Self-care [1] is always important, but this year especially, you may be looking for ways to make the holiday season a little less stressful. Consider starting with the gifts you give your loved ones!
Whether you have a yoga-loving friend or a relative who could use some help decompressing, there are plenty of inspiring mindfulness [2] gifts to shop this year. Keep reading to check out our favourite picks, from books to self-reflection cards to scented candles [3].
Nopod Weighted Eye Mask
Did you know that practicing mindfulness can help improve sleep [5]? Lay this Nopod Weighted Eye Mask [6] ($32) over your eyes before pressing play on a before-bed meditation session. Described on the website as "the weighted blanket for your eyes," the machine-washable cotton and fleece mask comes in tons of different colours.
The Five Minute Journal
The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day [7] ($25) guides you through journaling exercises with prompts meant to encourage gratitude and positivity. It has an impressive 3,439 five-star reviews on Amazon, with one reviewer even calling in "life-changing."
Sunny Present Store Empowering Questions Cards
For the person who is new to meditation and mindfulness, these Sunny Present Store Empowering Questions Cards [8] ($16) are a helpful place to start. The questions on each colourful illustrated card encourage self-reflection and can be used for meditating or as journaling prompts.
Nature’s Mark Mini Meditation Zen Garden
A desktop Zen Garden is a perfect way to bring some calm to an at-home workspace. This Nature's Mark Mini Meditation Zen Garden [9] ($15) includes an air plant, river rocks, and a rake to make designs in the sand.
Practicing Mindfulness Book
Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday [10]($13) is an Amazon best-seller written by California-based mindfulness instructor Matt Sockolov. It is a basic, easy-to-follow guide to daily calming meditations. Sockolov explains how mindfulness goes way beyond simply being in the present moment and offers advice on how to use meditation as a stress-relief tool.
Yoga Zeal Rainbow Yoga Mat
Yoga Zeal has lots of beautiful patterned and nature-inspired mats to choose from, like this Rainbow Yoga Mat [11] ($99). A fun, eye-catching mat will upgrade anyone's meditation or yoga routine.
Cavo After a Good Cry Candle
We can all relate to this cleverly-named Cavo After a Good Cry Candle [12] ($24). The website advertises that the rainwater, lavender, vanilla bean, and bourbon candle "smells like a hug."
Breathwork: How to Use Your Breath to Change Your Life
The illustrations in Breathwork: How to Use Your Breath to Change Your Life [13] ($14), by Andrew Smart, are a gorgeous combination of soothing colour gradients and inspiring images from nature. They are accompanied by instructions on how to use breathing techniques such as Zen breathing and Somatic breathing to alleviate everyday anxiety.
Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Colouring Book
Sometimes, a little bit of humour can be just what we need to decompress when life gets overwhelming. And colouring in a colour book is a fun meditative activity, as well. Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Colouring Book [14]($5) combines both, with funny phrases and detailed illustrations to fill in. But don't take it from us; the nearly 10,000 five-star Amazon ratings speak for themselves.
Herbivore CALM Soaking Salts
Meditate in the bathtub with these Herbivore CALM Soaking Salts [15] ($18). The aromatherapeutic ylang-ylang and vanilla scents ensure a super relaxing experience.
Maison Balzac Pebble Incense Holder
The minimalist glass Maison Balzac Pebble Incense Holder [16] ($25) will impress the design-lover in your life. Choose from two colour options – amber or light pink.
Gaiam Halfmoon Mod Meditation Cushion
Some people prefer meditating on a comfy cushion instead of a yoga mat. The Gaiam Halfmoon Mod Meditation Cushion [17] ($70) is a pretty and practical option. It even has a handle, so it's easy to transport.
Eccolo World Traveller Self-Care Sticker Pad
The Eccolo World Traveller Self-Care Sticker Pad [18] ($9) is an adorable stocking stuffer idea. It's 100+ stickers have motivational messages inspiring you to breathe, unplug, and focus on the positive.
Craft and Kin Fresh Linen Soy Candle
Everyone loves receiving a scented candle, and the delicate aroma of this Craft and Kin Fresh Linen Soy Candle [19] ($17) is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It comes in a giftable box, all ready to be wrapped in festive paper!
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