Thoughtful gifts for loved ones with seasonal affective disorder
These gifts will truly lift the spirits and hearts of loved ones who struggle during the winter season (known as seasonal affective disorder… or SAD).
Winter and holidays can be hard for many people, and it’s no exception for those who struggle with seasonal depression.
Here’s a list of my absolute favorite gifts that have personally helped me dwell less on the long winter months here in Colorado, and more on the things that I love about life.
**For a longer list, hop over to this guide that has 15+ gifts that are excellent for loved ones who struggle with general depression!
Most of these gifts are under $25, which makes this a win-win. You can give a gift that’s truly a blessing to someone while keeping to your holiday spending budget.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we earn a small commission at NO cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Before you read through the awesome list of gifts, I would be remiss not to tell you about how much money I’ve saved in shipping with Amazon Prime over the past 12 months.
During Christmas shopping season last year, I saved almost $200 in shipping (and everything I ordered arrived within 48 hours).
For the past 12 months, I’ve saved an estimated $345 in shipping. Much of that has been college textbooks…which normally cost an arm and a leg to ship! Before you pay those shipping costs, consider joining Amazon Prime. You’ll be glad you did.
1. The Verilux HappyLight Therapy Energy Lamp has transformed my winters. This seasonal depression lamp has helped me through our long winters in Colorado. I struggle with seasonal depression, and starting my day with 20 minutes of this bright, warm light on my face noticeably improves my mood on most gray days. Highly recommended!
2. The SpaRoom SpaMist essential oil diffuser disperses the perfect amount of your favorite essential oil scents to feed that inner need for calm or energy to get your work done. It’s the perfect complement to a morning energy lamp session.
And, my favorite scent to pick me up
3. Now Essential Oils in various amazing scents. I use mostly Now brand essential oils because the quality is excellent and the price is very affordable. My absolute favorite is lemongrass — it’s like sunshine in a bottle.
4. Farm Innovators Heated Birdbath. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. Being an animal and nature lover, it’s very hard when everything dies and hibernates during our winters.
Something that brings me real joy is to have a few bird feeders in clear view and to keep this heated birdbath full when most water sources are frozen. It’s so much fun to see the birds splashing and playing in the water — you’ll almost forget it’s cold outside. 😉
5. Under the Tuscan Sun. Last winter I made a point to schedule regular reading time for myself. I read all of Frances Mayes’ books. Being whisked away to Italy for the winter did my mind some serious good!
* Just so we’re clear — Frances Mayes is a terrific writer, and the movie with the same name has nothing to do with her real-life accounts of living in Italy.
6. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. This book really did transform my mornings a couple years ago. A few months after my daughter died, I was not only facing extreme grief, but winter was also setting in.
I heard about this book on another blog, and gave it a read. It is powerful encouragement to anyone who has struggled with depression. There’s something wonderful about establishing routines. They’re truly an anchor for our soul.
7. Warm White Starry String Lights. I absolutely love what these festive white lights can do to liven up a room (or the whole house!). The cheer factor with these lights goes way beyond the holiday season.
**For 15+ more gift ideas for loved ones who suffer with depression, check out this additional amazing gift guide!
Try outlining a bookshelf and some windows with them — or maybe your four-poster bed. They add warmth to those early, dark evenings.
8. Meyer lemon trees are fantastic indoor citrus trees. Mine is so happy in a south-facing window that it currently has 11 lemons growing. Having lemon trees in your house for the winter is a treat for the senses.
*By Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên via Wikimedia Commons
The flowers are intoxicating, and you’ve never tasted a lemon so fresh and sweet! You can find Meyer lemon trees at Home Depot or your local garden center. You can also order them online from Fast Growing Trees Inc.
I hope these gift ideas are helpful when it comes to buying for your loved ones with seasonal depression. Let me know in the comments if you’ve found other things helpful to you as well! I’d love to hear from you.
Read my related post about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
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Great list! I always wondered how that Verilux light was. And that birdbath is so cool. Fun gift guide.
Thank you, Angie! I love, and personally use, all of the things on my gift guide. I hope some of them add a little light and peace to someone’s winter season.