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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Kick back with a warm cup of tea, a weighted blanket, and a good book.
Promising review: "Ahhh I love these so much, takes doodling to a whole new level! It's an anxiety relief like you wouldn't believe. Plus my kids also get a kick out of them. These are so worth it and I'm going to be keeping these stocked up!" —Katie Toomey
Get it from Amazon for $12.57.
I bought this for my best friend when she was starting to get so stressed out about her daily migraines. It helped immensely!
Promising review: "I can't give this product enough stars! I have suffered from debilitating chronic migraines for years. Prescription medications, while effective, usually make me extremely tired and result in rebound headaches, so I rarely take them. This oil blend is especially great for the days when I have a migraine, but am unable to stay home and rest. This takes the edge off the pain enough that I am still able to go about my day and do everything I need to do. I also love the way it smells. I sometimes roll it on my wrists just to enjoy the energizing fragrance." —Lacey V
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
Read our full review on the Migrastil Migraine Stick here.
I don't think my sister knows how to survive without blackout curtains — she swears by them. Hang up a set of these bad boys and you'll learn to sleep until noon all winter long. These curtains are made with an energy smart fabric that balances room temperature by insulating against summer heat and winter chills. Amazing!
Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. I have 41" x 41" windows and I used two panels on each one. Stunning color — I ordered teal for my coral-and-teal color-schemed bedroom. They block out sunlight very well. I'm so happy! Quick shipping and they came undamaged. Good quality, thick and soft too. Almost feels like velvet." —Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $18.76+ ( available in 10 sizes and 20 colors).
Promising review: "There have been so many times where I wanted to try a tea but didn't want to commit to a whole box if I end up not liking it. If you find yourself in similar situations, this is a great way to try them out. I was surprised by how many I never had before that I liked. Even for those who aren't up for experimenting, this at least gives you a good variety just to have around the house. Would probably work well as a gift too." —Nuzzdad
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
Promising review: "I am using the mug for coffee/hot chocolate. The marble design is a nice mix and I wanted a new looking mug for morning coffee. This would be even greater if it was sold in sets of six." —Cooking diva
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "Wow! I purchased this on a whim after seeing one of my favorite YouTubers try it out. I didn't expect a lot from it. I tried it out and was shocked!!! The mask was simple (and fun) to use. I wasn't sure I felt a lot happening while it was on, but it was pretty cool how the bubbles started to grow off of my face. Upon inspection after using this mask I was completely amazed. My face felt cleaner than it has in a very long time AND my pores looked amazing! I don't remember a time when I felt like my pores looked great before using this mask. I would highly recommend this mask to anyone. It's also so much cheaper than the GlamGlow ones I have been using (and didn't see near these results from)." —K. Textor
Get it from Amazon for $13.95.
Promising review: "I’m 17 and I loved this. In the intro it says the page instructions are all up to interpretation, so if it says 'spill your drink' or something you can take that literally or choose to paint on it with something such as tea or coffee that’ll look like brown watercolor. Which I love that it’s bizarre prompts but that you have wiggle room if you don’t want to do anything too crazy. I would recommend this if you’re just looking for something fun or if you’re going through some challenges this is really helpful to distract/express/push yourself!" —Marlee
Get it from Amazon for $9.59.
My colleague AnaMaria Glavan spoke highly of this mask. She said:
"The black sugar 'seeds' exfoliate the crap (literally) out of your skin and get all the gunk out of your pores, but doesn't dry it out to the point where your forehead is crying 'moisturize me' in a hoarse whisper. Plus, the scent of strawberries actually makes my mouth water. It's berry amazing. Ultimately, my skin feels smoother, doesn't feel tight, and looks brighter because of the Vitamin C ingredients. My blackhead-ridden nose is, in particular, forever in debt to this amazing mask."
