A Christmas gift guide by a Canberra clinical psychologist

Posted on 16 December, 2025

Christmas shopping is never easy, especially when you want your gifts to actually mean something and genuinely support the people you love.

Between the sensory overload of the season, managing busy schedules and festivities, navigating our own boundaries and feeling the decision fatigue, it’s no wonder Christmas shopping ends up pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.

But thoughtful gifting can be powerful. Choosing something that really speaks to someone’s lived experience and unique context is a way of showing them they are seen and understood (which is really the greatest gift of all).

As a psychologist, I spend a lot of time thinking about what helps people feel supported, soothed, or simply a little more seen – especially during tough times. So instead of generic presents this Christmas, this gift guide offers meaningful options for very real human experiences: burnout, anxiety, insomnia, neurodivergence, grief, and everything in between.

Each idea is hand-picked to bring comfort, ease stress, and genuinely support wellbeing. I hope these ideas help you choose something that feels personal, thoughtful and useful for the people you care about (and yes, that can absolutely include yourself too!)

Gifts for the… Autistic / ADHDers

• 2-in-1 drink divider, Amazon. Neurodivergent folks often keep multiple drinks on their desk at once to meet different needs (like water for hydration, tea for comfort, and something fizzy for enjoyment).
• ND Pride Stickers, Marie Camin. Joyful reminders that the neurodivergent brain is worth celebrating too, created by an Australian psychologist and Autism researcher
• Late Bloomer: How An Autism Diagnosis Changed My Life by Clem Bastow. A memoir by Australian screenwriter and late-diagnosed autistic woman, writer, and academic Clem Bastow. Perfect to help a late-diagnosed adult understand both themselves and their neurotype.
• Blood, Sweat and Glitter by Em Rusciano. A wild ride through what she describes the diagnostic trifecta: ADHD, Autism and perimenopause. Her memoir is insightful, relatable, inspiring and so much fun.
• Airtag, Apple. The small sidekick every distractible brain deserves to help keep track of where things are. Did you know that frequently losing items is actually part of the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose ADHD?
• Temperature Control Mug, Ember. This mug keeps tea at a consistent temperature, so it doesn’t go cold if left abandoned to hyperfocus or unplanned side quests!
• How To ADHD by Jessica McCabe. Full of practical ideas and strategies to help neurodivergent brains thrive.
• Noise reducing earbuds, Loop. Autistic folk commonly experience sensory overwhelm, which can be distressing and distracting. Loop earbuds reduce background noise without amplifying internal sounds like chewing and breathing (called the ‘occlusion effect’) – helping to remain calm, focused, and regulated.
• Affirmation Cards, Neurokinnection. Many ND individuals (especially those diagnosed later in life) carry shame and a harsh inner critic. These 46 cards help challenge negative self-talk and start healing those old wounds.
• Pomodoro Method timer, Amazon. The Pomodoro Method is a time management method that helps neurodivergent brains tackle tasks in 25-minute bursts with short breaks, reducing overwhelm and all-or-nothing thinking and improving task initiation. Pomodoro means ‘tomato’ in Italian, so this timer is both fun and genuinely helpful.
• Mini jigsaw puzzle, The Puzzle People. Short enough to provide a brain break and a dopamine hit… but not long enough to get lost to hyperfocus or be abandoned to the dining table for three months…
• Enamel pin, Confetti Rebels. Wearable pride – because neurotypes are something to celebrate, not hide.
• We’re All Neurodiverse by Sonny Jane Wise. A brilliant introduction to the neurodiversity paradigm: seeing traits as differences not deficits.
• Stickers, Kaleidoscope Assessment. For reclaiming and celebrating neurodivergent identity (and feeling so seen!) from an Australian psychologist
• Rejection Sensitivity Guide, ADHD Her Way. Learn to understand and manage Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and the big emotional reactions that come from feeling unliked, criticised or judged (real or perceived).
• Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Kemp & Mitchelson. Practical exercises for building self-compassion, self-advocacy, and self-regulation. Plus the authors themselves are both neurodivergent, as well as both psychologists!
• Exploring Your Neurodivergent Identity Workbook, Be Seen Psychology. Another practical workbook, from an Australian psychologist with lived experience.
• Sensory + fidget items, Kaiko. Help focus and regulate with thoughtfully designed sensory tools from an Australian neurodivergent-founded brand.

