Favorite Stress Relief Gifts - Seven Perfect Treats to Soothe Your Harried Loved Ones

Figuring out what gifts to give used to be hard. It's getting easier lately, if only because there's one common denominator we all have: Way too much stress. Which means that just about anyone will appreciate a stress relieving gift.

And it's not hard to find them. The Internet is awash with stress relief gifts that are not only affordable, they also provide an excellent escape for the user, and some of them are outright indulgent, which, of course, makes them the perfect gift. Spa, massage and aromatherapy items are great for all-over relaxation that calms the senses. Stress-relieving music and soothing sounds add to the experience. Scented candles carry the spa feeling throughout your house.

While most people buy some of those for themselves, there's always that niggling feeling of guilt - we don't treat ourselves to things that please us as much as we should. And that's why they make such ideal gifts: We can give them to each other! You can buy those stress relief gifts for your stressed-out friends, relatives and co-workers, even your boss. Chances are, some of them will return the favour sooner or later, and so you too may become the lucky recipient of your very own spa quality gifts.

Here are 7 favorite stress relief gifts that are sure to be welcomed by the recipient:

1. Stress relief in a barrel or a basket

There are several different styles available. For men, an ideal barrel might contain juggling balls, a finger punching bag, a slinky and some sweetness in a Pez container. For women, you can pick up a barrel or a basket containing tranquility candles, crossword puzzles, bath salts and specialty teas. Of course, be sure to include some sort of mini-massager.

2. Stress relief toys

The Internet is overflowing with odd shaped rubbery characters that are practically guaranteed to bring a chuckle or two. They stretch, they deform, they bounce, they stick, and they just feel good. In fact, they're ubiquitous as brandable gifts, so you can get some for your customers too.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the top favorites when it comes to stress relief. Certain aromas have a natural ability to bring relaxation to anyone who smells the scent. Lavender, lemon, cinnamon, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, grapefruit, orange, and pine are some of the essential oils that are known to bring relief.

4. Fun Slippers

Footwear made from soothing materials with amusing decorations make the perfect gift for around the house. Bunny slippers may still be golden oldies, but they've almost gotten hard to find among all the new options. Not only can your friends use them at home, but they can even tuck a pair under an office desk for some sneaky relief.

5. Yoga (and other Exercise) Videos

Exercise is a proven stress reliever, yoga being one of the first. Yoga stretches out the tight spots and improves the body's energy flow. You'll easily find a good selection of yoga CDs and DVDs online and off. Tai Chi is another exercise to relieve stress. Regular exercise videos work too, but be careful - this is supposed to be a gift, not a guilt trip.

6. Choke the Chicken

Buyer beware: be sure to know the gift recipient before choosing this one. Some people consider that soft fluffy chicken hilarious and one of the best stress relief products on the market. By pressing its wing and wringing its neck, you activate music that speeds up as you choke the poor thing and watch its eyes and tongue pop out. Some people, on the other hand, may feel quite turned off.

7. Flower bouquets

A beautiful bouquet of flowers may not be original, but it still makes an excellent gift for people in stressful situations, whether they're in a hospital or recovering from illness, or whether they are just struggling through a bad week. Not only are the flowers soothing and cheering, but the soothing built-in aromatherapy most flowers naturally come with is a huge extra bonus.