It’s that time of year—gift-giving time. How is it that such a generous tradition has become a stressful buying-and-getting event? Amidst the hustle and bustle, we could all use a reminder to stop and breathe. So why not put a little mindfulness in your loved ones’ stockings this year? Here are some gift ideas that might plant mindful seeds in your friend’s and family’s lives.  

1. Gratitude Jar

   I hear from so many people how a simple gratitude jar has changed the way they see the world. A gratitude jar is a great way to capture the big and small things we are grateful for on a regular basis. All you need is a big jar and small pieces of paper. Include a card with these instructions:
   
   This is your new gratitude jar. Every day, each family member writes down one thing, big or small, that they are grateful for. Then, put the paper into the jar. You can fold it, crumple it, or put it in whole. That’s it! Over time, this simple practice will rewire your brain for happiness. And when times get tough, grab the jar, sit down with your family, pull out a handful or two, and read them off to each other. It will help you reconnect to what’s really important.
   
   

2. Happiness Journal

   Instead of a gratitude jar, a happiness journal is another way to capture the things we’re grateful for everyday. This 5-year happiness journal is perfect for almost anyone on your list. And for the mothers in your life, this one is personalized for them.
   
   

3. Mobile Phone Photobook

   We take so many photos on our phones, only for them to fade away into the past while the insurmountable task of organizing, curating, printing and storing them looms overhead. “I really need to print some photos,” we say, as we occasionally scroll through the last few months of our lives. But it never happens. Artifact Uprising has solved that problem. With their service, you can automatically turn your mobile photos into a cohesive book series. Each time you add 50 images to your chosen photo album, their service will create a new book to add to your collection. Done.
   
   

4. Productivity Planner

   For the organized (or aspiring to be) person in your life, this research-backed productivity planner is simple and effective. Pair it with a set of pens and they’ll be ready to go.
   
   

5. Sparkle Jar

   A sparkle jar is a fun way for kids to take a moment to calm down when they need it. By shaking and holding the sparkle jar, they can take a few breaths during the time it takes for the glitter to settle back down to the bottom of the jar, all the while staying in the moment while they watch the glitter move about. A snow globe works the same way. Here is a fun kit for kids to make their own snow globe. Or grab this recipe to make an at home Sparkle Jar. 
   
   

6. Tone Bar - Mindful Listening/Transition Tone

   Using a tone bar can help children with transitions by signaling that it is time to stop one thing and move to the next - whether at home or at school. Tone Bars are also a great tool to use in practicing mindful listening. 
   
   

7. Breathing Ball

   A simple Breathing Ball works great as a breathing ball. Simply hold the sphere in both hands, expanding it while you inhale and collapsing it while you exhale. It’s a great way to slow your breath while keeping your attention from wandering off. It’s perfect for kids, but adults also find it a useful tool
   
   

8.  Mindful Games

   This Mindful Games Activity Card Deck includes 55 different mindful activities for kids and teens. The deck takes a playful approach to developing attention and focus, and identifying and regulating emotions.
   
   

9. And She Said Breathe Book by Kathy Marvel and Dr. Kristen Race
   

   We use our breath all day, every day. Imagine if, as a small child, you were taught different breathing strategies to help you proceed through your days - strategies to have by your side to get you thriving through the toughest of times! And She Said Breathe is a picture book taking the reader through a day in the life of a six year old girl - Sophie. Over the course of Sophie's day she is faced with many challenges and to each one, she responds with a different type of breathing. Each breathing technique impacts her brain and body in different ways and elicits unique and beneficial responses. In addition to the story, readers can access a free downloadable guide which explains to parents, teachers and adults the neurological benefits of the practices and how to further incorporate these techniques into children's lives. 
   
   

10. Mindful Parenting Book
    

    My book, Mindful Parenting, gives you a mindful approach to parenting that helps children (and their parents) feel happier, healthier, calmer and less stressed in our frenetic era. It’s full of tools and information to help you and your family live more mindfully.

These are just a few ideas to inspire your friends and family to live a mindful life. Maybe this list even gave you some ideas of your own.

If you’re looking for something other than things to give this holiday season (especially for those people who seem to have everything or who aren’t really into “gifts”), you could give an experience instead. Our online mindfulness courses might be just the thing to give that person who wants to learn more about mindfulness.

• Our Weekly Wellness Program for teachers 
• Our Foundations of Mindful Parenting for parents
• Our Mindfulness and the Workplace for businesses/staff

I hope these ideas help ease the stress of holiday gift-giving for you!

Happy holiday season!

Warmly,
Kathy