11 mindful and meaningful gifts for someone with anxiety
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Looking for a gift for someone with anxiety? These 11 thoughtful ideas include cozy comforts, mindful tools, and free ideas that show you support their mental health.
If you have a close friend or family member who struggles with anxiety, you may know the signs well. They might occasionally cancel plans, retreat into their own life, or even tell you outright that they’re struggling and need some space to deal. You probably want to support them and let them know you care, but it can be hard to know how.
Getting a gift for a loved one who’s struggling is a natural instinct, though you might have questions about what exactly to give them. But here’s the thing: when someone is struggling, the best gift might not be something wrapped in a bow, but a gesture that shows you care. That could mean offering a moment of calm, simple tools for self-soothing, or reminders that you’re there for them. Sometimes, an evening on the couch watching a comfort show means more than a framed photo. Because when anxiety strikes, love and support from one person to another is really what it’s all about.
Let’s explore some ways you can show up thoughtfully for that person in your life who struggles with anxiety. Some of these gift ideas are tactile and grounding. Some are cost-free. All of them are centered on care, connection, and the nervous-system-friendly type of kindness that actually helps.
How to choose the best gift for your anxious friend
When you care about someone who’s struggling with anxiety, it’s natural to want to help. But anxiety doesn’t usually have a quick fix. People experiencing it are usually looking for space or safety in those moments, so they can return to feeling grounded and calm.
This doesn’t mean that gifts are bad. In fact, a thoughtful gift that says, “You don’t have to be okay right now. I’m here anyway,” can significantly help the person to feel less alone.
If you want to give a gift, consider asking yourself a couple of questions like, “Will this make their life feel easier?” and “Is this truly for them? Or is it so I can feel like I’m being helpful?” Think about whether the gifts are soothing, simple, and attuned to their needs.
Every person’s experience with anxiety is unique. Some people might love a tactile gift that helps distract them when they start spiraling. Others might just love your company. Tune into what they really need and start there.
11 mindful gifts for someone with anxiety
Ironically, sometimes getting a gift for your friend with anxiety can be a little anxiety-inducing. To make it easier, here are 11 mindful options that can help make the process feel a little less overwhelming.
1. A check-in via text or in person
When someone is anxious, knowing that people care and are there to support them can be really helpful. You can always check in via text message and say something like, “I’m checking in on you. How are you doing?” This can be a huge relief for someone feeling anxious. It’s low-pressure and deeply connective.
You can also offer your presence in a way that doesn’t require them to make any big decisions or do anything they’re not comfortable with. This could look like suggesting that you both:
Sit quietly together while listening to soft music they like
Go for a walk around the block and just look at the scenery
Drink tea in the same room or on a video call
Just being with them, either virtually or in person, can ease their nervous system without demanding social energy.
Read more: How to calm your nerves: 10 ways to stay calm under pressure
2. An anxiety-friendly activity invite
Sometimes even saying “yes” to plans feels hard. Make it easier and offer a low-stakes hangout by asking things like:
“Do you want to come sit on my couch and just scroll silently next to me?”
“Want to do a puzzle together and just listen to soothing music?”
“Want to paint rocks and only talk about Gilmore Girls?”
💙 Practice Accepting Anxious Feelings in yourself so you can model the same thing for a loved one.
3. A sensory-friendly grounding gift
Anxiety typically shows up physically, so gifts that support sensory regulation can be deeply calming. This might mean bringing them a weighted blanket, a fidget toy, a stress ball, or a pain stim device if they find that soothing.
If the person likes crystals or rocks, consider getting them a smoothed piece of rose quartz or another polished rock they can hold and ground with.
4. A soothing or comfy gift
Soothing objects like essential oils, aromatherapy candles, or Epsom salts for the bath can help them relax. You might also consider getting them cozy gifts like a fleece blanket, soft socks, or even cozy slippers.
