18 Uplifting Gifts to Send Someone Going Through a Hard Time

warmies slippers
warmies slippers

warmies.com

It's not always easy to navigate how to best support someone who's going through a hard time. You want to be there for them (that's what family and friends are for), but you're not quite sure how. For most, a simple check in, whether it be in person or over the phone, can go a long way when it comes to letting them know you care. But if you live farther away or want to send a little something extra to help brighten their day, we've got some good ideas. From warming slippers that offer supreme comfort, to meal deliveries that keep their soul soothed and refrigerator stocked, read on for gifts ideas that provide a boost of positivity for a loved one going through it right now. These are guaranteed to lift their spirits, whether they're experiencing loss, a tough breakup, or just a bad day—especially during the holiday season.

RELATED: 12 Generous Gift Ideas for a Quarantined, Sick, or Injured Friend or Family Member

Happy In a Million Little Ways Gratitude Journal

Send (or at least prompt) happy thoughts with this delightful yellow gratitude journal. It's formatted with helpful prompts and organized sections for reflecting on the day, setting intentions, and cultivating gratitude consistently. Even if they're struggling they can turn to this notebook to record thoughts and keep track of little victories along their path to feeling better.

Happy In a Million Little Ways Gratitude Journal from Anthropologie
Happy In a Million Little Ways Gratitude Journal from Anthropologie

Warmies Slippers

Inspire self-care with a plush pair of slippers. And these aren't just any old slippers: They can be heated up with a quick nuke in the microwave, cooled off in the freezer, give off a relaxing lavender scent, and offer comfort like no house slippers they've ever owned before. Warming slippers won't fix everything, but they sure can help them feel a little cozier (and very loved).

Warmies microwavable warming slippers
Warmies microwavable warming slippers

ThoughtFulls 'You Matter' Pop-Open Cards

Remind them how much they're loved and how much they matter. How? A box of 30 bright cards, each featuring a unique, inspirational quote on the inside to boost their self-esteem and lift their spirits.

ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards: You Matter
ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards: You Matter

Gold Belly E-Gift Card

If a faraway loved one is feeling homesick and nostalgic, you can't go wrong sending them a regional treat, courtesy of Gold Belly. With hundreds of options, you can send them their favorite deep-dish pizza from Chicago, Ess-a-Bagel bagels from New York City, or brisket (yes, brisket!) from their favorite Texas BBQ joint. Not sure what they're craving? Send an e-gift card their way so they can browse their favorites and order as they please.

Gold Belly E-Gift Card
Gold Belly E-Gift Card

Happy Socks Gift Set

Put some pep in their step with a few cheerful pairs of socks from Happy Socks. This gift set contains four pairs of comfy, cotton socks in a variety of colorful patterns and brings a touch of joy to their day. It's a small, but meaningful reminder of your unwavering support—and that you're thinking of them.

Happy Socks Big Dot Gift Box 4-pack
Happy Socks Big Dot Gift Box 4-pack

LUSH Feeling Good Set

Help them channel good vibes with this bright and groovy "Feeling Good" bath set from Lush. It includes a bath bomb, bubble bar, and scrub for washing worries away while achieving supple skin and lips.

Lush Feeling Good Bath Set
Lush Feeling Good Bath Set

Happy Head Massager

Nothing feels quite as good as a quality head massage for unwinding and relieving stress. Lift their spirits and calm their worries with the gift of free head rubs they can do themselves without a pricey trip to the salon. It's the perfect self-care pick-me-up on rough days.

Anthropololgie Happy Head Massager
Anthropololgie Happy Head Massager

Essential Oil Diffuser

Help them harness the healing power of aromatherapy with a thoughtful essential oil diffuser. This little guy is simple to set up and use with just water or a few drops of soothing essential oils to create a spa-like oasis at home. Bonus points if you also send them a set of essential oils.

URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser in
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser in

Do One Thing Every Day That Centers You Mindfulness Journal

The idea of practicing meditation or mindfulness can seem daunting—which is counterproductive when you're trying to help a friend feel better. With this centering journal, they can start small and focus on doing one thing more mindfully every day, until it becomes a healthy habit.

