65 Mental Health Gifts to Elevate Your Well-Being

Mental health challenges are rising worldwide, and a small gesture can make a significant impact. So, I’m excited to share this list of meaningful and practical mental health gifts to help those in need. These are perfect for the holidays or any time someone you care about is struggling or for treating yourself! 

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A year ago, we uprooted our family, moving from the bustling streets of Toronto to a quieter town. This decision brought me waves of anxiety and uncertainty. It was an emotional roller-coaster from the excitement of our new dream home to the isolation of starting over somewhere we knew no one and was far from the city.

A few days after moving, my husband took me out shopping to lift my spirits, and I found the prettiest wellness store with so many goodies I wanted. 

Knowing I was having a hard time, the next day, he surprised me with the beautiful diffuser I was eyeing and essential oils for our room.

That thoughtful gift melted my heart and transformed my daily morning routine, providing more comfort and peace. Whether I use my diffuser for morning self-care or as a remedy for a tough mental health day, it always brings me joy. 

So, never underestimate the power of a thoughtful mental health gift to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they are loved.

Global Rise of Mental Health

According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, 970 million people, or 1 in 8, lived with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common (1).

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 26-28% increase in anxiety and depressive disorders (2). The surge in these numbers reflects the growing need for tools and resources to support mental well-being. 

Unfortunately, many individuals with mental health issues lack access to care and treatment, and another factor is the social stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness face. (3)

Mental health gifts are a simple yet empathetic way to provide support without judgment, showing your understanding and solidarity. Mental illness often makes you feel alone, so a timely gift is a welcomed gesture to someone in need. 

It’s essential to continue challenging the stigma around mental health and bringing awareness to a global issue. I’m honored to be a part of the ongoing conversation for mental health advocacy on this site.

As someone with anxiety, I can’t express enough how much it means to feel validated and supported by the people around you. I’ve received mental health gifts like a diffuser, a massager, books, and a journal. Not only have I used them well, but they still make me smile. 😊  

So enjoy shopping, and thanks for showing compassion and being a light to others!

Related article: 30-Day Mental Health Challenge + Free Planner

65 Mental Health Gifts to Elevate Your Well-Being

I’ve divided the mental health gifts into five main areas to help you narrow your search and give you options for different people. However, all the gift ideas are interchangeable and can be given to anyone you think will like them. Some of my personal faves are #1, 9, 21, 36, 45 and 58.

Mental Health Gifts for Her

1. Calming Zen Garden

This beautiful zen garden is the perfect gift for someone who’s often at their desk, whether at home or the office, so they can take a few minutes in between work to ground themselves by setting up the garden, stroking the sand, or doing some peaceful deep breathing. I love that it adds traditional Japanese style to your home decor without breaking the bank.

2. Relaxing Paint by Numbers (good for beginners)

Art therapy has been shown to help people express themselves, boost mental well-being, and enhance relationships. (4) It’s all about using artistic expression to help people heal and feel better. So this is a fantastic gift if you or someone you know loves art but doesn’t necessarily have the skills to create masterpieces. How pretty are these step-by-step paint-by-number canvases that anyone can do! Then hang them in your home or office and bring a little joy to your day by seeing what you created.

3. Mental Health Gifts: Under Eye Masks

Skincare is always a relaxing self-care idea for women to destress after a long day and pamper themselves. These eye masks are for dark circles and puffy, tired eyes and are vegan and cruelty-free.

Related Article: 56 Essential Self Care Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

4. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray & Stress Check Roll-On

SleepFoundation.org reports that sleep and mental health are closely interconnected, certain disorders make it harder to get good sleep but lack of quality sleep can also contribute to deteriorating mental health. (5) So getting daily quality sleep is essential to our overall mental well-being and this sleep-promoting duo of a spray for your pillow and travel roll-on is a great idea for someone who needs more restful sleep, it’s highly rated and a reasonable price.

5. 100% Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin

A silk pillowcase is a thoughtful mental health gift idea for any woman who wants a bit of affordable luxury at night and to take better care of her skin and hair.

