Send your love to anyone in need of a pick-me-up with the help of these thoughtful comfort gifts for friends going through a hard time.
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Whether it’s due to grief, a layoff, prolonged sickness or “just because,” sometimes friends need a good pick-me-up. After all, everyone deserves to feel comfort during a rough patch. Choosing one of the best cozy gifts for friends going through a hard time is a surefire way to tell them they’re safe and loved and that brighter days are ahead.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year. And that number doesn’t include those who go through the loss of a loved one, pet or other negative life changes. It’s pretty clear that a significant part of the population could use a kind word and supportive gesture. When it’s hard to know what to say, sending comfort gifts is one of the best ways to show you care.
While fudgy brownies and chicken noodle soup are good go-tos for local friends, loved ones living in a different city or state can be tricky to shop for. Whether your long-distance pal prefers candles, cookies or curling up with a good book, these tried-and-true favorites deliver smiles when times get tough. Shop some of our favorite gift-of-the-month clubs, candles, slippers and—of course—cozy blankets and beverages that will bring a little sunshine to their day.
ChappyWrap Herringbone Blanket
Nothing is more comforting than wrapping up in a cozy blanket. This super-soft option from ChappyWrap was voted our favorite editor-tested blanket—and for good reason!
“This is the first blanket I’ve owned that combines luxury with functionality,” says Senior Shopping Editor Nancy Snyder. “Previously, I always sacrificed one for the other. The material (which is a blend of cotton, acrylic and polyester) and finished edges make it soft yet durable—perfect for movie night or draped at the foot of a bed. And because it’s machine washable, it’s both pet- and kid-friendly.”
Happy Box
Love the idea of a gift box, but not finding anything that feels—well—personal enough? Don’t settle for one of the one-size-fits-all comfort gifts for friends. Instead, opt for a Happy Box. Build a custom gift from a variety of assorted finds, including treats, candles and trinkets from a huge pool of retail partners.
“I would absolutely send a Happy Box again,” says former Senior Shopping Editor, Megan Mowery in her review of the Happy Box. “I like that you can stick to your own budget, and individually picking items makes the box feel more personal.”
Flower Bouquet
A flower delivery is a thoughtful gesture when words fall short. That’s why they’re one of the most perfect comfort gifts. This Peace arrangement from UrbanStems offers a tranquil mix of white blooms that works for almost any occasion.
“For bountiful arrangements that last more than one week, UrbanStems is an impressive option,” notes Madi. “The blooms and stems are more diverse than what you can come by at the grocery store. Plus, it’s easy to shop from their large inventory of farm-fresh flowers.”
Sugarwish
Whether they prefer candy, cookies, popcorn, coffee, wine or dips, Sugarwish is the best customizable, edible comfort gift for friends. Simply choose a category and pay for the box. After that, the recipient receives an email or text where they can pick their own assortment of flavors.
“My Sugarwish arrived at my door in a gorgeous candy cane-striped red and blue box,” says Madi of her Sugarwish candy gift. “The packaging was a 10/10, and all six snacks I chose were neatly assorted inside their own sealed treat cups. It only took three short days for it to arrive, and I was amazed at how fresh the candy tasted.”
Taste of Home contributor Barbara Bellesi Zito got the chance to sample some of Sugarwish’s cookies. She said, “What an absolute treat to find these cookies on my doorstep. They all tasted fresh and delicious.”
Greetabl
“Part greeting card, part care package, a Greetabl box is hands down one of the cutest ways to send an assortment of gifts for any occasion,” says Madi.
Senders choose from a variety of box patterns, then fill it with any assortment of finds from their gift store. Potential picks include popcorn, mugs, jewelry, cookies and face masks.
Brunch Box
Goldbelly has tons of delicious delicacies from diners and bakeries all over the world, but we have our eyes on this brunch box. Inside are eight unbaked big and fluffy buttermilk biscuits along with an assortment of spreads: honey butter, pimento cheese and raspberry jam. As a bonus, recipients receive a Bloody Mary mix from Chef Kelly Fields to enjoy alongside their comfort food.
Menstruation Crustacean
The reduction of pain is a valuable gift. Know a friend who needs a bit of reprieve? The Menstruation Crustacean will make them laugh and sigh in relief. Whenever it’s “that time of the month” or after a long gym workout, I pop it in the microwave for about a minute and enjoy sweet, sweet relief as it releases any muscle cramps. Plus, it’s cute—and the soothing lavender scent smells amazing to boot!
Therabox
Curated by therapists, TheraBox is a subscription box that focuses on eliminating self-deflating thoughts and building up confidence. Ship one to someone who is struggling to show you care. Each box includes a happiness activity plus seven self-care wellness products that soothe even the most restless minds.
