38 Must-Have Relaxing Stress-Relief Gift Basket Ideas

Here are 38 of the best relaxing stress-relief gift basket ideas. Perfect for self-care, helping reduce stress and anxiety for yourself or loved ones.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no cost to you. See my disclaimer for more info.

Quick Fixes No More 

Working in a crisis-based job meant that most of my work days were stressful. So I often grabbed sugary snacks to relieve stress. My desk drawer was full of anything chocolate. 🍫🍪🤦🏻‍♀️

I noticed most of my coworkers also had unhealthy habits like eating daily fast food, smoking, playing the daily lotto or binging on dessert. 

That got me thinking about creating something practical that could make a positive difference rather than quick fixes that don’t work, and that’s when I started a stress-relief basket. 

I never thought of it as a stress-relief basket at the time, but now I do. I regularly add to it, whether it’s a new skincare product, healthy snack or other self-care-related goodies.

What Is a Stress-Relief Gift Basket?

It’s a basket (or any container) with items that help calm your mind and relax you. 

A stress-relief basket is similar to a kit for emergencies or rainy days. Only it focuses on helping you combat and better manage stress. 

We set aside money for unexpected expenses and non-perishables for emergencies, so why not for stress? 

It can be a themed basket, or you can add a bunch of things you love, such as tea, scalp massager, photos, candles, vitamins or items that help relax you. 

Here are some themed stress-relief gift basket ideas:

• A spa basket
• Book-worm basket
• Faith-based stress-relief basket (Bible, inspirational books, daily devotional, rosary, journal, etc.)
• Healthy snacks basket 
• Sensory activities and other fun stuff (Popits, fidget spinners, bubble wrap, book of jokes, cute stuffy, etc.)

A stress relief basket is an underrated tool to help manage and reduce your stress or gift to someone in need. 

So today is about starting a stress-relief basket as an essential add-on to other stress-management strategies you’re using.

Related article: 58 Stress-Relief Affirmations to Restore Calm

35 Must-Have Relaxing Stress-Relief Gift Basket Ideas

Under $25

1. Cooling Gel Eye Mask (Reusable)

I have dry and tired eyes, so this is something that was recommended to me by my optometrist. This mask is focused on relief of eye discomfort and can be used as a cold ice pack or a hot eye mask.

2. Best-Selling Guided Prayer Journal

Prayer and journaling are two powerful ways to reduce stress, and I love that this combines both of them, as well as scripture and devotionals.

3. Teavana Herbal Tea Set

Natural herbal tea is known to be a stress reliever, and this top-rated one sounds delicious -yum. 😋

4. Cooling Microfibre Towel for Yoga & Sports

Exercise is the number one way to reduce and manage stress, and these cooling towels are a cute addition to a stress-relief gift basket.

5. A Neck Stretcher for Pain

Shoulder and neck tension is a common symptom of stress-related issues, so this neck stretcher is a practical tool to help ease that tension.

6. The Healthy Coping Colouring Book & Journal

Meditative colouring gives you a sense of peace, and if you’re not the best artist, it’s an easy way to create beautiful artwork. It’s also a great way to spend some self-care time to unwind.

Related article: Self-Care Sundays: 60 Ultimate Ideas to Relax & Recharge

7. Dual Brush Pen Art Markers

Dual marker brushes with a fine tip and brush tip are the best for adult colouring books, these are the ones I use and it makes it easier to colour tiny areas.

8. Best Selling Eye Masks – Puffy and Dark Circle Treatments

Stress is hard on our eyes especially if we are staring at a screen all day. These under-eye gel pads with collagen can be used for eye bags, puffy eyes, dark circles and wrinkles.

9. Hydrating & Radiance Boosting Korean Sheet Masks

This cute set comes with 11 Korean face masks for self-care time after a stressful day.

10. Fidget Stress Balls

Sensory activities, like these squishy pop balls, are an easy way to release tension and stress.

11. Sleep Headphones and Eye Mask

I’m intrigued by these headphones and had to share them with you after reading many high reviews. Stress impacts our sleep so anything to help with that is a bonus. This stress-relief gift ideas are affordable and ergonomically designed for men or women.

12. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Reed Diffuser

This aromatherapy reed diffuser is a thoughtful gift for someone in need or a pretty addition to your stress-relief basket.

13. Satin Pillowcase for Hair & Skin

These are hypoallergenic and breathable, they look lavish but are an inexpensive alternative to the high-end pillow cases.

14. Stress-Relief Essential Oil

Essential oils can help lift your mood and are calming. This one has fresh scents of eucalyptus, lemon and peppermint.

15. Becoming: A Guided Journal

This is a best-selling journal based on Michelle Obama’s inspirational memoir, Becoming.

16. Mini Jigsaw Puzzles

If you or someone you know loves puzzles, these adorable mini ones are a simple way to get your mind off of a difficult day.

