43 Helpful Gifts for Someone Going Through A Tough Time

Have you ever experienced a breakdown in your life? Did you notice how it shattered you into pieces? It feels like losing control of our feelings and emotions. Now, look around. You will see someone around you is facing issues and struggling to overcome the difficult times in their life. This person may be our friends, family members, companions, and others. 

This is where we should step in, offer our helping hands, and encourage them to get through it. Though we may not know what to say or do to take away their hurt, we can show our love languages through helpful gifts for someone going through a tough time to brighten their day and make them feel better. 

Difficulty of Choosing A Gift for Someone 

A few years back, one of my friends lost her beloved father. It happened out of the blue, and she was completely traumatized by it. The situation was sensitive, but I knew I had to do something to make her feel better during this grieving moment.

So, I devised a few gift ideas that aligned with her condition. The most important thing was the gift I picked; it benefited her aching heart throughout the journey. 

Choosing a perfect gift for someone can require keen observation when you know the person is going through a lot lately. But as long as you know the person well, it shouldn’t take you long to come up with excellent, unique gift ideas to cheer them up. Don’t make any mistake in choosing a gift for someone who’s going through a tough time.

You can also keep the following tips in mind.

• Consider the person’s situation. Is he or she in grief? Is he or she enduring a breakdown?
• Prioritize and infer your recipient’s preferences while choosing a gift.
• Use your wisdom and thoughtfulness.

Let’s dive into the research-backed suggestions based on my experiences that might help you choose the proper gift.

Comfort and Relaxation:

The best relaxation and comfort gifts can help your recipient find a sense of serenity and emotional support.

A nice wellness gift could also benefit your stressed-out friend or loved ones. Let’s explore some go-to comfort and relaxation gift ideas below.

Self-Care Kit 

Have you ever used a self-care kit with bath bombs, face masks, or aromatherapy items? Isn’t it precious? It can be an excellent gift option if your friend or loved one is having trouble getting back on track.

Identify their needs (which item would help them the most) to boost their energy and keep them motivated throughout the day. The kit will encourage them to care for their body and mind equally. 

Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set 

This thoughtful gift shows you care about your loved one’s well-being. The aromatherapy diffuser and essential oil set are personalized gifts that can resonate deeper and cater to specific moods and preferences.

Aromatherapy has been popular due to its contribution to reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall moods. 

This is perfect as a gift for someone who has been stressed lately. It will ease their stressful situations and help them stimulate their mind. Also, you will find various calming scents (lavender, jasmine, lemon, basil, and many more) in the marketplace. These scents work great for anxiety and relaxation.  

Scented Candle 

This gift symbolizes a mood enhancer. The uplifting aroma activates receptors in the brain that can make someone feel happy instantly. The scented candles can create a convenient environment for someone to relax, stay present, enjoy a peaceful ambiance, and connect with their spiritual side. Last, but not least, it’s a beautiful gift for someone struggling and having a hard time in their life. 

Stress Ball

Stress balls are known to be highly effective in reducing tension. They can also strengthen someone’s emotional stability and benefit them physically.

If a friend of yours is having a tough time dealing with stress, you can give this gift as a stress reliever. It will help him or her increase positive energy or stay centered and calm.

Comfortable Blanket 

What do you think gifting a comfortable blanket expresses? It expresses comfort and care. It is a thoughtful present suitable for anyone, from children to adults. This gift shows your recipient that you care about them and want to elevate their sleep quality. 

If your loved one is physically unwell and going through so much, gifting a comfortable blanket will showcase your thoughtfulness to them. 

Pick the one you think will comfort your recipient the most. Comfortable blankets come in various quality fabrics, sizes, and weights, such as weighted blankets, fleece throws, quilts, duvets, knitted blankets, and many more. 

Comfy Pillow

When your loved one is facing a challenging period, gifting them a comfy pillow will be ideal as it ensures better sleep and moods. This is a therapeutic component, helping the recipient take their mind off things for a while and have a better sleep journey. 

