10 Gifts I Would Love to Receive as Someone With Depression

With the holiday season quickly approaching, those of you who have friends or family members who battle depression may be wondering what gift or gifts you could give them that would best brighten their holidays. I’d like to share some ideas I think will help you shop this season if you have a loved one with depression.

Here are some gifts I would like to receive, and, of course, you can tweak these to suit the personality of your loved one:

1. A Snuggie

When I’m feeling particularly low or having a stressful day, I find myself needing to curl up in my favorite chair with a blanket for security. While a blanket is nice, a Snuggie would be more convenient — plus, it’s actually wearable. So, that’s number one on my list.

2. Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple Products

There is a shower gel, bath fizzy, ultra shea body cream and body lotion. Practicing self-care is an important part of managing depression, and one way to do that is by enjoying a favorite scent while soaking in a long, warm bath or while taking a soothing shower.

3. Pure + Simple Aria Lip Balm Collection

I really dislike dry lips, so I keep lip balm on hand at all times. It’s another way that I practice taking care of myself. This collection is vegan, natural and cruelty-free.

4. Decorative Journals

I’m a writer, so I go through lots of notebooks and journals. I prefer pretty writing materials, as they inspire me and make writing fun. Also, many of us with depression find it therapeutic to write down our feelings and thoughts, so journals make excellent gifts for us.

5. Poetry Collections

Those who battle depression need time to relax and focus on other things. I find reading poetry to be an enjoyable way to do this. My favorite poets are Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Frost and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

6. Coffee or Tea

Often, getting out of bed in the morning is a difficult task for someone with major depressive disorder. If we have a favorite beverage to look forward to, it can help to motivate us. I’d love to receive some delicious coffee and tea samplers this holiday season.

7. Movies and Popcorn

This gift could also come with the offer of your presence, too. Your loved one with depression would probably really appreciate a favorite movie and popcorn, especially when you offer to hang out and watch with him/her.

8. Mints or Gum

The antidepressants I take cause extreme dryness of mouth. While I typically drink lots of water, it’s not always convenient to do so. For times like these, I chew gum or suck on mints. I’d love to find my stocking full of peppermint flavored gum and Icebreakers Duo Mints.

9. Gift Certificates to Restaurants

Many times, my depression zaps us of energy and we just don’t feel up to cooking. It would be so helpful if we had the option to go to a restaurant instead, especially if it’s one that offers curbside pickup.

10. Encouragement Jar

This handmade gift is a sweet reminder for your friend or family member that can really make a difference on his/her worst days. Simply take a mason jar and fill it with slips of paper on which you’ve written things that are special about or that you love about your loved one. Decorate it nicely and attach a pretty ornament. I’d love to have this simple, yet loving, gift to help me counteract the lies that depression tells me.

I hope this gives you some good ideas of what to buy your loved ones with depression. Think about things that they enjoy and would find comforting, then get creative and go from there. Happy Holidays!

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Thinkstock photo via smiltena