Prioritizing your mental health can feel like a daunting task, especially when life’s demands are constantly pulling you in different directions. But you can create the perfect time to reset, reflect, and set intentions for nurturing yourself. While career goals and fitness routines often take the spotlight, your mental well-being lays the foundation for every area of your life (and that’s not just me being biased as a licensed therapist).

Mental health struggles are incredibly common — about 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year, and millions more feel stressed, burned out, or overwhelmed.

But finding small ways to support your emotional health can make a big difference in creating a sense of calm and contentment.

If you or someone you love is working toward mental health goals, this list of therapist-recommended gifts is here to help. These meaningful picks are designed to encourage self-care and mindfulness — because putting your emotional well-being first is one of the most important gifts you can give.

With this paint-by-numbers kit, you’re not just creating a masterpiece — you’re creating a calmer, happier version of yourself. The numbered sections and preselected colors create the ultimate mental health hack. Each carefully placed stroke allows you to focus, relax, and let go of the day’s stress — and research proves it.

It’s like a mini mindfulness retreat, but with way more color and creativity.

Perfect for adults (not just kids), this little gadget provides an affordable escape for under $30. With soothing sounds like white noise, rainfall, and ocean waves, it can quiet your racing thoughts whether you’re working, relaxing, or trying to sleep. In fact, white noise is proven to drown out ambient noise, helping to reduce overstimulation for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or anxiety.

Just press play, and say goodbye to distractions.

$49.99

Why wait for sunny skies when you can bring the brightness right to you? Light therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, increase energy, and improve mood by helping to regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

This compact lamp mimics natural daylight to help you feel more focused and less fatigued, providing ultraviolet-free protection from the winter blues. Think of it as a little sunshine for your soul — no sunscreen required.

Meet the secret weapon in the quest for achieving your mental health goals: a programmable slow cooker. Its set-it-and-forget-it design allows you to prepare nutrient-packed meals that support brain health, like dishes rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and whole grains.

With a 7-quart capacity, it’s perfect for dinner tonight and leftovers for tomorrow. Now the 5 p.m. dread of “What do I make for dinner?” can finally be avoided!

Whether your goal is to eat more nutrient-rich meals or eat more consistently throughout the day, a meal delivery service might be worth your while. Blue Apron’s selection of ready-to-cook kits and fully prepared meals lets you enjoy nutritious, balanced dishes without the stress of meal planning or grocery shopping. This can help lower decision fatigue, a common source of stress for busy individuals.

With meals like Coconut Curry Udon and Four Cheese Ravioli, you are sure to find options that fit your preferences. Plus, knowing you have a meal ready to go can bring a sense of relief, leaving you more time to focus on self-care and your other priorities.

These vibrant cards offer a quick and simple way to practice mindfulness throughout your day. Studies show that even just a few minutes of mindfulness a day can lower anxiety levels, improve sleep, and decrease depressive moods.

Its eye-catching colors and accessible language allow both beginners and seasoned practitioners to integrate these small exercises into their daily routine. It’s like a pocket-sized pause for your brain, ready at your convenience.

Unwind like a pro with a soothing hug in a cup. Whether your resolutions include improving your sleep hygiene or calming intrusive thoughts before bed, herbal teas like these have been linked to lower anxiety and improved sleep quality, which are key elements of overall mental well-being.

This tea sampler helps you nourish your mind and body while creating a fun tasting experience. With six packs of organic, caffeine-free blends, you can sip your way to relaxation with teas like Kava Stress Relief, Sweet Clementine Stress Support, and Soothing Caramel Bedtime.

As a therapist, I know the suggestion of journaling sounds overrated, like the self-care equivalent of “just breathe” or “everything will be fine.” But hear me out: This isn’t your typical notebook — it’s a stylish, undated tool designed with you in mind. Choosing between 13 color options allows you to showcase your personality while prioritizing your emotional health. With prompts to help you reflect on your energy levels, body movement, inspirations of the day, and moments that didn’t go as planned, it’s designed to make journaling actually fun (yes, really). This journal has got your back whether you’re tracking moods, setting goals, or simply venting about that one coworker who keeps stealing your lunch.

Okay, now I’m really leaning into the journaling cliché, but here’s an option for those who don’t want a deep reflection. This is your quick, go-to fix for a more positive mindset without the heavy lifting. Any type of journaling helps you cope with life’s changes throughout the year. In fact, research show that taking just five minutes each day to jot down what you’re grateful for can increase overall happiness and lower symptoms of depression and anxiety.

With simple prompts to guide you, this journal makes developing a positive outlook as easy as turning a page.

