Thoughtful Mental Health Gifts 2021

The holidays are approaching and it's that time of year again where we all start to think about gifts for our loved ones.

While it can be such a wonderful time of the year, it can also be quite difficult for many. Whether its stress from planning or uncomfortable family dynamics, it's a season that can be hard for anyone.

Those struggling with mental health issues often feel the pressure even more, trying to live up to certain expectations and ignoring advice on how to "get better." There's no magic switch that will solve everything. And more than any materialistic gift, those struggling really just want to be given a moment to actually rest and be understood without any judgement.

So whether your loved one is dealing with mental health issues or you just want to show them you’re thinking of their wellbeing, check out the list before for some thoughtful gift ideas. The best gifts show love, affection and thoughtfulness — it’s the thought that truly matters.

Quality Time

The best gift you can give anyone is your time. It's important to note that this should be planned and not a sudden surprise in order to reduce pressure and obligations for your giftee.

Communication is important. Ask your loved one what they want to do. Whether that's going out for a special meal or weekend getaway. Often, mental illness can make it difficult to have happy and sustainable relationships. So spending time together, regardless of the activity, may have more meaning than anything else that comes inside a wrapped package.

Advocacy

Give the gift of advocacy! There is still such a huge stigma surrounding mental illness, and so many layers of mental health are often overlooked or even romanticized. Let your giftee know that they are seen, heard, and valid with these cute enamel pins. With every purchase of a pin, 10% of the proceeds are donated to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

If you want to open up the conversation, but don't know how, you can spark meaningful conversations with the help of Reflection Cards! These cards are surprisingly fun and really deepen relationships with friends and family. Other great conversational card packs to consider are Icebreaker: Deeper Talk and Tabletopics.

Journal

When someone struggles with a mental illness, managing self-care can decline or potentially be forgotten. A thoughtful wellness gift shows that you truly care. Journals are great for organizing thoughts, especially if you’re not ready to talk about what’s on your mind with anyone else.

Find a journal with a design your giftee would love. For a personal touch, add some positive notes, uplifting messages, and fond memories on random pages. Papier is also a great site for lots of design options and special customizations.

Alcohol-Free Spirits

For those struggling with mental health issues, choosing to forgo alcohol is often a necessity or personal choice. However, just because one chooses not to drink doesn't mean they want to be left out of the festivities! 

Limiting options to soda or juice boxes can still leave a feeling of exclusion in a society that has such a huge drinking culture. It gets exhausting having to explain all the time why you're not drinking or being pestered to have a little sip.

Thankfully, alcohol-free alternatives have been gaining popularity recently! With alcohol-free alternatives like Ritual Zero Proof, one can still enjoy an adult beverage with friends while maintaining sobriety. Ritual offers tequila, rum, gin, and whiskey alternatives.

Sensory Gifts

During moments of heightened anxiety, grounding techniques are often relied upon in order to help ease stress while also presenting an opportunity to distract one from negative thoughts. Think of the five senses. A popular grounding technique known as "5-4-3-2-1" relies on the five senses and helps focus the mind and acknowledge reality.

You can even create a personalized "panic box" for your loved one that includes a little bit of everything. Having an immediate reminder can be comforting during times that feel so chaotic and confusing. Not sure where to start out? Check out BuddyBox by The Blurt Foundation. Or get some ideas from the list below!

See Gifts: Adult Coloring Book, Affirmation Cards, Ambient Light

Touch Gift:  Soft or Weighted Blanket, Therapy Dough

Hear Gifts: Headspace Subscription, Audio Books, Noise Cancelling Headphones

Smell Gifts: Scented Candles, Aroma Dough

Taste Gifts: Favorite Chocolates, Calming Teas

Personal Or Handmade Gifts

We all want to feel special and loved. Those struggling with mental illnesses can often experience discomfort regarding their self-esteem and relationships. Small, heartfelt gifts are a great reminder to show that you acknowledge who they are.

As this varies from person to person, the gift will have to come from your heart and the special connection you have with that individual!

However, here are some easy ideas:

• A detailed, handwritten note or card expressing your gratitude to your loved one.

• For those who love their home state or are missing home: Homesick Scented Candle

• Matching trinkets such as friendship bracelets, key chains, or pins.

• Donation to their favorite charity under their name.
  

Gifting doesn’t have to be stressful! What’s truly important is the thought you put into it for that special person. I hope you’ve found some inspiration from this article. Happy Holidays!