Gifts for the… perfectionists in burnout

• Burnout by Parker, Tavella & Eyers. A mix of research, practical tools, and lived-experience storytelling for understanding and managing burnout.
• Hard Things Planner, My Feelings Shop. Helping tackle burnout by encouraging steps to increase internal capacity and reducing external demands (while also honouring low-energy days).
• Gratitude journal, K. There is a wealth of research on the benefits of gratitude and making an effort to notice the good (and there is a big difference between trying to notice the positive things, versus trying to minimise the negative things). Gratitude practices do not attempt to minimise or ignore the presence of real stressors, but can help feel joy, improve life satisfaction, reduce irritability, and provide a sense of hope.
• Caution: Boundaries pin, My Feeling Shop. A not-so-gentle reminder that boundaries are important self-care – perfect for the friend learning to say ‘no’ (or to the one who never hesitates!).
• ‘I Need To…’ spinner pin, My Feeling Shop. For the friend who needs a cute reminder to engage in self-care, especially during extra stressful periods when basic needs tend to fall off the radar
• I Want Dopamine for Dinner (cookbook) by Phoebe Thorburn. A truly brilliant and accessible cookbook with recipes designed for the days when capacity is low – perfect for burnout, but also for neurodivergence, chronic illness, and disability.
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. We all know the word boundaries, but this book explains what they actually are, and how to actually set them – and find better work-life balance and rewarding relationships in the process.
• Healthy Mind (Schema Therapy cards), GrayMind Psychology. Schemas refer to negative beliefs we can develop about ourselves/others/the world as a result of our early experiences. These cards help to identify your schemas and shift negative behavioural patterns, best done alongside 1:1 support from a schema therapist.
• For Self-Care Use Only Jumbo Tote Bag, OurSeasns. Because self-care deserves to be unapologetic and indulgent.
• Retreat Yourself Subscription, Retreat Yourself. Quarterly boxes of self-care goodies and activities – and the subscription element can prevent the tendency to ‘save’ special items, which usually only means they don’t end up ever getting used!
• How To Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis. From the creator of the ‘struggle care’ philosophy, this book is about tackling tasks when there are internal or external barriers (e.g. depression, postpartum, burnout, grief), as well as improving self-compassion and reducing shame. Tips relate to things like chores, hygiene, nutrition, and energy regulation for all levels of functioning.
• Companion Cards, Sustainable Therapist. 52 gentle reminders (or permission slips!) to engage in self-care, advocate for unmet needs, and prioritise joy and balance. They are particularly designed for those in helping professions, especially mental health professionals.

 Gifts for the…sleepless night owls 

• Decaf coffee, Redbrick. All the benefits of a comforting coffee ritual, minus the jittery side effects.
• Non-alcoholic wine, Altina. Although alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, many people don’t know it will actually reduce the quality of later sleep stages (the restorative ones!).
• Sleep tea, Feist Tea Co. Herbal remedies can be helpful, especially paired with a regular wind-down routine too.
• Sleep Journal, The Wellbeing Designer. Evidence-based education and insights for better sleep, from an Australian psychologist.
• Light-blocking stickers, Sleep Solutions. These little dots cover the pesky light coming out of devices, electronics, and appliances that can keep you awake. Did you know the optic nerve (through the eyes) plays a big role in regulating melatonin? That’s why a dark bedroom is so important.
• Magnesium Bath Tonic, 39 Degrees. Our bodies fall asleep best when we’re cooling down – so a warm bath before bed can help trigger sleepiness by raising core temperature which then drops once you get out. This bath tonic has the added benefits of lavender and magnesium too.
• Bluetooth Eye Mask, Manta Sleep. A Bluetooth eye mask with built-in speakers for listening to music or sleep stories without disturbing anyone nearby. The raised eye cups provide total blackout and zero pressure on the eyes.
• Aroma Dots, Manta Sleep. Many people find sensory elements a helpful part of their bedtime routine, and these dots come in lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot.
• Transformazing sheet mask, Go-To. When all else fails, sleep might suffer but skin doesn’t have to.
• Silk pillowcase, Hommey. Insomnia can lead to a negative association with bed and bedtime, which only perpetuates poor sleep through avoidance and staying up later. A luxury pillowcase can help turn the bedroom back into a soothing sanctuary.
• Calm app subscription, Calm. Listening to a sleep story before bed shifts the focus to a neutral stimulus, which can help reduce rumination and worry (a common reason for insomnia).
• The Complete Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep, Dr Carmel Harrington. Practical strategies to help you sleep better, and explore the science of sleep.

Gifts for those…reclaiming their attention

• Magazine subscription. A magazine subscription in a topic/area they love, gifting them a monthly dose of offline inspiration, longform media, and deep thinking.
• How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price. In her words: scroll less, live more, and develop a long-term relationship with technology that feels good.
• Phone jail with timer, Big W. Because sometimes willpower is just not enough!
• The Dopamine Brain by Dr Anastasia Hronis. Released this year, this book is about living life guided by intention, not impulses.
• The Brick app blocker. Brick is a physical device that temporarily removes certain apps and notifications. It turns ‘smart phones’ into ‘dumb phones’ making them less enjoyable and therefore less addictive.
• Analog alarm clock, One Six Eight. Leaving phones outside the bedroom can be a game-changer for reducing screen time and stress.
• Beginner Pottery Kit, Pott’d. Creative activities such as clay can be a mindful way to unplug and get a more sustainable form of enjoyment and stimulation.
• Fourth Wing, by Rebecca Yarros. Immerse in a world that screens just can’t compete with. Romantasy is having a moment for a reason!
• Stolen Focus, by Johann Hari. Explore why struggling to focus isn’t a personal failing or lack of willpower over devices, and how to reclaim attention from the forces stealing it.
• Unplug (Digital Detox Deck), Therabox. A 30-day digital dextox challenge, with creative ideas and activities to spend more time offline.

