Buzz
1. A scratch paper art kit that will bring back memories from your childhood and offer a creative way to unwind after a hectic day.
2. A video game that helps shift your focus away from stress and anxiety, providing a much-needed mental escape.
I've personally found games like Animal Crossing and Luigi's Mansion 3 to be especially soothing during these challenging times. When my husband feels overwhelmed, I've noticed he dives back into playing Fortnite with his friends and World of Warcraft solo. There’s something calming about losing yourself in a video game for a bit.
Positive review (for Animal Crossing): "I absolutely adore this game!! Out of all my games, this is the one I play the most. It's perfect for unwinding after a busy day, on a rainy afternoon, or to calm my nerves. It actually helps with my anxiety. I highly recommend this game to anyone." —Morgann Madden
Find it on Amazon: A Nintendo Switch Lite for $199.99 (available in four colors) and a digital copy of Animal Crossing New Horizons for $59.99.
3. A "Wreck This Journal" designed to help you connect with your creative side, perfect if you've always felt unsure about filling up the blank pages of regular, mundane journals.
4. A weighted blanket to curl up under when the thought of choosing dinner feels overwhelming — these blankets are known to boost serotonin, helping you sleep longer and wake up feeling more refreshed.
I finally got my hands on one of these from Bearaby, and it's been an incredible tool for managing my anxiety. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by stress, I take a break and relax under this blanket, and I can feel the tension melt away — it's truly amazing. Fair warning, I often drift off to sleep while using it because it’s so calming.
Get it from Bearaby for $249 (available in 15, 20, and 25 lbs and nine colors).
5. A rose quartz facial roller and gua sha designed to help reduce headache pain and improve circulation in your face. I’ve been using mine more frequently now with the dry heat in my apartment.
6. A set of blackout curtains because, let's be honest, the brightness of daylight isn't always all it’s cracked up to be, right?
7. A 300-piece puzzle depicting a tranquil scene along with a 30-day free trial of the Calm app to help bring peace to your mind in multiple ways.
8. A roll-on migraine relief stick to stop the pain before it escalates and ruins an otherwise good day.
9. Drunk Elephant's "Been A Long Day" set which contains a glycolic serum and moisturizer designed to help your skin recover from the stress it’s endured with you throughout the day (or week, or month, or year!).
I own several Drunk Elephant products, including this set, and I have to say, I’m really impressed. They absorb into my skin beautifully and leave no greasy residue behind. I also don’t have to worry about them transferring to my pillows or sheets! When I wake up, my skin feels hydrated, and that's one less concern for the day.
Promising review: "Don’t underestimate the Drunk Elephant minis! I get over a month’s worth of daily use from each one, and it's a fantastic way to try high-end products. 1) TLC Framboos absolutely lived up to its reputation, I layered it with my niacinamide at night to help with skin cell turnover, and I’ve noticed my scars fading. 2) Lala Retro whip is incredibly rich — it’s unique and takes a little getting used to." —SephoraUser123
Get it from Sephora for $28.
10. A 48-pack of assorted teas to treat yourself to in the morning, giving you that extra push to survive your workday and to help you relax after a never-ending meeting.
11. And a stylish marbled mug to sip your tea from while spilling the latest gossip to your best friend about your most recent date.
12. A EveryPlate meal plan that takes the stress out of deciding what to cook each week *and* eliminates the need to drag yourself out to the grocery store when you're just not in the mood (because, seriously, it’s freezing out there!).
Each week, you'll receive all the fresh, classic ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions that’ll make you feel like a pro chef on your very own Food Network show.
Get a subscription from EveryPlate for $38.93+ (prices vary depending on how many meals you'd like per week and how many people you plan to serve).
13. A calming candle infused with a blue chalcedony healing crystal, designed to not only look stunning on your table but also help create a peaceful atmosphere wherever you are.
I've been purchasing these candles for years, and I reserve them for the most stressful days. This specific one, along with a few others, has also been a gift to others. They emit a lovely fragrance, burn cleanly, and once the candle is gone, you're left with a beautiful tumbled stone. The bonus? This candle is made by a woman-owned small business!
Get it from JaxKelly on Etsy for $22.