Just Tea & Me Tea Gift Box
Curate a cozy night in for a friend with this tea basket. Inside are an assortment of comfort-giving gifts to use while sipping a tea. It includes chai, a green tea chocolate bar, raw honey and a honey stick, chocolate crunch cookies and chocolate truffles.
Book Nook
It’s a page-marker, it’s a coaster, it’s a phone holder. The Book Nook is a safe bet for anyone who enjoys cuddling up with a good read in the evenings. It keeps essentials close at hand—there’s even a spot for reading glasses—and the scratch-free bottom feet ensure it stays put.
Sympathy Food Basket
Delightful flavors fill each Sympathy Food Basket, and these thoughtful treats are some of the best comfort gifts for friends. Each box comes with a mix of cookies, graham crackers, caramels and chocolates.
Handwarmer Bowl
With a handle big enough to slide a hand through and a notch for a utensil, this hand-warming oatmeal bowl is the quintessential cozy experience. The best part? It’s not just for oatmeal. Load it up with soup, tea or anything that requires a steaming hot mug for a warming experience.
EveryPlate Meal Kit
Friends going through a rough patch often neglect their needs—even those as simple as a full belly. An EveryPlate subscription takes the extra effort out of cooking, so it’s easier for them to enjoy a hot meal at home without the added stress of shopping for ingredients.
“The food arrived cold and fresh,” says tester Annamarie Higley in her EveryPlate review. “The meals were easy to make, with the aid of recipe cards with comprehensive written instructions and step-by-step photos.”
Electric Fireplace
I can absolutely get behind the idea of gifting someone a pretty space heater. I own the Alpaca space heater and gifted it several times to friends and family members. The cozy 3-D flame effect looks so real and soothing. After running it nearly every day for close to four months, my kitties would riot if I stopped turning it on during their nap time.
Candle Warmer Lamp
When it comes to comfort gifts, some folks prefer to receive something they can use over and over again. Gift your pal a piece of decor that looks lovely and lengthens the life of their favorite candles. This candle warmer lamp lets off a warm glow and releases scents without any flames or soot stains to speak of.
“Since January 2023, I’ve used my candle warmer lamp daily and can confirm it has held up beautifully,” raves Product Reviews Home Editor Madi Koetting in her review of the lamp. “Not only are my candles just as fragrant with the lamp as they are when I set fire to the wick, but they last significantly longer—if not forever. I’ve been warming the same candle for almost six months, and the wax is still at the rim.”
Porch Goose
Those who need a little laugh will crack a smile at the charming, TikTok-famous porch goose. This goofy porch goose is absolutely adorable, and it can be dressed up for some extra flair whenever you need a pick-me-up.
“A porch goose is exactly what it sounds like,” says Deputy Editor, Katie Bandurski, in her review of the porch goose. “It’s a plastic, goose-shaped yard decoration that perches in your garden or on your porch. He looks very cute as-is, but the best part is the variety of outfits you can buy around different seasons and themes.”
L.L.Bean Fleece Slipper
Say goodbye to subpar slides and soggy socks. These fleece slippers from L.L.Bean are guaranteed to warm the toes (and heart) of any friend who needs a pick-me-up. Lightweight rubber outsoles ensure they withstand a quick run to the mailbox, making them a shoe-in (get it?) for friends working from home.
Vellabox
Know a candle-lover? Fill out the short quiz identifying their favorite scent profiles, where they like to burn candles, scent strength, burning frequency and more. From there, Vellabox sends a personalized package of scented candle bliss right to their doorstep.
“Without fail, I tear into every candle box like a kid on Christmas morning,” says Katie in her Vellabox review. “Even though I’ve identified my favorite scents and have at least a general idea of what to expect, it’s still so much fun to smell each option in real life.”
Hug Necklace
Know someone who could use a hug? This hug necklace features two abstract sculptural pendants that naturally fall into a “hugging” position. It’s a thoughtful reminder that you’re thinking of them, even when they’re hundreds of miles away.
Spoonful of Comfort
Nothing says “cheer up” like a warm bowl of soup. Under-the-weather friends (or those suffering from loss) will appreciate a Spoonful of Comfort box brimming with 4 to 6 servings of soup or mac and cheese, plus six rolls and cookies. One of the best aspects of these thoughtful packages is the ability to bundle blankets or fuzzy socks along with the meal. There’s also gluten-free and vegan versions for those with dietary restrictions.
Sending a Hug Gift Box
If you can’t be there to comfort your friend in person, this “Really Big Hug Delivery” is the next best thing. It combines self-care gifts for friends going through a hard time with a personalized greeting card so they’ll never forget just how loved they are. Take a peek at these other care package ideas.
