If you're looking for a gift idea for a friend or family member, choosing an item designed to help with stress relief can be particularly thoughtful. After all, everyone experiences stress to varying degrees at one time or another. The best gift may be one selected with relaxation in mind!
14 Stress Relief Gift Ideas
People experience stress in different ways and also have different preferences for de-stressing and relaxing. Choose an item - or selection of items - that is consistent with the preferences and tastes of the person you are shopping for.
1. Massage Gift Certificate
Anyone who enjoys the therapeutic benefits of massage is sure to appreciate a massage gift certificate for any occasion. If the person you're shopping for gets massages regularly, get the certificate from the therapist or salon that he or she usually frequents. If the recipient does not have a regular massage therapist, simply purchase a gift certificate for an in-person session with a local professional massage therapist.
2. Spa Day Gift Certificate
If you like the idea of a massage certificate but want to do more, consider going all-out with a full day (or weekend!) of spa pampering for your friend or family member who needs to relax. Select the most indulgent services, including a hot stone massage, full body wrap, facial and more. You can look for a spa location in the recipient's community using SpaFinder.com.
3. Mani/Pedi Gift Certificate
If the person you are shopping for isn't a fan of massage or won't take a time out for a full spa experience, you may want to consider a gift certificate for a different kind of relaxation experience. The person you're shopping for just might be delighted to receive a gift certificate for a combination manicure and pedicure. If you don't have a specific salon in mind, look for one on SalonSearch.com.
4. Makeover
Giving the gift of new cosmetics, complete with an in-store makeover, can be a great pampering gift idea for a friend or relative who needs a little "me" time. Consider purchasing a cosmetics gift certificate and scheduling the recipient for a makeover with the local Sephora or Merle Norman retailer in your area, or set up an appointment with a Mary Kay or Beauticontrol consultant.
5. Aromatherapy Gift Basket
Gift baskets are a convenient gift option that doesn't require sending the recipient to a location to receive services. There are a number of selections that will allow you to keep with a stress relief theme. For example, aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for stress relief. Consider choosing an aromatherapy spa gift basket filled with aromatherapy candles, soothing essential oils, fragrant lotions and more.
6. Lumbar Massage Cushion
Anyone who has a desk job or spends a lot of time sitting outside of work will appreciate a lumbar massage cushion. If you're looking for a gift that will provide ongoing relaxation benefits and are shopping for someone who experiences chronic lower back discomfort, this can be an ideal gift option.
7. Portable Massager
A portable massage device can also a be a great stress relief gift idea. Anyone who experiences muscle tension is sure to enjoy a portable electronic massage device like this pad-based unit from Utopia Gear. Similar to therapeutic units used by chiropractors and physical therapists, this gadget offers powerful relaxation and pain management properties.
8. Heated Massage Mat
People who experience back or leg pain are sure to appreciate a heated full-body massage mat they can use while laying down or seated in a chair. There are a number of available options, including this Lifemax model designed to be used in a chair.
9. Massage Recliner
If your budget allows and the recipient has room for one in his or her home, a reclining massage chair can be a wonderful gift for anyone who experiences muscle tension. Human Touch makes a full line of targeted and full body massage chairs. Several styles are also available from Brookstone.
10. Yoga Classes
Yoga's stress management benefits are widely recognized. Consider purchasing a yoga studio membership for the person you're shopping for, or certificates for a certain number of classes. If he or she already practices yoga, consider paying for admission to a special yoga workshop or retreat as a special occasion gift. Find a yoga class, workshop or retreat in the recipient's local area using YogaFinder.com.
11. Organizing Aids
If you're shopping for someone who experiences stress due to organizational challenges, consider a gift designed to help make things more manageable. For example, a day planner or appointment book can be a great gift idea for someone who needs to get her schedule under control. A software program designed to help organize documents and files like Paper Tiger can be a great gift for people who are overwhelmed with keeping up with business records, personal bills, and household documents.
12. Clutter Control
Anyone who experiences stress related to excessive clutter is sure to appreciate a gift of closet organizing supplies and equipment. You may even want to consider bringing in an organization specialist to spend a day or two helping the person you're shopping for get things under control. Look for one on the online directory provided on the website for the National Association of Professional Organizers.
13. Maid Service
If you're shopping for someone who is stressed out by the idea of keeping up with house cleaning tasks, consider purchasing maid service as a gift. Whether you schedule periodic assistance or help with annual deep cleaning, this gift is sure to be appreciated.
14. Tax Planning Service
Consider paying for a consultation with a CPA or professional tax advisor as a gift to help someone who experiences stress related to household finances and annual tax filings. Search for a service provider on TaxPlanning411.com.
Consider Gift Interpretation
When you shop for a gift like this, be sure that the recipient is likely to see positive intentions behind the gift. In some cases, people might be offended, thinking you are overstepping your boundaries or trying to imply that they can't handle what is going on in their lives. If you are shopping for someone that you know well and you are sure that the person is aware of his or her stress, then you can get just about any type of anxiety-reducing gift and the person will probably appreciate it. Always remember, it's the thought that counts and buying something selected to help someone who is stressed out enjoy a bit of tranquility can be a fantastic, thoughtful gift.
