Sleep Gifts: 9 Ideas for a Snooze-Worthy Christmas Hamper

It’s that time of year again when Santa makes his rounds. Down your chimney, he goes, giving out gifts to your family, friends and colleagues. It’s easy enough for him, he’s magic! Gift giving for us, everyday people, is hard sometimes. We get it. So, this year, how can you choose gifts that everyone will love? There’s a simple answer: get them a sleep gift and help them get some shuteye through the busy Christmas period.

We’re going to share the most relaxing sleep gifts, perfect for your secret Santa. Grab a basket and some shredded paper because you’ll want to stock up on the following ideas to create your very own hamper of sleep gifts.

1. Eye masks

It may be an obvious choice, but when it comes to sleep gifts nothing tops a good eye mask. Masks can help improve sleep patterns by reducing exposure to light and increasing melatonin levels (the sleep hormone) throughout the body. This means better rest and a more relaxed feeling when you wake up!

When it comes to gift options, pick a personalised eye mask or one to match your recipient’s style through their favourite prints and colours. If they have a favourite animal, you can even find cute animal-themed masks.

2. Pillow spray

Next up, we have pillow spray. If you or your giftee loves aromatherapy, this is a great way to help spread the festive cheer. Why? Well, pillow spray helps you add sleep-inducing scents to your pillow before you hit the hay, and according to the National Sleep Foundation, lavender, vanilla and valerian are all good options to help enhance slumber.

You could also pair this with a daytime scent that fits the season. Pine tree, anyone?

3. A hot water bottle

With the frosty weather this time of year, it can be tricky to stay cosy and comfy. That’s what makes a hot water bottle an amazing sleep gift for Christmas, especially if it’s going to someone who always seems to be a bit chilly. Opt for a fluffy case to add extra snugness or a Christmas-themed cover, such as a reindeer, for further festivities. Or, if you’re crafty, you can even upcycle an old Christmas jumper into a hot water bottle cover.

4. Slippers or socks

A list of sleep gifts wouldn’t be complete without slippers or socks. Keeping feet warm can help improve circulation and thermoregulation, soothing your recipient to sleep. Again, choose fun, festive prints or novelty designs to make your hamper stand out. If you’re on a tight budget, fluffy socks will do the trick and are likely to be cheaper than slippers. You could even add a fluffy blanket for that extra snug factor!

Related: Sleeping With Socks On: Why You Should Consider Wearing Socks To Bed

5. Bath and body gifts

When it’s really cold, having a long hot soak in the bath is fantastic. Add to your giftee’s festive bath experience by adding a few bath and body gifts to your sleep gift set. Firm favourites include body lotion, bath bombs, face masks, hand or foot lotion, and lip balms. For the self-care savvy, a few of these touches will be greatly appreciated and help them achieve maximum Zzzs.

6. Candles

A candle is the perfect Christmas sleep gift. Many studies give credibility to the idea that aromatherapy is a great way to aid sleep. The essential oils used in aromatherapy can also be found in candles helping you enter the land of nod. Just make sure to remind everyone to put it out before they doze off.

For utter relaxation, go for scented candles such as lavender or jasmine. If you want to add Christmas cheer, why not try festive scents such as fir tree, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, or cinnamon?

7. Essential oils

While we’re on the aromatherapy kick, essential oils are another great choice as a sleep gift that’ll help someone unwind. According to Healthline, essential oils have been shown to promote healthy sleep, relieve headaches, and alleviate pain.

They can be used in diffusers to create a cosy room, added to a bath for tranquillity, or even applied to the skin when pampering is needed. Just make sure to check that the oil is skin-safe before you put it in the hamper.

8. A sleep light 

If your gift recipient often struggles to nod off, why not dabble in some sleep tech to help them get their recommended 8 hours? Useful for children and adults alike, a sleep light can create an ambience to help them fall into a peaceful slumber, and gently wake them up without a loud alarm.

When it comes to children, the winter season can potentially make them spooked instead of excited if they are scared of the dark. A little light in the dark isn’t just festive – it can help them overcome an unfounded fear. Not the usual idea for a Christmas gift, but a valuable one all the same!

9. Food and Drink

Finally, what’s a festive hamper without a few treats? For many people, special spices and edible delights, both sweet and savoury, are a huge part of the season. If you know their favourites, gather up a selection and include them in your hamper.

If not, some great options include mulled wine, hot chocolate and herbal teas for the drinks. Then there are chocolates, shortbreads and festive crackers for the food.

However, you don’t want to overload sugar when it comes to sleep. Chamomile tea and almond snack mixes are two great options for those in need of rest. Chamomile is known as a sleep aid, and it contains an antioxidant that can promote sleepiness. Almonds, meanwhile, are a noble magnesium source. Improving your magnesium levels can help your muscles relax.