Sanctus Festive Gift Guide

Victoria Lloyd
Sanctus
Published in
6 min readDec 2, 2018

We’re back with our annual festive gift guide! Last year, we compiled a list of what to get that someone in your life who is owning their mental health and we wanted to keep it updated for 2018.

This is a go-to gift resource for anyone in your life who is exploring their vulnerability, authenticity and taking a little more care of themselves these days.

Rose, Community and Communications Lead

Little Box of Sleep, £12

We all know our mental health is massively impacted by the quality of sleep we have. This little set of aromatic beauties have been massively helpful to me with setting up a scene for a good nights sleep. The oils are dabbed on the tip of my nose, wrists and around the jaw line (and pillow if you fancy) just before I set myself up with a book before bedtime.

Brad, Sanctus Coach

The Five Invitations, £10

This book moved me so much on an emotional level and provided guidance about living life fully. It may sound morbid but I promise, it’s a truly moving and powerful read!

The book explores, through open and honest conversation, death, dying and what it can teach us about living. Based on the author’s work of compassionate care-giving, he distils the information he has learned into transforming our lives through ‘Five Invitations’ to living: Welcome Everything, Push Away Nothing; Bring Your Whole Self to the Experience; Don’t Wait; Find a Place of Rest in the Middle of Things; and Cultivate a Don’t Know Mind. He shows us how death can be the guide we need to wake up fully to our lives. Absolutely moving and inspirational. Will re-read

George Bell, Partner Development

Self Help for your Nerves, £8

It’s a great book on helping someone manage and overcome their anxiety it became my absolute bible when I was struggling, it’s a really simple concept and one I still use weekly three years on since I read it

Helen, Sanctus Coach

Gratitude Journal by ThisGratefulNow, 32 Euros

Establishing a gratitude practice is such a powerful tool to support mental good health, and this beautiful journal is a great way of getting you started. Filled with inspiring reads and space to record three gratitudes every day for a year, this book will keep you on track and look great on your bedside table. There’s a 10euro discount for the Sanctus community enter gratefulsanctus at checkout!

Christelle, Sanctus Coach

At Home Massage, Prices Vary

Ever thought on your way home, ‘I could really do with a nice massage right now!’ Well, this could be the next best thing.

Instead of an actual massage, last year my husband and I got a massage chair as a joint present. Whilst it’s a different experience and can never replace the intuition of a professional masseuse, I was surprised at how relaxing and powerful it was. Coming home at the end of a long day, it’s the perfect way to unwind and get rid of any tension in your back. All you need is a highback chair and maybe a throw to be massaged in style.

After trying ours, a lot of our friends couldn’t resist getting one for themselves or gifting one to their loved ones!

Sophie, Head of Coaching

A Plant!- Your local flower market, ikea, plant shop

Bring some outdoors in at a time of the year when we need more nature and wild life ;)

OR

A gift of service (Free!) — Give of your time and do something for someone you love. Doing things for others can make you feel so good when it’s an act of love, and it can be a meaningful, low-cost way to celebrate someone. Fix a bike, help someone go through their closet to free up some space, do a little guerrilla gardening and plant some secret bulbs somewhere together.

Scott, Creative Director
A Feel Good Movie —The Terminal, £5

If you’re a fan of Tom Hanks classics like Cast Away, Forrest Gump — one that goes under the radar is the wonderfully feel-good Spielberg classic — The Terminal.

Kevin, Sanctus Coach

Being Genuine, £15

My gift idea is one of my favourite books, ‘Being Genuine’ by Thomas D’Ansembourg.

It offers a way of connecting with yourself and others, both intellectually and emotionally. The book gives practical skills to allow us to safely remove the masks we hide behind, overcome old limiting beliefs, take responsibility for our feelings and actions, and create the space for human connection and intimacy.

Anne, Sanctus Coach

Oil Diffuser, £55

This Neal’s Yard diffuser lets you plug in and add any aromatherapy oil you like into it e.g. if you have a cold you can add eucalyptus or lavender for sleep, rosemary to invigorate. It’s a great addition to the home of someone looking to make a safe and relaxing space for themselves. It can be a real treat to come home, be mindful of what you might need after your day and get creative with mixing different oils!

Jessica, Sanctus

Oracle Cards, £11

This beautiful card deck is a great gift to help someone explore many different aspects of sacred femininity. Learn about divine feminine figures through history, and use their themes and archetypes to reflect on and enquire about your own life experiences and personal development. They can be a great tool for when you feel stuck, want a fresh perspective or something to bare in mind as you navigate life’s challenges.

Zoe, Partner Manager

Homemade Candles, Prices vary for all the bits and bobs

I’m making people candles this year! It can be really meaningful to give someone a hand made and personalised gift. Have a think about what kind of candle scent would they be? Spicy? Sweet? Fruity? Floral? Earthy? I’m also designing my own labels to personalise them. Who doesn’t feel better when candles are lit?

Audrey, Sanctus Coach

Happiness Planner, £10

A friend of mine gave me this. It’s a notepad to help you change a habit in 30 days. I absolutely love it! Ahh, the pride I felt when I had a 7 day streak cut on cutting down on Netflix ;)

This is a great gift for anyone starting to make change in their life. Big or small, this can encourage someone to stick to their new habits and stay accountable. Plus look how cute it is! It’s a perfect compliment to supporting someone in sticking to their new year’s resolution!

Vic, Head of Operations

Himalayan Salt Lamp, £16

I’ve had one of these in my room for a while now and it’s one of my favourite things I own. For anyone looking to make their room into a cosy, zen-den these lamps cast a warm glow in the room. I’ve found it’s really perked up my space now there’s less natural light around! Allegedly, when heated, these lamps works as an air purifier (helpful for Asthma, Sinusitis and allergy sufferers!) can reduce stress caused by blue lights from devices and increase energy. Plus they look pretty cool.

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Victoria Lloyd
Sanctus
Editor for

Head of Operations at Sanctus ✨| Writing on all things mental health and relationships 💙| High Priestess of Dagenham 🔮