20 gifts for people who love (or need more) sleep
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
From cozy socks to better wind-down routines, these 20 sleep gift ideas are made for the nap-lovers, the night owls, and the burnout crowd.
Sleep is critical for everyone’s wellbeing, but it plays a bigger role in some people’s lives than others’.
Maybe you have a friend who’s obsessed with their bedtime routine and always makes sure to get a full eight hours. Or perhaps you know someone who struggles to get the rest they need, and they’re up for trying anything that might help them fall and stay asleep.
Either way, a sleep-related gift can show these people just how much you care.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive gadget — there are plenty of cost-effective presents that can help the people you love rest, relax, and enjoy better sleep. Warm socks, a handwritten bedtime story, or five minutes of silence can make a big difference.
So, here are some ideas to make any sleep-obsessed friend feel seen — and help them get their best sleep yet.
How to gift better sleep: 20 ideas for people who love (or need more) sleep
A sleep gift is a great reminder that nobody needs to “earn” rest. And, really, who wouldn’t benefit from a gift like this?
Here are 20 ideas to get you started.
1. The humble sleep sock
When your feet are warm, your brain gets sleepy. Thick, fuzzy socks can help regulate body temperature, and wearing them to bed has been shown to help people fall asleep quicker. (Hoping for better quality sleep? Try these six tips.)
2. DIY sleep spray
Create a sleep spray with a scent of their choice. Mix water, witch hazel, and a couple of drops of calming essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or cedarwood in a small spray bottle. Misting it on pillows or in the air makes any room more serene.
💙 Drift off more easily by listening to The Yard Sale Sleep Story with Walton Goggins.
3. A personal bedtime playlist
Curate a wind-down playlist filled with relaxing instrumentals, gentle acoustic tracks, or dreamy ambient sounds. You can share it digitally, or burn it onto a CD if you’re going for a more nostalgic vibe.
4. Weighted blanket alternatives
Weighted blankets are great, but they can be expensive. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, buy a heavy comforter and layer it with throw blankets. You could also give a plush sleeping bag if your recipient likes the feeling of being swaddled.
5. Bedtime story for grown-ups
A slow, soothing story can be just the thing to help someone gently ease into rest. You can gift someone a printed short story or write one yourself. Remember to keep the mood serene and sleepy and avoid plot twists.
💙 Immerse yourself in South American culture with The Ritual of Maté Sleep Story.
6. Herbal tea sampler
Sleepy tea blends like chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm, or peppermint can help relax the body. Package a few in a mug and include a note about which one’s your favorite.
7. DIY lavender sachets
Put dried lavender into a scrap of fabric, and encourage them to stick this bundle into pillowcases, drawers, or nightstands. The soothing scent they give off can help encourage sleep.
8. The “I got you” nap pass
Make handmade coupons that offer time for rest, such as “One uninterrupted nap,” or “I’ll do bedtime tonight — go relax.”
9. Guided audio rituals
A short, calming audio experience can help signal to the body that it’s okay to rest. Something as simple as a few deep breaths or a relaxing visualization can do the trick. Share a link to your favorite Calm sleep meditation or soundscape to help them drift off with ease.
💙 Listen to Restful Sleep with Elisha Goldstein to signal to your body that it’s safe to wind down.
10. Cozy sleep kit
Create a simple sleep kit. Put a small candle, sleep mask, herbal tea, and a tiny “Do Not Disturb” sign into a soft pouch or box. Pair it with a sweet note encouraging them to rest.
11. Calming lighting
A dim, warm-toned light can signal the brain that it’s time to wind down. Gift a soft nightlight, salt lamp, or color-changing bulb to any of your loved ones who have a thing for good lighting. (Here are 10 more tips for better rest.)
12. Journal with permission to vent
Sometimes the brain won’t quit unless it can get everything out. Give a friend a small journal and label it something like, “Anxiety After Dark.” This can give them an outlet to vent and then move on.
13. A bedtime phone curfew kit
Gift a book of short stories or poetry. You could also do a blue-light filter sticker. These presents can gently nudge your loved ones toward better phone boundaries.
14. DIY “phone jail” box
Reuse a shoebox and label it “Sleep Mode.” Tell your friend to put their phone in the box at a certain time before bed. Then have them take out a few of the sleep-safe activities you put in the box ahead of time, like a book or a mini puzzle.
15. The “sleepy scent” candle
Give someone a candle, such as sandalwood, lavender, or vanilla. Consider pairing it with a matchbook and a message that says, “May this candle burn longer than your to-do list.”
16. Printed affirmations or a bedtime letter
Write or print out gentle affirmations like, “You’ve done enough today,” or “It’s okay to relax now.” Then tuck these into a gift box or hide them in a journal.
17. A DIY bath soak
Toss epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil into a mason jar. Add a cute handwritten tag for this bath soak to make it feel more personal.
18. Voice note bedtime story
Record yourself reading something soft and simple, like a comforting poem. Then send it to someone who might need help easing into sleep. You can also include a note that tells them they don’t need to reply. All they have to do is press play and drift.
19. Shared wind-down ritual
Offer to do a nightly text check-in with a friend. You could also sync up for a short meditation or breathing exercise. Doing it together can help both of you stick with your wind-down routine.
20. A “quick disconnect” gift moment
Sometimes the best tools aren’t tools — they’re reminders to pause. Write down instructions for disconnecting, like “Step outside, leave your phone behind, and let the moment unfold — no tasks, no goals.” You could also walk through a short breathing exercise or give them a mindfulness prompt.
Sleep gifts FAQs
What’s a good DIY sleep gift idea?
A great DIY sleep gift feels like you’re sending someone a warm hug. Consider giving them a “wind-down kit,” filled with tea bags and a candle, or a handwritten bedtime story that allows them to let go of swirling thoughts and focus on the here and now.
You could also create a custom soothing playlist or voice memo. Your goal is to help them relax, which can differ for each person.
What types of gifts can help improve sleep?
Fuzzy socks or a silk eye mask are good gifts that can improve sleep. If you want to give something more experiential, give them a guided relaxation audio message or tell them you’ll take a chore off their plate so they can lie down for a bit.
Are sleep gifts appropriate for someone with insomnia?
Sleep gifts can be good for someone who experiences insomnia, but tread lightly. Chronic insomnia is complicated, and a soothing candle isn’t going to solve it.
That said, thoughtful gifts that ease pressure and promote rest can be very helpful. A soft light lamp, a soothing playlist, or a cozy pillow all make great sleep gifts.
Also, avoid anything that implies they just need to “try harder” to sleep. Your gift should be seen as a small gesture of care, not a solution. Sleep is already hard enough.
Can sleep gifts help with anxiety or stress?
Anxiety and stress can keep you up at night, but sleep gifts, such as breathwork tools, guided meditations, or a weighted blanket, can all telegraph that it’s okay to rest. Small sensory comforts, like soft fabrics and calming music, also create a peaceful environment that’s great for sleep.
What’s a good last-minute sleep gift idea?
A great last-minute sleep gift idea is heartfelt and handmade, like a short note. Write something simple (maybe “You don’t have to do anything right now except relax”) and pair it with a soothing tea bag or playlist link.
Another good option is to give them a “sleep voucher.” Tell them they can cash it in for help with dishes, or anything else that gives them more time to put their feet up.
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