The Bearaby Cotton Napper hand-knit weighted blanket feels like a personal hug — without the awkwardness. Made with breathable fabric and 10 pounds of gentle force, it’s like a warm, cozy therapy session that you can nap through. The deep touch pressure helps calm your nervous system whether you’re unwinding after a hectic day or just want to feel like you’re wrapped in a cloud.

It’s a soft reset button — and you might even be tempted to leave it out as part of your home decor.

Spending all that time around your family during the holidays can sometimes be a frustrating experience. But what if there was a book that could help you break free of those annoying habits your family has? Whether it’s navigating family dynamics or uncovering deep-rooted patterns, this book helps you identify and end the cycle of trauma you’ve inherited. While generational patterns didn’t start with you, you can be the one to take responsibility for starting to heal from them.

Gifting an online therapy subscription is like handing someone a mental wellness VIP pass. Through Brightside’s online services, you gain access to licensed mental health professionals without facing a commute. With personalized therapy and medication management at your fingertips, you’ll be armed with tools to conquer nervousness, hopelessness, or whatever else life throws your way. It’s the kind of gift that does more than ease the moment; it provides the resources to create lasting change.

Whether you’re looking to unwind or give your brain a workout, this book offers a fun and effective way to improve your mental health, one puzzle at a time. Research demonstrates that Sudoku creates new neural pathways, positively impacting attention, problem-solving, reasoning, and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder.

You can literally rewire your brain with this gift. With 500 puzzles, ranging from easy to hard, there’s something for everyone in this activity book. Plus, it provides a sense of accomplishment, making it an excellent tool for mental wellness. So, grab a pencil (or a pen if you’re feeling lucky) and let this book be your ultimate brain booster.

While the benefits might be subtle, many people swear by salt lamps. Leaving you in charge of the dimmer switch, this lamp has a warm amber glow that adds a relaxing ambiance to any room. It’s softness encourages better sleep hygiene, offering a calming alternative to phone scrolling before bed. The lamp’s natural aesthetic adds serenity to your decor while creating the perfect atmosphere for mindfulness.

To reach your mental health goals, you may not need to look much further than a subscription to Audible. With an Audible membership, you’ll have access to a wide range of audiobooks, podcasts, and guided meditations. Whether you choose self-help books or playful fiction escapes, listening to audiobooks creates a feeling of connection and calm for anyone, from children to elderly adults.

Hit play on a little peace of mind, whenever you need it.

Say hello to the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, and immerse yourself in the magic of essential oils and soothing mist, hidden beneath beautiful pottery. The gentle light and aromatherapy blend together to melt away anxiety, boost your mood, and help you focus — because let’s face it, who couldn’t use a little more zen in their life? Regularly using this diffuser can help you stay grounded on your mental health journey.

The overuse of smartphones, and especially social media, has been shown to negatively impact our mental health.

If one of your goals is to limit your access to social media, stop fixating on the news, or end the cycle of comparing yourself with others, a lockbox for your phone could be a game changer. Its durable design ensures that your phone stays safely locked away, helping you create healthier boundaries with technology. With three “willpower” modes, you can customize a timer and decide whether or not to enable an override code. Break free of the fear of missing out and the constant unease of notifications, and focus your time on what truly brings you joy.

Forget blaring wake-up calls that have you checking your notifications before you even open your eyes. It’s time to embrace the natural glow of a simulated sunrise that gently nudges you out of bed. A physical alarm clock is the perfect way to reset your morning routine, eliminating the stress of digital distractions before you’ve even had a chance to wipe away your morning eye boogers. Not only does its thoughtful design regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your sleep cycle — it provides a mindful, tech-free wake-up, setting a calmer tone for the rest of your day.

$34

There’s a lot of weight to sleep when it comes to your mental health, so why not add some more? The Nodpod Sleep Mask provides the right amount of pressure to create more restorative sleep for you. A well-rested mind is more focused, calm, and better equipped to handle daily challenges.

With this mask (in your choice of six color preferences), you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to continue crushing your mental health goals — because who can be their best self on a bad night’s sleep?

If you want an affordable way to trigger troublesome pressure points, look no further than the TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball. It melts away muscle tension and promotes relaxation, helping you say goodbye to stress and hello to a calmer, more centered you. As it works as your personal masseuse, the ball boosts circulation, encourages endorphin release, and relieves physical discomfort.