17. Daily Devotional

Joyce Meyer is a woman of faith and leader. I attended an event of hers years ago with my church and she blew me away. Her faith in God, wisdom and resilience despite a very abusive childhood is powerful and inspirational so I’m excited about this daily devotional.

18. Natural Soy Aromatherapy Candles

Lighting some aromatherapy candles to create a spa ambiance at home is a simple way to destress. Put on some calming music and have a bath to get your mind off of your stressors.

19. Nurture by Nature Relax & Uplift Pamper Spa Kit

The ideal spa kit for women is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. What’s great about this kit is that it includes six full-size, high-quality products to add to a stress basket and is less than $40.

20. Massage Oils Kit with Roller Ball

This natural sore muscle massage oil contains arnica extract and grape seed oil. These are perfect after a stressful day for a relaxing massage that nourishes and hydrates the skin.

21. ONO Compact Roller-Stress Fidget Toy

This compact sensory tool effortlessly rotates in your hand and is a great addition to any stress-relief basket. It helps massage muscles and relieve anxiety and stress.

22. Essential Aromatherapy Roll-On Set

This set of essential oil roll-ons is made of 100% natural ingredients and is easy to throw in your purse or desk drawer.

23. The Book of Awesome

If you need a reminder of life’s simple pleasures, this is the book for you. This is one of my favourite stress-relief gift basket ideas because it’s such an easy read. It’s written in short paragraphs and not meant to be consumed in one sitting. You’ll be smiling at all the small but awesome things there are in life, like snow days, fresh bakery air, finding money in your pocket and more. ☺️

24. Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

These pretty shower steamers are great for relaxation and can help with nasal congestion, they are a self-care must-have after a long hard day.

25. Dual-Sided Shower Brush

This best-selling long-handle shower brush can be used as a body exfoliator for wet or dry brushing.

26. Knitting Pompon Maker Set

Knitting, crocheting and other calming crafts are other options to destress and have a little quiet time. This pompom maker set is so fun and easy to use.

27. Thera Cane Massager

I’m a fan of massage but it’s not always easy (or affordable) to book a registered massage so I’m always on the lookout for devices or gadgets that can help. This total body massager has rave reviews.

Under $50

28. Migraine Relief Head Wrap for Tension & Stress Relief

I get regular headaches so I was happy to find this product and try it.

29. Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil

This came highly recommended to me, it smells fantastic and you can run some of this hydrating massage oil on your head or body after a long day.

30. Positive Energy Sound Button

How fun is this? If you need some motivation and a little laugh this is a great item to have in your stress-relief basket. After reading the reviews I was sold on it.

31. Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak & Callus Remover Set

Soaking and taking care of your feet is a calming activity after a long day.

32. Vitamin C Shea Sugar Scrub & Body Lotion

This luxurious but affordable scrub and lotion came highly recommended to me and sound like the perfect combo for some relaxing self-care time.

33. White Noise Machine

It’s hard to avoid all the noise of the world and find time to relax, but this stress-relief gift basket idea can help with that.

34. Electric Scalp Massager

A relaxing head massage is a great self-care activity to reduce stress and ease head tension.

35. Olaplex Hair Perfector

This popular hair product repairs and strengthens hair and is good for all hair types.

Splurge Items Under $200

36. Full Body Massage Mat

I’m a fan of any massage, and this full-body heating mat sounds heavenly. It’s perfect for some calming self-care time.

Related article: 56 Essential Self-Care Gift Ideas

37. Kindle Paperwhite

If you find reading relaxing, investing in a Kindle Paperwhite is a great option and is easy on the eyes.

38. Mini Deep Tissue Massager

This pretty portable massager is to help with shoulder pain relief and neck and body relaxation. It’s also a great gift for someone athletic.

Stress-Management Coping Strategies 101

Further to having an awesome stress-relief basket, there are many proven coping strategies to help reduce your stress and restore a sense of calm.  

Here are some practical and easy ideas that can make all the difference:

• Take a power nap    
• Prayer        
• Any exercise  
• Talking to someone      
• Allow yourself to feel your feelings & move through them (cry, get out a good yell, curl up, etc.)          
• Positive self-talk  (complimenting yourself, powerful self-love affirmations)
• Calming music                         
• Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, pause & feel your pulse, etc.)          
• Journal 
• Go for a walk  
• Affection (big bear hugs)

Stress-Relief Gift Basket Ideas: Final Thoughts

Whatever you choose to add to your personal basket, these stress-relief gift basket ideas are a good start. Then you can add personal touches such as special photos, vacation memorabilia, your favourite book or inspirational quotes and so forth.

It’s not about creating an extravagant kit or basket but something that will help ease your tension or stress and get you to treat yourself with self-compassion and self-care. I hope you found a thing or two for yourself or to treat someone else.

Related article: The 65 Best Mental Health Gifts for Well-Being

Linking up here & here