Happy Holidays!

I absolutely love this time of year. It is a time to reflect on our year (yes, it was a crazy one), recognize our accomplishments (you have survived!), and re-evaluate our priorities. It is also a great time to treat yourself and others with good food, connection, and even a gift or two. Last year, we put together some of our favorite self-care gifts, and it was such a huge success, we decided to do it again.

Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or for yourself, here are a few of our favorite resilience-building gift ideas:

Blushing Face Planter: For plant lovers. Plants are good for you…why not enjoy them in style? Research shows that simply having a plant in your home or office can dramatically help reduce anxiety. Plants have the unique ability to help us reset our nervous system, getting out of stress mode and back into a place of relaxation. In addition to being adorable, they also produce oxygen which helps concentration and overall well-being. 

The Easy Plant: Again, for the plant lovers.Plants that water themselves (so you don’t kill them…like I do).

Mindfulness Cards: Simple prompts to help you practice mindfulness throughout the day. These cards help you learn to appreciate little things like the ground beneath your feet and the tree above your head. But they also introduce you to deeper, long-term practices like cultivating a sense of self-care and acceptance.

Subscription to a Mindfulness App: Make mindfulness part of your daily routine with tension-releasing workouts, relaxing yoga, focus music playlists, and more!

Snuggly Uplifting Blanket: Wrap a loved one in Strength, Courage and Warm hugs. This Compassion Blanket is a warm embrace to let them know they are in your heart every day. Its cozy supportive comfort to give encouragement and love in difficult times.

Squatty Potty: It’s magical and life-changing. Trust me.

Neck Massager: Alleviate muscle soreness, ease neck stiffness, eliminate fatigue, and relax after a long day work with this Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager with Soothing Heat, Nektek Electric Deep Tissue 3D Kneading Massage Pillow.

Family Game: A family game can help you focus on being truly present, while connecting with the people you care about. This helps strengthen relationships and reduce stress. Scattergories is one of our family favorites and engages your brain too!

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse book: Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book, following the tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. With beautiful illustrations, this simple book conveys the most important lessons in life.

Garrett Wade Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker: This Espresso Maker brews an authentic Italian espresso to get your workday started on the right side of the cuppa. The espresso maker is incredibly easy to operate and in minutes a rich stream of delicious brew flows into your cup. Recommended for those who like to start the day feeling accomplished, and caffeinated.

A Self-Care Subscription Box: Instead of a one-time present, give the gift that keeps on giving…literally! A self-care subscription box is a great reminder to stop and practice some self-love. It is a monthly reminder of the importance of filling your cup so that you can show up for what matters most in your life. There are several to choose from. One of my favorites is TheraBox (this one was actually created by therapists to increase self-love!).

Customized Self-Care Magnets: You probably spend a bunch of time in your kitchen, so it’s the perfect place to remind yourself that you are doing a great f’ing job! Some are uncensored, some are funny, and all are great reminders.

Massage Gift Certificate: At your local spa or bring the massage to you! We often put off having a massage because we view it as indulgent. In reality, massage is a great way to relax sore muscles, stimulate blood flow, and give your brain a break.

An Adorable, Customized Pet Portrait: If you were to count the number of pictures I have of my dogs, I’d be a bit embarrassed. People are crazy about their pets, and these pet portraits make the perfect git. And did you know that dogs can actually help us build resilience?

“You’re my person” Customized Mug:We all need a reminder that we are cared for and loved. Share this with the special people in your life.

Studio Penny Lane Gratitude Apothecary Jar: I’ve personally received this gratitude jar as a gift, and I absolutely love it! Every time you think of something for which to be grateful, write it down and put the paper in the jar. This simple act releases happy hormones and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Watch your gratitude grow!

Buddha Board: Doodling, drawing, and creativity are big resilience boosters. It gives your brain time to decompress. This self-erasing art board is a great way to practice self-care, and it’s also an important reminder that nothing is permanent.

Mindful Breathing Necklace: Your breath is the one thing you always have with you and the quickest way to reset your nervous system. Whether you have anxiety or just need a reminder to breathe, this necklace makes a great gift.

Self-Care Kit: If you’re not up for a subscription but want to deliver self-care in a box, this is a great one.

Hypoallergenic Sleep Masks: Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to build resilience. This mask allows you to block out the world around you so that you can get into a deep state of relaxation.

A Creativity Care Bundle: Creativity is good for your soul and your brain. Inspire a loved one who regularly expresses themselves through art (or who could use a gentle push to get back to it).

Mind Over Moment Book and Journal: And last but not least! My newest book Mind Over Moment: Harness the Power of Resilience and the companion journal are packed full of practical tools, strategies, inspiration, and brain-based techniques challenging you to get out of your comfort zone, crush self-limiting beliefs, and break through barriers keeping you stuck to create the life you truly deserve. Learn to use mindfulness to take control of the chaos.

Happy gifting!

Stay brave and resilient,

Anne