mental health gift guide 2022
It’s the season for giving and a season where a lot of our mental health struggles can be stirred. Instead of buying the latest toy or gadget for your loved ones, perhaps gift them something that will benefit their mental health. Maybe you’re also looking for some sweet self care items for yourself—the Moving Parts team has you covered with our mental health gift guide!
Ilyse’s Picks
"The Tender Parts" by Ilyse Kennedy is part memoir, part self healing guide for those looking to more intimately explore the parts of themselves. I introduce Internal Family Systems therapy to those looking to move deeper in parts work or looking to explore this way of thinking about themselves (and their parts) for the first time.
Peachybbies slime
Peachy bbies slime is not just for kids! With many textures, scents, and clever names that make you want them all (how could an emo elder pass up 'Emo Queen'?!), they're fun to collect and even more fun to fidget with. For folks with sensory sensitivities, the website describes the feel and scent so you can get just what you need. My young parts felt the same delight and feeling seen with the 'Happy Hannukah!' slime as we do each time we hear Adam Sandler's "The Chanukah Song."
Open the Joy Empathy Toolkit
Open the Joy creates wonderful toys and kits to build emotional awareness and sensitivity in children. If you want to know what a therapist buys their own children for Hannukah, this is it! From conversation starter cards, to anger kits, and kindness mission kits, the toys are fun for kids but offer a larger mission of emotional literacy, coping, and connection. Best of all, they're sold at Target!
I believe that taking the intentional time to connect with yourself and be present can support your relationship with yourself and being attuned to your feelings. Free writing doesn't work for everyone and i think it's best practice to accommodate yourself. I use this journal as it's helpful to have me engage with the prompts and removes any mental barriers i perceive that may deter me.
Hatch Restore
I struggle to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, which can negatively affect my physical health and mental health. working with myself and for myself, I bought this alarm clock as a holiday gift for me! i believe it to be especially helpful for neurodivergent folks as it works with the internal systems we already have in place. the clock works with your body's natural rhythms to help you awake with ease. I am very excited to use mine and to have a healthier relationship with rest and taking care of my body.
Fair Play Cards
Relationship conflicts can be emotionally taxing, especially if they revolve around the same unresolveable issues. A lot of these stressors can be linked to one partner feeling as if they take on more of the emotional/mental load of maintaining the home/relationship. I love this card deck, designed by Eve Rodsky who wrote the book "Fair Play" around this concept. the cards offer a fun and collaborative way for partners to discuss the tasks that make up a home in order to share responsibilities equitably. It's greatly helped my partner and I communicate to both feel fulfilled and as teammates.
I use these with clients during those times when it can be difficult to find the words to express how they feel and what they need. These are fantastic communication tools for friends, partners, roommates, or even just to use on your own to clarify your thoughts and emotions.
A Big Box of Fidget Toys
I recently acquired a giant box of fidget toys and it has been life changing. Are they scattered all around my house? Yes. Do I step on them frequently? Also yes. But it is 100% worth it to have a little knick knack within arms reach whenever I want a little knick knack to fidget with. Do yourself a favor and accept a Big Box Of Fidget Toys into your life.
These are affordable gifts that people of all ages can utilize. For me, I find these activities mind-numbing, it allows my brain to stop racing and slow down. There are many different types to choose from - so pick one out that fits you! If you are around kids, this is a fun activity to do with a child or teen that helps calm your nervous system (which we always need) and builds connection.
Hey Warrior and Hey Awesome
(Upper Elementary) I love this series! These books might be intended for the younger audience, but even adults would benefit from reading these two books. Hey Warrior and Hey Awesome is a story about our amygdala (our emotional brain). It'll take you on a journey explaining how it works and what we can do to help it function the way it needs to.
Mindful Kids
(Pre-school through elementary) These cards are an easy way to introduce yourself and kids to mindfulness. Each card has about a 30 second to 3 minute mindfulness activity. My kid clients and my own child enjoy picking out a card and completing the exercise on the card. Bonus, it encourages me as an adult to participate in the activity, which in return, helps me with my mindfulness as well!
I like to keep a feelings wheel on hand with all my clients especially those that have a hard time identifying their feelings. Sometimes I suggest this cozy pillow and that they make a picture of it their phone background or place it somewhere they are looking often.
“No Bad Parts” by Richard Schwartz
When doing parts work with clients I often recommend this book to them. I suggest they read it while listening to it on audiobook. I have found it more helpful with the activity portion of the book. Once they’ve read this I recommend they read the fabulous Ilyse Kennedy’s new book Tender Parts! This helps set up the framework for parts work and often helps the client connect more to their parts.
Note from Ilyse: This endorsement was organic. Thanks Marissa!
Fidget for Repetitive Behaviors
I recommend this fidget toy to clients who experience urges for hair pulling or skin picking. Many of my clients have found this helpful in working through those urges.
Unique fidget to aid in self-regulation and improve ability to focus and better tolerate feelings.
Slow North Candles
(My favorite is eucalyptus lavender scent).
Research has shown that certain essential oils can produce an anxiolytic, anxiety-reducing effect, and increase the body's production of serotonin.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises
Explore thoughts and emotions in visual expressive ways.