6. Mental Health Gifts: Blank Lined Journal

This best-selling journal is hardcover, has 160 pages, and comes in many different colours. Journaling has been shown to be an effective way to reduce anxiety and help regulate your emotions. (6) I don’t know any women who couldn’t use a practical blank notebook for journaling, note-taking, or organizing.

7. Mental Health Gifts: Powerful Self-Help Book

This book, written by clinical psychologist Dr. Smith, came highly recommended to me by someone who has benefitted from it, so I’m looking forward to reading it. It provides practical skills you need to navigate everyday life challenges and take charge of your mental health. A powerful self-help book is not only meaningful but is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

8. Chunky Knit Blanket

I have one of these chunky knit blankets on my bed, and not only is it my favourite decor piece because it’s stylish and chic, but it’s also super comfy to snuggle or curl up in with a book and some herbal tea.

9. Comfy Microwavable Slippers

Did you say soothing, warm, snuggly slippers? Yes, please! I didn’t even know these existed until my sister-in-law showed them to me and I was excited to add them to this list as they’re a perfect mental health gift for any hard-working woman to pamper herself at night.

10. Premium Essential Oil Diffuser

I love my essential oil diffuser; it’s a staple product that I regularly use to relax and maintain my overall well-being. This diffuser comes highly rated and comes in different neutral colours to match your decor.

11. Pottery Kit for Beginners

A calming hobby is a good way to de-stress and focus your mind on something creative and positive. This pretty complete kit comes with a step-by-step guide for beginner sculptors.

Related article: 26 Relaxing Must-Have Self-Care Gift Sets

12. Acupressure Sensory Rings

Fidget and sensory gadgets are meant to promote mindfulness and relieve tension. These acupressure rings are a unique little add-on gift idea to help reduce anxiety. It comes in a pack of 30 so you can give them out to many people.

13. Adjustable Foot Rest

This footrest is another practical mental health gift for someone often sitting at their desk to give comfort and relieve back and knee tension. It comes with a washable cover and has adjustable heights for use in a car, your home, or office.

14. Weighted Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders

Tension headaches and shoulder and upper back pain are common for people who are struggling with persistent stress and mental health issues. So this is an amazing gift idea for anyone who needs more relaxation and is on my wish list, and I can’t wait for it!

15. Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

You can’t go wrong gifting someone practical shower steamers that come in cute packaging and help transform a regular shower into more of a relaxing spa experience. Also, there are many benefits to regular showers (both hot and cold), such as getting better sleep, increasing your circulation, and lowering your stress levels. (7)

16. Mental Health Reminders Desk Decor

A cute decorative sign to put on your desk with essential reminders to take care of yourself and show yourself more self-compassion.

Mental Health Gifts for Him

17. Foot Massager with Deep Kneading

A deep, relaxing foot massage after a stressful day is a perfect mental health gift. He can relieve his tired feet with this massager, featuring heat, deep-kneading, compression, and more. It comes with a 1-year coverage plan and fits feet up to size 13.

18. Premium Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Perfect for work travel, this memory foam neck pillow has a 360-degree Ergonomic design and comes with a convenient travel bag and washable modal cover.

19. High Intensity Vibrating Massage Ball

This 4-speed vibrating massage ball is great for guys who need to relax their muscles and relieve tension, whether that’s from work stressors or after their gym workout.

20. The Bro Journal

The stigma surrounding men’s mental health makes it difficult for men to want to seek out help or even admit they are struggling. We need to support and encourage men to express their feelings and get things on paper, so I appreciate the focus on creating a journal geared toward guys.

21. Cooling Weighted Blanket

A 2020 review of studies showed that weighted blankets help reduce anxiety and stress and calm you down. (8) My husband loves using a weighted blanket to get comfy and have a restful nap during the day. We tend to focus on women and self-care, but men need practical mental health gifts as much as we do.

22. Projection Alarm Clock

This alarm clock is a fun replacement in the morning, unlike using a phone to wake up, and it has a 180-degree rotatable projector with progressive volume.