It shows that you are concerned about their health and well-being. When you are at it, choose a color that might cheer them up and encourage them to get off to a refreshing start. There are also different types of pillows you can look into. Some are suggested below.

• Memory foam pillows
• Down pillows
• Feather pillows
• Micro-bead pillows
• Latex pillows
• Body pillows, and many more. 

Spa Gift Certificate

Are you seeking a thoughtful gift that speaks your mind and shows you honestly care? Look no further. Purchasing a spa gift certificate for someone going through a rough patch is as thoughtful as it gets. You want your recipient to feel better, indulge in healing, and experience wellness so that they can mitigate stress, boost confidence, and reset their mood. 

But notice if this gift is for someone older or with mobility limitations. Consider a mobile massage in that case. This shows that you would do anything to make them feel good and go the extra mile if needed. It’s not only a gift; it’s self-care with experiences and memories. 

Indoor Plant 

These small creatures are natural and symbolic. They can be considered therapeutic plants for someone coping with stress and trying to recover. They will be a gentle reminder to your recipient to heal. Also, they don’t require much care; they’re low maintenance and beneficial for health. Such as:

• Reduce anxiety and stress
• Sharpen attention
• Improve healing 
• Boost Productivity
• Make indoor life a pleasure
• Increases happiness and satisfaction and more. 

Adult Coloring Book 

Give your stressed-out friend or loved one an adult-oriented colouring book, and let him or her cure, reduce anxiety, and gradually engage in more mindfulness. This creative and meditative gift is a stress reliever that helps someone get through their hard time and mental benefits. Colouring can help someone connect with creativity and imagination and redirect their attention; it has also been proven effective in mental health situations. 

Relaxation and Relief Bath Set

After a long day, when you feel like everything is taking a toll on you, what could warm your heart and soul more than a relaxing bath? If you know someone who has been stressed and is not doing well, give them a relaxation-relief bath set and let them feel their personal oasis. 

It is considered a thoughtful self-care gift that can provide a respite, help someone lessen their tiredness, and give magic relief and a reviving start. This set includes all the essential elements for a blissful bath experience.

Sleep-Related Items 

Sometimes, all it takes is a power nap to make everything alright and get back on track. Help your loved one face difficult times by giving him or her sleeping items such as eye masks, earplugs, deep sleep pillow spray, and others. Using these relaxing items, your recipient will sleep better and will be able to improve their ability to focus, upgrade their mental health, and make decisions effectively.

Heating Pad or Electric Blanket 

If your loved one is older and has confronted physical issues, you can give him or her this warming gift. It will relieve joint pain, ease back pain and neck and shoulder tension and keep feet warm. Most importantly, it will provide them with quality sleep. Remember to remind them of safety warnings if you are considering this gift. 

Weighted Blanket 

Weighted blankets are known for helping with anxiety and restlessness, similar to a hug. If you know someone who has trouble sleeping or has stress or anxiety, this weighted blanket can help them relax and ensure comfort during a night shift to improve sleep quality.

But as most weighted blankets are heavier, remember who you are buying it for. It varies on individual needs.

Estimated Price List for Comfort and Relaxation Items

Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices:

It’s difficult to see your loved ones going through a difficult phase, and you want to do anything to make them feel better. There are different gift options that you can choose to help them heal and alleviate their worries.

Also, remember your recipient’s preferences while you are at it. Below are the gift ideas related to mindfulness and self-care practices. 

Subscription to a Meditation or Mindfulness App

Nothing works as charmingly as meditation when going through a difficult time that directly impacts your mental health. You want to refocus and improve your health with something that incorporates your mind. 

Suppose your loved one is going through a rough patch, and you want to support them in dealing with stress, sleep, calmness, and all other wearying emotions.

This meditation or mindfulness app can work like magic by absorbing their attention. There are a few meditation or mindfulness app suggestions you can consider.  

• Headspace
• The mindfulness app
• Ten percent happier meditation and others. 

Self-Help Book 

Books are considered our best friends, and there is a reason behind that. A self-help book can pique your interest and positively change your life. It can help you feel motivated, improve and console yourself whenever you feel down. It also gives validation to face your problems as a source of inspiration.

