Gifts For Therapists: Gift Ideas They Won't See Coming 2024

Gift-giving is a lovely gesture, but when it comes to your therapist, the etiquette around gifts for mental health folk is a 'thing'.

Therapists approach gifts differently based on their personal boundaries and ethical guidelines. Some may warmly accept and thank you for your thoughtfulness, while others might politely decline. But that's not because there's anything wrong with buying them a gift, or that because you brok some rule, it’s about them maintaining professional boundaries.

Here’s the key takeaway: your intention matters far more than any thoughtful gift itself. Giving a gift often communicates love, care, or appreciation.And honestly? Your therapist will likely be curious about what you’re expressing with the gift, and will want to talk abou it. 

Don't be surprised if they turn it into a mini-therapy session and ask about your own feelings: “How does it feel to give this? What does it mean to you?”. They’re not being nosy—it’s their job to help you explore the feelings behind the gesture.

Before you scroll down and see other other ideas, we'd love it if you would take a peak at some of our gift ideas for therapists on our own Etsy Store. In particular, we are loving our Emotional Baggage tote bag!

Mental Health Gifts and Related Gift Ideas

Looking for a mental health gift, self care ideas or just great gift ideas for your therapist's office, we've got you covered in our holiday 2024 list:

Therapy Tools:

If you’re shopping for a thoughtful gift for a therapist, consider items that can enhance their practice, and make their work a little easier. These gift ideas are a range of our favorite mental health or therapy tools that are both practical and meaningful.

Where Should We Begin

We're personally a massive fan of Esther Perell and love her card game. Relationships thrive on stories—they’re the foundation of how we connect, grow, and understand each other. Where Should We Begin? is a card game designed to bring out stories that help you connect. It consists of around 200 conversation starter cards, this game is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to laugh with friends, uncover new insights with your partner, or build rapport with colleagues, Where Should We Begin encourages storytelling and fosters deeper understanding. It's one of the best gifts I've personally got, and doubles as one of my go-to therapy tools.

The Skin Deep

Similar to 'Where Should We Begin', these are sets of cards for various types of patients, ranging from couples to families. The cards are questions that are so helpful as they deepen conversations and help people experience connection in an excellent way.

The Feelings Wheel Post-It Notes

These have to be the ultimate therapy gag gifts - Feelings Wheel Post It Notes!. Unfortunately, they're only 3"x3" so they are not quite big enough to be a practical tool to explore your eotions, but they will bring a smile to your favorite clinical psychologist or therapist, and will be a great way to lighten a serious moment, relieving stress and just being a fun gift for your special mental health person who has a good sense of humor.

Gifts For Your Therapists Office or House

You've sat in that same spot on the sofa in your therapist's office all year, and maybe you've noticed in recent years it's lacking certain things. here's some fun ideas for a therapy room. Or perhaps you think they'll enjoy them in their house, here's a couple of ideas for cute gifts:

Emotional Baggage Feelings Wheel Tote Bag

Our new feelings wheel tote bag is one of our better gift ideas and really makes a thoughtful gift. It's an excellent way to bring a sense of fun into a high stress job is with our feelings wheel tote bag, designed for the person in your life, perhaps a social worker or clinical psychologist, who can appreciate the complexity of emotions and also the beauty of the feelings wheel! It's a helpful gift that lasts forever -well, longer than a paper bag so perhaps this is truely one of the best gifts we've given (and received).

Aromatherapy Candle by P.F. Candle Co

Have you ever noticed how a beautiful scent can instantly change your mood? That's why I absolutely love recommending these aromatherapy candles from P.F. Candle Co. as gift ideas to friends who need a little extra comfort in their lives. They're like a warm hug for your senses!What makes these candles extra special is that they're made with all the good stuff - pure soy wax and essential oils that actually help you unwind, not those artificial fragrances that give you a headache. I especially love knowing that when I light one, I'm not breathing in any nasty chemicals. They've thought of everything - from the clean-burning cotton wicks to making sure everything's cruelty-free.

Think of it as giving someone their own little relaxation ritual. Just imagine them coming home after a stressful day, lighting this candle, and letting those calming scents help melt away their worries. It's such a simple way to create a peaceful moment, which we all need more of these days. Plus, it's a gift that keeps on giving - every time they light it, they'll be reminded to take a moment for themselves.

Healing Thoughts Blanket?

You know that feeling when you want to give someone a big, warm hug but can't always be there? That's exactly what this blanket does. It's like sending a constant cuddle to someone who's having a rough time with both their mental health and sleep quality!

Whether your friend is dealing with anxiety, going through therapy, or just needs some extra TLC, this blanket becomes their go-to comfort companion and is said to promote relaxation, getting you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The sweet messages woven into it are like little whispers of support, reminding them that somebody cares. Think of it as a way to wrap them in love in a safe space, even when you're miles apart.

Feelings Wheel and Freudian Mugs

If your therapist is a tea or coffee drinker, these mugs are an obvious choice - last year our feelings wheel mug was a best seller. For your psychoanalysts, we've got a Freudian mug they will love.

Self Care Gift Ideas

When choosing a self-care gift for a therapist, think about items that help them relax and recharge after long hours of emotional work.

Cozy blankets, soothing candles, bath bombs, or mindfulness tools like guided journals and meditation apps can offer much-needed relaxation. These thoughtful gestures acknowledge the importance of their well-being and provide a little extra comfort in their downtime.

