The Ultimate Gift Guide for People With Anxiety

If you have a loved one who suffers from anxiety, shopping for a gift can be challenging. “Anxiety can feel like constant background noise, so gifts that soothe or fit into their existing routines are ideal. Keep it simple — something that doesn’t feel overwhelming or like it’s asking too much of them. Most importantly, focus on what feels thoughtful and personal rather than flashy or complicated,” says Caitlin Slavens, a registered psychologist and the clinical director of Couples to Cradles Counselling in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

It's just as important to understand what not to get for someone with anxiety.

“Stay away from gifts that tell them to ‘calm down,’” says Mary Poffenroth, PhD, a biopsychologist and a member of the STEM faculty at San Jose State University in California. “People may find these rude, and they may make anxiety worse instead of better.”

This curated list of anxiety-busting gifts may not be a panacea, but it might help soothe your friend or family member’s symptoms.

If you don’t see something on this list that piques your interest, other thoughtful presents include gift cards to favorite restaurants, an offer of childcare to give parents a much-needed break, a comfort food gift basket full of their favorite goodies, or even concierge services to help them shop, cook, clean, or help with scheduling. Ultimately, the thought and effort you put into the gift is what really makes the difference.

"The best gifts aren’t about fixing or changing anything. They’re about showing you care and giving them something that makes life easier," Slavens says.