It’s not always easy to show our loved ones how much we care for them. Still, it’s so important that we make an effort to do so, especially when they may be going through tough times.
These gifts to cheer someone up are one of the best ways to show someone you care about them when you just can’t find the words.
For someone who is lonely and struggling, the simple gesture of a gift can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for a way to uplift someone in your life, I have a list of cheerful gift ideas that can help.
These gifts range from small and sentimental to big gestures.
They all have one thing in common – they’re incredibly meaningful and will sure to brighten the recipient’s day.
How Do I Choose Gifts to Cheer Someone Up?
So how do you choose gifts to cheer someone up?
If you have a down or depressed friend, you need to choose your gift with sensitivity.
There are a few things that you should consider when picking out your gift:
- What do they love? Are they animal lovers? Big foodies? What’s something that never fails to put a smile on their face?
- Could the things they usually love cause them pain? Sometimes the things we love the most remind us of things we’re hoping to forget or move past. Be mindful of the reason behind their sadness and choose your gift accordingly.
- Should the gift be home-focused? We all need different things when we’re feeling down. Some people need to get out into the world and find distractions. Others absolutely need to stay home to take care of themselves. Make sure your chosen gift aligns with these needs.
- What do they actually need? Though a bunch of flowers is a beautiful gesture, be mindful of what your loved one truly needs at this time. Depending on the person, you may decide that instead of flowers, for example, you want to get them something that speaks directly to their personal needs.
16 Uplifting Gifts to Cheer Someone Up
Whether you’re looking to support a family member, partner, or best friend, this list of gifts to cheer someone up can help.
Find the perfect present for your loved one to show them your love and care.
1) A Handwritten Note
It’s the small things in life that count. This is especially true in friendship. Sometimes all you need to show that you love someone is a small, sentimental gift.
A handwritten note, or series of special notes, makes for a present that is both beautiful and affordable.
We can’t always be with our loved ones but having a small, physical reminder of your support is the next best thing.
I think this is one of the best presents you can give because it is so personal.
Share your love through the written word by creating a positivity jar filled with handwritten notes offering emotional support, and small reminders of better days.
You can purchase premade jars like THESE >> with motivational quotes, then add your own personal notes to the mix. You could even include THIS gratitude jar kit for the recipient to fill out themselves.
2) Weighted Plushie
A weighted plushie is a great way to help reduce someone’s anxiety. This sweet dinosaur plush is lightly weighted to aid in anxiety and promote relaxation.
It’s the perfect gift to offer a dear friend who is going through rough times.
If your loved one is feeling overwhelmed and especially anxious, they can cuddle up with this plush and feel relief.
My nephew uses this exact one to read to. It has helped to have a reading buddy that combos as an anxiety reducer.
3) Spa Experience Gift Card
For those going through a hard time, there is no better way to uplift the spirit than the gift of relaxation.
Offer a spa experience gift card to friends who are in desperate need of some TLC.
This is the perfect way to get a struggling loved one out of the house in a non-threatening, relaxing way. Make it extra special by making a DIY spa ticket to go along with it.
Your friend can enjoy a soothing massage, a cleansing facial, or whatever they desire.
Best of all, they can do this at their own pace. While they may not be ready to face the world, this can be a promise of future good times.
4) At-Home Spa Kit
Though a spa day may sound amazing in theory, those who are experiencing poor mental health may not be ready to face appointments and would prefer to stay home. In this case, bringing the spa to them is a good idea!
Put together a home spa kit for your loved one. You can fill it with your favorite spa products.
At first I struggled with what to put in a self-care basket for a friend but now I have it down!
Some of my favorite additions are sheet face masks, essential oils, and a great bubble bath. This is one of my go-to gifts to cheer someone up!
If you’re looking for something premade, THIS spa gift set >> combines nine great gifts, including lavender body oil, a natural lip balm, and a beautifully scented candle.
I love this option because it’s customizable with a personalized note. You can even choose to include the recipient’s name on the box for an extra special touch.
5) Sweet Treats Candy Bouquet
When thinking of easy ways to cheer someone up, my mind immediately goes to sugar!
Does your friend have a sweet tooth? Indulge their cravings with this easy candy bouquet.
This candy arrangement is creative and inexpensive to create.
All you need is a mason jar, your friend’s favorite candy, and a few basic crafting supplies!
This bouquet makes a joyful visual statement of your care. It’s also super personal because you can customize it based on the recipient.
6) Game Night Gift Basket
If your loved one is in serious need of some family time, this DIY game night gift basket is a wonderful gift idea!
Include card games, board games, and lots of treats.
These gifts to cheer someone up can be enjoyed by the whole family!
We all experience sad days differently. Some people need to be alone to process their emotions. Others need to be surrounded by their loved ones.
This gift is a great way to gather support from friends and family.
7) Wine Lovers Gift Basket
Make anyone’s day with this DIY wine gift basket! Nothing says “treat yourself” like a tasty glass of wine.
