Watching someone you love suffer through mental health issues can be heartbreaking. It is natural to want to help, but it is often difficult to know where to start. This is because it truly is hard to determine what would be helpful.

Do you mention finding a therapist? Do you offer lifestyle tips and tricks that work for you? These suggestions can run the gamut from supportive to downright tone deaf, depending on your loved one and what they actually need, which can be difficult to pinpoint, especially from the outside.

I’m a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma. I’ve had the honor of supporting hundreds of people professionally, plenty of folks personally, and have traversed the hard path of healing from trauma myself. That’s why I’m here to suggest some gifts that your loved one can actually use to make their life easier.

Our team of Everyday Health writers comprises wellness professionals, such as therapists, nutritionists, dietitians, and physical therapists, who have combined decades of experience in the field and collectively tested hundreds of wellness products. Needless to say, our testers and I are more than qualified to bring you this roster of gifts for the folks in your life who are prioritizing their mental health. Dive in to find the tools that are perfect for their healing journey.

Healing Through Therapy

If your loved one has suffered a trauma, they’ll need a safe place to process their feelings and reactions, which is where Innerwell comes in. Innerwell is an online platform that specializes in eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is considered a first-line treatment for trauma. EMDR is a somatic evidence-based therapy known to minimize symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

I had a chance to try out Innerwell and found the care to be fantastic, from the affordability to the robust training each clinician holds. Try sponsoring your loved one’s care for a month or two to help them tackle their symptoms that arose after experiencing trauma.

Group therapy can be extremely effective in healing a variety of mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and grief. Beyond that, it can provide communal support, replacing feelings of loneliness with a sense of belonging.

However, group therapy can also be intimidating. I love Grouport because you can tap into group support from the comfort of your own home. Grouport includes therapy groups for trauma, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, depression, and more. Every group is led by a licensed therapist and utilizes evidence-based methods. Don’t just take my word for it — our writer who tested the service, Kate Mannion, loved it, saying “it’s easily one of the best online therapy services I’ve used.” If you plan on covering the cost of sessions for a loved one, be sure to chat with them first to gauge their openness to group support.

When your loved one is struggling to even keep their head above water, sometimes simplicity is key. Talkspace makes it incredibly easy to find mental health services. It accepts a wide range of insurance plans, offers a simple and affordable subscription model, matches you with a therapist (goodbye, endless scrolling through provider lists), and treats anyone aged 13 and up. So, no matter your loved one’s needs, financial situation, or season of life, Talkspace — and you — can provide the support that will help them survive and thrive. Our tester, health writer Raki Swanson, agreed, noting that right from the start the website “was colorful, very easy to read and therefore easy to USE. It didn't seem complicated and seemed very user-friendly.” She was also impressed with Talkspace’s actual services, describing her sessions as “wonderful.”

I am a fan of online therapy platforms that offer convenient packages bundling both therapy and psychiatry. Brightside Health does this, and it does it well. The platform specializes in anxiety and depression, and also offers a suicide prevention program and intensive outpatient services, so even if your loved one is struggling immensely, they can find the help they need. A monthly plan with 45-minute weekly therapy sessions and unlimited messaging costs $299. If you’d like to add on monthly psychiatry visits, the plan is still an affordable $349. “My therapist was qualified, we connected well, and I found her approach helpful,” explains writer and psychologist Amy Marschall, PsyD. I had a similar experience when I used the platform — my therapist was talented, I felt supported and cared for, and I was pleased with how easy it was to use.

Finding Movement

Help them build healthier habits with this walking pad. I love a walking pad because it’s a great way to multitask. They can watch TV, take a meeting, or even read, all while getting some steps in from the comfort of their own home (because a gym visit or even going outside might not feel doable right now). The KingSmith WalkingPad Pro is a splurge-worthy gift. “It is truly a full-sized treadmill, but it is able to fold [up] and keep from taking up too much space if needed,” shares writer Sadie Crouch. It is a pricey piece of equipment, but you could round up a group of friends and family to pitch in on the purchase.

Pilates is a gentle yet effective form of movement that boosts flexibility and increases strength while staving off symptoms of anxiety and depression.

In-studio reformer classes can get pricey, so an at-home setup is great for keeping consistent while on a budget. This Mini Reformer from BetterMe is a wonderful gift for both Pilates novices and aficionados. I had a chance to try it out, and I loved how easy it made it for me to get a quick pilates flow in. Plus, it folds up easily for tucking out of sight.

Movement can be as simple as going for a stroll. Walking can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, plus it is an easily accessible form of exercise.

The Uovo Women’s Breeze Everyday Sneakers are a comfy pair of kicks that can go the extra mile. Editorial director Simone Scully was impressed with the level of comfort these shoes provide. “They’re made with ortholite foam so your feet really do feel like they’re floating on a cloud,” she notes. Gift these to your loved one as some extra encouragement to get moving.

