9 gifts for people who want to start meditating more
Meditating is hard. Believe me, I’ve tried for about five or six years now. Whether it’s being alone with my thoughts, or finding some quiet time, I've found it difficult to commit to a daily mediation practice. In part, that can probably be chalked up to a busy culture that just doesn't allow much time for self reflection and emotional processing.
It's also hard to be consistent. While I don't believe I need to meditate for an hour every day to be successful, even the five minutes I aim to get in each morning can feel intimidating and laborious.
For someone who's failed at meditating time and time again, but has finally found a way to make it a habit (on most days), here are nine gifts to inspire family or friends to commit to the challenge.
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1. The Meditation Journal
Tracking your progress as you develop your meditation practice can motivate you to keep going. I like the Meditation Sidekick Journal because it explores the science behind meditation, is targeted for beginner meditators, and has a place for you to jot down your thoughts throughout the day.
Price: $29.90 on Amazon
2. Timer
Ditch your phone while you meditate. Believe me, you don't want to be distracted by texts and news alerts while you're trying to get your zen on.
Instead, use the Znewtech timer. You can set the timer for five, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. It'll alert you when the time is up with three increasingly louder alarms or an LED flashing light.
Price: $16.99 on Amazon
3. White Noise Machine
Sometimes while meditating, you need to play calming sounds or block out all noises to really concentrate. The Douni Sleep Sound Machine has 24 sounds to play, such as ocean waves and chirping crickets. I find its wooden finish aesthetically pleasing, unlike many of the other, white, robotic-looking machines out there. You can also plug in headphones, so you don't bother others when you need a few minutes to meditate at work or while commuting.
Price: $35.95 on Amazon
4. Pillow Cushion
Meditating itself can be mentally exhausting, so you might as well be comfortable while you're doing it. The Peace Yoga Crescent Bolster pillow supports your spine and is filled with buckwheat hulls, which you can adjust to cater to your body.
These pillows are cute too! They come in various colors, like purple and turquoise, and each color has a different design.
Price: $34.99 on Amazon
5. Wooden Incense Burner
Pleasant smells will put you into a more relaxed mental space while you meditate. Cotton Craft's incense burner lets you store your unused incense sticks and has a celestial vibe — stars and moons adorn the outside. It comes in a two pack, which means you can set up a (sweet-smelling) meditation zone in multiple rooms.
Price: $13.49 on Amazon
6. Incense Sticks
Of course, you'll need incense sticks too. OTOFY incense sticks come in multiple smells, such as lavender, sandalwood, and jasmine. OTOFY says each stick will burn for 20 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to center yourself and get your mediation on before work.
Price: $10.99 on Amazon
7. Meditation Medicine Balls
Between abusing our hands with long days at the computer and worrying constantly about the next thing on our to-do lists, most people's bodies and minds rarely get a break. JapanBargain's medicine balls are designed to relax your hands and make your fingers more nimble, as you roll them around in your hands.
Price: $9.99 on Amazon
8. Meditation Stool
The bamboo stool from Mindful & Modern is another great option to take the pressure off your joints as you meditate. That means you'll be more comfortable and focused during longer sessions. The stool also folds up and comes with a bag, so you can take it with you when you travel.
Price: $47.99 on Amazon
9. Calm app
The Calm app is targeted for both beginners and more experienced meditators, and you can choose the time length you'd like to meditate. There are tons of meditation programs with masterclasses from mindfulness experts to pick from. Calm even offers bedtime stories for adults who have trouble falling asleep. It's free to download and there's a seven day trial (after which you'll need to pay), so you can see if it's right for you.
Price: $69.99 per year on Google Play and iOS App Store
Topics Health Social Good
Siobhan was the Social Good reporter at Mashable, writing about everything from mental health to race to the climate crisis. Before diving into the world of journalism, she worked in global health — most notably, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique. Find her at @siobhanneela.
