2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Families with Depression & Anxiety

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I love Christmas. Yes, presents and gifts are wonderful, but I love the closeness of family, the yearly traditions, and of course, the food!

We have a few traditions that we follow each year. First, we watch all of The Santa Clause movies, usually after Thanksgiving. This year we started on November 1. Second, we always decorate Christmas cookies. This year we’re talking about making small gingerbread houses too with vanilla frosting and graham crackers. I have 2 teenagers and an 8-year-old in the home and we still enjoy these traditions. I’d be doing these things even if my kids weren’t here. 😉

This year I also want to begin a tradition of bringing to you a Holiday Gift Guide, geared towards families who live with the challenges of mental wellness and special needs. If you have any ideas you would add to the list feel free to do so. Leave a comment below or share on my Facebook page or in the group, Choosing JOY.

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Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Many of these items have been helpful for my kiddos with ADHD and Autism. All of my kids enjoy Mad Libs and Therapy Putty. These are both great items to have with you on a long car ride. We also stock these items in my son’s backpack for church or when we go visit family and friends.

 

 

Gift Ideas for Kids

Our family loves playing board games and my youngest plays with play-doh, kinetic sand, and has used playfoam in his occupational therapy appointments. The Action Bible is great for kids, as it’s written in comic book form. We purchased our son his own Kindle Fire, along with the Kindle Freetime package. It’s free for the first month and then you pay a subscription price each month after that. Believe me, it’s worth it!

 

 

 

Gift Ideas for Moms & Teen Girls

The gifts featured here are meant to help you and your family relax and de-stress. I highly recommend the 2 books – Jesus is Calling and Battlefield of the Mind. We also use essential oils in our home to help create a peaceful atmosphere. My youngest teen daughter loves her sound machine, which helps her sleep at night. Many of you know that I display positive quotes and Bible verses in my home as a way to combat my own depression. And who doesn’t like to color? My oldest teenage daughter enjoys coloring, just like my son does.