50 fun, creative, and unique gift ideas for therapists and mental health workers!
For newer versions of this post see 50 Unique Gift Ideas for Therapists in 2022 and 50 Unique Gifts for Therapists in 2023!
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Gifts Under $5
1. Freud’s After Therapy Mints
In case the Freudian slips leave a bad taste in the mouth!
2. “Healing Is Not Linear” Mental Health Poster
Simple and easy downloadable print from Etsy.
3. Fuck This Shit: A Motivational Swear Word Coloring Book for Adults
Excellent for relieving stress and for relaxing after work!
4. What Emotions Are You Bottling Up? Poster
Another digital download from Etsy from a 5-star seller.
5. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber, & Green Tea
This light facial mist is especially refreshing after staring at a computer screen all day long.
Literary Gift Ideas for Therapists
6. Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-5
Every counselor needs one of these!
7. Diagnosis Made Easier, 2nd Edition: Principles & Techniques for Mental Health Clinicians
Amazon: “This popular practitioner guide and course text takes the reader step by step through diagnostic decision making in mental health. Acclaimed for both the clarity of his writing and his clinical expertise, James Morrison provides principles and decision trees for evaluating information from multiple sources and constructing a valid, clinically useful working diagnosis.
More than 100 vivid vignettes-from the straightforward to the toughest cases-illustrate the practical application of these methods. Essential topics include developing a differential diagnosis and dealing with comorbidity.”
8. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be & Embrace Who You Are
Amazon: “A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling.
With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an ‘imperfect’ life and embracing living authentically. Brown’s ‘ten guideposts’ are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.”
9. The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists & Their Patients
Amazon: “The culmination of master psychiatrist Dr. Irvin D. Yalom’s more than thirty-five years in clinical practice, The Gift of Therapy is a remarkable and essential guidebook that illustrates through real case studies how patients and therapists alike can get the most out of therapy.
A book aimed at enriching the therapeutic process for a new generation of patients and counselors, Yalom’s Gift of Therapy is an entertaining, informative, and insightful read for anyone with an interest in the subject.”
10. Letters to a Young Therapist
Amazon: “In Letters to a Young Therapist, Dr. Pipher shares what she has learned in thirty years as a therapist, helping warring families, alienated adolescents, and harried professionals restore peace and beauty to their lives.
Letters to a Young Therapist gives voice to her practice with an exhilarating mix of storytelling and sharp-eyed observation. And while her letters are addressed to an imagined young therapist, every one of us can take something away from them.”
11. Man’s Search for Meaning
Amazon: “This seminal book, which has been called ‘one of the outstanding contributions to psychological thought’ by Carl Rogers and ‘one of the great books of our time’ by Harold Kushner, has been translated into more than fifty languages and sold over sixteen million copies.
‘An enduring work of survival literature,’ according to the New York Times, Viktor Frankl’s riveting account of his time in the Nazi concentration camps, and his insightful exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of the worst adversity, has offered solace and guidance to generations of readers since it was first published in 1946. At the heart of Frankl’s theory of logotherapy (from the Greek word for ‘meaning’) is a conviction that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but rather the discovery and pursuit of what the individual finds meaningful.
Today, as new generations face new challenges and an ever more complex and uncertain world, Frankl’s classic work continues to inspire us all to find significance in the very act of living, in spite of all obstacles.”
12. On Being a Therapist
Amazon: “For more than thirty years, On Being a Therapist has inspired generations of mental health professionals to explore the most private and sacred aspects of their work helping others.
In this thoroughly revised and updated fifth edition, Jeffrey Kottler explores many of the challenges that therapists face in their practices today, including pressures from increased technology, economic realities, and advances in theory and technique. He also explores the stress factors that are brought on from managed care bureaucracy, conflicts at work, and clients’ own anxiety and depression.”
See 75 Must-Read Books for Therapists for additional book ideas.
Novelty Gifts
13. Freudian Slippers
Funny and comfy!
14. Makeup Bag
This handmade canvas bag from Etsy can be used as a makeup bag or pencil case.
15. Counselor Nutrition Facts Coffee Mug
Cute mug for therapists and counselors.
16. “I Have Needs” – Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Psychology Sticker
A cute sticker from a 5-star seller on Etsy to remind us that we all have needs.
17. Freudian Slips Sticky Notes Booklet
More Freud! A fun gift.
18. Psychopoly Game
This game was completely designed by the owner of this shop. Each of the property cards belong to a famous historical psychologist and they include background information about the property owner. The pieces were hand sculpted and cast in pewter and include: Maslow’s pyramid, Freud’s couch, an antipsychotic bottle, the Psi symbol, a lab rat (maybe it was Little Albert’s), and of course a brain. The game comes with money, dice, community service cards, synchronicity cards and playing pieces.
