Gifts for a Friend Going Through a Hard Time: 10 Kind Ideas
When a friend is struggling, the hardest part is knowing what to do. A gift cannot fix anything, and it should not try to. Its job is smaller and kinder: to say “I am thinking of you” in a way that asks nothing back. Here are ten ideas with a line to go with each. Prices are as listed at the time of writing.
First, a few ground rules
- Keep it small. A big gift can feel like pressure to cheer up.
- Skip slogans that tell them how to feel. Choose gentle messages over “everything happens for a reason.”
- Make it easy. Send it straight to their door by entering their address at checkout, and add “no need to reply.”
- Avoid sizes. Our items are made to order, so we cannot accept returns or exchanges for wrong size or change of mind. Pick things that need none.
10 gifts and what to write with them
1. A plush blanket, for rest
The Better Days Are Coming plush blanket (from $25.99) is a medium heavy-weight velveteen throw. Write: “For the couch days. No plans required.”
2. A pillow, for comfort within reach
The Do What You Can with What You Have pillow (from $35.99) has a velvety faux suede cover and a recycled polyester insert, in sizes from 14 to 20 inches. Write: “A small reminder that doing what you can is enough.”
3. A soy candle, for a calmer evening
The Be Proud of How Far You Have Come candle ($22.58) is 9 oz, with a cotton wick and a 50 to 60 hour burn time, in 12 scent options including unscented. Write: “For one quiet evening this week.”
4. Warm socks, for the small comfort
The Let Happiness Find You Here crew socks ($17.99) have cushioned soles and fit women’s 5 to men’s 12. Write: “For cold feet and long days.”
5. A mug, for a ritual
The Let Your Dreams Take Up Space mug ($14.07) is 11 oz, microwave and dishwasher safe. Write: “Tea is on me next time.”
6. A journal, for thoughts with nowhere to go
The There Is Beauty in Becoming journal ($19.99) has 150 lined pages. Do not suggest what to write. Write: “For whatever you need to put down.” New to journaling? Share how to start a journal.
7. A jigsaw puzzle, for a gentle distraction
The Be Here Now puzzle ($27.99) has chipboard pieces in several piece counts, from 110 to 1014 pieces. Pick a lower count for an easy start. Write: “For when your mind needs somewhere else to be.” See jigsaw puzzle tips for beginners.
8. A bookmark, for a small daily nudge
The Keep Your Heart Open bookmark ($12.99) is brushed aluminum. Write: “Something to carry in your book.”
9. A pin, for something to carry
The You Deserve a Slow Day pin ($4.99 to $5.99) is small enough to slip into an envelope. Write: “You deserve a slow day. Take one.”
10. Your time, with a small gift
The best addition is an offer: a walk, a call or a meal. Pair any item above with “I am free Saturday, no pressure.”
Quick match: what does your friend need?
| Your friend needs | Try |
|---|---|
| Rest | Blanket, pillow, socks |
| Calm | Candle, mug |
| An outlet | Journal |
| A distraction | Puzzle, bookmark |
| Something light | Pin |
Production takes 3 to 5 business days, then 3 to 6 business days of shipping in the United States. Use the delivery date estimator if timing matters, or the gift finder to narrow ideas.