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "I love these! I no longer dread putting on my face products. I was using my fingers to apply the product to my face, but it was so messy and got in my nails, too. When I came across these silicone brushes I knew I had to have them. They are amazing and the low price is a steal. These brushes really changed my routine. I use my facial products more often because I'm no longer worried about the annoying mess. The silicone brush is very flexible and spreads the product on my face nicely. Cleaning the brush is a simple task, just rinse and pat dry. Highly recommended!" —Wells Family
Get a set of two from Amazon for $4.39.
Promising review: "I have actually replaced all of my other pillows with this giant one and I have never slept better. I have already told my husband that I refuse to sleep without it, ever, and if anything happens to this one, you better believe I will be ordering a new one immediately. I have a lot of trouble sleeping due to a wonderful mix of insomnia and naturally running really warm. This pillow separates my husband and I if we need it since I am pretty sure we are both furnaces, and I can sneak the end between my legs so my thighs don't touch (I'm sure I'm not the only one that gets uncomfortable from this) but then I also get to sneak my arm under the top part of the pillow, while it wraps gently around my neck. If you get in the right position with it between the legs and around the neck, it even puts a comforting light pressure on your back so you feel like you're in a cocoon." —Skc
Get it from Amazon for $57.99+ (available in three colors).
I have one of these from Bearaby and it has been *such* a great tool for managing my anxiety. When I feel myself getting super tense from stress and nerves I take a break and lie under this blanket for a bit and I can feel the tension in my body smooth out — it's wonderful. Be warned though, I often fall asleep while using it because it's so calming.
Promising review: "I’ve had my Bearaby blanket for a few months now and I am in LOVE. It is everything I could have asked for and more. I love sleeping with lots of blankets but I get very hot. This blanket gives the feeling of lots of blankets while keeping me cool and comfy. Helps with my anxiety and insomnia as well. Looking at more colors now" —Emily R.
Get it from Bearaby for $249 (available in 15, 20, and 25 lbs and six colors).
Promising review: "I haven't touched embroidery before this. I've only watched someone do another starter kit a little. The kit comes with a small booklet which, to me, shows well enough how the different stitches are done including: leaf stitch, straight stitch, back stitch, and French knots. The design is nice, but also simple enough that the experience was not stressful. Of course the most stressful thing about embroidery at this point for me is taking the threads apart. For those that don't know, each string you get in the kit can be separated into six smaller strings. The stitches will call for thicker or thinner, so you must pull them apart. This is the trickiest thing, but has nothing to do with this kit. Helps me work on my patience, though. :)" —Goose
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
All you'll have to do is fill it with water, add a few drops of essential oils, and enjoy as your room fills with zen-like scents. I'm a big fan of diffusers but hate how stark white and clunky they tend to look, so before moving into my new home I picked this one up. It seamlessly fits in with my modern home decor and does a great job filling the space with lovely scents.
Get it from Vitruvi for $119 (available in 10 colors) and check out all of the essential oil options here.
I've always found the sound of water relaxing — shower, baths, oceans, etc. — so I was immediately drawn to the water-themed episode in this series. Definitely give it a shot! Disney+ also recently released "Disney Parks Sunrise Series" in which, well, you can watch the sun slowly rise over your favorite Disney Park (it's mesmerizing).
As seen above (to the left, obviously I'm neither Kris nor Kim) I have this set and immediately want to add more pieces to it. It feels like being cuddled by a cloud — the boucle material is ridiculously soft. I wore it for the first time on a day where it was 19 degrees in the morning and it was a *fantastic* decision. I'm six months pregnant and the large will definitely fit me nicely both before and after baby thanks to how stretchy and forgiving the material is. Can't say enough good things about this collection!
Get them from Skims: Cozy Knit Zip Up Hoodie for $78 (available in women's sizes 2XS/XS–L/XL, 2X/3X–4X/5X and seven colors), Cozy Knit Jogger for $88 (available in women's sizes 2XS/XS–L/XL, 2X/3X–4X/5X and seven colors).
You can check out all the coordinating Cozy Collection pieces as well (my mom has the short robe and loves it!).