Suppose a friend or someone you deeply care about is enduring a difficult situation. In that case, gifting a self-help book can encourage them to rethink their life and the problems they are dealing with, eventually leading to a better version of the recipient. 

There are many self-help books you can look into. Find books on self-esteem, anxiety management, stress management, and self-growth. Help your loved one create a positive impact on their lives.

Journal 

What do you think gifting someone a journal means? Journals are among the most thoughtful gifts, conveying a gentle reminder to someone you care about that their life is worth recording. If you know someone struggling with their life, give them a journal to document it. 

Journaling can help your recipient discover themselves, reduce stress, and better understand their emotions.

It also serves many purposes, such as writing down thoughts, tracking goals, and planning future projects. Below are a few specific journal suggestions.

• Gratitude Journal
• Personalized Journal
• Daily Planner with inspirational quotes
• Self-Love journal, etc.

Yoga Mat

We live a life that often deals with chaos and the unpredictable nature of life. A yoga mat inspires someone in his or her self-development, which eventually leads to easing mental health issues and also benefiting physical health. 

You can give it to someone you know who is trying to cope with anxiety to help them improve their lifestyle, connect to their body, and meet daily challenges.

It can also become a mindful practice of freedom and well-being as a powerful meditation tool. There are a few types of yoga mats available out there, such as:

• Liforme yoga mat
• WIWORLDANDI Soul mat
• Manduka
• Gaiam and others.

Meditation Cushion

If you are into meditation, you already know how essential a meditation cushion can be. It provides great support during meditation sessions.

If your loved one is suffering from anxiety and you want to help them get rid of it, choose this item for them. This gift can work as a catalyst to start meditation and lead to better understanding and controlling their thoughts and emotions.

Mindfulness Cards 

Mindfulness cards are a great gift you can consider giving someone in need. They are designed to improve someone’s energy, help create peace, and keep calm. Let your loved one have them to practice mindfulness.

These are simple to use and come with illustrations, guided meditations, affirmations, and relatable instructions. Help someone you care about overcome their difficulties and make an impact. 

Self-Care Activity Book 

A well-being activity book can make a difference in someone’s life, especially if the person struggles to mitigate stress or has many mental issues.

This crafted book consists of activities designed to help someone feel motivated, connect to their surroundings, encourage them to maintain cognitive health, and make positive and lasting changes. Specific challenges like anxiety or burnout help them engross their minds and recover themselves through self-improvement. 

Online Therapy Session 

Our mental health is our biggest powerhouse, and it’s up to us to keep it safe and sound. If your loved one is facing a challenging period and you know that he or she should prioritize their mental health, think of offering them a free online therapy session with professionals.

There are many effective platforms designed for people to consult regarding the mental issues they are facing. Some of them are:

• Brightside
• Calmerry
• Talkspace
• BetterHelp
• Teladoc and many more.

Estimated Price List for Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices.

Experiences and Activities:

When we immerse ourselves in new things, we finally get to divert our minds. If someone around you is suffering and trying to get better, you can help them take their mind off things through gifts with various experiences and activities. A few gift ideas for this are listed below: 

Online Course 

Inspire your loved one to learn a new skill through an online course. If you know someone passionate about learning who is facing obstacles in life, you can gift him or her an online course based on their hobbies and interests. This can help them distract their minds and delve into learning. 

It’s an excellent gift for someone who is a learning enthusiast and always welcomes in-depth knowledge of something specific. Here are some of the best platforms for you to purchase an online course: 

• Udemy
• Coursera
• Skillshare
• Thinkfic
• Kajabi and many more.  

Daily or Weekly Planner

A daily or weekly planner is a simple yet thoughtful gift. It has the potential to organize someone’s life very effectively. If you know someone close to you who is having issues with time management and planning things, you can consider giving him or her this gift.

It will help them track details, schedules, and projects, including practicing writing tasks. This will positively impact your recipient’s life and allow them to rethink and implement their goals. 

