9 Awesome Gifts for Mental Health
Guest post by Becka Schnell-Caddigan
Just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, here are our suggestions for some thoughtful gifts for mental health.
We all know the pressure of finding the perfect gift. Now, imagine that you’re shopping for someone who is challenged by mental health issues. It’s not easy to find a gift that can bring comfort, reassurance, and a feeling of calm, but these gifts just might make the season merry and bright for someone who’s not normally prone to feeling that way.
1) Anxiety Blob by Sweatpants & Coffee
Anxiety Blob
A soft and cuddly friend who was designed to help you snuggle away your troubles and to remind you: “anxious is how you feel, not who you are.” Anxiety blob was so popular, he sold out in creator Nanea Hoffman’s Sweatpants & Coffee’s shop, but our partner Depressed Cake Shop has a limited edition grey Anxiety Blob in stock! Visit: http://depressedcakeshop.com/shop and they’ll also be on sale at our show in Santa Monica on January 22nd.
2) A Weighted Blanket
Provides comfort, security, and a warm hug for people with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other related disorders. Visit: http://www.mosaicweightedblankets.com/
3) The Blurt Foundation’s Buddy Box
This gift guarantees, “a hug in every box.” You can purchase it as a one-off or on a subscription basis. The contents of the box are a closely guarded secret. Visit: https://www.blurtitout.org/buddybox/
4) Coloring Books
This popular craze gives the recipient the opportunity to relieve stress and gain focus while creating their own garden, ocean, jungle, or maybe even a little irreverence. Don’t forget to throw in some colored pencils or crayons. Amazon carries a huge assortment of coloring books, and when you shop using our link – smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8944419 – Amazon donates to This Is My Brave.
5) Create a 5 Senses Basket
Fill it with objects that give your receiver the opportunity to experience your love and affection with each of their senses. If your recipient happens to be a coffee lover, you could build the basket with a colorful mug (see), a mellow jazz CD (hear), a pound of their favorite blend (smell), chocolate covered espresso beans (taste), and a handmade hug coupon – just because (touch).
6) A Massage Gift Certificate or Yoga pass
Nothing is more relaxing or grounding than making time for self-care. It’s something that those battling mental health challenges often forget to do. Check out Yelp or Google a
location close to where they live. Offer to be the driver and if warranted, their companion and enjoy the journey with them.
7) Brave Gear
Pick up our version of Greek worry beads. Handmade with Brazilian Acai beads from the Amazon rainforest, and adorned with a silver-plated “B” for Brave, our Brave Beads may be carried and worn to quell anxiety or may simply be held or kept in your pocket as a token of appreciation for mental health advocacy. They are more than cool!
8) Everyone loves a great comfortable T-shirt.
Check out Wear Your Label – and order the gift of a shield to fit the battle: “Selfcare isn’t selfish,” “You R Enough,” “it’s okay not to be ok,” “Your body is not your enemy,” or “The Stigma isn’t Over.” Sometimes the only thing those that struggle daily need is a reminder that it’s okay to fight.
9) Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed.
Everyone loves a good book, and this one is a beautiful collection of quotes from one of our favorite authors. Almost like having coffee with a dear friend, this little book is a powerful reminder that life is wild, unpredictable and unique to each of us.
No matter what you give, give it along with the gift of your time. There’s nothing a person struggling with mental illness needs more than the time, patience, and kindness of friends and loved ones. That’s never more important than during the holidays.
