There’s nothing worse than seeing someone you care about feeling down in the dumps. Whether it’s a failed test, a bad day at work, or a serious injury, it’s hard to know how to cheer them up. While you might long to take them out for a coffee and a good old vent session, sometimes this just isn’t an option. Settling on a gift is the next best thing, but, with so many options out there, how do you know exactly what to get?
While a much-needed bottle of wine might be a safe choice for your bestie, if you’re wanting to shake it up, here are some unique and thoughtful ‘just because’ gifts guaranteed to cheer up your loved ones.
Flower and garden gifts
A bouquet of flowers is a great go-to gift! Pick their favourite blooms and include a small note to let them know you’re thinking about them. If you want to step it up a little bit, opt for a plant. For the green thumb in your life, there’s nothing better than a new plant to add to their collection. Lavender, Jasmine and Gerberas are great for your friend who’s had a stressful day, while Peace Lilies, as the name suggests, are associated with peace and are a great cheer-up present. Pick a fun pot to go with it and you’re set!
Affirmation gifts
Sometimes all you need when you’re feeling a little off is some words of encouragement! If you’re not a huge letter-writing person, then a deck of affirmation cards can provide the perfect boost through inspirational quotes. They can be used in meditation, for inspiration, or just as a motivational tool to inspire your loved one to take action. They’re a great way to start the day, or to whip out when needed.
Another type of affirmation gift to consider for your bestie is a gratitude journal. These usually provide prompts for people to write down what they’re grateful for and why. Practising gratitude can help increase positivity, improve self-esteem, lift moods and reduce stress. Gratitude journals are generally designed to be used for short periods of time, so it’s an activity that’s not too time-consuming.
More personal gifts
I think a really personal option is always a super-fire winner. For special occasions, I like to make some sentimental photo books, for example, I made one for all the bridesmaids after my friend's wedding with your not-so-conventional stage photos. These were the silly funny wedding photos and everyone loved these.
There are so many lovely options from the simple to the more luxurious I actually just gifted my best friend some personalised glasses for having her favourite gin cocktail. These went down really well. There is something so nice about a personalised option.
Food gift packs & hampers
Let’s be honest, sometimes there is no better cure to a bad day than comfort food. While you shouldn’t ‘eat your feelings’, a one-off night on the couch with some much-needed chocolate is the perfect way to improve your mood.
Food hampers are a great gift when our loved ones aren’t feeling their best. There’s a wide variety of options, from chocolates and biscuits to beverages like tea. You can also opt for a more savoury pack full of pretzels, nuts and potato chips – perfect for a Netflix binge session!
You can always put together your own goodie pack, full of their favourites. Pop them all into a basket, add a little note and deliver to their door. Not only is it the perfect way to show them you’re thinking about them, it also gives them the comfort of their favourite goodies without having to leave home.
Pamper gifts
A little bit of pampering after a bad day can go a long way. While going to the spa may not always be an option, giving them gifts they can pamper themselves with is!
If they enjoy the spa, they’ll love body washes, hand lotions and bath salts, so they can have their own spa day at home. If they prefer to lounge around after a bad day, a comfy fleece robe will definitely cheer them up. Why not call in the professionals for an at-home massage to make it extra special? If they prefer
One pamper gift you might not have thought of is a weighted blanket. These are designed to weigh a certain percentage of your bestie’s body weight to simulate the feeling of being hugged. Weighted blankets can cheer your bestie up as they can ease stress, calm the nervous system, and help them sleep.
Aromatherapy gifts
Aromatherapy is the perfect gift to help our loved ones unwind at the end of a long day.
If they’re into essential oils, they’ll love diffusers for their home. Place a diffuser in a high-traffic area, like their entryway, so they can walk into the calming scents of lavender or chamomile. You might also opt for multiple diffusers for nearly every room in their home to mix things up. The great thing about a diffuser is it can switch scents in and out as their mood changes.
If you want to keep it simple, you can always go with a scented candle that they can keep in their lounge area, so they can relax and binge their favourite Netflix series with a soft, calming aroma surrounding them.
However, if you decide to cheer up your loved one – it’s the thought that counts! The idea of getting a small gift on a bad day will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face.
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