23. Nintendo Switch

Taking care of your mental health means doing things that bring you joy, and I don’t know many guys who don’t love playing video games. You can’t go wrong with this classic Nintendo handheld Switch as a splurge gift for a special occasion.

24. Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

This stylish but affordable stainless steel professional espresso maker is perfect for at-home barista drinks to relax and destress. It’s compact, practical, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

25. Bath Spa Gift Set for Men

Men need self-care and to pamper themselves, too. And they (secretly) love having relaxing downtime since society puts so much pressure on them to be constantly working or ‘producing.’ This set comes with many goodies, such as body lotion, face wash, shower gel, loofah, and more.

26. Pickleball Paddle Set

Exercise is essential to maintaining good mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and negative moods and helps to increase your self-esteem and social skills. (9) So getting your body moving is a great way to take care of your mental health, and pickleball is a popular and growing hobby for many people.

27. Philips Shaver

Skincare is part of a healthy self-care routine, and men have the extra task of facial shaving, so using a good product is a must. My husband uses this Philips shaver and loves it. It has almost 40,000 reviews on Amazon and is the number 1 best seller in men’s shavers.

28. White Noise Sound Machine

This sleek and affordable sound machine is perfect for men who have trouble sleeping and relaxing at night after a hard day’s work. A good sleep schedule is crucial to maintaining your mental health, and this product has great reviews.

29. Mental Health Gifts: Eye Massager

This luxe massager to treat your man is meant to help refresh dry eyes and reduce styes for sore or tired eyes and dark circles.

30. Dearfoams Men’s Clog Slipper

Guys deserve to be spoiled, too, and these highly-rated shearling slippers can be used indoors or outdoors. Men need encouragement to prioritize relaxing ‘me time’, and these slippers are a practical gift for home self-care.

31. Motivational Daily Flip Calendar

This is a thoughtful gift for a guy’s desktop, as it has an inspirational quote for each day to help him stay motivated. It’s also a daily reminder that someone cares about him. It’s designed for long-term use, so he can use it year after year.

32. Massage Gun for Muscle Tension

This budget-friendly muscle massage gun for deep tissue massage, tension, and pain relief comes with 9 different heads and 30 speeds to suit your needs.

Mental Health Gifts Continued…

Funny Mental Health Gifts

33. Emotional Support Fries 🍟😂

Stuffies are an easy way to cheer up and get someone to laugh. Every time I look at these fries faces I can’t help but smile, this is the best type of guilt-free comfort food to cheer you up. 😉

34. The Ultimate Dad Joke Book

Laughter has real impacts on our mental health, from stress and tension relief to boosting your immunity, improving your mood, and even helping with pain. (10) My girls and I love cheesy dad jokes from time to time, and my husband has no shortage of cringeworthy jokes that make us laugh and want to hide at the same time. 😂

35. 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game

This super fun brain teaser game went viral on TikTok and sold over 4 million. Focusing on and doing something positive is an easy way to destress and feel more joy after a bad day.

36. Squishy Lying Flat Duck Night Light

I can’t get over how ridiculously cute this lamp is. I don’t think anyone will be able to resist laughing at the cuteness-overload this unique lamp will bring.

37. Drop Cup Family-Friendly Game

I’m always looking for simple but fun family games to play on our own or when we have guests over, and this drop cup game is a great option. Enjoying life and doing frivolous, fun things is essential to maintaining our mental health and an easy way to get our minds off of the things that are weighing us down.

38. Mini Funny Positive Potato

I dare you not to smile with this on your desk! It’s an adorable little gift to help lift someone’s spirit and remind them someone cares.

39. Mental Health Gifts: Hoodie Blanket Sweatshirt

Comfy. Cozy. Cute. Nuff said. This comes in different colours and also in a hilarious cow pattern for someone with a good sense of humour.

40. Chaos Coordinator Tumbler

I feel like every parent needs one of these! It’s funny but also practical and it comes in different colours and a taller 20 oz size if you prefer.

