A Therapist-Approved Gift Guide
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Oh, the holidays. A time when you regret not keeping a list of things your loved ones want in your notes app. If you get anxious about gift buying or just want some direction on your own wish list - I have some suggestions for you that really tap into holistic wellness.
What better way to suggest some of my FAVORITE go-to gifts than using one of my FAVORITE coping skills? The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method is a coping skill we use to help guide our attention when feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and over it. So... Let’s dive in.
5 Things You Can See:
Prints - Think cool wall are that means something to the person. Affirmations, nature, colors, etc. You could also very easily DIY this. Canva is a great site to make your own graphics, paint a painting on your own, or make a collage of hand written notes.
Cards - Decks that highlight emotions, personal growth, or even coping skills. These are perfect to use solo or with friends!
Journal and pens/stickers - You can’t go wrong with a journal. A place for your inner-most thoughts. Your own little world, if you will.
Books - I LOVE the idea of a special book with a hand-written note in the cover. Plus, there is a book for quite literally everyone.
Something Green - Here at HTTF, we believe in GROWTH and putting plants and florals all around to remind us that there is always room to grow.
4 Things You Can Feel:
Cozy blanket - Imagine. It’s been a long day. Your dog is on their end of the couch and you want to be held but NOT touched. This is the move.
Sweatshirt - I personally love a sweatshirt that tells a story. I LOVE embroidered dainty sayings or something bright and eye catching. The key? COMFORT.
Fidgets - Stress balls, putty, popits, rings that spin. The options are endless.
A membership for movement - yoga, massage, facial, reiki, dance lessons.
3 Things You Can Hear:
Subscription to headspace - This app is excellent for mindfulness activities and meditations. Score an annual sub for your person (or self). You won’t regret!
Tibetan sound bowls - HAVE YOU EVER JUST SAT AND BATHED IN THE SOUND. Wow. Stunning. You can get these online or you can have a sound bath session with a trained profesh.
Noise machine - If you are on the internet like me, you may have heard of this… but there is more than just white noise! Brown noise is supposedly great for folks with difficulty focusing. An excellent pair of headphones is a great addition too.
2 Things You Can Smell:
Candles - there are some amazing small businesses online that do personalized candles. Some can have very niche scents from childhood, photos of your loved ones, or even glitter in the wax! Also consider a fancy (and very cute) candle warmer!
Diffuser + Oils - This is a go-to in my office space. I love choosing oils to diffuse based on my personal mood. Plus - they smell so clean!
1 Thing You Can Taste:
A cooking class OR dinner date- Plan something intentional. Bring cards for discussion or spend time celebrating recent life events! You can go out or do this at home with one or more lovelies in your life.
Honorable Mention: A coffee cup full of sour candies - This sounds funny, I am sure. But this is a really handy trick! IF you are buying for yourself or someone who experiences anxiety, sour candies is an excellent thing to have on hand when panic creeps in. The sour-ness helps with changing your focus! And coffee cup because - fun and smells good when the coffee is in it ;)
Don’t Worry -
Here is a Pinterest board!
The most important thing to remember is this:
Presence is EVERYTHING. It is not about buying the best or brightest for your people. Take the time to really reflect on what they mean to you.
I highly recommend shopping local. Etsy, local shops in your town, BIPOC, Women-Owned, give-backs… Remember to support your fellow humans this season!
And as a therapist you know, I want to gently remind you that when the anxiety or the holiday creeps in, practice a moment of quiet. Notice the feelings and gently move forward. Practice the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method to center yourself in the moment. I also want to normalize simply being together as a gift. That is what my family is doing this year so there is NO shame in sitting out physical gifts this year, love muffin.
Sending warm, holiday hugs! <3
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Haleigh Culverhouse LCSW
Welcome!
My name is Haleigh, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Lake Jackson, Texas. My private practice is a safe and inclusive place for all. Whether you need to process an issue significantly impacting your life or explore more of your personality and who you are - you belong here.
