Holiday Gift Guide | 2021

Gift GuideHoliday Gift GuideSensory-Based
Written By Meghan Crull

The Sunlight Holiday Gift Guide is created with our sensory systems in mind. The way we live and interact with our environment is through sensory experiences. A lot of the things we enjoy are because of the way we individually process and integrate sensory input. Many of us can seek sensory input through music, spicy foods, or movement. Many of us can also be sensitive to sensory input such as light, smells, and anxiety. This guide is full of gifts that target different sensory pathways to really personalize your holiday gifts this year. Are you buying gifts for a picky eater? a home-body? a thrill seeker? You can find links to some wonderful gifts for these people below. Gifts like an Apothecary Kit, Cooking Classes, AirPods Pro, a Holistic OT Session with Me, and more! I hope you enjoy this Sensory-Based Holiday Gift Guide.

Visual

For those that are Sensitive:

  • Eye Mask | Manta Sleep from Amazon | $35

    • Great for supporting deep sleep for those that are sensitive to light. These can also be used to assist with meditation or as a coping tool to help with emotional regulation.

For those that Seek:

  • Immersive Experience | Van Gogh Exhibition in Seattle, WA | $45+

  • Virtual Reality Headset or Date to local VR Studio.

Smell

Great for both those who are Sensitive and Seek:

  • Essential oils | Plant Therapy Organic Set | $20.99

    • These are great and well-rated essential oils for their high quality. I enjoy using them to create my own blends or as aromatherapy.

    • I also love this Diffuser that I have had for a few years now. We originally got it for when we travel in our converted Sprinter van, but use it just as much when we aren’t traveling. It’s small so it’s easily portable but also fills a small space well. It also has a USB that can connect to a charging brick or portable battery.

  • Candle Making Kits from the Wooden Wick Co. | $45.95

    • This is a fun way to make a candle that suits your preferences because you not only get to pick the scent, but while making it you can decide how strong of a smell you would enjoy.


Taste

For those that are Sensitive:

  • Gift Card to their Favorite Restaurant | $10+

    • If you are shopping for that person who is a super picky eater, I think this is a great idea. Give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant and plan a day or night to go together! We need connection in our lives more than ever, so let a gift card mean more than a free meal. Make it an experience together, one you know your friend will enjoy because there won’t be any worry about food!

  • Cooking class | $50+

    • This is a great gift for someone who is new to cooking or even a master chef. You can search for local classes to learn a new dish or learn new skills to make cooking easier! Sur la Table has many locations and cooking classes available.

For those that Seek:

  • Hot Sauce Making Kit | $45

    • I love gifts that incorporate doing and this one is perfect for those who love spicy food. How fun to make your own hot sauce to experiment and see what you can create!


Auditory

For those that are Sensitive:

  • Loop Noise Reduction Earplugs | $20

    • These are super sleek earplugs with incredible reviews. They would be the perfect gift as a stocking stuffer or for a holiday gift swap!

For those that Seek:

  • Tickets to a concert or a local Sound Bath | $25+

    • Mind, Body, Hum in Seattle, WA offers a variety of sound baths throughout the year

Great for both:

  • AirPods Pro with Noise-Cancelling | $189

    • These have been seriously game-changing for me on so many levels. I am sensitive to auditory input and have really benefitted from these noise-canceling headphones that are truly incredible. It enhances my focus when needed to work as well as allows me to really get into my podcasts or audiobooks. I have also found it to be an incredibly coping tool when I go to noisy stores or groceries. I highly, highly recommend these or even the AirPods Max if you prefer over-the-ear and enhanced audio.

Touch

For those that are Sensitive:

  • Loungewear Set from MATE the Label | $200+

    • For your sensitive, home-body, cuddly friend, a loungewear set is a perfect gift. Organic cotton is breathable and great for those who are sensitive to fabrics or get warm easily.

For those that Seek:

  • Apothecary Trio from Crafter’s Box | $145

    • Make your own body butter, moisturizing lotion, and natural lavender bath bombs with this kit that has everything you need, including a video tutorial! This is so fun for someone who enjoys caring for their body and making their own things.


Body

For both those that are Sensitive and Seek:

  • Gravity Weighted Blanket | $195

    • Weighted blankets are pretty popular and a great gift for someone who loves a good cuddle. Weighted blankets obviously offer deep pressure, which can be very calming and regulating to the sensory system.

  • Massage or Bodywork Session | $75+

    • A gift card to a local massage studio or bodywork specialist would be a wonderful gift for anyone, especially if you know they would appreciate some alone time and deep relaxation!





Movement

For those that are Sensitive:

  • Yoga class at the Sanctuary in Seattle, WA | $30+

    • Taking a class at the Sanctuary in Seattle is pure luxury. They offer immersive private yoga sessions where you choose the class, heat, music, and essential oils. I highly recommend this experience even if it is a gift to yourself. Yoga, especially yoga at your own pace, is incredible for healing and connection to the body. Deep pressure and movement through the joints can be regulating to the nervous system.

For those that Seek:

  • Aerial Yoga Class or Skydiving Session

    • For your fearless friend, plan a gift that you can enjoy and experience together (if you are fearless yourself)! Trying something new as well as challenging your body’s orientation to space and gravity can be incredibly stimulating.


Intuition

Calm Meditation App Subscription | $70+

  • If you know your friend is getting into the wellness space, a subscription to a meditation platform like Calm can be a gift that keeps on giving. This is the app that I personally use and very much enjoy. I highly recommend this platform!

A Holistic Occupational Therapy Session with Me | $150

  • If you live in the Seattle area and have a friend that could use a little extra support this holiday season, gift them a session with me. They can join me for a Holistic Occupational Therapy Evaluation to support their journey of whole-being wellness.

Meghan Crull
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