Do One Thing Every Day That Centers You: A Mindfulness Journal
Do One Thing Every Day That Centers You: A Mindfulness Journal

Wolferman's Here if You Knead Me Gift Box

Let breakfast be one less thing they need to worry about during tough times with a gift box from Wolferman's. This kind gesture of a gift includes a package of Wolferman's irresistible English muffins and a jar of sweet strawberry jam—all sent inside a box that reads "Here if You Knead Me."

Wolferman's Here If You Knead Me Gift Box
Wolferman's Here If You Knead Me Gift Box

I Am Loved Necklace

A thoughtful pendant necklace like this will reassure them that they're never alone. This one from Asha Blooms, rooted in hope and rebirth, features a soothing rose quartz surrounded by a ring of either gold or silver that can be worn from day to day as a symbol of positivity and new beginnings.

Asha Blooms I Am Loved Necklace
Asha Blooms I Am Loved Necklace

UrbanStems The Firecracker Bouquet

Reignite their spark with these beautiful blooms from UrbanStems, which boast a bursting bouquet of free spirit roses. We also like this Sympathy Peace Lily Plant as a more traditional extension of sympathy to recognize someone's passing.

Gifts for someone going through a hard time: UrbanStems The Firecracker Bouquet
Gifts for someone going through a hard time: UrbanStems The Firecracker Bouquet

The Clara Candle

Give them a gift that keeps giving, while supporting small businesses and the environment, with a small-batch, zero-waste candle from The Growing Candle. Once the wax has burned through, your recipient can plant the seeds from the corresponding label in the handmade ceramic pot to yield their own mini wildflower garden.

Gifts for Someone Going Through a Hard Time: Clara Candle
Gifts for Someone Going Through a Hard Time: Clara Candle

Spoonful of Comfort Soup Delivery Basket

Treat them to days' worth of soul-warming soup and rolls with a Thinking of You gift basket delivery from Spoonful of Comfort. This package includes a 64-ounce jar of delicious homemade soup (choose from a variety of types), six scrumptious rolls, and six cookies. There's nothing a delivery of grandma-style chicken noodle or tomato basil soup can't fix.

Spoonful of Comfort Soup Delivery Basket
Spoonful of Comfort Soup Delivery Basket

Sferra Celine Throw

If you can't give them a physical hug, wrap them up in a chic and cozy blanket. We love the subtle herringbone weave on this throw from Sferra. It also comes in seven color options to better match with their current decor.

Gifts for Someone Going Through a Hard Time: sferra herringbone throw blanket
Gifts for Someone Going Through a Hard Time: sferra herringbone throw blanket

Dylan's Candy Bar BashCake

Tough day at the office? Invite them to release some stress with the help of an edible pinata. Once they hammer through this chocolate cupcake dome from Dylan's Candy Bar, they'll find a treasure trove of chocolate pretzels to help sweeten up their week ahead.

Dylan’s Candy Bar BashCake
Dylan’s Candy Bar BashCake

Tipsy Scoop Fiesta Pack

Keep the party going with this 'fiesta pack' from Tipsy Scoop, which serves up four of the brand's beloved spiked concoctions, including Spiked Hazelnut Coffee ice cream, Tequila Mexican Hot Chocolate ice cream, Strawberry Sangria sorbet, and Mango Margarita sorbet.

Tipsy Scoop Fiesta Pack
Tipsy Scoop Fiesta Pack

Doughp Bestseller Four-Pack

If they're not 21 yet, opt for some edible cookie dough from Doughp. The brand offers thirteen flavors to choose from, each of which can be eaten as raw dough or baked into cookie bliss—the perfect pick-me-up to get someone through a rough breakup or exam week.

Doughp Edible Cookie Dough Bestseller 4-Pack
Doughp Edible Cookie Dough Bestseller 4-Pack

RELATED: 9 Thoughtful Care Packages That'll Brighten Anyone's Day