easily. People prone to separation anxiety or loneliness.
Dark Chocolate Sampler
Dark chocolate is a well-known mood boosting treat that can help relieve stress. While milk chocolate can work too, dark chocolate seems to be more effective at reducing stress. I recommend products containing 70% or more cocoa. Bitter is better in this case, since more sugary candy bars can actually worsen anxiety. [3] [4]
Dark chocolate can easily be found at any grocery store, but it may be fun to buy a dark chocolate sampler online. This allows your friend to try different flavors and cocoa concentrations to find their favorite! Check the link for a delicious option.
Great For: People who are generally anxious or tend to stress-eat.
Miniature Zen Garden
Just looking at this product activates a weird, anxiety-prone part of my brain that makes me need to play with it. The miniature Zen Garden is one of the best gifts for people with anxiety looking to liven up their workspace. In Zen Buddhism, the Zen Garden is intended to aid in meditation. If you get this gift for a friend with anxiety, encourage them to learn a bit about meditation (optional) to get the most out of this gift. The one I linked to includes a 64-page meditation booklet!
Great For: People interested in meditation or Zen Buddhism. People looking for anxiety relief at home or in the office.
Magnetic Desktop Sculptures
I remember my grandparents having one of these when I was a kid. I’m not sure how anxious I was back then, but I remember being absolutely transfixed by this thing. For someone with anxiety, this would make a great gift as it can help provide tactile and mental distraction from whatever is stressing you out. An alternative to magnetic desktop sculptures would be magnetic sand, which is also extremely cool and satisfying.
Great For: People looking for a fun and mindless way to relax and distract themselves.
$100+ Best Anxiety Gifts
CalmiGo (Smart Calming Companion)
The CalmiGo is possibly my favorite and best anxiety gift on this list. The device is held in your hands and exhaled through, providing multisensory stimulation (lights and vibrations) to let you know when your exhale is complete. This may sound simple to someone without anxiety, but extended exhalation and deep breathing are critical for someone trying to stop an anxiety or panic attack. In addition to its primary features, the CalmiGo also includes a scented element for some aromatherapy to promote relaxation further.
It's hard to undestand how great the CalmiGo is without seeing it for yourself, so check out my full review of CalmiGo here for a demonstration. Use Coupon Code DONTPANIC for $30 off your order!
Great For: People who suffer from general anxiety. People who experience moderate to severe anxiety or panic attacks. People who tend to hyperventilate and could benefit from a breathwork device.
Hatch Restore Sound Machine
Years of waking up to the same jarring alarm tone can do a number on our psyches. Over time, our brains learn to immediately start the day with a jolt of panic, stress, and anxious urgency. The Hatch Restore is designed to help you both fall asleep and wake up in an optimized, relaxed way. It combines a smart light, alarm clock, noise machine, meditations, and ambient sounds to help improve sleep and decrease stress.
Great For: People who need help falling asleep or waking up in the morning. People looking to decrease baseline stress and anxiety levels.
Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test
Different from a traditional “allergy test,” Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity Test shows which foods we may have dietary sensitivities to. "Food sensitivity” is an important differentiation from “allergy,” because our body can react negatively to certain foods that we are not necessarily allergic to; causing issues like inflammation, bloating, and – you guessed it – anxiety. I did one of these tests myself to learn what foods to cut out and it was super cool and easy. It’s seriously such a cool gift for anxiety prevention.
If you’d like to learn more about the process, just check out my full review of the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test here. If you use the link provided you can save 15% on your order!
Great For: People interested in learning more about their body’s unique needs. People open to making dietary changes to decrease baseline anxiety levels.
Neuvana Xen
Here we’ve got a big-ticket item – and a really cool one, at that. The Neuvana Xen is one of the best gifts for people with anxiety because it uses tVNS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation) to promote relaxation. I know, I know – this is an anxiety gift list, not a research paper – I’ll spare you the scientific details. Simply put, the Xen fires gentle electrical impulses through earbuds (while listening to sound or music) to train the brain to get better at calming down. It’s not cheap, but any anxious friend will love you for this one.
Read my full review of the Neuvana Xen here. Coupon Code: DONTPANIC for 10% off.
Great For: People looking for a long-term solution to anxiety. People interested in high-tech products. People looking to passively decrease stress.
