2025 Holiday Wellness Gift Guide
The holiday season invites many of us to pause, reflect, and rest, especially after a full and demanding year. With that in mind, we asked our College of Social Work faculty and staff to share the wellness and self-care items they personally love and recommend.
The result is our 2025 Holiday Wellness Gift Guide: a thoughtful collection of items chosen to support grounding, creativity, and everyday well-being. From somatic practice tools and journaling supplies to small comforts that spark ease or joy, there’s something here for everyone on your list. Explore our recommendations below.
Listed prices from 12/5, not including taxes and shipping.
Comfortable Winter Pants
Picture from Title Nine's website.
Women’s Crash Thermaplush Wide Leg Pants | By Title Nine $79.00 – $119.00
Recommended by Tamber Snarr-Beasley, associate professor/clinical:
“[These are] my favorite pants to wear and help me extend my walks into the colder seasons. They are very comfortable and nice enough to run around town and complete my weekend errands. They fit over any size shoe as well.”
Electronic Neck Massager
Picture from Amazon.com.
Recommended by Aspen Read, administrative assistant:
“I got this electronic massage roller off Amazon that can be plugged into a traditional socket or a car outlet that is for your neck, shoulders, and lower back. It also heats up to assist with relaxation. It wasn’t even that expensive for what it is.”
Weighted Blanket
Picture from Layla's website.
Weighted Blanket | From Layla $119.00
Recommended by Madison Hanna, marketing & communications specialist I:
“I find that a weighted blanket really helps me relax and wind down in my body in the evening. If your loved one experiences anxiety, I highly recommend one to bring them daily comfort and to calm their nervous system a bit.”
Under-Desk Elliptical Machine
Picture from Amazon.com.
Recommended by Mirela Rankovic, graduate student coordinator III:
“My legs get numb and tired from sitting in my office chair for long periods and this helps. I am unsure about the quality of this Amazon product; there may be better options available.”
Guided Journal
Picture from the Barnes & Noble website.
“The Book of Alchemy” by Suleika Jaouad | From Barnes & Noble $27.00
Recommended by Danielle Litmann, assistant professor:
“Suleika Jaouad's beautiful book, ‘The Book of Alchemy,’ offers daily journal prompts for creative inspiration and grounding. I was gifted this book in the midst of a reflective personal moment and have been gifting it to others who may value some built-in creative engagement amidst their own complex journeys!”
Helpful Productivity Tools
Picture from the Best Self's website.
Pomodoro Timer | From Best Self $10.00
Picture from Yoga Sleep's Website
Duet Multi-Purpose Sound Machine | From YogaSleep $44.99
Recommended by Tonie-Michele Hanaazba, director of BSW and MSW advanced standing field education:
“Often times when we think of self-care, we think of ways to escape, like a bubble bath, going for a run, watching a movie, eating a yummy meal, laughing with loved ones, etc. While these are important, it is also important to recognize that handling your business is also self-care. There is not a bubble bath hot enough to remove a deadline. So, I would recommend items for executive functioning like a planner, calendar, to-do list, Pomodoro timer, or white noise machine (I recommend brown noise).”
The Only Self-Help Book You Need
Picture from Barnes & Noble website.
Recommended by Lori Watsen, assistant professor/lecturer:
“Though Lakshmin is trained as a psychologist, she thinks like a social worker. This book highlights how nobody can get or stay healthy or ‘well’ through buying into what the self-care industry sells. It offers practical strategies for setting boundaries and navigating systems and institutions that too often take a toll on both individual and collective well-being.”
Heated Mattress Pad (enjoyed by both humans and your furry friends)
Jen's cat Suki curled up on a warm, blanket-covered bed equipped with the heated mattress pad.
Recommended by Jen Nozawa, sr. manager of marketing & communications:
“If you know someone who is always cold, this is the wellness gift! If your loved one turns on their new heated mattress pad about five minutes before bed, they’ll climb into a gently warm little cocoon for a cozy slumber. (We all know how critical sleep is for our overall wellness!) Since it’ll be used daily for years to come, this is one of those products for which you should opt for a name brand.”
A Digital Tool for Sleep, Meditation, and Relaxation
Picture from the Calm website.
Recommended by Ellie Goldberg, assistant professor/clinical:
“My Calm app is invaluable for me! I listen to a sleep story every night and it puts me out. The stories are really cool and diverse, and sometimes I’m mad that I fall asleep before I hear the whole story. I also use the brief grounding and overwhelm meditations (I have a 4-year-old kid, so those are used frequently), and the daily movement exercises/stretches (Mel Mah is incredible!). They are usually between five to seven minutes and are a great start to my day. I use the meditations and breathing exercises with my child, my therapy clients, and my students. I’ve had the app for about six years and I use it every single day.”
Aromatherapy Sleep Spray
Picture from the Marriott website.
Deep Sleep Pillow Spray | From Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques $33.00
Recommended by Alysse Loomis, interim director of the MSW Program:
“I’m sure there are other pillow sprays out there, but I got a sample of this during a conference and brought it home. One night my toddler was afraid of nightmares, so I pulled it out as our ‘dream spray’ to give us peaceful dreams. We use it almost every night now and recently made some ourselves with lavender from our backyard!”
Disclaimer: These items are personal recommendations from faculty and staff. No paid promotions are involved. These products and practices may or may not have research-based evidence of their efficacy. The University of Utah College of Social Work is not responsible for the effectiveness of these products or for any defects or dissatisfaction experienced by consumers. These items and practices are not intended to replace professional mental health or healthcare services.