Browse
Top articles
How to Meditate: Meditation 101 for Beginners
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation
What is Meditation?
Try free for 7 days.
How to Meditate: Meditation 101 for Beginners
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation
What is Meditation?
Benefits of Mindfulness: Mindful Living Can Change Your Life
Mindfulness 101: A Beginner's Guide
Sometimes gift-giving is joyful; an opportunity to be creative and choose gifts that express our affection for our loved ones. Other times it can feel like a chore; an obligation to just buy something, and adding to the unnecessary accumulation of stuff in our already-cluttered lives.
During the holiday season, it can feel like a bit of both. We may like the idea of showing our love and appreciation through thoughtful gifts, but the pressure we put on ourselves to get just the right thing or to spend a certain amount of money can turn it into something that doesn’t hold meaning for us or represent our values. Even worse is when we know that our mindless gift won’t really mean anything to the recipient, either.
The roots of holiday gift-giving are found in the Christian homage to the three magi bringing gifts to the newborn Jesus. It was also common in ancient pagan traditions to exchange small presents during winter solstice festivals heralding the return of the sun.
Under the best circumstances, gifts are a way to tell those who are important to us, “I’m so glad you’re in my life.” With this intention, they serve to strengthen our connection with the people around us.
And when a gift is heartfelt, the receiver knows—it touches them in a very real way.
Gift-giving can also be as uplifting for the giver as it is for the recipient, triggering a release of feel-good hormones and bolstering our relationship. Honestly, is there anything better than witnessing the surprise and delight someone you care for feels when they receive a present from you they truly love?
The problem with our modern experience of gift-giving at the holidays is that it has become inextricably tied to commercialism. Instead of a joyful act or a loving gesture, it can feel like a mindless obligation to just buy more stuff.
And despite our best intentions, it’s easy to get sucked in. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself: You put off making your “list,” conflicted by what the holidays have become, only to realize you’ve run out of time to do something more meaningful, and resign yourself to the chore, joylessly powershopping at the mall or on Amazon and crossing off names as you go.
It doesn’t really warm the heart, does it?
Gifts are a way to tell those who are important to us, “I’m so glad you’re in my life.”
Despite the cultural push to Buy, Buy, Buy!, it is possible to sidestep the consumer frenzy and tune into something more meaningful to express your appreciation for your friends and family with mindful gift-giving this holiday season.
Probably the best way to bring more mindfulness into holiday gifts is to clarify your own values and feelings about the tradition and then craft a response aligned with both. Not only will this make the season more meaningful and fun for you, those who receive your gifts will feel the difference.
I see you
I appreciate you
I respect you
You make me laugh
You make me feel safe
Thank you
Now, firmly centered in your values, can you think of some ways to share your appreciation for the people in your life?
Instead of just shopping for an item you think someone might like, consider the kinds of experiences that bring them joy.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the moment more, increase gratitude, and deepen connection and calm with the one you love — try a year of mindfulness together.
Meditations and Calming Practices Anytime, Anywhere - NOW 40% OFF a lifetime subscription.
Daily mindfulness practices, anywhere, anytime — even sweeter when you’re in it together!
Craft fairs, open studios, and stores that sell locally-made goods are great places to find unique, handmade gifts. Throughout the year, pick up small gift items that catch your eye, even if you don’t have a recipient in mind.
The same goes for items you’ve found for yourself. Chances are that if it delights and inspires you, someone in your circle will appreciate it as well.
When most of our communication happens in text or Likes, we don’t get the chance to tell the people in our lives how much we appreciate them. A handwritten letter expressing what someone means to you can deeply touch two hearts. Pair it with a framed photo of the two of you together.
The perfect present may be a shared experience: tickets to a special film or exhibit you’d both enjoy, an invitation to see a holiday-lights display, a destination hike or picnic. Not only will you give the recipient something to look forward to, you’ll be building new memories together.
If the idea of feeding the consumer maw turns you off, consider making something new out of something old. Pass along something you own, freshened up for new use. Flea markets, estate sales, and consignment stores can all be great places to find good-quality items in need of a new home—and that set of period cookie cutters or the special-edition book might be just the right thing for someone in your life.
Based on your values and your inspirations for the season, create parameters for more mindful gift-giving. For example, if supporting local businesses is important to you, only purchase gifts locally. If charitable giving feels like a better use of your money, make a donation in someone’s name, or consider gift offerings through non-profit organizations that use the proceeds for their operations.
We’ve become conditioned to believe that you need to spend money for a gift. Free gifts can be as meaningful, if not more, when it comes to mindful gift-giving. It’s truly the intention that counts.
We all have things to share that we probably don’t even realize. Look around your life and the activities you do. Is there an opportunity to extend your good fortune to someone else?
Think:
If mindfulness has helped you, how about sharing that experience with someone else? Subscriptions to meditation apps or a course, could be inspirational for someone you love.
Less Stress, Better Sleep, and More Moments of Joy.
Meditations and Calming Practices Anytime, Anywhere - NOW 40% OFF a lifetime subscription!
It’s true that children love presents—it’s terribly exciting to see a package with your name on it! But when you think back on your most beloved holiday traditions, it’s rarely a specific present that stands out; you remember experiences. Anyone with children also knows that too many presents just overwhelm kids and rarely provides happiness beyond the thrill of ripping off the wrapping paper.
Why not use this holiday season as a time to focus on creating new traditions and memories, and make the gift-part the side note?
Getting together with friends is perhaps the best way to spread good cheer without focusing on gifts. But instead of a traditional holiday party with all its excess—food, drink, sugar, small talk—why not create a new tradition, one that feels more aligned with what the holiday season means to you?
