Spread some cheer to those who matter most this Christmas with these uplifting presents, froma subscription to a meditation app to luxury bath salts.
It’s that time of year again: illuminated streets, cheerful festive tunes and people rushing to get their Christmas gifts sorted. But gift giving needn’t be stressful. In fact, we’ve picked some of the most simple yet most amazing pressies out there to help make your loved ones feel special and genuinely happy. Check out the top feel-good gifts to make their day.
Calm app for iOS and Android
We all know someone who’s overwhelmed with stress or has trouble sleeping. Mindfulness app Calm could help bring them inner peace via its timed meditation sessions, breathing exercises and selection of bedtime stories designed to help them drift off in no time. The paid subscription unlocks more than 100 sleep stories, some of them narrated by celebrities (including Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey and Kate Winslet); music tracks for focus and sleep; masterclasses on self-compassion; and mild movement video lessons. £28.99 annually
HOTEL Chocolat Classic Christmas Luxe box
Chocolate is believed to trigger our brains to produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy. So why not offer loved ones the gift of happiness with an entire box of chocolates? Hotel Chocolat’s Classic Christmas Luxe box comes with a selection of 37 (yep, 37!) rich pieces, all in festive shapes and indulgent flavours. Think classics such as the Espresso Martini Truffle, the Nut Crunch Brownie and the Dark Solid Tree, next to new additions like the White Penguin, which is high on cacao butter for that extra-creamy texture. £37.50
Read more: Fun arty presents to fuel your little one’s creativity
Fortnum & Mason Tea Lovers Advent Calendar
Beauty advent calendars are all the rage this time of year, but how about a different, more soothing way to count down the days until Christmas? Fortnum & Mason’s offering is filled with silky tea bags meant to make the recipient feel warm and cosy throughout the festive period. They’ll be delightfully surprised with 24 varieties — including the Ginger & Sicilian Lemon Infusion and the Gin & Tonic Odditea, or the Camomile & Bee Pollen — allowing them to end the day on a happy, relaxing note. £30
Knock Knock Affirmators! cards
Seeking a pick-me-up for the glass-half-empty person in your life? Check out Affirmators!, created by comedian Suzi Barrett. This inspirational deck of cards from Knock Knock offers 50 different affirmations with a detailed description to help the reader feel more sure of themselves. They’ll be reminded to ‘not take it personally’ and appreciate the power of ‘authenticity’ and ‘connection’, learning to take each day as it comes. £10.99, available on Amazon
Read more: Eight great Christmas gifts for movie buffs
Westlab Bath Salts Gift Set
This luxury bath-salts gift set from Westlab is the ultimate wellbeing kit, sure to take a friend’s troubles away. Cruelty-free and natural, each of the set’s four colourful packets blends mineral salts with essential oils, in a refreshing combo. They serve a distinct purpose, too: the Epsom & Dead Sea Salts with lavender and valerian make for peaceful dreams, while the Epsom & Himalayan Salts with cedarwood and neroli are perfect for mind and body relaxation. £24.99
Virgin Experience Days — Deluxe Spa Day
This gift is bound to put a smile on the recipient’s face. Grab your significant other and enjoy an entire day of pampering for two with Virgin’s Deluxe Spa Day experience. This involves 70 minutes of complete relaxation, comprising three soothing treatments at one of more than 30 Bannatyne Health Clubs nationwide. Choose two treatments from a full-body exfoliation, back, neck and shoulder massage, Swedish leg massage or a facial, alongside a scalp massage, and leave the spa feeling refreshed and recharged. You’ll also have access to facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room. £145
