Economic uncertainty, job security, politics, the health of our loved ones, home schooling, and endless Zoom calls have made 2020 challenging to say the least. Mental health has been brought to the forefront with almost half of Americans struggling with anxiety and depression. Substance abuse has skyrocketed, and loneliness has become its own silent epidemic, taking a toll on our physical and mental health.

As the mom of an Autistic, mentally ill child, I can tell you that I need all the help I can get to push through times like this. The upcoming holidays can be an even more difficult time, fueling feelings of loneliness for the thousands of people separated from the ones they love. A thoughtful gift this holiday season can provide a boost of happiness.

Instead of the same old pair of holiday-themed pajamas, scented candles, or fuzzy socks, make this holiday special by stepping up your gift giving game.

Here are 17 of my favorite meaningful gifts that will support, uplift, and inspire those you love this holiday season:

Mind Over Moment Book and Journal: Our lives are increasingly busy and frenetic, and our stress levels are at an all-time high. Mind Over Moment: Harness the Power of Resilience and the companion journal are packed full of practical tools, strategies, inspiration, and brain-based techniques challenging you to get out of your comfort zone, crush self-limiting beliefs, and break through barriers keeping you stuck to create the life you truly deserve. Learn to use mindfulness to take control of the chaos. And the best part is that you don’t have to sit in a full lotus, eat tofu, or find your Zen to apply these practices.

Brave Not Perfect Necklace: This necklace is your daily reminder to let go of the fear of not being perfect and live life with a mindset where every decision you face, you make the brave choice or take the bolder path. Join the bravery revolution and support the Sisterhood. 100% of the proceeds from every necklace benefit Girls Who Code founded by my fellow Conferences for Women speaker Reshma Saujani.

Circle Monkey Socks: My husband and I are huge Joe Rogan fans! We keep hoping to run into him now that he’s recently moved to Austin. Joe has one of the most successful podcasts of all time, and I think his success is in part due to his intelligence, curiosity, and wit. Humor has been found to be a great resilience building strategy. Just when you feel like you’ve hit bottom, Joe picks you up saying something like this. “If you ever start taking things too seriously, just remember that we are talking monkeys on an organic spaceship flying through the universe.”

Onward & Upward Tote: This tote from Happiness Expert, Gretchen Rubin, is a great reminder that we will get through this tough time. Simple yet elegant, this tote makes a great gift for those that are ready to move forward with resolve and courage.

You Were Born Not To Be Just Fine Clock: We are no longer working from home, we are living at work. This clock, featuring one of my favorite quotes from motivational powerhouse Mel Robbins, would be a great addition to a home office that we all now must have. Mel reminds us that we should strive to live our best life. I also highly recommend watching her TEDxTalk that has over 25 million views!

Fiddle Leaf Fig: Has anyone else been obsessed with fiddle leaf figs ever since Chip and Joanna Gaines made us want to put one in every room after seeing their Fixer Upper designs? Research shows that simply having a plant in your home or office can dramatically help reduce anxiety. Plants have the unique ability to help us reset our nervous system, getting out of stress mode and back into a place of relaxation. In addition to being adorable, they also produce oxygen which helps concentration and overall well-being. The large, violin-shaped leaves of the Fiddle Leaf Fig instantly bring life into a room and in your heart.

10% Happier Guided Meditation Gift: There is so much noise competing for our attention, and it takes a toll on our physical and mental health. This selection of guided meditations from Dan Harris, the co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America, will help quiet your mind, giving you the space to focus on what is most important.

Show Up Hat: I am a Rachel Hollis fangirl! It is such an important reminder that most of the time, showing up is half the battle. Does someone in your life need some motivation to get going? Rachel says to “wear this on the days you don’t feel motivated but do want to keep the promises you made to yourself to move your body every day.” Remember, resilience is a muscle!

Optimism Candle: Simon Sinek reminds us that optimism doesn’t mean you wear rose-colored glasses. It is a belief that things will get better. Bright, bold and confident with notes of lemon, bergamot and mandarin orange, these candles are scented with the same smell of optimism that is in Simon’s book, Together is Better. Did you know that I got to share a page in the Vision issue of SUCCESS magazine with Simon Sinek? Total bucket list moment!

You Are A Badass Button: You have survived the worst things that have ever happened to you, and you are still standing. This Badass Button from New York Times Bestselling Author Jen Sincero, spouts inspiring messages in Sincero’s own voice. Who wouldn’t want a button they can push anytime they need a pick-me-up? It’s the perfect reminder that “You are a badass!”

North South Confections: My dear friend of over 20 years, Justine Pringle, was named one of the “Top Ten Chocolatiers in North America” by Dessert Professional Magazine. Her beautiful creations at North South Confections include rich caramel centers infused with fresh fruit purée and enrobed in precisely chosen chocolate. Delightfully unexpected flavors like passion fruit, graviola, lime, and naranjilla create a confection that is as decadently creamy as it is unapologetically irreverent. Aside from being delicious, consuming chocolate has been found to enhance brain function, thanks to cocoa being a rich source of natural neuroprotective compounds. 

Let It Go Glass Jar: If you know me, you know one of my favorite mantras is, “Let that sh*t go!” A spin on your traditional gratitude jar, this beautiful glass jar is a reminder to be kind to yourself and move negative thoughts from your head and your heart, onto the cards. Placing them into the jar to just let it go. Each set includes a beautiful handcrafted glass jar with wooden lid. Packaged with 200 silver foil ‘Let It Go’ cards, this gift reminds you to be kind to yourself and let things go.

Mindfulness Reminder Cards: I actually received these cards as a holiday gift from a friend last year. Inside this colorful box are over 50 prompts and exercises divided into four sections: Rest and balance, curiosity and joy, insight and awareness, and kindness. These cards help you learn to appreciate little things like the ground beneath your feet and the tree above your head. But they also introduce you to deeper, long-term practices like cultivating a sense of self-care and acceptance, a key ingredient for mental health and well-being.

Hello I’m Probably Anxious Sweatshirt: You are bigger than what is making you anxious, but just in case you’re having an off day and need to not take yourself so seriously, this sweatshirt is a fun way to call out your anxiety. Gift this to a friend who could use a laugh.

Virtual Gym Membership: Class Pass (founded by badass female entrepreneur Payal Kadakia) has a great library of streaming classes. Exercise is a powerful depression and anxiety fighter and even helps your brain repair neurons damaged by stress. In our new virtual world, this is a great way to give the gift of endorphins and mental health.

Kendra Scott Gifts Under $50: Kendra Scott is one my favorite jewelry designers and her world headquarters is right here in Austin, TX. The bright colors in her designs just make me happy! Kendra’s philanthropy work is also super inspiring. A portion of the company’s annual proceeds directly supports women’s and children’s causes that improve lives, advance knowledge, and unlock opportunity.

Donation to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): As the parent of a severely mental ill child, the resources and training I’ve received through NAMI have been my lifeline. A portion of all my book proceeds go to NAMI Central Texas. You can hear more about my story in my TEDxTalk. When you make a donation in someone’s honor, the act of donating is good for your mental health. Studies show that any act of altruism — a selfless act for others — is connected to positive physical and mental effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this includes lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less incidence of depression, lower stress levels, and even longer life and greater happiness.

Happy gifting!

Stay brave and resilient,

Anne