19. Knock Knock Self-Therapy Checklist Notepad
A great gift for anyone.
20. Therapist Description Tote Bag
Every therapist needs a tote like this! This handmade item is sold from a 5-star seller on Etsy.
21. Porcelain Phrenology Bust
Just for fun, this Phrenology Bust is an exact replica of the Staffordshire china fine cracked porcelain originals. Phrenology is a foreign subject to our modern medical practices but in the Victorian era it was common practice. Each of the 48 faculties of the brain served as a sort of map to a person’s innate nature and personality. With such areas as love, intellectuality, energy levels, and morals; doctors believed they could tell everything about a person from mapping out the bumps and oddities of the human skull.
22. And How Does That Make You Feel? Stemless Wine Glass
Are you feeling red, white, or bubbly? This elegant, handmade gift from Etsy is perfect for the wine-loving therapist in your life.
Therapy Tools & Games
23. Conversation Cubes
This activity is geared towards younger children.
24. The Coping Skills Thumball: The Fun Group Activity for Teaching & Learning How to Cope with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Anger, Stress, Substance Abuse, Negative Thinking, Anger, & More
Fun group activity for both children and adults!
25. Jenga Conversation Starter Questions
These cards are great icebreakers for therapy sessions. Each card is sized to cut and stick on Jenga blocks. The 60 cards are distributed among 3 letter sized pages. (Note: This is a digital download.)
26. Empowering Questions Card Deck
This deck includes 52 beautifully illustrated cards with powerful questions for self-discovery for an uplifting and inspiring group activity or individual therapy session.
27. RETHiNK Card Deck Mindful Conversation Starters: 56 Questions to Encourage Compassion, Shift Perspective & Build Connection Cards
Each question targets different skills and areas of life, but all the questions have one primary purpose: to get you discussing the important fundamentals of an emotionally balanced, mindful and compassionate way of living. A great activity for connecting with others.
28. The Values Card Deck
Perfect for helping clients to identify and connect with their personal values.
For a completely free DIY deck of values cards, click here.
Personalized Gift ideas for Therapists
29. Personalized Desk Name Plate
Customizable name place.
30. Personalized Counselor Stamp
Perfect for a school or guidance counselor!
31. Personalized Stainless Steel Business Card Case
A thoughtful and meaningful gift, especially for the new therapist with brand new credentials!
32. Personalized Business Card Holder
This card holder is made from a solid piece of wood (Ukrainian beech). Each piece is sanded by hand for smoothness, and sealed with natural beeswax and mineral oil for an eco-friendly product!
Office Accessories & Decor
33. BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 1.7 Cubic Ft., White
This vintage-looking unit is perfect for storing water, fruit, tea, and other healthy snacks.
34. Emotional Support Plant
A cute planter for any therapist’s office; requires only sunlight and water!
35. Black Metal Tree Coat Rack
A modern and slim coat rack, the perfect office accessory.
36. Ergonomic Active Sitting Stool
This clever accordion-style perch from Uncommon Goods compresses slightly when you sit, putting you at desk height (it also bends forward and backward), and keeps core muscles awake (hello, better posture and circulation). And in case you didn’t notice, it’s delightfully fun, too.
37. Circadian Optics Light Therapy – UV-Free LED Lamp
For seasonal affect depression.
38. “In Session” Door Hanger Sign
A cute and customizable door sign from Etsy.
39. Himalayan Glow Natural Zen Garden
This little garden lends to the ambiance of any space.
40. “Let’s Talk” Pillow
A friendly invitation to all who enter the therapy office, handmade from Etsy.
41. Marpac Yogasleep Dohm UNO White Noise Sound Machine (White) With Real Fan Inside for Non-Looping White Noise
This is a must for protecting confidentiality.
42. MIND THERAPY Office Art
Note: This is a digital download.
43. Mydethun Moon Lamp, 5.9 inch
The perfect addition to any office.
Wellness & Self-Care Gift Ideas for Therapists
44. Bath Bomb Gift Set
Bath bombs are always a fun way to relax!
45. Mental Recharge Self-Care Shirt
Every counselor knows how important self-care is!
46. Mental Health Self-Care Package
A very cozy hygge box to show your love and care.
47. Lavender & Sage Soy Candle
Lavender has a calming effect.
48. Silicone Bead Lanyard
A stylish lanyard from Etsy for the counselors who work in hospital, government, or school settings.
49. Magnetic Poetry – Zen Kit
For creating a Zen space.
50. Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin
This little kit from Uncommon Goods can be used to self-soothe or as a therapy tool with clients!
For more on counselor self-care, see 17 Self-Care Ideas for Mental Health Professionals.
