Therapists Share The Best Holiday Gifts To Help People Relax And Recharge

If you're looking for something that can alleviate physical stress and encourage your loved one to recline for a bit, the Renpho heated eye massager is a long-time best-seller at HuffPost, beloved by readers and editors alike for its soothing, pressure-relieving properties.

While eye doctors have previously recommended heat therapy for dry or strained eyes, Huntley recommends it as a gift for a stressed person, encouraging them to rest and restore. Many reviewers say the mask helps them get to sleep and can connect via Bluetooth to your phone to play your music or podcast as it massages.

For anyone who desperately needs a minute to themselves, a bath or grooming product can help your stressed-out loved one take that rest.

Flamingo Estate is well-known for these luxe soap bricks made with 100% essential oil fragrances and biodegradable ingredients, all traceable to small farms. This gift set includes two iconic soaps. The Lavender & Activated Charcoal Soap Brick blends deeply cleansing charcoal and sage with soothing lavender. The exfoliating peppermint soap is called "a wake-up call" by the brand — the mint is fresh and rejuvenating while the poppy seeds are a gentle exfoliant.

While you may want to shower your loved one in gifts, Slipski says it may actually be more stress-relieving for them if you keep it small. "Oftentimes, people with high stress or anxiety have sensitivity to expectations and feel pressure to give something just as large or thoughtful back — paradoxically only adding to their stress," Slipski said.

Slipski continues that this doesn't mean you have to forego gifts altogether, but if you get the sense your loved one is overwhelmed with holiday shopping, try gifting them something light and small. Something like this adorable mini sign shows you care but doesn't feel extravagant. Additionally, Slipski says you can directly tell your loved one they don't need to get you anything back or tell them exactly what you want, to make their side of gift-exchanging easier.

Another popular item with readers, which also comes recommended by Huntley, this cooling compression cap is designed for migraine relief, but can be a great relaxing tool for anyone dealing with stress. Another item that encourages your loved one to sit, relax and restore a little bit, it demands no charging or wires and just needs to cool in the freezer for two hours before use.

Reviewers say it "has seriously reduced my stress big time," and is great for instant cooling when feeling overwhelmed or sick.

Making dinner every night, grocery shopping and general everyday chores can be extra stressful during the holiday season. Kim Slipski, LMFT, founder of Wellful Therapy in Pasadena, California, says another way to think of gifts is to imagine what can "reduce the source of their stressors in the first place." Whether your loved one is stressed about bills or just doesn't have time to run to the store, Slipski says something like a DoorDash gift card can make the day-to-day a little easier.

Huntley adds that when gifting a stressed-out person, you don't want to add to your loved one's to-do list. Rather than asking when you can bring over dinner or trying to organize a night out, a food gift card lets them have a hot meal when they need it, no extra or scheduling coordination necessary.

These collagen jelly gel masks from Medicube are another HuffPost reader fave, for helping achieve that "glass skin" look. Yet, in addition to their skin care benefits, reviewers say they make for a great self-care practice, encouraging you to wind down and take a moment for yourself. One reviewer calls it their "stress therapy spa at home," with another adding, "the cooling gel texture is gorgeous and instantly soothing, especially if your skin feels tired or a bit stressed."

Yusra Aziz, Pennsylvania-based psychotherapist and founder of Our Healing Vision Counseling, told HuffPost that stress has a way of showing up in the body. "If there's one thing I recommend for everyone to have it's a heat pad to help soothe any aches/tension that can show up in the stomach, back, neck and shoulder," Aziz said.

While Aziz didn't recommend a specific kind, we love this machine-washable, XL pad from Geniani, it comes in a bunch of colors with an autoshutoff for peace of mind.

If you can't be with your stressed-out loved one this holiday season or if you know they'll be dealing with anything particularly tough, Aziz says simple, loving communication can go a long way. Let them know they can call or text whenever they need or send a "thinking of you" message. "It keeps the warmth alive in what can feel like a really emotionally charged time," Aziz said.

For something a little more tangible, we love this personalized cuff bracelet engraved with your handwriting, so your loved one can carry a note from you (or from a child) wherever they go. This bracelet has the writing on the inside, making it a special message just for the wearer, also meaning they likely won't have to answer anyone's questions about it, ideal for heading into stressful group events. It's partially adjustable and available in solid 925 sterling silver metal or 14K yellow gold-filled, in smooth or hammered finishes.

While many vendors make engraved bracelets on Etsy, ChicMamaJewelry is an Etsy star-seller with a ton of great reviews (many with pictures!) and offers speedy shipping, meaning if you order ASAP, your gift can likely be in by Dec. 25.

For a gift that keeps on giving, this set of daily affirmation cards gives your loved one a quick, positive message they can look at throughout the day. The cards each feature a single sentence that's light and easy to read and perfect for helping bring a little positivity and calm during a hard season. Plus, the seller offers super speedy shipping.