Taking some time to use a foam roller is an opportunity for your loved one to reconnect with their body and show it some TLC, which might not otherwise be on their to-do list when dealing with mental health challenges. While often used for post-workout recovery, there is compelling evidence that it is even better for a pre-workout warm-up.

The Ocean Foam Tidal Roller is an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound foam roller (it’s made of algae and recycled materials). I love how the wave-shaped grooves feel on my sore muscles.

Walking becomes even more important when navigating life as a new parent. Yet, time becomes more limited than ever in the early days of parenthood, which can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. The Baby Carrier Harmony from BabyBjörn is a supportive carrier that makes cruising with the little one more comfortable than ever. I have a big baby who is 30 pounds at 15 months old. I still wear him for long walks, and this carrier makes it more comfortable than ever.

The positive effects of yoga on mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, sleep, and chronic pain have been widely studied.

Help your loved one find their flow with the Liforme Majestic Carpet Yoga Mat. This gemstone-colored mat has a pretty design that doubles as alignment cues, so even if your loved one is new to yoga, they won’t be lost. Scully noted that while the price point is higher than that of the average yoga mat, it is high-quality and built to last. “This is a splurge, but you can really tell the difference with the thickness, the grip, the material… all of it,” she shares. There are some kids’ size mats on the website too, in case they’d like to practice with their little one.

Open is a beautifully designed app that offers yoga, meditation, breathwork, and even Pilates classes. These practices can be great for mental health. For example, yoga has been shown to support overall mental wellness. Recent research suggests yoga can trigger adaptive thinking, which is the ability to adjust one’s perspective and adapt to stressors.

I’ve used it for years and have enjoyed every aspect of it. There’s content for every level of practice, and it’s easy to use.

Comfort and Care

Baths as a key self-care activity? Groundbreaking. All jokes aside, there’s a reason why the term conjures images of frothy bubble baths and aromatic lotions. The Serenity Spa Crate from Olive & Cocoa is a pleasant surprise, equipped with everything they need for an at-home reset. When I tried this crate out, I was impressed with the unique details like the lavender tub sachets and the crocheted washcloth. Sometimes, a little comfort goes a long way.

It isn’t uncommon for folks to struggle with basic personal hygiene practices when experiencing severe mental health challenges. When a client of mine faces this issue, I work with them to find a gentle solution, such as creating a low-lift hygiene kit that includes deodorant, wet wipes, face wipes, and dry shampoo. We like this non-aerosol dry shampoo from K18. Writer and editor Nicole Bonaccorso noted that her hair felt clean all day, making it a long-lasting solution for dirty hair. Give your loved one the comfort of feeling clean without the effort.

At the end of a hard day, sometimes you just need to rest your eyes. This eye mask from Ostrichpillow is filled with clay beads, making it lightly weighted. It can be warmed up in the microwave or chilled in the freezer. After one particularly challenging day, I came home, warmed up this eye mask, and lay down with it on my face for 20 minutes. Afterward, I felt refreshed and ready to tackle dinner and bedtime with my little one.

Cuddling up with something soft and stuffed can bring back feelings of childhood nostalgia, making for an ultra-comforting experience. This sloth from Warmies is weighted, filled with soothing lavender, can be microwaved for warmth, and is available in four colors. “They’re cute, functional, and appropriate for the whole family,” explains Scully. This is a gift that they may love for themselves and feel eager to share with their family.

Losing one’s appetite often happens when experiencing depression.

Make things easier for them and have some fresh meals delivered to their doorstep. We like Factor for meal delivery. “It’s also good for people who enjoy hot meals (you won’t find salads on this menu) and flavorful comfort food dishes,” shares writer and registered dietitian Kristy Del Coro. This isn’t necessarily the meal delivery to send to someone on a strict diet, since many dishes contain dairy and are high in sodium. It is best for someone who is having a hard time being enticed to eat and needs something easy and tasty to warm up quickly.

Help them turn their home into a healing sanctuary with the HoMedics SereneScent Waterless Rechargeable Diffuser. This waterless diffuser is cord-free, so if your loved one wants to set it up in the corner of their bedroom to create a pocket of comfort, there are no limitations. “It’s incredibly simple to use,” shares writer Katrina Cossey, noting that it is mess-free since water isn’t involved.

Sometimes getting in the shower is all that can be done for the day. If it feels too difficult to get dressed in fresh clothes, which it absolutely can on difficult mental health days, a cozy robe can help things feel a bit better. This organic, 100% Turkish cotton waffle robe from Quince is a simple yet luxurious buy. “This would make a great self-care gift, especially when paired with a few other things (for example, a bath set or candle),” suggests editor and writer Katie Tuttle.