Gifts for the…anxious overthinkers    

• Empowerment earrings, Little Olive Creates. Small, wearable pep-talks for when anxiety tells them they can’t do it.
• Unstuck by Dr Emily Musgrove. Practical tips to tackle big emotions and change behaviours, from the resident psychologist on The Imperfects podcast.
• The Five Minute Journal, Intelligent Change. Reduce anxiety and boost mood through a daily journalling practice.
• The Happiness Trap Cards by Dr Russ Harris. 52 cards with prompts, practices, and reflections informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
• Flow calm tea, Waypoint Tea Co. Swap overstimulating coffee to a calm and cosy tea from a Canberra local.
• Dinner decision dice, Amazon. Instead of overthinking it, remove the pressure and let fate decide what’s for dinner instead.
• Birdwatching app. Because birdwatching is the new mindfulness.
• Crochet pickle, Etsy. A quirky little affirmation for social anxiety.
• Life Skills for a Broken World by Dr Ahona Guha. Practical tools to manage life’s various stressors, from an Australian psychologist and author.
• Reinventing Your Life by Young & Klosko. Learn to recognise and change negative thoughts and self-defeating patterns.
• Art print, My Feelings Shop. Encourage self-compassion for big feelers who have been taught their big feelings are too dramatic, too sensitive, or too much.

Gifts for the…neurodivergent parents     

• Spoon Thieves, Neurodivergent Ally. Based on Spoon Theory, these cards help neurodivergent folks understand their energy and capacity, what drains it, and how to communicate this to others.
• Square Me, Round World by Chelsea Luker. Seven illustrated stories exploring experiences of those who feel different, from social challenges to sensory differences. Neuroaffirming and complete with a discussion guide to facilitate reflection and conversation between parents and children (or even students and teachers, or therapists and clients).
• The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon. A vibrant picture book celebrating all forms of neurodiversity and introducing children to ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Giftedness, and more.
• What’s Up Flip Chart, Onwards & Upwards Psychology. This resource helps kids identify their needs and communicate them to adults, with mix-and-match cards of scenarios and solutions, to encourage understanding and promote problem solving.
• Autism/ADHD Guides, The Psych Hive. Created by local Canberra psychology practice The Psych Hive, these guides provide affirming support for parents and children following an ADHD or Autism diagnosis.
• Parenting eBook, Created by a neurodivergent occupational therapist, this workbook provides parenting tools and tips for neurodivergent families.
• Parenting Cards, Growing Gently Psychology. Deck of 24 cards to empower parents to feel confident and compassionate in their parenting.
• Affirmation Cards, Sarah Harrower Psychology. Designed for Autistic and neurodivergent parents-to-be, these cards offer affirmations and reminders to help them honour their unique needs and identity during pregnancy and beyond.

Gifts for….those grieving loved ones these holidays      

• Validation Cards, Grief & Co. Kindness and validation for when grief feels especially strong, such as the holiday season.
• Writing Through Grief, Grief Talks. Journalling prompts to explore grief, loss, and change.
• Jumper, Motherless Daughters. Wrap your friend in cosy comfort, while supporting an Australian charity who help women navigate grief.
• Notepad, Grief & Co. Gentle prompts and space to slow down, perfect for managing ‘grief brain’ one day at a time.
• Memorial Ornament, Arlo & Co. Let them know their loved one hasn’t been forgotten with a customised memorial ornament for the Christmas tree.
• Resilient Grieving, Dr Lucy Hone. Part memoir and part science, this book is written by a grief researcher with lived experience.
• Custom Handwriting Charm, Hand on Heart Jewellery. Using their loved one’s actual handwriting (taken from old greeting cards or scribbled notes), these incredibly special charms will be a cherished keepsake forever.
• It’s OK that You’re Not OK by Megan Devine. A compassionate, validating guide to embracing grief and giving themselves permission to feel.
• Not Everything Happens For A Reason T-shirt, The Grief Closet. A cheeky reply to those unhelpful platitudes.
• Gift voucher, The Dinner Ladies. Because emotional support is good, but practical support is good too!
• Normalise Grief T-shirt, The Grief Closet.

Gifts for those…improving relationships    

• When Will It Happen For Me? by Phoebe Rogers. A book on finding and keeping love, written by an Australian psychologist and informed by Schema Therapy.
• Meeting Friends Conversation Cards, The School of Life. Question cards to improve friendships and deepen connections.
• The 30 Day Challenge, The Gottman Institute. 30 days of fun little tasks and activities to reconnect with your romantic partner.
• Attached by Levine & Heller. An approachable exploration into Attachment Therapy, including anxious/avoidant/secure attachment styles and how they impact relationships.
• Date Night Challenges, Brass Monkey. 100 date night challenges for couples.
• Re-connect Conversation Cards, Re-connect. Question cards for deepening conversations, suitable for friends, partners, family, colleagues and everyone else.
• Customised memory game, Etsy. A fun way to reminisce and share memories.
• Sweet Memories Activity Prompts, Few & Far. Make new memories with adventure ideas and activities for couples.
• Where Should We Begin Game, Esther Perel. Share stories and reflections but in a unique gamified format of the usual conversation cards.