17 Thoughtful Gifts to Cheer up a Loved One
Sweet presents that say, "I'm thinking of you."
Expert consulted: Kaitlyn PhoenixDeputy Health Editor
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Maybe it's a tough day at work, a bout of depression or a recent illness — there are many reasons a person may feel down. And while gifts won't necessarily "cure" sadness, receiving a gift from a friend or family member during a tough time is a great reminder that they are loved and cared for, even during the lows. That's why I gathered up a list of sentimental presents that may hopefully bring a smile to their face.
“We’ve all gone through rough patches, and we know how good it feels to have a friend check in on us,” says Deputy Health Editor, Kaitlyn Phoenix. “Sometimes, just hearing from someone is enough to lift your spirits, but the right gift can take that comforting feeling to a whole new level.” Below, find our curated list of gifts to cheer someone up, including thoughtful best sellers and recommendations from Phoenix.
As someone who openly struggles with depression and mental health, author Matt Haig wrote The Comfort Book for his future self, as a reminder to keep going when things get tough. The book is made up of notes, lists and stories that Haig and thousands of other readers have found helpful in their own valleys of life.
What the reviews say: "We live in a tough time, and this was just the thing I needed to remind myself, 'Life is what we make it and the perspective we have at all times,' but especially when we are struggling. I underlined and highlighted so many things, further showing me just how valuable this book is!"
Remind them of positive memories with this custom video book that plays up to 10 minutes of footage. To upload, look to the included manual that provides a link to where you can drop photos and videos from your phone, Facebook or Instagram. You can even rearrange the photos and videos and add background music, from your library or Heirloom's.
What the reviews say: "I got this Heirloom kit to share special moments with my Grandma who lives out of state. She's not tech savvy, so I can't text her pictures or videos of my son, but I could make her this awesome book!"
Encourage them to pick up a new, low-stress hobby with this beginner's crochet kit — complete with pre-started yarn, a yarn needle, a crochet hook, stuffing, eyes and video instructions. Once finished, they'll have a cute chick. If they fall in love with crocheting, they can try their hand at more characters, such as a bunny, dinosaur and fox.
What the reviews say: "I needed a therapeutic craft to fill a weekend after a stressful month, and this was the perfect thing! I greatly enjoyed making this and felt very accomplished, as I mastered each new skill! I want more!"
As our Good Housekeeping Institute's favorite affordable mug warmer, this gadget is a great addition to a morning routine. Its compact profile takes little space on your desk, and a little light will alert you when the plate is hot.
What the reviews say: "I’m a stay-at-home mom, and everyone knows when you’re taking care of a little one you don’t really have time to finish a drink in one sitting. This ensures my drink is still hot (not too hot that it scalds my tongue) throughout the day!"
RELATED: Best Mug Warmers for Keeping Coffee at the Perfect Temperature
This daily wellness journal that prompts users to check in morning and night to evaluate their intentions, energy levels, sleep, movement, feelings and more. The journal tracks habits over 12 weeks.
What the reviews say: "The format is so easy to follow and is helpful for someone who is new to this type of guided journaling. It's not filled with overwhelming questions or prompts about feelings — it simply helps you find daily balance in all areas of your life."
RELATED: The Best Wellness Journals for Better Mental and Physical Health
If they're missing the comforts of home, gift them one of Homesick's many state or city candles, each fragranced like the scent of home. North Carolina, for instance, smells like tobacco, dew drops, fresh bread and vetiver.
What the reviews say: "I think this candle is the perfect gift to give to someone. It's super thoughtful, tells them you miss them and know it's hard to be away from home, and it's actually a nice, high quality candle too."
If a foot rub is their idea of relaxation, this foot massager may just become their new favorite thing. The gadget features three adjustable compression, kneading and warmth settings for a tranquil, massage experience that suits feet up to size 13.
What the reviews say: "Ordered this for my pregnant friend as a little self care gift & she absolutely loved it. Have since ordered it as a gift for many people & of course have one for myself. Comfortable as heck, different intensity levels that will satisfy anyone needing a little foot rub. Worth every penny."
You can think of this gift as a traveling bracelet that's meant to spread kindness. When ordering, pick the word or message you want beaded onto it, and once the bracelet has served its purpose, you can pass it onto a friend in need of support. Thanks to the bracelet's golden ID tag, you can track its journey. The 'pass it on' idea is part of the brand's 'Kindess Set in Motion' project.