41. Mindfulness Breathing Owl

Deep breathing has many benefits, such as helping to reduce stress and anxiety and improving your focus and sleep. (11) This super cute owl is a breathing light, night light, and noise machine all in 1. It helps guide you in a simple breathing technique to reduce stress and anxiety, and it comes in different colours.

Related article: 38 Must-Have Relaxing Stress-Relief Gift Basket Ideas

42. Mental Health Gifts: Desktop Boxing Stand

Sometimes, you need to get your frustrations out, and what better way is there than with this silly desktop boxing gadget when you need to relieve some tension?

Mental Health Gifts for Depressed People

43. LED Light Therapy Lamp

For anyone who struggles with depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, a light therapy lamp is a useful gift and can help bring the effect of bright sunshine on bad or gloomy days. Some studies have shown that light therapy can help ease SAD and different types of depression. (12) I have one and use it often in the winter.

44. Hope for Today: 365 Devotions for Depression & Anxiety

My daily devotionals lift my spirits and give me hope for the day ahead, so I was excited to find this beautiful devotional that is specific for depression and anxiety and includes Bible scriptures.

45. Pocket Hug Token

I love this! How thoughtful and kind is this pretty token that anyone can use on their keychain or put in their purse to give them powerful words of encouragement when they need them? I would be touched if someone gifted me this, and I think I’ll buy a few for special people in my life.

46. Mental Health Gifts Reminders Keychain

I’m a firm believer in the power of positive and uplifting affirmations, and I love that these are powerful daily reminders to you, even if you don’t usually practice saying affirmations.

47. Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser Beaded Bracelet

Essential oils are calming and come in many scents. I love that this pretty beaded bracelet is an aromatherapy self-care product without looking like one.

48. Mental Health Gifts: The Depression Cure Book

If you enjoy reading, bibliotherapy can be a valuable self-help strategy, and from the reviews, this book by Dr. Ilardi comes highly recommended by people who say it made quite a difference in their journey of healing.

49. Motion Timer & Sand Art Set

Watching these soothing decorative art pieces is a helpful way to get your mind off of a hard day and be more present in the moment. They’re also fun to watch and are the perfect decor for a bedroom.

50. 365 Positive Affirmations Undated Flip Calendar

This inspirational flip calendar is undated, so you can keep using it for years to come. Positive affirmations are a form of positive self-talk, so this is an encouraging gift for someone who struggles with confidence or low self-esteem.

51. Sore Muscle & Lavender Massage Oils with Roller Ball

Self-care is essential when it comes to maintaining and improving your overall mental health and well-being. These natural massage oils come with a convenient roller ball for more relaxation.

52. Mental Health Gifts: Mood Tracking Journal

Journaling is an effective tool to improve your mental health by getting your thoughts out on paper and taking time to think about or challenge your perspective. This comes with convenient prompts to help you or whoever you’re gifting this to with ideas to reflect on.

Related article: Discover How to Glow-Up Mentally: 30 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health

53. BeeVines Sleep Mask

These sleep masks come highly rated and are perfect for someone who is stressed and needs more time to get quality rest and sleep.

54. Embroidery Starter Kit

A calming hobby is a good distraction from the noise and chaos of the world. It helps you focus on something positive and gets your creative energy flowing so you feel better.

55. Mental Health Gifts: Inspirational Candle

This candle is made of all-natural soy wax, and it’s a sweet and simple reminder to help someone struggling or just having a bad day.

Mental Health Gifts for Employees

56. Mini Jigsaw Puzzles

Researchers have talked about the benefits of doing puzzles and the positive impact they can have on our brains. (13) These mini ones are best-sellers and a fun but thoughtful gift idea for an employee or coworker.

57. Mental Health Gifts: Hand Therapy Exercise Stress Balls

Everyone deals with stress at work, and these stylish stress balls come with positive messages to help encourage you.