Sympathy Red Wine Gift Box
With an award-winning red wine, chocolate-covered cherries and an assortment of truffles, Harry & David’s gourmet gift box is sure to be appreciated by a friend in need of a pick-me-up. Each of these classy comfort gift boxes come with a thoughtful message in the form of a “sympathy” placard.
Anti-Anxiety Workbook
Sometimes getting out of a rut requires a little self-reflection. This interactive workbook offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tips, check-ins and reflections, all offered by real therapists. It gives your friend the tools they need to thrive. It’s a great “thinking of you” gift, too.
Send a Hug Candle
A candle is a gift that’s near-universally appreciated, especially when customized with a loved one’s favorite scent and a personalized message. This “Send a Hug” candle is a thoughtful, sentimental choice for any occasion.
Warming Manitee Pillow
This adorable Warmies pillow is almost better than a hug. It’s covered with soft fabric for a squeezable pick-me-up, and it can be popped in the microwave or freezer for a soothing snuggle. The brand makes several of our favorite weighted stuffed animals, too.
Hummingbird Memorial Ornament
If your friend has lost a loved one, this hummingbird wind chime is a heartfelt way to show your sympathy. Each chime comes with a customizable note, as well as this sentiment: “May the jingling of the bell be a reminder of the love that surrounds you.”
Love Message Shortbread Cookies
If food is the fastest way to a person’s heart, then these shortbread cookies will get you there in record time. They’re packed with rich vanilla flavor and stamped with a sweet message that’s guaranteed to make the recipient smile.
Scoops of Support
Gift some comfort in the form of everyone’s favorite sweet treat: ice cream. These pints of support, including flavors like coffee toffee and chocolate cake, show you’re thinking of them and are here to support them no matter what they’re going through.
Adult Coloring Book
Remind your friend of all the beauty and joy in the world with the help of this gorgeous adult coloring book. It provides a few moments of relaxation and de-stressing for under $20.
Sympathy Cookie Basket
There’s a reason we call it comfort food—because a full tummy is one of the best comfort gifts. Harry & David’s basket of 22 cookies has a sweet treat for everyone. Indulge in everything from blackberry galettes to Moose Munch cookies.
Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Sometimes experiencing a difficult time can lead to difficult sleep, too. This pillow spray helps promote instant relaxation and deeper sleep using the calming scents of lavender, chamomile and vetiver.
Self-Care Bucket List Cards
Make sure your friend is taking time for themselves by sending this box of cards. It provides 100 self-care ideas, from journaling to calling a loved one. These daily comfort gifts are designed to promote positive mental health and de-stressing.
Relax and Relief Bath Set
There are few things better for the soul than a warm, soothing bath. This bath and body kit contains an eucalyptus- and spearmint-scented Epsom salt soak and foaming gel for instant aromatherapy that relaxes both the body and the mind.
Pet Memorial Plant Kit
Losing a pet is devastating, and finding the right comfort gifts isn’t easy. Help your friend heal with this pet memorial kit. It includes all of the materials needed for planting a swath of perennial wildflowers to honor their furry friend’s legacy, including a customizable pot.
Sympathy Candle Gift
If your friend has recently lost someone special to them, this candle gift is a unique and sentimental choice. Its design is simple and subtle enough to be displayed in their home for years, and it’s also customizable. This makes these candles some of the best comfort gifts for almost anyone going through a rough patch.
Good Days Start with Gratitude Journal
Remind your friend to count their blessings daily with the help of this gratitude journal. It gives them a space to reflect for just a few minutes a day, plus a weekly check-in to discover the progress they’ve made.
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Cushion Set
For some, yoga and meditation are highly beneficial ways to manage stress. This pillow set helps your friend ease back into their practice comfortably. Plus, if they prefer a more relaxed approach, the pillows are soft enough for lounging too.
FAQ
What do you give someone who is going through a hard time?
When someone faces hardship, a relaxing or comforting gift that suits their interests or reminds them of better times is often ideal. This can be a homemade meal, candle, blanket or any of the other items on this list. The most important thing is that the gift reminds them you’re thinking of them.
What is a good gift for someone struggling emotionally?
A good gift for a friend going through a tough time could be flowers, wine or tea with an encouraging note. But the best thing you can do is be there for them, however they need. Some friends may want to talk about their troubles, while others prefer to process things quietly. The key is to support them without pushing in either direction.
What is a simple gift to cheer someone up?
Beauty products, comfort food, flowers or a pre-made gift box are all simple gifts that can cheer someone up. Make sure you are choosing something that is tailored towards the interests of the person receiving it.
What should you give someone with a broken heart?
When someone has a broken heart, they need to have a lot of comfort food, cozy blankets and pajamas, and visits from friends. If you are comforting someone who is broken-hearted, consider a box of chocolates, cozy socks and their favorite wine.