You can make this gift basket yourself with a few easy components.
Make sure to include your loved one’s favorite bottle of wine along with some pairing treats like cheese and crackers!
It’s important to note that alcohol is a known depressant, so be mindful when giving this gift!
It’s best suited for a friend experiencing a bad day, not for someone who is struggling with depression.
8) Light Therapy Lamp
Cold, dark weather can really affect someone’s mood for the worse. If your loved one suffers from seasonal depression, give them the gift of sunshine!
SAD is a real thing that many people struggle with every winter.
This light therapy lamp mimics the sun to boost your mood and energy levels. Other benefits include enhanced focus and improved sleep patterns.
This is an amazing gift idea for anyone experiencing long-term sadness.
Buy a light therapy lamp here >>
9) Your Favorite Book
I truly believe there is no more thoughtful gift than a good book. Offer your friend some light reading with this small gift.
Reading is a great way to spend your free time when you’re feeling down because it’s such an immersive experience.
A good, light read can be distracting and fun on the worst days.
Gift your loved one your favorite book. You can even write a small, encouraging note inside the cover to make it an even more personal gesture.
If you’re looking to give something encouraging with well-being in mind, I’d recommend THIS BOOK, Joyful by Ingrid Fettel Lee.
10) Coffee Lover Gift Basket
Gift baskets are amongst the best gifts because you can really personalize them for the recipient. Brighten a coffee lover’s day by creating your very own coffee gift basket.
Offer a fun way to make a cup of coffee by including coffee beans, a mug, and more! You can even add a little treat like biscotti or chocolate-covered espresso beans to enjoy.
For a pre-made option, try THIS coffee gift set >>
11) Comfy Pajama Set
When someone is feeling down, they might spend a lot of time in their pajamas.
This isn’t something to be ashamed of!
A new pajama set is one of the most perfect gifts for someone who is going through a bad time.
THIS lightweight pajama set >> is 100% cotton, so it’s both breathable and comfortable for long-time wear.
12) Guided Journal Kit
What better gift for a friend in need than a tool to help them get past their pain?
I believe that this guided journal kit is one of the absolute best buys on this list.
It has uplifting gifts including a journal with blank and guided pages to encourage your loved ones to process their experiences.
It also includes other mindfulness aids like gemstones, a white sage bundle, and a natural lavender bath bomb. The results are a kit that promotes wellness and healing through gentle actions.
Buy the guided journal kit HERE >>
13) A New House Plant
A succulent is a new take on the classic flower arrangement. Succulents are very low maintenance (they like to be forgotten about!).
This means they’re a good choice for someone who may not have the motivation for a high-needs plant.
If you’d like to make this gift even more personal, you can try your hand at any of these succulent projects. Your recipient will be touched by this extra effort!
Or, there are many professionally arranged beautiful options out there too! Try giving THIS beautiful succulent arrangement to bring a little life into your loved one’s home.
14) Brunch at home
Lean into what your friend loves the most with this creative, at-home brunch kit.
When someone is experiencing high levels of anxiety, it can be hard to get out and enjoy the things that they usually love!
Something as special as a weekend brunch can trigger extra anxiety for those who are struggling with their mental health.
Bring brunch to them with this brunch gift set. It includes all the necessary ingredients to make delicious waffles and pancakes, right at their own home!
You can even suggest that you cook together. Quality time and a shared meal can do a lot to boost someone’s day!
Purchase a brunch gift set HERE >>
15) House Cleaning Voucher
It can be hard to keep up with cleaning during the best of times. If someone is feeling depressed, cleaning can suddenly feel impossible!
Help reduce a loved one’s stress by offering them a house cleaning voucher. You can choose between a professional cleaning service or doing the cleaning yourself!
Make your very own custom cleaning voucher HERE >>
16) Fresh Flowers
Ok, I just couldn’t leave fresh flowers off of this list of gifts to cheer someone up.
While it is a super common offering, I think that flowers are still a special gesture under the right circumstances.
Having fresh flowers around the house can be extremely mood-boosting.
They offer a super sensory experience; not only do they look beautiful, but they also smell amazing!
Make your floral gift personal by opting to make the arrangement yourself! DIY flower arrangements make wonderful uplifting gifts. Whether you’re gathering from your garden or a florist, this gift will make your loved one smile.
Final Thoughts on Gifts to Cheer Someone Up
As you can see, there are so many options out there to cheer a friend or family member up.
Gifts don’t have to be extravagant or expensive.
Instead, just let them know you are thinking of them, and they are not forgotten in their season of pain!
They will appreciate it more than you know.
More Great Gift Ideas to Try:
- The Best Gifts for Grandma
- 27+ Small Gift Ideas for Kids
- 13 Must Have Funny Gifts for Moms
- 10 Postpartum Gift Basket Ideas
- 17+ Colorful Gift Ideas
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