Imagine lying down on a single mat and feeling like your body is getting a VIP acupressure treatment — without the fancy spa price tag. By stimulating key pressure points across your body, the ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat Set encourages your body to release those sweet endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that make you feel like you just won the emotional lottery. Anxiety? Meet your match. Mood boost? Check. With regular use, this little mat becomes your personal oasis of stress relief.

Stop searching, you’ve found it: This is your go-to guide to mastering the art of setting boundaries without guilt. This book offers practical advice on how to say no with confidence and protect your mental health while keeping your relationships intact. Whether it’s family members, friends, or coworkers that you want to set healthy limits with, this book can help you stick with your boundaries even against pushback. Get ready to reclaim your peace, because boundaries are the new black — they look good on everyone.

The mental load is a hot-button topic in parenting — and for good reason. Studies show that mothers in heterosexual relationships take care of 70 percent of the household tasks — including the mental preparation that comes with them.

If one of your goals is to reduce feeling overwhelmed and rebalance your relationship for the sake of your mental health, this pack of over 100 cards helps couples have honest, productive conversations about responsibilities and expectations. Creating a more equitable partnership, where both partners feel heard and valued, starts here.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT

Author

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, is a clinician specializing in reproductive mental health care in Wichita, Kansas, and an experienced freelance health writer. Her articles have covered topics such as mental health, pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum health, abortion care, the foster care system and adoption, women's health, and the care of children with disabilities. Her work has been published in Health, Parents, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Health.

Riley served as the communications director for the Kansas State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, an organization that aims to promote the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting parents, families, and caregivers and she remains a member of this organization. She is also the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and a private practice, Holding New Therapy, that specializes in perinatal mental health.

She received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Friends University, where her thesis focused on the relationship stressors that can arise with child-bearing couples. She also received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.

In her free time, Riley enjoys reading voraciously, baking with rambunctious toddlers, and writing poetry.

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Resources

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25 Therapist-Recommended Wellness Gifts We Love to Give (and Receive)

Brush Away Stress With This Relaxing Paint-by-Numbers Kit

Baisite Paint-by-Numbers Kit for Adults

Let White Noise Work Its Magic With This Sound Machine

Homedics Sound Spa Sound and White Noise Machine

A Light Therapy Lamp to Add Sunshine to Your Room and Your Mood

Verilux HappyLight Alba

$49.99

Slow Cook Your Way to a Nutritional Diet With This Programmable Kitchen Appliance

Crock-Pot Programmable 7-Quart Cook and Carry Slow Cooker

If You Need Even Less Meal Prep, Try a Meal Delivery Service

Blue Apron

Over 50 Bite-Size Ways to Add Some Zen to Your Everyday Routine

Mindfulness Cards: Simple Practices for Everyday Life

A Way to Sip Your Way to Relief and Routine

Yogi Tea Stress Relief and Herbal Tea Variety Pack

A Minimalistic Journal, Because You Deserve a Little Paper Therapy

Papier One Day at a Time Wellness Journal

A Journaling Option to Fit Your Busy Life

The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal

Wrap Yourself in a Calm, Knitted Hug at Night

Bearaby Cotton Napper Hand-Knit Weighted Blanket

Dive Deep Into Intergenerational Patterns With This Thought-Provoking Read

‘It Didn't Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle,’ by Mark Wolynn

Therapy and Meds From Your Favorite Couch Cushion

Brightside

An Opportunity to Improve Your Relationship, Which Might Be Why You’re Feeling Down

Ours

Energize Your Brain With Something Other Than Anxiety

The Sudoku Puzzle Book for Adults: 500 Puzzles

A Rejuvenating Salt Lamp You Can Customize

Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp With Dimmer Switch

Listen Your Way to a Better Mental State

Audible

An App to Bring Meditation to Your Fingertips

Headspace

An Aesthetically Pleasing Aromatherapy Option

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

A Timeout Corner for Your Phone, Because We All Need Help With Self-Control Sometimes

Mindsight Timed Lockbox

Leave Screens Behind and Wake Up to the Sunrise With This Alarm Clock

Better Homes & Gardens Sunrise Digital Alarm Clock

The Weighted Sleep Mask That Blocks Out Nighttime Distractions

Nodpod Sleep Mask

$34

Roll Into Relaxation With an Affordable Massage Ball

TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball

The Mat That Pokes Away Your Worries

ProsourceFit Acupressure Set

The Permission Slip You Didn’t Know You Needed

‘Set Boundaries, Find Peace,’ by Nedra Glover Tawwab

The Easiest Way to Start Conversations to Improve Your Relationship

The Fair Play Deck: A Couple’s Conversation Deck for Prioritizing What’s Important

Why Trust Everyday Health

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT

Author

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