Personalized Gift 

Personalized gifts are always unique and meaningful. If you want to make someone smile and brighten up their day, customized gifts are an amazing option.

When someone is enduring a bad day, all it takes is your little effort to make their day. There are hundreds of thousands of gift items that can be personalized. A few suggestions are listed below.

• Jewellery with the recipient’s initials.
• Engraved Mug with a meaningful message.
• Customized t-shirt with a motivational quote, etc.

Gift Card to a Favorite Store or Service

Keeping someone busy when they are going through a lot is the best thing you can do for them. So if you make someone go shopping to clear their head, it surely counts.

Also, gift cards are always appreciated and offer better value than others. Detect your recipient’s interests and buy a gift card depending on that. 

A gift card to a local restaurant would be great if someone loves food. If someone loves massages or facials, a gift card from a spa would be thoughtful enough. Choosing a gift card aligning with your recipient’s interests showcases that you care about them and put much thought into it. 

Class or Workshop 

Have you joined a workshop class before? You surely know how enlightening and valuable it can be if you do. Giving someone a class or workshop as a gift based on their interests is unique and thoughtful. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that anyone will love and truly admire.

If your loved one or someone special has been experiencing a setback, and you want to make them feel special, help them elevate their skills through a gifted class or workshop.

If that person loves to cook, offer them a cooking class. If that person is into art, gifting an art class based on his or her interests will surely be welcomed.

Focus on your recipient’s interests and areas of difficulty (personal improvement such as creativity, public speaking, etc.) or divert his or her mind through cooking, art, or wine-tasting class or workshop, depending on his or her hobbies. 

Experience Gift 

The most exciting fact about this gift is that it can change someone’s life and elevate its quality. A person facing adversity could use this gift as a distraction and help recover. Experience gifts are known to be more psychologically uplifting than other tangible gifts. 

The experience can include concert gifts, a weekend gateway, trips to a relaxing location, and other things. There are countless benefits of giving someone experience gifts. 

• Creates new memories
• A catalyst in aiding personal growth
• Deepen the bond
• Supports positive mental health
• Improves physical health
• Fosters the mindfulness
• Reduces stress and anxiety and others. 

Estimated Price List for Experiences and Activities.

Pick-Me-Up Gifts:

When your friend, family member, or loved one is experiencing a difficult time, you can lift their spirits with pick-me-up gifts. These gifts will help them boost their minds, improve their mental health, and restore energy. But also, try to cater the gifts to your recipient’s tastes. Here are a few pick-me-up gift ideas for someone stressed out. 

Flowers

A flower is a powerful universal gift that can help us communicate when we don’t know what to say. It expresses our emotions without uttering a single word. Brighten up someone’s day who has been feeling down lately with this beautiful gesture.

But before buying flowers and giving them to someone, keep a few things in mind, as suggested below, to enhance the significance of the gift.

• Consider your recipient’s preference, such as a refreshing flower bouquet. 
• Select fresh flowers and make bright and cheerful arrangements.
• Go for a potted plant with a personal touch if it is appropriate at that moment.

Box of Chocolates or Fun Snacks 

If you know someone who has been sick or is navigating a challenging situation, this majestic treat will make them feel much better. A delicious box of chocolates can sweeten up anyone’s day and bring a smile to their face.

Go for quirky candies, or if you want to make it special, consider healthy DIY trail mix kits. Chocolates are universally appreciated and loved. If your loved one is a chocolate lover, this gift will surely cheer them up. 

Funny or Inspirational Book

Books can be entertaining or influential, depending on the subject they are written on. Whoever your loved one ( Daycare provider, flight attendant, teacher, therapist, wife, nephews & nieces, long-distance friends, Muslim friends, artists, surfer, etc.) is stressed out and you know they love books, this is your chance to get creative. Find a book that will resonate with their current mood and help them divert their minds. 

Tickle them internally with a lighthearted, funny book, or encourage them with a relatable inspirational book that will motivate them throughout the day. Books are not only a source of knowledge but also a tool for entertainment and a driving force. 