14. A black sugar strawberry wash-off face mask — ideal for an at-home spa experience after a chaotic week.
15. A set of face mask brushes so you won't end up getting even more frustrated with your hands covered in a messy mask.
16. A total body pillow because cuddling triggers the release of oxytocin, which helps you feel happy. Time to snuggle in until you feel the stress melt away from your shoulders.
A chic diffuser that will fill your living space with calming aromas — ideal if you're tired of the usual candles.
Zenimation on Disney+, a series of soothing, ASMR-inspired episodes featuring iconic scenes from classic films accompanied by nature's tranquil sounds. What could be more relaxing?
A sheer lipstick from Glossier, because (believe it or not) adding a splash of color to your lips can really boost your mood.
A home workout from Emkfit on YouTube that requires no equipment at all — perfect for melting away stress and anxiety from the comfort of your home. Emily's collection of workouts often have exciting themes that can actually motivate you to get moving.
A beginner-friendly embroidery kit that won’t test your patience but will offer a satisfying and creative distraction, leaving you with a beautiful piece of art in the end!
22. A beginner-level knitting kit designed to keep both your hands and mind engaged — you'll be delighted to cozy up in a blanket that you crafted yourself.
Knitting requires patience and concentration — or at least that was my experience when I tried it for the first time. You can enjoy your favorite movie or show while unwinding and knitting at your leisure. No pressure here. The kit includes three skeins of soft wool, wooden knitting needles, the pattern, a small sewing needle for knitting, and an embroidered label.
What others are saying: "Perfect for beginners and super easy to make! The yarn is incredibly soft. My daughter is going to adore it when I finish. I highly recommend this kit to knitters of any level." —HLC0987
Purchase it from We Are Knitters for $63 (available in 15 colors).
23. A Luminary podcast subscription packed with engaging audio content that will keep you hooked for hours — I especially recommend "The Secrets Hotline," where listeners anonymously share their deepest secrets.
Get immersed in a spine-tingling story, celebrity gossip, or anything else that keeps your mind engaged!
Subscribe to Luminary for only $2.99/month.
24. A calming subscription box from Bespoke Post that will arrive right at your door, reminding you to indulge in some much-needed self-care.
The current box includes aromatherapy oils, a sugar body scrub, honey and gem-infused bath salts, a clay mask, and a relaxing candle.
Purchase it from Bespoke for $55 or subscribe for $45.
25. A heated massager pillow that anyone will appreciate after a particularly rough day.
26. A curtain of twinkling lights that will make you feel like you're having a slumber party at Tinker Bell's home, creating a peaceful ambiance to help you unwind.
27. Gold collagen under-eye masks are the perfect remedy for those stubborn under-eye bags, especially when you're up late worrying about things that probably won’t even happen. Ah, the uncertainty of it all.
28. A coloring book filled with charming animals that anyone would find irresistibly quirky and a perfect stress-reliever for those moments of tension.
A scalp massager that’s bound to become your go-to shower companion. Perfect for exfoliating and thoroughly cleansing your scalp as you lather in shampoo — it’s a must-have addition to your routine.
A vibrant daily planner from Noted by Post-It, featuring dedicated sections to jot down your to-do list, schedule your meetings, and track any important information you’ll need later. It’ll brighten up your desk with a splash of color, too!
Grab it at Target for $8.99 and explore other items from the collection right here.
A miniature Magic 8 Ball that helps you make quick decisions without overthinking. Wondering if you should stay in bed this weekend and binge-watch 90 Day Fiancé? The answer is clear — yes.
32. A supportive bath pillow that every person who needs to unwind after a long, tiring day could really benefit from (guilty as charged).
33. A collapsible Stojo cup to carry your favorite hot drink while running errands, then effortlessly collapse it and pop it in your bag without any concerns about space.
A set of 25 squishy toys designed to relieve stress, allowing you to keep one for yourself or share with your stressed-out roommates.
A 12-inch foam roller that you'll find unexpectedly helpful even if you're not a gym enthusiast. It's perfect for releasing muscle tension in your back or legs after long hours at a desk, or to ease stress-related stiffness.
Velvet hangers that will elevate your closet from chaotic to chic. Do you hear that applause? It's the cast of Queer Eye giving you a standing ovation.