Essential Oils and a Hand-Blown Glass Diffuser

Let's talk about why this isn't just another diffuser - it's a totally appropriate gift for anyone struggling with stress or anxiety. It also looks great in a therapist's office if you're thinking of a great gift for a therapist friend. Unlike those clinical-looking plastic diffusers, this gorgeous glass piece is like having a mini spa centerpiece that actually helps calm your mind. When you're gifting this to someone, you're essentially saying, "Hey, I want you to have a little moment of peace every day." It's perfect for that friend who's always on edge, the family member who needs help sleeping, or anyone who could use a daily reminder to take a deep breath and relax. Plus, it's pretty enough that they'll actually want to use it, not just stuff it in a drawer like so many well-intentioned wellness gifts. Combine it with some lavender essential oil and you've got the most excellent gift that is all about relieving stress and improving well being.

Healing Thoughts Blanket?

You know that feeling when you want to give someone a big, warm hug but can't always be there? That's exactly what this blanket does. It's like sending a constant cuddle to someone who's having a rough time with both their mental health and sleep quality!

Whether your friend is dealing with anxiety, going through therapy, or just needs some extra TLC, this blanket becomes their go-to comfort companion and is said to promote relaxation, getting you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The sweet messages woven into it are like little whispers of support, reminding them that somebody cares. Think of it as a way to wrap them in love in a safe space, even when you're miles apart.

What Makes A Great Gift For A Therapist

The best, most thoughtful gifts are respectful of professional boundaries and don’t need to be expensive. Aim for items that show appreciation for their work while supporting their need for relaxation and mindfulness. Whether it’s a playful nod to the field, a practical tool, or a soothing self-care item, your gift will be a welcome reminder of their impact.

No Money, Please.
Money as a gift says, “I didn’t think too hard about this.” Your therapist isn’t expecting a grand gesture, so skip the cash (or anything resembling it, like a gift card).

Price Tag ≠ Value.
Some of the best gifts cost next to nothing, and spending money isn't always the best idea. A thoughtful note, a favorite quote, or even a shared recipe can mean more than any pricey item. Being mindful, being demure and being throughtful trumps dollar signs.

Think About the Person.
A meaningful gift reflects that you’ve paid attention. What have they mentioned enjoying? What resonates with their personality? This is about showing care, not crossing off an obligation.

Include a Personal Message.
A handwritten note elevates any gift and makes all the difference. Use it to share why you chose this particular token or to reflect on your journey together. In some cases, the note itself might be the most treasured part of the gift.

Respect Their Boundaries.
If your therapist can’t or won’t accept a gift, respect their decision. Your gesture isn’t wasted—what’s important is that you’ve shared your gratitude in a way that feels genuine to you. Therapists and Discussing Gift-Giving:

If you want to thank your therapist with a token of appreciation, it’s a good idea to talk with them about it first. Therapists often have guidelines around the types or values of gifts they can accept. For instance, some might have a monetary limit, while others might feel comfortable accepting most small tokens. A quick conversation can help you avoid any awkward moments or unnecessary expenses.

When it comes to choosing a gift, it’s entirely up to you. It could be something heartfelt and simple, like homemade cookies or a handwritten note, especially if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re looking to enhance their office, consider a thoughtful addition like a plant or a white noise machine. The key is to keep it personal and meaningful.

Will My Therapist Be Cool If I Give Them a Present?

Let’s talk about showing appreciation to your therapist—it’s such a thoughtful and meaningful gesture, but it can sometimes feel tricky to navigate. After all, therapy relationships are unique, with boundaries designed to keep the space safe and effective for healing.

Think about it—your therapist has been there through some of your toughest moments. It’s only natural to want to express your gratitude! But here’s the thing: one of the most powerful ways to say “thank you” is by sharing how therapy has helped you. Whether you open up to your therapist about your growth or share your experience with others, you’re creating ripples of positivity and breaking down stigmas around mental health care. That’s a gift in itself.

Creative Ways to Show Your Appreciation

If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to express gratitude that are both thoughtful and respectful of boundaries:

• Write a heartfelt note about how therapy has impacted your life and self-esteem.

• Share a simple card to mark a milestone in your journey, like a breakthrough moment or an anniversary of starting therapy.

• Give a small token, like mindfulness cards or a journal, that reflects your growth and healing process.

Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that don’t cost a thing but carry deep personal meaning.

Want to Give a Holiday Gift? Here’s What to Consider

If you’re thinking about giving your therapist a holiday present, go for it! Just keep these general rules in mind:

• Keep it small and meaningful. Something like a white noise machine, a plant for their office, or even bath bombs to promote self-care can be a great idea.

• Respect boundaries. Some therapists may have limitations on accepting gifts, but they’ll still appreciate the thought behind your gesture.

Remember, your therapist’s main goal is supporting your mental health and helping you reduce stress, improve your well-being, and navigate life’s challenges. Sometimes, a simple “thank you” or knowing they’ve made a difference in your world means more than any object ever could.

The Ripple Effect

When you share your positive experience with therapy, whether through conversations with friends or advocating for mental health care, you’re helping to change the world. Therapists work long hours to create a safe space for their clients, and seeing their work create a ripple effect in the community is the ultimate reward.

The most important thing is to keep your expression of gratitude genuine, whether it’s a gift, a note, or simply sharing your story. After all, the beauty of therapy lies in the healing it brings—not just to you but to everyone around you.