25 thoughtful gifts for people with anxiety for stress relief and self-care

Relieve tension and melt away stress with Amazon's No. 1 best-selling foot massager. This deep-kneading shiatsu foot massager has two adjustable intensity levels and three massage modes that boost the blood circulation and reduce muscle stiffness in your soles and feet. The warmth feature can be turned on or off. 

Anxious people know that sometimes you need to tune out the world around you to get out of your own head, which is exactly what you can do with the noise cancelling feature on these headphones. It drowns out surrounding noise and distractions — perfect for working from, during your commute or in a bustling office.

These days many people reach for modern solutions to insomnia like supplements and special ASMR playlists, but there's a simple old-school solution we recommend: the original Dohm Classic sound machine, which has been helping lull people to sleep since 1962. Rather than playing white noise sounds on a digital loop, this machine makes white noise the old fashioned way: using a real fan. But don't worry — the fan creates white noise without producing chilly air.

The Renpho eye massager is a powerful addition to anyone's self-care routine, but especially those who've been under a lot of stress. It's an eye mask and massager that provides targeted relief for migraines and eye strain. It offers heat, vibration, massage, compression, and even music to help provide a bit of sensory deprivation for those who need it. 

It secures to your face with an adjustable strap, while the mask itself it surrounded by cushioned fabric and gently massages your temples.

Finally, a paint-by-numbers set that you'll actually want to hang in your house once completed. Choose from 12 bold and contemporary paintings that come complete with everything you need to get started: a pre-printed canvas, acrylic paint pots, nylon paintbrushes, a postcard-sized color guide and even wall-hanging accessories. The completed painting is 16x20 inches, perfect for displaying in a living room or kitchen.

If paint-by-numbers isn't your thing, this diamond art kit might be your new favorite meditative pastime. These kits come with a canvas that's clearly designed with readable symbols for corresponding diamond colors. The process is meticulously, cathartic and relaxing, which is why it's an especially good gift idea for folks with anxiety.

"These take a super long time to complete but they’re gorgeous!" wrote one reviewer. "They keep my hands moving and help with anxiety. I’m excited to hang them in my room."

"I personally like to travel to another world when my anxiety is high," says AOL Commerce Director Katelyn Mullen, who recommends a subscription to Audible for book lovers. With this three-month subscription, they'll receive a credit for a new audio book every 30 days. It's a great gift for new parents and those who have a long commute. 

A few years ago I wrote about how weighted blankets give me my best sleep, even at my most anxious. And it's still true today. While most weighted blankets are weighed down with glass or plastic beads to provide the Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) therapy they're known for, these are designed with a weighted, open-knit that keeps you cool and comfortable while you sleep. 

Choose from cream or gray in 10- or 15-pound weights. 

If they're interested in getting an e-reader that's not an Amazon Kindle, might we introduce you to the Rakuten Kobo? I’ve owned one of these two years, and it still works exactly as well as it has since the first day I got it. It’s easy to connect to Libby, where you can access your local library’s database of ebooks, and has all of the features you’d expect for an e-book, like adjustable screen brightness, bookmarking, notetaking and more. You can even find Kobo-specific cases to protect them, too.

If they suffer from tension headaches or find it hard to unwind after a long day, this scalp massager might help. Many reviews say it “feels amazing” and that they would “highly recommend” it.

If they're too long distance for you to deliver some homemade baked treats, Milk Bar’s cookie sampler is probably the next best thing. It's a thoughtful way to let someone know you're thinking of them. The sampler includes six assorted cookies, one Milk Bar Pie slice, a three-pack of chocolate birthday cake truffles and a three-pack of regular birthday cake truffles.

If they're feeling some aches, pains and stress, a portable neck and back massager is a thoughtful gift idea that you know they'll put to good use. This one comes with heated functions that provide deep kneading massage where they need it most.

A plush blanket that's made with a soft faux fur on one side with a reversible side that's smooth and lustrous — the perfect gift for pretty much anyone. 

This art supply kit includes three sketchbooks, graphite, charcoal, watercolor and metallic pencils, markers, colored pencils and all of the accessories one could need to practice some meditative art therapy.

Comfortable loungewear is the ultimate anti-anxiety treatment, especially for a homebody. Why not gift them a set that'll make them feel good and look good? This three-piece set from Nordstrom's in-house brand Open Edit comes in several colors in sizes XS to XL.

A well-made robe is something they'll use for years. These “super plush” robes from Brooklinen that are made with 100% Turkish cotton feature deep pockets, cuffed edges and a piped collar. Best of all, it keeps its fluffy feel even after dozens of washes — speaking from personal experience!

These works are art by Laines London are almost too cute to wear. Almost. Made of warm and cozy teddy with a shock-absorption footbed, you'll find that these slippers are more than just good on the eyes. Plus, the embellished pins can either be sewn onto the slippers permanently or removed and worn on other clothing items.

For the guy who's a traditionalist, these leather slippers from UGG can do no wrong. They're shaped from exceptionally smooth leather and fitted with a smart rubber sole. The soft, cozy lining is made of wool and designed to feel like genuine shearling.

For your child, parent or best friend who needs a little encouragement on tough days, this engraved bracelet can provide comfort when they need it. Choose from silver, gold or rose gold finishes and 10 different engraving options — though the anxiety one is our personal favorite.

Jewelry that's made for fidgeting? Say no more. This spinner ring is made for folks who can't seem to keep their hands still. It's made with copper and brass rings that glide through your fingers, creating a soothing sensation that helps melt away stress and worries.

Because sometimes all you need to do to ease your anxiety is to make a list and check it twice. At 9-by-7 inches, this mini lined and perforated notebook from Ban.do is the perfect size to keep on your desk or to toss into your bag when you're on-the-go. It has a double-side pocket page, special centerfold pages and metal wire-o binding to keep it all together.

With warm notes of pink pepper, incense, wool blanket, patchouli and blond wood, this candle is just about as comforting as pulling on your favorite wooly sweater.

Use this journal to improve your overall mindfulness by uncovering your triggers, tracking physical and emotional responses and documenting your worries. You'll ultimately walk away with the tools to help you feel more in control with more constructive ways of thinking about the world around you.

There's almost nothing better for stress and anxiety than spending time in nature. With this smart bird feeder, you can bring nature to them so they can watch and learn about the birds in their own backyard. Birdfy will automatically capture images and video with the professional grade camera of birds and notify you instantly. Identify and learn about the birds in your garden with a free one-month subscription to the corresponding identification app. 

Most folks with anxiety know that one thing they can do to make their anxiety easier is to ease up on the caffeine. Whether they're a long-time tea lover or are making the switch to lower caffeine alternatives, this six month tea subscription box lets them indulge in a new blend each month for six months. Choose from classic, single-origin teas, non-caffeinated blends. wellness blends or explore a little bit of everything.