Promising review: "I am a grad student in a very strenuous program and I like staying busy that way. But on breaks, when I have too much time, I sink into nothingness. I didn't expect this book to do much, especially since I thought 'mindfulness' was some BS. Even if it's the same prompts every day, it's what you make out of the book. I like mentally checking off the three small accomplishments I held myself accountable for in ink, somehow the book is better than my Post-it note to-do lists. And the main reason for the five stars, it helps with my depression." —KellBell
Get it from Amazon for $11.21.
Note: this is only for the pillowcase, so be sure to also pick up a filler pillow here :)
Promising review: "I bought this as a birthday gift for my boyfriend. The material was thicker than I originally thought it would be, you cannot see the pillow through the case (I used a dark brown pillow). The sewing is well-done and the invisible zipper on the bottom seems secure. It fit perfectly over a standard throw pillow. It seems like it will be pretty durable considering it's for decoration. Highly recommend." —Ashley Romano
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
These vegan and cruelty-free patches come in two different sizes, so you can count on them to cover an array of different types and sizes of pimples. It blends it *so* seamlessly — I know this because I tried it out myself! I have relatively sensitive skin and these didn't bother me at all. I was amazed by how much the little patch absorbed. I left it on over night and the next morning my pimple had very little redness and was much flatter than before using the patch.
Promising review: "I am really incredibly impressed with these. I have not had any problem with them sticking on overnight. They do a great job with the really deep acne that normally causes me problems for a week. Drained one in an hour! They are also very clear. Impressed! Especially for the price." —Michelle
Get a set of 42 patches from Soko Glam for $6.
Promising review: "I've had this ring for about two weeks now and just had to write a review. I've had the nervous/bored habit of picking at my fingers since I was a kid. I can't remember the last time I've not had at least one nail bed torn up and bloody. For people with similar habits, I can't recommend this ring enough. It's a great, nondistracting way to redirect fidgety behaviors. I've worn it every day since receiving it and for the first time in years I have intact nail beds! Every time I catch myself starting to pick at a dry patch of skin or uneven cuticle on my finger, I rotate the ring a few times and the impulse disappears." —KGL
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in sizes 4–12 and nine styles).
My co-worker Ali Faccenda (precious human that she is) knows I have anxious tendencies and sent me one of these rings last Christmas. I actually didn't even realize it had a secret message on it (mine says "breathe") until I checked out the website myself. I've been spinning it absentmindedly during meetings and phone calls — it's quite soothing and comes from a woman-owned small business.
Get it from CONQUERing for $26 (available as a necklace or a ring and 17 phrases).
I recently finished playing Spiritfarer — which, IMO, has Studio Ghibli vibes and is both devastating and beautiful at the same time. It's *very* deep but an extremely satisfying game that many of my coworkers have also enjoyed. It would make a great gift for any gamer looking to try out an indie game this winter.
Promising review: "You want a game that isn't too stressful and allows for a lot of exploration? This will do ya. And there's exploration of different characters as well as exploration of the environment." —Amazon Customer
Get the digital download from Amazon for $29.99.
PickNPeelStones is a small business based in Pittsburgh.
Promising review: "Incredible. I’m an attorney and this helps me get through phone calls and Zoom hearings with my cuticles intact. Far exceeded my expectations." —Lisa Owings
Get it from PIckNPeelStones on Etsy for $27.99.
I first discovered Emkfit when I was researching Disney workouts for a previous article (check it out here!) and quickly got hooked. Emily's mantra is "fake it 'til you make it, wrong and strong," which is so much more encouraging than many of the other YouTube "trainers" I've tried out. I have a longstanding anxiety disorder and have learned that one of the best ways to cope and distract my mind is with a great workout — which has been pretty hard to do during Covid times where I haven't felt comfortable going to a gym. Thankfully I discovered Emily's videos and they have become both a source of fun and exercise. The moves are a combo of cardio / dance moves (fear not, I don't have an ounce of rhythm in my body) and are clearly explained *with* low impact options as well. Some of my favorite sessions have been themed around Mamma Mia, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and of course Disney. There really is something for everyone on her channel, including a 2000s-themed emo/punk workout. Need I say more?