Positive Phone Case or Laptop Decal with Uplifting Messages

Even the smallest gestures can create a positive impact. This gift can benefit someone on a journey to well-being and remind them how well you know and care about them. A little personalized touch will make this gift more stylish and reflect their personality. Customize it according to the device’s model and add an uplifting message to boost their positivity and help them move forward again. 

Cozy Socks or Slippers with Fun Designs

This comfortable footwear gift ensures warmth and a unique style. If your loved one is physically unwell, it will provide them various health benefits; whether that person is unwinding after a long day or trying to distract themselves for a while, its cozy softness will be a delightful reminder of your love and appreciation. 

Fidget Toy 

If you have used a fidget toy before, you know how pleasant it can be. Fidget toys are an excellent tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Even according to Dr. John Ratey, fidgeting can increase dopamine levels in the brain.

If someone you know is strained and experiencing hardship, giving this gift will help them subdue stressful situations and calm down. Some examples of fidget toys are: 

• Fidget spinners
• Pop-it
• Fidget stretch toys
• Fidget balls
• Chain fidget toys, and many more. 

Board Game or Card Game 

A board or card game is a gift that can spark imagination, help cooperate, and connect with people socially. If your loved one is coping with stress and you know that person could use a distraction by having group fun, this board or card game gift is a wise and thoughtful choice.

It has many benefits, including melting stress away, strengthening brain function, boosting mood, and kickstarting creativity. 

Gourmet Food Basket

This gift is a complete package that can brighten up someone’s day. Ship it straight to your loved one’s door with the messages “Take Care” and “Get well soon” and wow them. Someone going through a hard time could use it to indulge in delicious treats.

The package includes various food items, including cheese and crackers, chocolate, locally sourced treats, and many others. You can also customize it as per your preference. This is a gift your recipient will love and find as a thoughtful gesture. 

Inspirational Wall Art 

Arts have always been used as an inspirational tool to uplift ourselves. This gift is meaningful and a source of driving force for someone who has been severely sick or going through a rough patch. The inspirational wall art will motivate them and elevate their mood. 

It’s a constant reminder that even if they are down right now, they will get back stronger and soon make a change in no time. Try adding a powerful motivational quote or a photo frame of a calming nature scene that brings peaceful serenity and stimulates someone’s mind.

Homesick Candle 

Homesick candles are a sentimental gift that evokes memories, has a good smell, and suits your recipient’s mood. If your friend or loved one is not doing well; you can give this gift to them so they can take a moment and feel relaxed.

When buying it, choose something aromatic so that the smells remind your recipient of a happy place. It can help someone relieve anxiety and heal internally.

Movie Night Essentials 

Usually, when we are feeling down, we watch movies to turn our thoughts elsewhere. It is a wonderful source of recreation that keeps us busy and captivates our minds. But what can create the perfect ambiance for a movie night? Fortunately, the movie night essentials can make it happen.

If your loved one is stressed out, and you want to make them feel better, help them with these movie night essentials so they can have a relaxing night watching movies.

It will show them you deeply care about them and want them to have good memories.  A few suggestions for movie night essentials will be:

• Popcorn
• Candy
• Cozy blanket
• Projector
• A heartfelt card, etc. 

Subscription Box 

A subscription box is an ideal, unique, and last-minute gift idea for someone facing a personal challenge in their life. You can tailor this from food to books to beauty according to your recipient’s tastes and interests. 

Food items such as coffee, tea, and chocolate or self-care items such as bath bombs or salts can be customized to your recipient’s preferences.

It is a reason to bring a smile to their face and a thoughtful gesture that shows you love them and care about their well-being.

Estimated Price List for Pick-Me-Up Gifts.

BonusIdeas:

There are endless gift ideas. You should choose the one that is suitable for your recipient’s situation. We have a few more suggestions for you to help your loved one overcome their challenging issues and give them the incentives they need. Check out the ideas below: 

Audible Subscription or Audiobooks

An audible subscription is a digital gift that allows your recipient to enjoy as much audio content as they like, indulge in something different, and help themselves unwind.

