Life is hectic. Between work and bills, relationships, kids, and general anxiety that the world is crumbling, I’m fairly certain we could all use some time to relax. With the holidays coming up, it’s a good time to show your loved ones that you care about them and their well-being.
We don’t have anything here to help rebuild society, but we’ve tried a wide variety of products that might help with the relaxing part. And don’t forget to treat yourself. For more advice, we have a guide on staying calm. We should note here that none of these gifts can cure anxiety or panic disorders. If someone you know is suffering, offer them an ear and see if they’re comfortable speaking with a doctor.
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Photograph: Lurera
A Pillow to Squeeze
Lurera Anti-Anxiety Pillow
When you’re in the midst of a panic attack, there’s a sensory exercise that might help bring you back down. Look around the room and list five things you see, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste. This pillow isn’t a cure for anxiety, but it checks off at least two senses (three if you count sight!), and offers soft support the rest of the time.
The outer shell is super-soft—it’s supposed to feel like petting a beloved animal—plus there’s a gel-filled pack inside that heats up in the microwave, and a plastic beating heart that sits inside an interior pocket. So when you squeeze this pillow, it’s almost as nice as a real, warm hug when you really need it. At first, I thought the heartbeat was a little too fake, but after a few minutes of laying with it, I felt a lot more at ease as I focused on the beating instead of my racing brain. I hate flying and could see myself packing this to squeeze on my next trip.
★ Cover Options: There are two pillows available. I tried the luxuriously soft faux fur cover ($70). For $10 less, there’s one with a shaggy cover ($60).
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Photograph: Bearaby
And a Blanket to Snuggle Under
Weighted Blankets
People either love or hate weighted blankets. If you love them like I do, lying under one feels like being held. They make great gifts because they tend to be too pricey to purchase for yourself. The following are some of our favorites, but we have a guide with more options at different price points, too.
Yaasa’s blanket ($249) is chunky, gorgeous, and rigid (in a good way!), so it stays put. Bearaby’s Tree Napper ($269) looks similar to Yaasa’s, with a big, open-knit design, but it drapes more and comes in a few stunning colors.
Luna has the most size and weight options, and it’s much cheaper, starting at $70. Luna also has kids’ options ($50). The Baloo Weighted Throw ($159) is perfect for people who need something smaller, like those of us who share a bed with weighted blanket-averse people. It’s thin and cool—I use it all summer without breaking a sweat.
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Photograph: Dagsmejan
Luxury Loungewear
Dagsmejan Cardigan Robe
I’ve tried a lot of robes, nearly all of them great for relaxing, but none made me as giddy the moment it touched my skin as the Dagsmejan Cardigan Robe did (I literally squealed). It’s made from micromodal fabric, a type of rayon popular in loungewear because it’s breathable, stretchy, and cool. This robe feels luxurious and clingy in the best way, with slits to the knee that add to its flowy allure—this is the most I’ve ever felt like Olivia Crain from Haunting of Hill House. She has the best robe collection next to Tony Soprano. His are comfy, while hers were downright beautiful.
Dagsmejan has a few pajama lines, from which I also tried the recovery sleep shirt ($100) and shorts ($100) (also available in men’s sizes). The company says these are made from materials that aid in muscle recovery. I can’t say for sure whether that happened (my muscles don’t get too much work, if we’re being honest), but they were extremely cooling and comfortable and didn’t get all tangled up while I tossed around in bed.
★ More Loungewear: Dagsmejan is a bit pricey, but we have a loungewear guide with other options that would also make great gifts.