You can check out Emkfit on YouTube for free or join as a member via her Patreon page for $3+ a month.
If it were up to me, I would leave my Christmas lights up inside my home all year long. These twinkle lights are a great way to create that look without being overtly holiday-themed. Tinker Bell would certainly approve!
Promising review: "I saw a few pictures online of fairy lights with sheer curtains and loved the look. These lights in particular are perfect for what I was looking for. It gives off a warm cozy glow, and really adds a nice touch of oomph to the room." —NG
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
Neko Neko Sakura is a small business based in Houston that sells an array of gorgeous resin products. All items are made-to-order and take about two to three weeks to ship, but are definitely worth the wait!
Get it from Neko Neko Sakura on Etsy for $11 (available in 4 shapes and 15 flower/floral combinations).
I was gifted a year of Book of the Month for my birthday one year and to date it is one of the best things I've received. There are few things as satisfying as getting truly lost in the pages of a good book. Each month you'll be permitted to choose one of four books, all of which are different genres. Then the book you selected will be delivered to your door. Magic! Excuse me, I need to re-up my subscription.
Get three months from Book of the Month for $49.99.
It's the thinnest and lightest Kindle Amazon has released to date! And — as is made abundantly clear by the photo above — it's 100% waterproof. I'm typically a hardcover girl through-and-through, but I recently gave the Kindle a whirl. It's very convenient to be able to slip it into any bag without it taking up much real estate and the transition between pages is very smooth.
Promising review: "I’m an avid reader. I don’t mind admitting that I’m a bookworm. I have used Kindles since I discovered Ebooks. For me, a book is about the content, not the object. I love my new Kindle. The warm light makes all the difference. I’m able to read for longer periods of time thanks to the amber tint. My eyes are not strained when I finish reading. I love the bigger screen even though I didn’t think it would be a huge change. It feels like I am reading a proper page with proper formatting. That’s something I didn’t know I missed. Definitely a 10/10 for ease of use and quality. I wholeheartedly recommend this E-reader." —Anonymous Person
Get it from Amazon for $139.99.
And check out our full breakdown of the Kindle Paperwhite here.
You can also grab markers, crayons, or colored pencils here — pick your poison 😉.
Promising review: "A very fun coloring book. I have already had friends call dibs on the different pages once I have them colored in. Each animal has their own personality and story to tell, and as you add colors and textures, it's like meeting a new friend!" —Rachel S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
I have one of these babies and it really is wonderful. Not only does it make me feel like I'm really getting in there while I'm washing my hair, but it also recreates that feeling you get when your hairdresser massages your head while washing it. Ugh, so good.
Promising review: "Love this product! About five days before I received it I dyed my hair at home. As some of you may know who do the same, it’s difficult to get the hair dye out of your scalp. I scrubbed my hair for days with my fingers and it seemed like everything was gone because the water ran clear. When I received the product I was excited so I am immediately jumped in the shower to use it. To my surprise a ton of hair dye that was stuck on my head came off. Not only that, but my scalp feels breathable and clean. Definitely not greasy 24 hours later like regular shampooing would do for me. I would recommend this product." —Lisa Agro
Get it from Amazon for $6.39+ (available in three colors).
I'm obsessed with candles, so it was a no-brainer for my husband to gift me this surprisingly super fun gadget. It's really simple to use and charge, and it really works! I'll never have to buy another lighter again. My first charge lasted me seven months!
Promising review: "This is seriously the coolest device of my winter holiday. It makes lighting candles a breeze. Yes, there is a weird crackling noise, but that's a super minor annoyance. It's a super intuitive device. Plus the lighter with the USB (included), charge for a bit, then pop it open and light ALL THE THINGS; well, candles. I don't know how well it lights cigarettes or whatever. However, for my personal intended use, it's awesome!" —Jee W
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors).
I've been buying these candles for years and always save them for my most stressful days. I have this specific one as well as a few others and have also given them as gifts. They smell heavenly, burn super cleanly, and leave you with a tumbled stone once you've finished burning it. JaxKelly is a woman-owned small business based in San Diego that sells gemstone jewelry and crystal candles.