If your loved one is older and going through a stressful time, this gift can teach them how to break the stress cycle, become a better version of themselves, and retain productivity. Other beneficial  factors are:

• Convenient
• Learning and personal development
• Multitasking and others.

Donation to Their Favourite Charity in Their Name

If your loved one is grieving, consider donating to their favorite charity in their honor. It’s a meaningful and honorable gift that makes a difference. This thoughtful generosity shows how much you care about the person and want to support them in making an impactful memory. 

A Handwritten Card with a Heartfelt Message 

Nothing is as powerful as a handwritten card with a heartfelt message regarding supporting someone. Words are mightier than any materialistic gifts, showing you care about their well-being and feelings.

To create meaningful communication, personalize the message and let them know how much you appreciate their existence and what it means to you. This level of consideration and thoughtfulness demonstrates your efforts invested in reaching out to them and making them feel better. 

Offer Your Help and Support Beyond The Gift 

When someone is going through a lot, the most natural response you can offer is your helping hand. All you have to do is sit by their side and listen to them to make them feel better.

Ask them how you can help them deal with the situation if necessary. Give them your support and let them know you are here for them. Invite them to a walk with you, hear them out, and remind them everything will be fine. 

Opinion/Recommendation 

In this era of product hype, it’s no surprise that customers are becoming skeptical. As you are looking for gift ideas to help your loved one go through a difficult time, here are the few review-based best gift ideas that can help you find a gift that delivers according to your recipient’s conditions: 

1. Self-Care Kit

A few months ago, a friend of mine was feeling a little blue, so I thought of surprising her with this self-care kit box. At first, I was skeptical and didn’t know if it was worth spending money on, but I must say this investment was well worth it.

This brightened my friend’s day; she loved using those self-care quality aromatherapy items. I would also definitely recommend this product to my friends and their families.

2. Adult Coloring Book 

These books are simply amazing! I found out such books existed when a friend bought them. I found them helpful to use in my cancer coloring book support group. The coloring book occupied the people for an extended period and helped them deal with stress and calm down.

This book has a sense of joy and wonder that we sometimes forget about being adults. I bought quite a few from Amazon and would like to recommend them to others struggling with complexities and hardship.

3. Self-Help Book 

A few months back, I was dealing with stress. A colleague of mine gifted me a self-help book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book helped me reshape the way I think about progress and success and gave me the strategies I needed to transform my habits and reduce stress.

I have already read it twice. I think self-help books are excellent and relatable, and now I’m thinking of giving such books as a gift to my siblings and friends who have been dealing with stress lately.  

4. Class or Workshop

This was during COVID; my wife was going through a lot. I found a course online for $30 on DIY Delicious: Dumplings Two Ways. I bought it and gave it to her. She had a fantastic time learning how to make fried and boiled dumplings.

Eventually, she showed off her skills and surprised me with the dumplings she made. She even requested to enrol her in a different class at that moment. If someone is having a hard time, I would like to suggest an online class or workshop catered to your or your recipient’s preference. Learning something new is always fun.

5. Audible Subscription or Audiobooks

My father has been sick recently. He is a productive man who hates to see his time wasted. It was then that I introduced him to audiobooks. He found them amazing and enjoyed listening to them. He was almost always devoted to them, listening to his favorite topics and enlightening himself.

He didn’t stop using them ever after. According to him, it helped him learn many new things he was interested in, reduced his anxieties, and improved his mental health. Now, my father-in-law and his friends also started using it. 

Conclusion

It hurts to see our loved ones suffering; it also seems difficult to express ourselves and help them get back on track. But we should remember that during this situation, we should put ourselves in their shoes and come up with meaningful ideas to help them recover. 

This guide provides tips and gift ideas to promote positivity. But there is no doubt in saying that the most valuable gift you can offer someone in this situation is your time and support. While choosing gifts, always keep their needs and preferences in mind. It reflects your thoughtfulness and shows them how much you care and want to help them in healing.

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