Making the Day-to-Day Better

Setting boundaries can help you care for yourself by speaking up for what you need, but it isn’t easy. For many of us, it is a learned skill that requires thought and intention. This card deck, inspired by Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book Set Boundaries, Find Peace, is great for those who are new to identifying their limits and communicating them to loved ones. “...It’s a very practical yet impactful gift for anyone navigating a friendship, relationship, or partnership,” shares writer Riley Blanton.

Listen, I know meditation and mindfulness are some of the first recommendations made when it comes to mental well-being. But, it is for good reason. Mindfulness-based interventions have a bevy of benefits, including decreased anxiety and greater tolerance for stress.

The Calm app offers hours of guided meditations, sleep stories, and motivational content from experts. “I found the app to be helpful even when I could only fit my mindfulness practice in for a short time between meetings or at bedtime, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to use it daily,” shares writer Alexandra Frost.

Not being able to sleep is beyond frustrating, especially since it’s such a key to our mental health. The Lemme Sleep Tight Gummies are a simple yet effective tool to help them get to snoozing in no time. “I’ve tried plain melatonin sleep aids before, which didn’t really help at all, but the combination of ingredients in these lulled me off to sleep within about two hours of taking them,” shares writer Sarah Glinski. She followed up by commenting on how good they taste.

As a mother to a young child and a therapist who works with many mothers, I can assure you that being a mom is a difficult transition. Personally speaking, I found myself discouraged at times in the early days, despite having a robust toolkit and a strong support system. These affirmation cards are uplifting and practical, offering support and validation for new and old moms alike without any platitudes or cliches. Blanton had a chance to check these out and noted that they’re perfect for “a first-time parent or one in the thick of the younger years.”

Coping Tools on the Go

Fidget tools, like this rainbow worm from Morf, have been proven to be especially useful in helping folks with ADHD stay focused and regulate their emotions.

“I have one daughter with autism and another with ADHD, and the way they both gravitated to this thing is truly wild,” shares editor and writer Ashley Ziegler. They can stash it at their desk or toss it in their bag to have on hand for a discreet moment of regulation.

Loud noises can fray the nerves, especially when already feeling tender and fragile. A good pair of headphones can remedy those issues. We love these over-the-ear headphones from H2O Audio because they are comfortable, offer strong active noise cancellation, and are easy to travel with. “Overall, they are just a very high-quality item, with exceptional sound quality, noise-canceling capabilities, and a fast charge that lasts,” shares writer Brittany Vargas.

A stress ball can help ease discomfort during times of anxiety.

This one by Speks is made from squishy memory gel and comes in a convenient three-pack, a mini six-pack, and a jumbo version as well as the original. “It makes a great fidget toy for when you need to play with something but not be too noticeable,” explains editor and writer Olivia Campbell. I’d gift this to a friend who is a stressed-out student or employed in an intense work environment.

Weighted blankets are a buzzy decor accessory that are incredibly soothing. This is because the weighted sensation serves as a form of deep-pressure therapy, providing a calming effect when cozied up under the blanket. A key benefit of deep pressure therapy is that it can reduce symptoms of anxiety.

I like this one from Eli & Elm because it is big enough to fit on my bed. Plus, you can slip a cute duvet cover over it, so it really blends in seamlessly with your space.

The Loftie Lamp is a chic piece of home decor that can be programmed to use light as an alarm clock. Sometimes referred to as a sunrise alarm clock, this product is designed to skip the grating beeping and instead simulates dawn light filling the room as a gentle wake-up. It can also be set to simulate the sun setting, thus providing a visual cue to wind down. “Truly, this is one of the most incredible things that has made such a difference to my sleep and wake-ups to make them less stressful,” explains Scully. Some especially cool features are that you can choose sunrise or sunset colors, create your own custom modes, and easily adjust the brightness.

How We Chose The Best Gifts For Those Who Are Prioritizing Their Mental Health

We took a holistic approach to selecting the best gifts for those prioritizing their mental health. Specifically, we were interested in professional support, practical tools, gifts that make life easier, and items that simply feel good. The Everyday Health team has tested hundreds of wellness gifts, each assessed for its function, price point, and intended purpose. All products included on this list were selected by me, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma. Plus, I've personally tested many of the gifts I chose for this guide, and I’ve recommended many to clients.

How Can I Support Someone Who Is Trying To Prioritize Their Mental Health?

First, simply talk to them. Ask them what they’re prioritizing in particular, and if there are any things that are getting in the way of having a solid mental health care routine. This will clue you in to the specific ways you can be of support. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can offer a dear friend or family member is uninterrupted attention.

