phoenixnewtimes.com Nov. 23rd - Nov. 29th, 2023 N E W T I M E S H O L I D AY G U I D E 47 Reduce Stress and Promote Happiness With This Holiday Gift Guide Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness. And this holiday season, you can support the well-being of your loved ones with thoughtful gift-giving. From stocking stuffers to big reveal items, use this gift guide below to put a smile on the face of loved ones: • Bath bombs: Bath bombs can be used to create a spa-like environment at home and are a great choice for anyone who needs a gentle reminder to unwind. Be sure to select bath bombs made from such calming ingredients as lavender, bergamot and ylang-ylang for an added aromatherapy boost. • A weighted blanket: Over 40 million people in the United States have long-term, chronic sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation is not only often caused by poor mental health, it can also exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Help your gift recipient get higher quality sleep with a weighted blanket. Cozy and comfortable on cool nights, they use pressure therapy to mimic the feeling of being hugged or held, and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD and autism in children and adults. • A new ride: More than just a toy or gadget, a bicycle represents the freedom to explore the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, make memories and establish routines that promote physical and mental wellbeing. And of course, it can also provide that stress- relieving, mood-boosting release of endorphins. From traditional mountain bikes and cruisers to battery ride-ons and e-bikes, Huffy offers bikes for both kids and adults alike have more functions and features than ever before, and promise to bring the wow factor during gift-giving. For kids and teens age 8-15, consider something extra special, like the newly redesigned Green Machine from Huffy, which is engineered to allow for adrenaline-pumping 180-degree drifts and turns, and offers dual-lever pivot steering. Riding, drifting and spinning this trike activates LED light effects and patterns, and adjustable seating supports a wide range of rider heights so that it can grow with a younger gift recipient, and help dial in the fit for a comfortable ride. • Culinary inspiration: For those who love to bake, the “Mind over Batter” cookbook by licensed psychotherapist and baker, Jack Hazan, will combine their passion with a little self-care. Great for bakers of all abilities and anyone looking for new ways to approach mental health, the cookbook features practical self-care advice alongside 75 approachable recipes for savory and sweet baked goods. • A massage: Stress affects not only the mind but the body as well. Help alleviate the muscle tension associated with stress with a gift certificate for a massage. Be sure you send your gift recipient to a licensed massage therapist. There are many forms of massage therapy, so if you happen to know your loved one’s personal preference, try to find that out in advance, or send them to a facility that practices many forms of massage so they can make a choice that best suits their needs. From gifts that exercise the body during the day to those that relax the mind at night, you can add holiday cheer to the season with thoughtfully selected presents that support mental health and overall wellbeing.