Chill Chair
The Chill Chair is probably the odd duck in this list, and certainly no small investment. While a massaging office chair may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of anti-anxiety gifts, it's definitely one of my favorites. If someone you love is carrying a ton of tension in their body, stressed out at work, or just bothering you for massages all the time, this will be a great investment.
Read my full review of Chill Chair here. Coupon Code: DONTPANIC for 15% off.
Great For: People looking for a long-term solution to anxiety. People interested in high-tech products. People looking to passively decrease stress.
Best Gift Cards for People with Anxiety
Online Therapy Membership
Therapy is one of the best gifts for people with anxiety. While I don’t expect you to pay a year’s worth of therapy for someone, signing a friend up for their first month could literally save their life. Many people who would benefit from therapy have never gone, simply because they feel they don’t have the time or money to do so. Online therapy can be a good option for such people, allowing them to work through their anxiety with a professional from the comfort of home.
There are many options out there. Click to read our article comparing popular online therapy options to help you make your decision.
Great For: People willing to speak with a professional and confront their anxiety in a safe setting.
Spa or Massage Gift Card
All the creative anxiety gifts on here are great and all, but sometimes it’s better just to keep it simple. Maybe your loved one won’t read a book about anxiety or appreciate the expensive gadget you bought them. For some people, a simple trip to the spa can be more than enough gift to help someone relax. Best of all, they can spend the gift card how they like – removing some guesswork from your end.
Great For: People who need to relax and destress. People who probably wouldn’t use, appreciate, or benefit from other items on this list.
Best Gifts for Children with Anxiety
Intelex Warmies
Stuffed animals make some of the best gifts for children with anxiety. They’re among our earliest companions; always there for us when we need them most. Although I don’t just recommend any stuffed animal brand for anxiety. My favorite stuffed animals for anxiety are the Intelex Warmies. They’re lavender scented and can be warmed up in the microwave. This enhances their ability to calm children on multiple fronts, making them the easy choice for me.
Great For: Children who suffer from separation anxiety or trouble sleeping.
Fidget Spinner
You have to have known this one was coming… right? Fidget spinners became an Internet phenomenon around 2017, and have remained popular ever since. While they can seem like a silly toy, they may actually help calm down some people with anxiety, ADHD, or autism.
Great For: Children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism.
Rubik’s Cube
I’ll admit, I’ve never truly tried to solve one of these myself, so it may seem like a difficult gift for children with anxiety. However, my sister learned how to solve these very young, and spent many hours playing with hers. The Rubik’s Cube is a classic, and effective, way to keep the mind busy; something important for the young and restless developing mind.
Great For: Children who need a challenge or to keep their mind busy.
Thinking Putty
Kids love slime, goop, putty, and all other manner of gross squishy things (and if we’re being honest, so do adults). But these things can be more than just messy fun. Sometimes a bit of tactile stimulation can go a long way for reducing stress and anxiety. Thinking Putty is a fun way to allow a child to get creative while squeezing out some of their frustrations.
Great For: Children who like to get creative while getting their hands dirty. Kids who are stressed out and looking to safely blow off some steam.
"Stress Free Kids" Books by Lori Lite
I first saw these books on an episode of Shark Tank and thought they were a great idea. Author Lori Lite uses her “Stress Free Kids” book series to teach healthy coping mechanisms to children via illustrated stories. These stories help children to access, understand, and manage their emotions. Just a great idea all around, beautifully executed.
Great For: Children (or parents) who can benefit from learning healthy coping mechanisms for negative emotions like anger, stress, and anxiety.
Children’s Craft Kits
For the artistically-inclined or crafty children, a craft kit is one of the best gifts for children with anxiety. There are so many different children’s craft kits to choose from, depending on your child’s interests. You could build a mailbox together, engineer a miniature robot, or do some painting! As long as it’s an activity the child enjoys, it can be a powerful and healthy way to channel nervous energy into something more positive.
Great For: Children who enjoy arts and crafts or building things. Children with nervous energy that would be better channeled into a positive activity.
Put Together an Easy DIY Anxiety Basket!
Looking to go above and beyond? Why not put together a basket containing several of the best gifts for people with anxiety? You could buy a pre-made one online, or, if you’re really looking to wow them, check out my article on what to put inside an anxiety gift basket. Your friend is sure to love it!