Whether she’s your mom, your sister, your friend — she’s the one who has your back. Who knows you best. Who loves you no matter what.
Show her how much she means to you with a year of mindfulness for both of you: more calm, less stress, better sleep, deeper joy.
Treat someone you love to a lifetime subscription for only $240 (normally $499)
Whether she’s your mom, your sister, your friend — she’s the one who has your back. Who knows you best. Who loves you no matter what.
Show her how much she means to you with a year of mindfulness for both of you: more calm, less stress, better sleep, deeper joy.
Treat someone you love to a lifetime subscription for only $240 (normally $499)
Enjoy these articles, stories, and guided practices for incorporating mindfulness into every day.
Limited-time Offer
When life gets crazy, mindfulness is a way to stay grounded, feel connected, and increase joy. And it’s even better with a loved one.
Email Missing
We couldn’t detect your email with the SSO provider you have selected.We are here to make a positive impact on the world. We never want to sell you something that hasn’t helped you live a better life. That’s why if you’re unhappy with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to get a full refund and your money back.
If you subscribed to Mindfulness Plus+ and are unhappy with your purchase, please get in contact with us within the 30-day period and we’ll refund your purchase.
Learn more about our Mindfulness Guarantee.
Mindfulness
We believe in a world where everybody has access to the life-changing skills of mindfulness.
Private Browsing
We believe in a world where everybody has access to the life-changing skills of mindfulness.
Annual membership
$0
This is the app I turn to when I want to feel calm and loved.
- Abby
Melli has a beautiful way of guiding and reminding us of the stillness within.
- Adrienne James
I have been on a journey of healing and learning self-love. Amidst the work, I have been using the mindfulness app for the gentle reminders, guides to the moment (especially the difficult ones).
Kelly Boys offers a fresh and illuminating take on how to step out of lifelong patterns that keep snagging us.
- Tara Brach, PhD
Truly life changing. This isn't solely meditation and mindfulness...this is about striving to be the best the versions of ourselves.
- Marisa, Plus+ Member
Relaxing and assuring beyond description... thank you, Cory.
- Babs312
This is the app I turn to when I want to feel calm and loved.
- Abby
Melli has a beautiful way of guiding and reminding us of the stillness within.
- Adrienne James
I have been on a journey of healing and learning self-love. Amidst the work, I have been using the mindfulness app for the gentle reminders, guides to the moment (especially the difficult ones).
Kelly Boys offers a fresh and illuminating take on how to step out of lifelong patterns that keep snagging us.
- Tara Brach, PhD
Truly life changing. This isn't solely meditation and mindfulness...this is about striving to be the best the versions of ourselves.
- Marisa, Plus+ Member
Relaxing and assuring beyond description... thank you, Cory.
- Babs312
This is the app I turn to when I want to feel calm and loved.
- Abby
Melli has a beautiful way of guiding and reminding us of the stillness within.
- Adrienne James
I have been on a journey of healing and learning self-love. Amidst the work, I have been using the mindfulness app for the gentle reminders, guides to the moment (especially the difficult ones).
Kelly Boys offers a fresh and illuminating take on how to step out of lifelong patterns that keep snagging us.
- Tara Brach, PhD
Truly life changing. This isn't solely meditation and mindfulness...this is about striving to be the best the versions of ourselves.
- Marisa, Plus+ Member
Relaxing and assuring beyond description... thank you, Cory.
- Babs312
Shamash's guidance is a gift of wisdom to help us in our busy and stressful lives.
- Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Excellent! Cory gently guides you into internal peace.
- Steve Ericson
A necessary tool for those who feel lost.
- Piper
Just want to say a big thankyou to all involved as this has had a positive impact in my daily life 🙏 Valuable teachings that have allowed me to have a better relationship not only with those around me, but with myself. Heal ourselves and we heal the world 💫✨🌍
- Marty
I start every day with Cory or Melli for my daily practice. Including this app into my practice helps me continue to build more mental focus and understanding of my thought processes. What a welcome and powerful gift.
- Oku
Shamash's guidance is a gift of wisdom to help us in our busy and stressful lives.
- Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Excellent! Cory gently guides you into internal peace.
- Steve Ericson
A necessary tool for those who feel lost.
- Piper
Just want to say a big thankyou to all involved as this has had a positive impact in my daily life 🙏 Valuable teachings that have allowed me to have a better relationship not only with those around me, but with myself. Heal ourselves and we heal the world 💫✨🌍
- Marty
I start every day with Cory or Melli for my daily practice. Including this app into my practice helps me continue to build more mental focus and understanding of my thought processes. What a welcome and powerful gift.
- Oku
Shamash's guidance is a gift of wisdom to help us in our busy and stressful lives.
- Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Excellent! Cory gently guides you into internal peace.
- Steve Ericson
A necessary tool for those who feel lost.
- Piper
Just want to say a big thankyou to all involved as this has had a positive impact in my daily life 🙏 Valuable teachings that have allowed me to have a better relationship not only with those around me, but with myself. Heal ourselves and we heal the world 💫✨🌍
- Marty
I start every day with Cory or Melli for my daily practice. Including this app into my practice helps me continue to build more mental focus and understanding of my thought processes. What a welcome and powerful gift.
- Oku
Thank you for joining us
Dive into the full library and enjoy all it has to offer!
Sign up or login to your mindfulness account to proceed.
Sign up or login to your mindfulness account to proceed.
Mindfulness
One membership to gain access to a world of premium mindfulness content created to help you live happier and stress less.