A bottle of Mavala Stop, designed with a bitter yet harmless taste to help break your cuticle-biting habit while promoting the growth of beautiful, long nails. Soon, you'll be rocking nails worthy of Cardi B.
A subscription to Book of the Month, a delightful gift for bibliophiles who find joy in cracking open a hardcover book. The smell of freshly printed pages is irresistible.
One of the best gifts I received was a Book of the Month subscription for my birthday. It's still one of the most thoughtful presents I've ever gotten. There's nothing quite as enjoyable as getting lost in the pages of a great book — a wonderful way to distract your mind. Every month, you can select from a range of four books across various genres, and the one you choose is delivered right to your door. It's like magic! Time to renew my subscription.
Enjoy three months of Book of the Month for just $49.99.
39. This stainless-steel ring is not only stylish but also doubles as a fidget spinner, helping you stay calm and centered during stressful moments.
40. Alternatively, choose a fashion-forward version to complement your everyday accessories — spinning it reveals a hidden motivational message.
My amazing co-worker, Ali Faccenda (a truly special person), knows I often deal with anxious moments, so she gifted me one of these rings for Christmas. I didn’t even notice it had a hidden message—mine says "breathe"—until I visited the website myself. I’ve been absentmindedly spinning it during calls and meetings, and it’s surprisingly calming. It also comes from a small, woman-owned business.
You can get it from CONQUERing for $26 (available as either a necklace or a ring with 17 different phrases).
41. This massage roller is perfect for applying acupressure to the spots on your feet that need some relief, helping you unwind before bed. It’s so simple to use that you can roll it away while still glued to the latest episode of The Real Housewives.
42. This bar of soap infused with a crystal will captivate you, whether you choose to zen out while using it in the shower or keep it on your desk as a decorative piece.
I have several of these gorgeous soaps and I can’t say enough good things about them. As a fan of crystals and meditation, these soaps are truly breathtaking. I keep the Spirit of Eternity soap, which contains an opalite crystal, on my desk because it’s so stunning, and I use Fountain of Prosperity at home for my daily washes. Why not bring all those positive energies into your life? These soaps come from a woman-owned small business that you can feel great about supporting.
Get them at Crystal Bar Soap; both Spirit of Eternity (left) and Fountain of Prosperity for $14 (right).
Discover the wide range of crystal-infused soaps here!
43. A throw pillow cover that will make you chuckle, or give you a place to vent your frustrations without your neighbors hearing. Say goodbye to pent-up anger.
44. This Two Minute Mornings journal includes prompts that help you focus on gratitude, offering a quick and positive start to your day—even before your first cup of coffee!
45. Acne-fighting cover patches that seamlessly blend into your skin tone, gentle enough for all skin types, yet powerful enough to target stubborn pimples like a high-powered vacuum.
These patches are both vegan and cruelty-free, available in two sizes to accommodate various pimple types and sizes. It integrates so effortlessly — I know this firsthand because I tested it! Despite having sensitive skin, I didn’t experience any irritation. I was impressed with how much the small patch absorbed. After leaving it overnight, the next morning my pimple had significantly less redness and was noticeably flatter.
Promising review: "I’m truly amazed by these. They stick well even overnight. They work wonders on deep acne that usually bothers me for days. It drained one in an hour! Plus, they’re so clear. Totally impressed! Especially given the price." —Michelle
Get a set of 42 patches from Soko Glam for $6.
46. And a bath bomb infused with a soothing lavender fragrance, which dissolves beautifully into the warm water for a spa-like experience at home, perfect for unwinding. Take your time to turn your bathroom into a haven—light some candles, use a face mask, and enjoy a full self-care ritual.
These bath bombs feature a skin-nourishing formula and are hand-crafted by a woman-owned small business based in Las Vegas. I always keep a few bath bombs around for particularly stressful days. Lavender, in my opinion, is the most calming fragrance. Simply drop one in your bath, and let the bomb work its magic!
Get a single bath bomb from JustBubblesAndBrews on Etsy for $4.
Before you dive into these products to help you zen out:
Some reviews have been modified for brevity and/or clarity.
