Sayonara, stress: The definitive gift guide for any wellness seeker 

Hydrotherapy, self-exploration prompts, a stress-busting beverage – it’s all here.

So here we are, watching yet another complicated year draw to a close and asking ourselves what our loved ones would want for Christmas. One word: wellness. The pandemic brought with it an unprecedented surge in self-care, prompting us to experiment with everything from adaptogenic mushrooms to chakra balancing in the name of boosting immunity and maintaining sanity levels – so what better time to give the gift of wellness? Whether you prefer to spoil others through objects or experiences, there’s something in this edit that’s perfect for the wellness seeker in your life.

Know Yourself Prompt Cards, The School of Life

Self-awareness is the key to mental health and well-being, so we’re kicking off this gift guide with a pick from The School of Life, a UK-based organisation that is often described as the global headquarters of developing emotional intelligence. The wellness seeker in your life will love this set because, with its help, they can discover what they really want, learn more about how they feel, and tap into the reasons behind their reactions.

GO: Visit www.theschooloflife.com/shop/know-yourself-prompt-cards for more information.

Magnesi-Om, Moon Juice

As its name suggests, all it takes is a teaspoon of this formula dissolved in water for this berry-esque drink to kick in, reducing muscle aches and improving quality of sleep. And because it contains three bioavailable forms of magnesium for a time-release effect, it helps bring about a sense of calm when it’s most needed: the holiday season.

GO: Visit https://en-ae.namshi.com for more information.

Set of weights, Armani/Casa

Take your loved one’s workout to a downright bougie place with these striking weights by Armani/Casa, courtesy of black leather and impeccable craftsmanship. Part of the Pump collection and designed by Giorgio Armani himself, they weigh in at 1kg each and serve as home décor objects when not in use – win-win. Looking to gift a yogi? The Pump collection also features a yoga mat made with anti-slip rubbered fabric and leatherette.

GO: Visit https://www.luisaviaroma.com for more information.

Kintsugi Wellness, Harper Wave

Any wellness seeker worth their salt takes an interest in kintsugi, the Japanese art of embracing imperfection by repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold or silver. Enter: Kintsugi Wellness by best-selling author Candice Kumai. Not only does this 336-page hardback book span Japanese traditions and practices that nourish the body, mind and spirit, but it also features dozens of recipes for healthy dishes inspired by Japanese cuisine.

GO: Visit https://www.amazon.ae for more information.

Sleep Saviours Exclusive Kit, NEOM

Considering we live in the ‘coronasomnia’ era, just about anything with the words “sleep saviours” makes for a much-welcome treat – especially when NEOM is involved. The London-based wellness brand has been in the wellness game since 2005, its products used by some of the best spa therapists worldwide. And with this relaxation-inducing kit featuring body butter, a pillow mist, a scented candle and a night cream – all formulated to guarantee a night of peaceful slumber – your gift recipient can skip the melatonin supplements this season.

GO: Visit www.lookfantastic.ae/neom-sleep-saviours-exclusive-kit for more information.

Gift voucher, The Smash Room

In today’s unpredictable circumstances, rage rooms remain, well, all the rage. Designed to help participants let go of repressed emotions by smashing old laptops, printers, plates, and old-school TVs in a judgment-free space is The Smash Room in Al Quoz. While there’s still no clear definition of rage therapy in the world of mental health, many psychologists say that the act of smashing releases endorphins and, therefore, any pent-up negative energy. Looking to gift a smash session? Denominations range from AED 250 to 1,000.

GO: Visit https://thesmashroom.com/GiftSmash.aspx for more information.

Gift voucher, Point Zero Flotation Center

Aquatic R&R doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Case in point? Floatation therapy at Point Zero Floatation Center. Not only will your gift recipient float in a highly concentrated solution of epsom salt in a private cabin or pod (with the water temperature set somewhere between 35.5°C and 35.8°C), but it’s also the closest they’ll get to being back in the womb. As for why it works? Magnesium has been proven to reduce cortisol levels, making a gift voucher ideal for anyone who needs to destress. Bonus: Point Zero has branches in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

GO Visit www.pointzerofloatation.com/gift-vouchers for more information.

Gift card, thejamjar

Your loved one doesn’t have to be an artist or even creatively inclined to give art therapy a try – it’s not the artwork that matters, but the process of making it. Enter: the various adult workshops conducted by thejamjar in Alserkal Avenue and designed to process difficult emotions, foster self-awareness and release whatever negativity needs to be released. Besides, art is both one of the best ways to express oneself and simply while away the hours during an uneventful weekend. Denominations range from AED 100 to 500.

GO: Visit https://app3.schedulehouse.com for more information.

Custom gift voucher, Lisa Oxford

The name Lisa Oxford needs no introduction in the city’s wellness circles. For everyone else, here’s a brief one: the Dubai-based energy, sound, and breathwork practitioner specialises in the likes of access bars, breathwork and reconnective healing and, this season, she’s offering custom gift vouchers that are perfect for anyone who’s looking to shift blockages and move forward in the new year. Our recommendation: a desert-based cacao and sound journey led by Lisa followed by an overnight stay and stunning sunrise views. Just DM her if you have any questions!

GO: Visit www.instagram.com/lisaoxfordwellness for more information.

SEVA Gift Card, SEVA

You know that friend who can’t get enough scented candles, wellness journals, yoga mats, herbal teas and essential oils? Well, this is the gift for them. The shop at SEVA is frequented by the city’s wellness seekers for its impeccably curated selection of lifestyle and well-being products, making this gift card a no-brainer. Even better? It can also be used towards classes, workshops and private treatments. Alternatively, you can opt for a SEVA Table Gift Card (any value starting from AED 250) that can be used at the rustic-chic café that’s on the premises.

GO: Visit www.sevaexperience.com/gift-cards for more information.