It is also important to gauge your expectations and potential biases about how you believe others should take care of their mental health. “I see folks struggle with the slow build, as many people think they only need to complete an exercise or self-care practice and expect immediate improvement,” explains Los Angeles-based psychotherapist Tamara De Angelis, MSW, LCSW. When providing encouragement, remember that they’re embarking on a new journey and remind them that they don’t have to have it all figured out at once.

What Are Easy and Free Ways Someone Can Prioritize Their Mental Health?

Tangible services and tools can be wonderful in helping someone get a jumpstart on optimizing their mental health. But even the simplest acts can have a meaningful impact. Licensed psychotherapist and author of The Mental Strength Playbook, Amy Morin, LCSW, offers a few ideas for boosting overall mental health. “Just taking a 15-minute walk during your lunch break helps you feel much better all day,” she begins. Offer to take a quick stroll with them as an extra boost of encouragement. She also recommends something called a “mood booster” list. “Write down five things that reliably make you feel better,” she explains. “Keep it on your phone. Pull it out when you need it.”

Another easy and free way to prioritize mental health is a simple mindset shift. “Schedule time to worry,” Morin suggests. Noting that it may sound counterintuitive at first, it is a powerful act that halts the cycle of constantly worrying. “Your brain will fight you for a week or two,” she shares before explaining that after the adjustment period, you’ll notice increased bandwidth throughout the day because your brain trusts you’ll set aside time to focus on the worries. If your loved one is consistently worrying, share this quick trick with them. You can even schedule a time to worry at the same time as them and set a time-limited call to vent to each other.

What Are Some Signs a Loved One Is Struggling With Their Mental Health?

When working with someone new, I am always assessing their level of functioning. Even the smallest signs can be clues that someone is struggling. If someone who is typically put together begins to appear disheveled or their hygiene takes a nosedive, it can be a sign that they’re having a hard time managing daily responsibilities. Withdrawing from social situations can be another clue. Notice if their core demeanor is shifting, too. For example, is a typically chatty person quiet and solemn? Are they agitated and lacking in patience? And, if they began to make jokes about harming themselves, inquire further. At the core of dark jokes can be an ounce of truth. Don’t miss the signs.

FAQ

What should I do if a loved one is in crisis?

If a loved one is in danger of harming themselves or others, it is imperative that you seek out crisis support. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for mental health resources in your area.

How can someone find a therapist?

The best way to find a therapist is to explore mental health directories, as these typically offer search options by location, specialty, and insurance. PsychologyToday, Inclusive Therapists, and Open Path Collective are great places to start.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Author

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory ...

The Best Mental Health Gifts of 2026

Healing Through Therapy

For Trauma Support

Innerwell Therapy

For Group Therapy

Grouport

For Easy Support

Talkspace

For Depression, Anxiety, Psychiatry, and More

Brightside Health

Finding Movement

For Healthy Habit Stacking

KingSmith WalkingPad Pro Folding Treadmill

For When You Can’t Make a Class

BetterMe Mini Pilates Reformer

For Taking a Stroll

Uovo Women’s Breeze Everyday Sneaker

OceanFoam Tidal Roller

For the New Parent Who Needs Some Support

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Harmony

Find the Healing Effects of Yoga

Liforme Majestic Carpet Yoga Mat

For Movement with a Vibe

Open

Comfort and Care

For Soaking Away The Worries

Olive & Cocoa Serenity Spa Crate

For Rough Mental Health Seasons

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo

For Some Grounding

Ostrichpillow Hot & Cold Eye Mask

For Finding Some Rest

Slumber Cloud Woven Throw Blanket

For Their Inner Child

Sloth Warmies

For Nourishment

Factor

For Aromatherapy

HoMedics SereneScent Waterless Rechargeable 120 ml Diffuser

For Days When It's Hard to Get Ready

Quince Organic Turkish Waffle Robe

For Soothing Support

Ballou Family Apothecary Whipped Magnesium Butter

Making the Day-to-Day Better

For Easing Anxiety

Create Your Own Calm: A Journal for Quieting Anxiety

For Finding Their Boundaries

The Set Boundaries Deck: A Tool for Expressing Healthy Limits for Happier Relationships

For Mindfulness

Calm

No More Tossing and Turning

Lemme Sleep Tight Gummies

For Moms Trying to Find Their Way

7th Compass Affirmations for Mothers

Coping Tools on the Go

For a Discreet Fidget

Morf Fidget Worm Rainbow Big

For Some Quiet Time

H2O Audio RIPT ULTRA Headphones

For Grounding

Bearaby Lounger

For Keeping Track of Life

Laurel Denise Undated Anne Planner

For a Distraction

TOSY Magnet Pyramid Stone

For Stressed Out Moments

Speks Gump Memory Gel Stress Ball

For Deep Pressure Therapy

Eli & Elm Weighted Comforter

For A Better Morning

Loftie Lamp