What the reviews say: "The message and the reminder is perfect during a stressful time. It makes me feel stronger and powerful. A reminder that I really need right now!"
If nothing cheers them up more than a sweet treat, try sending them six with this 'choose your own' ice cream pints from Graeter's. With 23 flavors to pick from, there are sure to be at least six that tickle their fancy. Options range from Oregon Strawberry to Banana Chocolate Chip to S'mores.
What the reviews say: "It was a great gift for a friend who is recuperating from surgery. He loved it."
If they experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the darker months of the year or are simply looking for a mood pick-me-up, consider sending this Verilux lantern their way. As GHI's top pick for light therapy lamps, it's said to boost mood, improve sleep, enhance focus and increase energy. It has two brightness settings, two interchangeable lenses and a detachable wall mount and stand to enjoy wherever they'd like.
What the reviews say: "This little light is so effective! I work nights and live in the north-east. I’ve dealt with seasonal depression my entire life. This works! I either sit with it while I review my daily planner in the morning, or use it as an extra light while I get ready in the mirror."
RELATED: Best SAD Light Therapy Lamps
Geared toward adults, this weighted two-pound stuffed animal is infused with lavender for aromatherapy. It can be heated in the microwave or chilled in the freezer to comfort, as needed. Users claim it can help with bruises, cramps, tension and more.
What the reviews say: "I love this llama so much. It being weighted and heated is just amazing, it’s a great stuffed animal for stress."
A cheer up gift really can be as simple as a trip to the movie theater. This e-gift card delivers straight to their email, so they can use it for movie tickets or concession snacks. It's a great way to usher them out of the house for a few hours for a low-stakes activity.
What the reviews say: "I bought this as a gift [for] my brother who lives in Virginia, the opposite side of the coast from me. He was very grateful."
'The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion
Famed author Joan Didion won a National Book Award in 2005 for her biographical depiction of her husband and daughter's sudden struggles with illness. Touching on topics such as health, death, marriage and children, Didion brings voice to difficult topics in a way that may validate readers' own feelings.
What the reviews say: "Even though the subject matter is one that we think at first glance will be dark and depressing, it becomes comforting as you begin to feel you are sharing the experience with a friend who not only knows, but can put it into the words [what] you can't. I purchased this copy, my third, for a friend who had recently lost her husband."
Elevate their shower experience with this water-resistant aromatherapy diffuser. It exudes a blend of mint and eucalyptus, and the scent's intensity can be adjusted using the oil's cap. Stick the device to the shower wall using the included wall mount, and once on, the diffuser will automatically turn off after eight minutes of use.
What the reviews say: "I bought it because I wanted to upgrade my shower to a spa-like experience because baths are way too time-consuming. But little did I know, it would help alleviate my cold symptoms. Added bonus!"
Instead of sending them a bouquet of flowers, gift them something they can nurture and grow. Snake plants are a low-maintenance succulent that require water only once every few weeks. This one from The Sill is available in either a grow pot to replant or a ceramic pot that they can use as soon as it arrives.
What the reviews say: "I received a gift certificate from [my] son. It was fun to pick out a new plant pot and some supplies. Everything arrived well packaged and in great shape. I look forward to enjoying my plant for many years."
Both a hand fidget and an aromatherapy device, this sampler set of therapy doughs is meant to squish and squeeze, giving nervous hands something to do. The sampler pack comes with four scented clays that come in eucalyptus, lavender, pine and orange.
What the reviews say: "I bought the lavender scent for my wife over Christmas. She didn't try it until a few weeks later, but since has used it almost every day to relieve stress and anxiety."
When tested by our GHI staff, testers loved that they could open their eyes while wearing this contoured eye mask, created to block out light for a more restful night's sleep. The eye mask comes in a variety of fun colors at an affordable price for an inexpensive gift idea.
What the reviews say: "Total black-out for sleep or relaxation. Velcro closing on back straps provide [the] perfect fit.""
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
Kaitlyn Phoenix is a deputy editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she reports, writes and edits research-backed health content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day. She has more than 10 years of experience talking to top medical professionals and poring over studies to figure out the science of how our bodies work. Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. She also holds a B.S. in magazine journalism from Syracuse University.
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