Following the advice of thoughtful touches and smaller items that won't cause overwhelm, but will have a big impact, check out this overnight lip mask from Kiehl's. It was so popular that it sold out on Amazon, but luckily, you can still grab one at Nordies and Sephora. Reviewers say it's become a staple in their nighttime routine, especially in the winter, with one calling it "like a glass of water for your lips." This is exactly the type of thing someone may not buy for themselves, but will be happy to have. And because it's physically small and pretty universal, your loved one doesn't need to worry about where to put it or how it will fit into their skincare routine.

Whether your loved one is stressed about money, setting up their home for guests, family drama or anything else, Aziz says to think of "practical gifts that can genuinely make life a little easier," specifically calling out cotton bed sheets.

Deemed the 'best sheets known to man', there's no more practical home find than these 100% cotton, 400-thread sheets from Target. This HuffPost reader-favorite bedding comes in a bunch of great, solid and print options in most standard bed sizes and are loved by reviewers for being breathable and snuggly, all year long.

A gift doesn't have to be something you can wrap, and if your loved one is already overwhelmed by clutter and cleaning, they may recommend something they don't have to find a place for. Aziz recommends gifting them an experience they may not purchase for themselves. Tickets to a show, concert, sporting event or comedian may be a great way to get them out of the house and to really enjoy something they love.

To let your loved one pick the time and place of this event, something like a StubHub gift card lets them enjoy a live event on their terms.

Coming in its signature squeeze bottle with a joyful label, the offerings from olive oil brand Graza are always gift-worthy. Their "Sizzle" option is a milder oil that's made for everyday cooking.

The ever-rising cost of groceries is another chronic stressor. If your loved one enjoys cooking or if you know they've been stressed about bills in general, Aziz recommends treating them to a grocery store gift card or elevated versions of pantry staples. Whereas giving perishable food can add pressure to eat it in a certain time, something like nice olive oil, red sauce, pastas, beans or shelf-stable items can help them enjoy a meal in their own time.

Huntley says that stressed-out people often want a moment of peace, that they don't have to plan. While this may feel daunting to create on your end, Huntley says to keep it simple and go for unexpected yet mellow extra touches, like nice smells or sounds, to help your loved one to have some mindful, zen time. Huntley recommended this highly-rated aromatherapy diffuser and essential oil set, which also works as a nightlight and humidifier. Even better? It comes with 10 essential oils of various scents, meaning one less errand for you.

Or, for a super versatile soothing option under $9, Slipski says an essential oil set can be another great gift that encourages slowing down and recentering. Whether they put them in a diffuser, in the tub, add to their favorite lotions or take them in their purse for aromatherapy on the go, you can't go wrong with this 6-piece set that gives you a little bit of everything, from orange to peppermint.

Depending on your relationship to your loved one, Aziz says gifting new undergarments may be another thoughtful gift for someone dealing with chronic stress. This can take an errand off their plate if they've been needing to buy new socks and undies, can be one less thing for them to think about and can give their day-to-day getting ready a little boost.

If you're looking for something a little more universal, we love these unisex, Mongolian cashmere blend socks from Quince. They come in two unisex sizes (check the size chart for your fit), in a small selection of colors. It's a touch of luxury that doesn't feel too extravagant, but is certainly something someone may not treat themselves to.

All the experts agree on one thing — a massage is an excellent stress-reliever. Getting them a gift card to a local place can be a luxury they may not get for themselves, but their tight muscles will surely appreciate it.

If you're looking for a consistent way to relax without breaking the bank, this U-shaped heated massager may be the ticket. Don't be fooled by the over-shoulder design; it can be used all over the body, with a mixture of big and small nodes and three speed/strength levels to ensure the perfect treatment every time.

Another gift-worthy basic, Aziz says, upgrading your loved one's towels may be a great way to give a holiday treat for a stressed-out person. Not only is this something they'll use every day, but it may also encourage them to slow down and enjoy a nice shower or bath. It's also nice to have extra towels on hand if they're feeling daunted about hosting company.

We love the super-plush Turkish cotton towels from Brooklinen, especially when they're on sale (as they are right now.) This set gives you a pair of 30-inch by 58-inch towels in a bunch of colors.

The start of a new year can be a time of major body-related stress, especially for someone who's already going through it. While clothing can be tricky with sizing and could potentially cause more stress, opt for a luxurious robe. Parachute is known and loved for its "cloud cotton" option, made from a fluffy gauze that's almost like a baby blanket you can wear. It's a perfect invitation for a home spa day or just adding a little comfort on a hectic morning. Find this in a bunch of colors.

I've written before about my beloved L.L. Bean slippers, which my dad generously gifted me a few winters past. As a Very Stressed Person, I can attest that it's such a sweet, indulgent gift I likely wouldn't have shelled out for myself, but one I truly use all winter long to bring me comfort and coziness.

I love that the outer sole means you can wear them outside, perfect for taking out the trash or grabbing mail (I'll even walk the dog in them), but they're still a comfy slipper that signals to my brain "it's time to relax" the minute I slip them on. Find them in a bunch of great colors in women's sizes 5-11 and men's sizes 7-14.