Promising review: "These eye masks are absolutely amazing! I have hereditary dark circles under my eyes, as well as slight bags from being a mother of four. Eye creams do absolutely nothing for me, and I gave these a try just on a whim, not really expecting much. But they really work! The results aren't permanent, but I put these on for about an hour in the evening while I relax and watch TV, and my under eyes are much lighter and less puffy. I absolutely love these eye masks, and I will never be without them again." —Kate Johnson
Get a pack of 12 pairs from Amazon for $24+ (available in two styles).
Knitting takes a lot of patience and focus — or at least that's how I felt when I took my first stab at it. You can turn on one of your favorite movies or shows, kick back and relax, and knit to your heart's content. No anxiety included in this plan. The kit comes with three skeins of petite wool, wooden knitting needles, the sewing pattern, a small knitter's sewing needle, and an embroidered label.
Promising review: "Perfect for beginners and very easy to make! The year is very soft and squishy. My daughter is going to love this once I finish it. Highly recommend fo beginners or any level knitter." —HLC0987
Get it from We Are Knitters for $63 (available in 15 colors).
I've tried many bath pillows, but this one that I recently got for the holidays is a 10/10. It feels so much softer and supportive than other ones and I love that it has a tiny hook attached so I can hang it to dry when I'm done using it. Other versions I've used often get gross even when I consistently wiped them down — this one can actually be thrown into the washing machine! Game changer.
Promising review: "Very comfortable, which I expected. But I thought since it is partially immersed that the water would seep up the pillow and get my hair wet where it rested on the pillow. But it did not. My hair was perfectly dry after a long bath. Very pleased! Also I have only about a 1-inch ledge on the back of my tub before it is flush with the wall. This pillow still works because of the multiple suction cups." —Yvonne Huffman
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
Promising review: "These are SO CUTE! They are super soft and squishy. They have a decent scent. They don't leave residue on anything when you're playing with them. They are fun to play with and they help release stress and anxiety." —Yesenia Cuevas
Get them from Amazon for $12.49.
Promising review: "It's a miracle! I am 45 years old and have tried every product over the years — my mom used to put everything imaginable on my fingernails to keep them out of my mouth, my grandma tried to pay me to grow my fingernails out, but still, here I was at 45 with horrible nails. This has been a miracle. I can't describe the taste but will just say that it makes me not want my hands anywhere near my face. Yes, it is difficult to eat finger food with this on — I went to Florida recently and had to have my husband peel my shrimp for me. :-) But, it is a small price to pay to break this habit." —Laurie S.
Get it from Amazon for $15.50.
Promising review: "This sweater is very comfortable. It's made with quality soft material. I wear a large and the sweater is just a little bit big on me, but it's ok because I'd rather it be a little bit loose than tight. I would recommend this to anyone." —TNPB
Get it from Boxlunch for $39.12 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 2X).
I have this little foam roller and use it almost every night. I roll my spine over it and it releases all the tension in a series of very satisfying cracks. Get one — add it into your pre-bedtime ritual!
Promising review: "My chiropractor recommended I buy the 36" version of this for some daily routine back stretching to do at home. This product has been amazing for stretching, and massaging sore muscles throughout my back and shoulders. I feel very supported by this roller and have had no issues with it thus far. I weigh 200 pounds and have yet to damage this roller after weeks of use. Overall very pleased with this product. And at such a great price, I honestly can't find a single negative remark to note about it." —Luke Marrs
Get it from Amazon for $10.49+ (available in four sizes and seven styles).
These bath bombs include a skin softening recipe and are handmade from a woman-owned small business run out of Las Vegas. I keep a bunch of bath bombs on hand for particularly anxious days. Lavender, in my opinion, is the most relaxing scent. You'll only have to drop one into some warm bath water and let the bomb do the rest!
Get a single bath bomb from JustBubblesAndBrews on Etsy for $6.
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.