2024 COS Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts for Relaxation

words by Lauren Kostas

The holiday season is a joyful time of mistletoe, bright candles, and family gatherings. But it can also be a bit stressful as we work to wrap up year-end projects, plan a fabulous holiday meal for twenty, or search for that perfect gift for a choosy teenager. We asked COS members to offer some recommendations for the bird groupies on your shopping list who may be looking for ways to relax, de-stress, and enter the new year with renewed energy. Below are some ideas to inspire your gift giving.

Music has the power to sooth, stimulate our brains, and transport us to a more relaxed state. Consider the gift of music compositions inspired by birds. The COS blog post on the history of birdsong in classical music gives lots of examples, including Ludwig von Beethoven’s evocation of the nightingale and quail in his “Pastoral” symphony; Sergey Prokofiev’s conjuring of a duck through the oboe in Peter and the Wolf; and Emily Doolittle’s take on a blackbird singing in the rain in her Falling Still. For a more local offering, check out the jazzy, almost meditative work of Chicago artist Woody Goss, who has several solo albums inspired by birding at Steelworkers Park and Rainbow Beach.

Tapping into a creative hobby is a terrific way to leave behind daily worries and unwind. Paint by number kits, such as modern and sleek sets featuring goldfinches and robins, can provide an afternoon of quiet focus and calm, as can felting kits that will help you make your very own bird companion through the cold months. Adult coloring books are popular stress busters and Birds: A Smithsonian Coloring Book includes detailed pen drawings of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Wood Thrushes, and more. Bird fans will enjoy this beautiful watercolor workbook featuring sketches and detailed instructions to paint twelve backyard birds.

Yoga is an ancient practice that can help reduce stress and promote wellness. The eagle, crow, heron, and peacock are all bird-inspired yoga poses and there are many gift ideas for the bird-inspired yoga practice. In the book Yoga for Stiff Birds, two illustrated crows demonstrate all kinds of positions and poses, mixing humor and practical advice for ways to bend, stretch and revive. It pairs well with bird-embossed yoga mats from 42 Birds, colorful leggings featuring the American Avocet, or a limited edition T-shirt from COS celebrating 2024 as the year of the Peregrine Falcon.

The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping a journal as a technique to release anxious feelings and clarify thinking. Sure to inspire peaceful reflection is Field Notes’ memo books The Birds and Trees of North America with cover art by artist and naturalist Rex Brasher.  Choices include beautiful illustrations of the Blue Jay, Brewer’s Sparrow, and the Baltimore Oriole. The works of poet Mary Oliver, known for her keen observation and exploration of nature, are spotlighted in This Wild and Precious Life journal. The journal combines uplifting quotes and charming illustrations, while providing plenty of space for individual contemplation and comments.

Curling up with a good book benefits mind and body. Researchers at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68 percent, lowering heart rate and reducing tension. An Illinois native tree (and favorite of robins, Cedar Waxwings, and Catbirds) is celebrated in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry. In this beautifully illustrated book, Kimmerer describes how the serviceberry illustrates interconnection in nature and advocates for the power of reciprocity and gratitude. Amy Tan’s The Backyard Bird Chronicles is a visually appealing and engaging account of rejoicing in the natural beauty all around. 

Audio books are another option, offering the added pleasure of having a friendly, pleasant voice telling the story. Consider Kenn Kaufman’s narration of his recent work The Birds That Audubon Missed: Discovery and Desire in the American Wilderness, which takes a fresh look at the earliest days of ornithology.

Bird watching is a recognized stress reducer and studies suggest that engaging with birdlife can support mental wellbeing. Consider gifting an experience and inviting a friend to join you on a COS-sponsored trip or event. You can plan an outing that combines a little exercise, some friendly interaction and an opportunity to relax and recharge in a nearby green space. Bookmark the COS upcoming events page to stay abreast of trips and events all year long.

Note: All the information on this page is only for general information purposes. The COS doesn’t make any warranties on the items listed above and received no referral commission.