5. A low-effort mindfulness tool
Analog and accessible mindfulness tools can go a long way without breaking the bank. You could get them:
A guided journal for anxiety or relaxation
A small hourglass timer for breathwork
A deck of affirmation cards
Read more: 20 affirmations for anxiety relief (and how to use them)
6. A creative expression gift
Music and art can help regulate mood and interrupt thought spirals. If the person enjoys drawing or painting, you could gift them a coloring book for adults with a nice set of colored pencils. Or a small watercolor paint set with a pad of watercolor paper.
If they love music, consider buying them an album they'll enjoy, or if you're familiar with their musical taste, create a playlist of their favorite songs. Music can be especially soothing if it’s calm or nostalgic and able to pull them into a happier moment.
💙 Not sure where to start? Press play on our Felt Piano for Anxiety playlist by Steven Cravis.
7. A calming care package
Put together a small box of objects to help provide sensory or emotional support. You could fill it with things like:
Herbal tea bags
An eye mask or heatable neck wrap
A nutritious snack they love
Bubble bath or bath salts
8. A practical favor
When you’re feeling anxious, simple things like running errands or buying groceries can feel huge. And sometimes, the most meaningful gift can be relieving someone of just one decision.
To take a little off their plate, consider:
Offering to pick up their groceries
Bringing over a comforting pre-made meal
Picking up takeout from their favorite spot
Watching their pet or child for an hour
9. A book that feels like a companion
If they enjoy reading, get them a book that is light-hearted and fun (e-books and audiobooks work too!) If you don’t know what’s on their TBR, consider getting them a gift card for their favorite bookstore, or sharing your go-to comfort read.
10. A nature-based invitation
Time in nature can really help reduce anxiety symptoms. If you have green space nearby and you both enjoy the outdoors, consider getting them:
A yearly pass to a nearby botanical garden
A small potted plant or seed kit for their windowsill
An invite for a hike or picnic, somewhere low-key and uncrowded
11. A handmade token
At the end of the day, a handmade gift is always special. A simple and sincere token can show them that they matter to you while also making them feel less alone. You might:
Make or paint a ceramic mug for their calming tea
Tie-dye some cozy socks for them
Create a scrapbook of happy memories they can flip through when they feel nervous
Bring them their favorite baked treat or a comforting homemade meal
💙 Eager to try meditating together? Breathing Room with Prof. Megan Reitz is a great place to start.
Gifts for someone with anxiety FAQs
What are good last-minute gifts for someone with anxiety?
When you don’t have a ton of time, the most impactful gifts are usually the simplest. Consider dropping off a care package. You could fill it up with small things like tea, snacks, or something soft and cozy, like socks. If you don’t have enough time to curate some thoughtful things, consider offering to pick up dinner from their favorite restaurant or cafe.
Are weighted blankets a good gift for anxiety?
Weighted blankets can be a great gift for anxiety, especially when they’re used to wind down before sleep. They apply even pressure to your body, which may help regulate your nervous system.
But they’re not for everyone. If your friend’s sensitive to touch or heat, a weighted blanket could feel more overwhelming than calming. So if you’re unsure, consider getting them a lower-commitment option like a weighted lap pad.
What are some free gifts that help with anxiety?
Some free gifts to give a friend with anxiety are offering to go on a walk with them or simply giving them a few minutes of your undivided attention. You might offer to come over and help them make dinner, or help them tidy up their house if they’re feeling bogged down.
If they’re open, consider offering to take them to a yoga class, going to a nearby outdoor space, or even coming over to do some deep breathing together as a thoughtful and grounding way to support your friend when they feel overwhelmed.
Can I give a funny gift to someone with anxiety?
Humor can be incredibly healing, but make sure the person you’re gifting is ready to have a sense of humor about their anxiety.
Novelty gifts such as an “anxie-tea” mug or a custom stress ball could be fun gifts for a friend who is good-humored about occasionally being anxious.
What gifts should I avoid for someone with anxiety?
Skip anything that adds to the pressure they might already be feeling. So, avoid gifts like high-maintenance self-help tools or ones that come with expectations to use them a certain way. It’s also good to steer clear of anything that could unintentionally imply they need fixing.
Another good rule of thumb is to avoid giving them anything overly intense, such as books about trauma or surprise group outings.
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