58. Desktop Whiteboard

It’s a handy gift for employees to help keep them on track and organized, and it’s a better option for keeping their desks neat rather than having sticky notes all over.

59. Motivational Keychains (12)

This is a 12-pack of encouraging keychains, perfect for small business owners on a tight budget. Receiving an inspirational gift from your boss helps employees feel appreciated.

60. Assorted Classic Tea BoxMotivational Keychains (12)

Sipping tea for a break at work is a calming self-care activity, and this box set is great for any tea-loving employee.

61. Mental Health Gifts: Inspirational Desk Decor

We can all use some motivation at work, and this sleek desk sign comes in different phrases to suit the person you’re gifting it to. Some of the other phrases are: Difference Maker, Success Definition, Chaos Coordinator, and Hustle Definition.

62. Employee Appreciation Pens

These colourful pens are another budget-friendly idea to treat employees with a small token of appreciation.

63. Bentgo Classic All-In-One Lunch Box

I’ve heard so much about these lunch bento boxes, and they’re a perfect and convenient idea for an office worker.

64. Amazon Audible Membership

Gifting a membership to Amazon Audible is a great idea for employees who have a long commute. They offer different levels of subscriptions, and you can do a short-term subscription as a thoughtful gift for someone.

65. Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Tumbler

This insulated travel tumbler is a practical gift to say thank you to hard-working employees.

Other Ways to Help Someone with Mental Health Issues

Given the complexity of ongoing mental health issues, there are many other ways to support someone you know who’s struggling.

Here are a few ways:

• Offer a listening ear and do your best to stay non-judgemental.
• Let them know you are a safe person they can talk to and will be there for them.
• Encourage them to seek professional support if necessary.
• Check-in on them regularly, even to say hi. Your presence can make such a difference to someone who’s feeling low.
• Help them build a strong social support network, such as getting involved at church, volunteering, and introducing them to positive people in your life.
• Provide them with some resources they can connect with, such as:
  • 7 Cups offers 24/7 free online therapy with trained volunteers who provide nontherapeutic advice and support in various languages. You can access message boards, forums, and group chats for mental health discussions. They also have an advice page sharing expert insights on depression, grief, hopelessness, and recovery. Anyone can sign up for a free membership. Also, if you need more professional help, you can upgrade your membership to get access to a licensed therapist.
  • Happify is a free app on the App Store and Google Play that offers science-based games and activities to help improve mental health. It aids with anxiety and depression, stress management, mindfulness, and goal tracking. The app is rooted in psychology and uses CBT techniques to help with improving your mood.
  • Centre For Interactive Mental Health Solutions This site offers 8 free self-guided lessons for depression that you can complete at your own pace to help improve your mental health.
  • American Psychological Association Crisis Hotlines and Other Resources (US & Canada)

Related Article: How To Reduce Anxiety In The Moment: 5 Simple but Powerful Tips

The Subtle Magic of Mental Health Gifts

The lasting magic of the diffuser my husband gifted me is its reminder that small, intentional gestures can help transform our well-being. So, as I wrap up this mental health gift guide, remember that self-care is a precious gift to yourself, and caring for a loved one’s mental health is priceless.

Each item here is focused on enhancing well-being, much like my essential oil diffuser still does for me. 

So, whether you’re taking care of your mental health or showing someone you care, remember to embrace your journey, treasure the moments, and let these thoughtful gifts be a light in someone’s life.

Related Articles: The 40 Best Gifts to Make Someone Happy

References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
2. Same as above
3. Same as above
4. Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review
5. Mental Health and Sleep
6. Mental Health Benefits of Journaling
7. What to Know About the Benefits of a Cold Shower vs. a Hot Shower – WebMD
8. Weighted Blankets for Anxiety – Healthline
9. Exercise for Mental Health – National Library of Medicine
10. How Does Humor Affect Mental Health? – WebMD
11. The Benefits of Deep Breathing
12. Light Therapy: Not just for seasonal depression – Harvard Health
13. Working on Puzzles Can Help Your Brain Feel “10 Years Younger” – Healthline