Holidays & Entertaining The Best Gift Ideas of 2023 27 Uplifting Gifts to Send Someone Going Through a Hard Time Whether they’re going through a loss, a breakup, or an awful day, these goodies are sure to lift their spirits. By Kristin Granero, Kristin Granero Kristin Granero is a lifestyle writer, content creator, and digital media expert residing in New York City. When she's not interviewing experts or test-driving the latest products, she can be found exploring new museum exhibits, volunteering for her local animal rescue, or scouring the five boroughs (and beyond!) in search of the best guacamole. Highlights: * 3+ years writing Style, Beauty, Health, and Home content for Real Simple * Has held positions at and/or contributed to a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment publishers, including Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Shape, Self, Glamour, HBO, TODAY, NBC, Discovery, Yahoo, and beyond * Experience includes copywriting, web production, social media strategy, and email marketing Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Maggie Seaver, Maggie Seaver Maggie Seaver is the digital health and wellness editor at Real Simple, with seven years of experience writing lifestyle and wellness content. She spends her days writing and editing stories about sleep, mental health, fitness, preventive health, nutrition, personal development, relationships, healthy habits, and beyond. She loves demystifying complicated health topics, debunking wellness fads, and sharing practical, science-backed solutions for healthy living. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Leah Lopez Cardenas Leah Lopez Cardenas Leah is a digital lifestyle editor at Real Simple with 11 years of experience in digital marketing and editorial, covering topics across all categories, including home, health, beauty, food, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 21, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. 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 gift 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—during the holiday season or any time of year. 12 Generous Gift Ideas for a Quarantined, Sick, or Injured Friend or Family Member Our Top Picks Intelex Warmies at Amazon Jump to Review Compendium Pop-Open Cards at Live-inspired.com Jump to Review Goldbelly Gift Card at Goldbelly.com Jump to Review Happy Socks Classic Socks Gift Set at Happysocks.com Jump to Review LUSH Feeling Good Set at Lushusa.com Jump to Review Homedics Head Massager at Amazon Jump to Review URPOWER Oil Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review A Mindfulness Journal at Amazon Jump to Review Wolferman's Bakery Here If You Knead Me Gift Box at Wolfermans.com Jump to Review UrbanStems The Firecracker Bouquet at Urbanstems.com Jump to Review Intelex Warmies Slippers Warmies View On Amazon View On Warmies.com 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). Compendium ThoughtFulls 'You Matter' Pop-Open Cards live-inspired.com View On Live-inspired.com 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. Goldbelly Gift Card Gold belly View On Goldbelly.com 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. Happy Socks Classic Socks Gift Set Happy Socks View On Happysocks.com 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. LUSH Feeling Good Set lushusa.com View On Lushusa.com 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. Homedics Happy Head Massager Homedics View On Amazon View On Homedics.com 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. URPOWER URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser URPOWER View On Amazon 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. The 9 Best Essential Oil Diffusers for Daily Aromatherapy Do One Thing Every Day That Centers You: A Mindfulness Journal (Do One Thing Every Day Journals) amazon.com View On Amazon 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. Wolferman's Bakery Here If You Knead Me Gift Box wolfermans.com View On Wolfermans.com 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." UrbanStems The Firecracker Bouquet urbanstems.com View On Urbanstems.com 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. Hyggelight The Growing Candle Hyggelight View On Thegrowingcandle.com 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. Spoonful of Comfort Just Because Gift Basket Spoonful of Comfort View On Spoonfulofcomfort.com 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. Sferra Celine Throw Nordstrom View On Sferra.com 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. Dylan's Candy Bar BashCake Dylanâs Candy Bar View On Dylanscandybar.com 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. Tipsy Scoop Fiesta Pack tipsyscoop.com View On Tipsyscoop.com 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. Doughp Bestseller Four-Pack doughp.com View On Doughp.com 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. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Amazon View On Target View On Best Buy Nothing takes your mind off a difficult situation like diving into a good book. Allow your loved one to escape reality for a bit with a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader (bonus points if you pair it with a pretty case and a Kindle Unlimited subscription). The newest version of the Kindle Paperwhite has a larger display than previous models and an adjustable warm light that's easier on the eyes no matter what time of day or night they use it. Teabloom Stovetop and Microwave Safe Glass Teapot Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon With nearly 14,000 five-star reviews, this tea set is as pretty to look at as it is functional. It comes with two sets of flowering tea that bloom when exposed to water. However, you can insert loose-leaf tea or teabags once those are used. This glass teapot can go directly on the stove to heat up water for a calming cup of tea or energizing cup of pour-over coffee—just the pick-me-up your friend or family member might need. Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings Girlfriend Collective View On Bloomingdales View On Girlfriend.com Leggings are always a no-fuss wardrobe staple, but they’re especially comforting to wear during a hard time. Made from recycled water bottles, not only do these cozy leggings provide the gift of relaxation, but they’re also a greener alternative to typical fabrics. TheraBox Subscription Box My TheraBox View On Mytherabox.com A little self-care can go a long way. And while the term "self-care" means something different for everyone, the items in this subscription box offer little comforts for all the senses. From essential oil mists and candles to joy-boosting activities like journals, art, or meditation prompts, the box contains items that will help transform your loved one’s environment into a sanctuary. TheraGun G3PRO Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bergdorfgoodman.com This deep muscle massager is great for relaxing sore muscles and fighting tension after a stressful day (or week or month or year). The Theragun G3PRO has a long 75-minute battery life and is designed for use all over the body, even hard-to-reach areas like the upper back. Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket 4.9 Target View On Target When you can’t physically give your loved one a hug, this plush weighted blanket is the next best thing. Rated the best overall weighted blanket according to our editors’ tests, this Threshold version from Target is soft, budget-friendly, and comes with a washable cover. Nodpod The Weighted Blanket for Your Eyes Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Nordstrom Sleep quality is the most important factor for mental well-being (even more than diet and exercise). And it's especially vital to get enough Zs when healing from an emotionally draining event. If a weighted blanket just isn't enough compression, this weighted sleep mask adds another squeeze of comfort. One of our editors tried it out, and said it stays put all night—even for side sleepers. Skincare Party Box Skincare Party Box View On Skincarepartybox.com It's a literal skincare party in a box—if that's not the definition of "mood booster," we don't know what is. These subscription boxes are delivered every other month and come with five to six curated full-size products to pamper your giftee. Aya Paper Co. Manifestation Journal Aya Paper Co View On Ayapaper.co After a loss, it can be hard to get back on your feet. But one of the best ways to move forward is to set goals and intentions for the future. If you believe in manifestation, it can be a powerful driving force for change. Help your loved one get back on their feet and start living the awesome life they deserve with this manifestation journal from Aya Paper Co. made of 100-percent recycled paper. American Plant Exchange Sansevieria Zeylanica Plant Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Nothing cheers you up like the privilege of becoming a plant parent. Whether it's your loved one's first houseplant or twentieth, they can never have too many. Make it even more special with a cute planter so they can display it proudly. Rayo & Honey You Got This Pennant Rayo & Honey View On Rayoandhoney.com You can pump them up via text, phone call, and even in person from time to time, but you can't be there for them all day every day (as much as you wish you could). So send them a message they can display on their wall and walk past every day, reminding them you've got their back. These uplifting pennants from rayo and honey are handcrafted in Brooklyn by owner Roachele Negron. 9 Thoughtful Care Packages That'll Brighten Anyone's Day Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit