Calming Gifts For Your Friend Who's Always Stressed During The Holidays

Not to start off negatively, but the holiday season can be the most stressful time of the year for many people.

Even if you absolutely love spending time with family and have the money to spend on gifts for everyone you love, it's important to remember that not everybody has a job with disposable income, and not everyone's family is a Cheerios commercial.

So, here are some gift ideas for that friend who's going need a little bit more love and healing this holiday season:

Incense set

Burning incense is the fastest way to feel like you're being wrapped in a warming, motherly hug from the universe.

There's a great company in Greenpoint, Brooklyn called Inca USA, which makes some of the best smelling incense I've ever bought.

Even the packaging calms me down.

Healing crystal jewelry

I feel strange buying someone a healing crystal for a present, mostly because it's kind of a letdown to watch someone unwrap a rock.

But, if you want to combine the benefits of healing crystals with a more tra-dish gift, getting someone a necklace with a crystal pendant is a great option.

It'll look cute and stave off the negative energy.

Plus, you can get these types of necklaces anywhere, whether that's on Etsy or at your local flea market.

Bath bombs

For a lot of people, there's nothing more relaxing than a bath.

It's a time when you can unwind, zone out and ignore whatever else is happening outside that bathroom door (especially when you're home for the holidays).

So, why not take that soak to the next level and gift your friend with a rainbow bath bomb?

Just watching it fizzle after it hits the water can be a stress relief in itself.

Lush Cosmetics is a good place to start for holiday-themed bath bombs.

Tarot cards

Tarot cards are fun, and even if you don't know how to read them, they're always pretty user-friendly.

Starter decks come with a guide, and you might even be inspiring a lifelong hobby!

Check out Two Sides Tarot for some gorgeously illustrated decks.

Added benefit: When your friend is unsure of whether or not to go home for the holidays or stay where they are, using a tarot deck will give them the answer they're looking for.

Astrology readings

Astrology readings are a really fun way to spend an hour. Even if you're not into astrology, it's always an interesting time.

And since astrology isn't about telling the future, you don't run the risk of telling someone something about themselves they don't want to hear.

Most astrologers — if they're good — won't get into what they think will happen to you because that isn't their job.

Astrology is really just a way to better understand yourself, and it can help you through your journey to self-awareness.

Themed candles

Even the most cynical of your pals will enjoy a nice candle.

I'd go for a chakra candle to enhance whatever energy they need in their life. Maybe they need to boost their self-confidence or their ability to advocate for themselves.

Or, you could get more of a decorative candle, something that looks good and beautifies the space they live in.

Candles are easy to get (you can find them at any Urban Outfitters), they're cheap and they can be paired with a glass of wine, a record or a nice blanket.

Basically, adding a candle makes any gift more cozy and comforting.

Whatever you decide to get, make sure that if the candle is scented, it isn't overwhelming.

Some people have sensitive noses, and even though those people are usually annoying and neurotic types, it's good to respect their boundaries.

Always keep in mind the person you're buying the gift for. What might be spiritual to some could be construed as dogmatic BS to others.

So, if you know your friend hates incense or anything spiritual, think about them and what would calm them the most.

Stay centered, and have a beautiful holiday season!