We all know someone who has been through a lot, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even ourselves. And let’s be real, navigating those rough waters isn’t easy. But here’s the beautiful part: even in the darkest of days, a little light can make all the difference and that’s where thoughtful gifts for someone who has been through a lot can come in.
Gifts For Someone Who Has Been Through A Lot
They’re not just material objects; they’re tokens of love, empathy, and understanding.
So, grab a cup of tea, cozy up, and let’s explore heartwarming gift ideas to brighten the day of someone who’s been through the ringer.
Let’s dive in!
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Note: Even though I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I am not your licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). This means engaging with our website is not considered a professional social worker and client relationship. This also means you should not consider this information as professional advice. Although we do put in every reasonable effort to provide the most accurate and reliable information, this does not replace professional advice, and you should not rely only on them. You still might need to consult a professional to introduce your particular situation, issue, problem, or position. Read our full Disclaimer here.
GIFTS FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT
#1 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, MEDITATION OR MINDFULNESS PLATFORM OR APP SUBSCRIPTION
Mindfulness or meditation platform and app subscription provides tools for relaxation, mental and spiritual growth, and mental and physical well-being, accessible anytime, anywhere which makes it a perfect gift for someone who has been through a lot.
I wholeheartedly recommend Mindvalley, as their diverse range of content caters to different aspects of personal development, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being and navigate challenging times. Whether it’s through programs and courses based on meditations, mindfulness exercises, or other personal growth content, Mindvalley provides a convenient and accessible way for users to embark on a journey of self-discovery and mental wellness.
A personal development platform like that with tailored programs is a valuable gift for someone having a hard time as it offers a structured and accessible path for self-improvement, providing practical tools and guidance to overcome challenges.
What your special someone can expect once they decide to engage with this platform is:
- true self-discovery so that they can start identifying their real preferences, aspirations, goals, and dreams
- setting meaningful goals that have the potential to fulfill their need for self-actualization as opposed to only living on someone else’s terms and building someone else’s dream in order to be accepted by the environment and perceived as successful
- liberation from fabricated societal expectation and norms that not only don’t serve them, but are in fact representing oppression which is suffocating their souls that only wants them to live in alignment with whom they truly are and not what society expects them to be
- to finally awaken their authenticity by letting themselves be visible as opposed to being shy or ashamed of who they are deep down and what they want behind the closed doors
- to acquire skills to make life decisions aligned with their core values and true desires coming from the depth of their being
- begin stepping into their potential and move towards reaching full potential unique for them and different from anyone else’s in the world
- become skilled at self-love that holds the key to building the life of their dreams
- finally become comfortable in their own skin, doing their own thing, and going where they truly want to go in life
- build the life they are proud to call their own and experience lasting fulfilment because their consciousness is so expanded that they don’t need to worry about whether things will work out for them ever again, as now they have skills and support to make them work
- healthy and vibrant mind, body, soul, and relationships, considering that the platform delves deep into all these topics and areas of life.
You can learn more about it in my post:
#2 MEDITATION TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Meditation tools and resources are valuable gifts for someone who’s been through a lot because they offer practical techniques and guidance for managing distress, fostering inner peace, and promoting both physical and emotional healing.
- Mediation app or platform provides tools for relaxation, mental and spiritual growth, and mental well-being, accessible anytime, anywhere, which makes it an ideal gift for someone who has been through a lot to have constant support. I recommend Mindvalley that has a library of countless meditations for all areas of life.
- Meditation Cushions (Zafus) and Mats: Comfort is essential during meditation. Meditation cushions (zafus) and mats provide a comfortable and supportive surface to sit or kneel on during meditation sessions.
- Meditation Benches (Seiza Bench): A meditation bench, or seiza bench, can be used to kneel comfortably during meditation, relieving pressure on the legs and back.
- Meditation Timer or Bell: A meditation timer or bell can be set to ring at specific intervals to signal the start or end of a meditation session or to remind you to shift your focus during longer sessions.
- Meditation Music and Sounds: Soothing music, nature sounds, or white noise can create a calming atmosphere during meditation. Some apps and websites provide ambient sounds for meditation.
- Guided Meditation Recordings: These audio recordings are led by experienced meditation teachers and provide step-by-step guidance for various meditation practices, making them suitable for beginners.
- Mala Beads: Mala beads are used as a tactile and visual aid during meditation. Practitioners can use them to count breaths, mantras, or repetitions of affirmations.
- Aromatherapy Oils and Diffusers: Aromatherapy oils like lavender, frankincense, or sandalwood can be diffused to create a calming and sensory-rich environment for meditation.
- Mindfulness Journals: Mindfulness journals provide prompts for self-reflection and gratitude, helping individuals deepen their mindfulness practice.
- Breathing Exercise Tools: These tools, such as breathing apps or devices, guide users through different breathing exercises, including deep breathing and pranayama techniques.
- Meditation Books: Books on mindfulness and meditation offer valuable insights and instructions for developing a meditation practice and cultivating mindfulness in daily life.
- Binaural Beats: Audio tracks with binaural beats are designed to induce specific brainwave states, aiding in relaxation and deepening meditation experiences.
#3 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THAT WORKS WITH THEIR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND
If you’re not sure they’d commit to a personal development platform just yet, considering getting them a personal development program such THE UNCOMPROMISED LIFE as by Marisa Peer. Her program works with the subconscious mind, is an excellent gift choice for someone who has been through a lot as it offers valuable tools and techniques for rewiring negative thought patterns, overcoming limiting beliefs, and fostering self-confidence and resilience from within.
By addressing the subconscious mind, we can make lasting positive changes in our lives, promoting emotional healing and personal growth. It’s a gift that can truly transform mindset and outlook on life, helping with thriving despite adversity.
This is a pretty passive way to achieve personal and life transformation which is why I love it.
#4 YOGA OR FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Yoga or fitness equipment supports physical well-being and offers a constructive way to release tension and build strength which is essential tor someone who has been through a lot.
This equipment includes a wide range of tools and devices designed to support physical activity, exercise, and well-being. These items can be used to improve strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being:
- Exercise Machines: Treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, and rowing machines provide options for cardiovascular workouts.
- Free Weights: Dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells are essential for strength training and resistance exercises.
- Resistance Bands: These versatile bands are effective for strength training, flexibility, and physical therapy.
- Yoga Mats and Props: Yoga mats, blocks, and straps support yoga and stretching routines, enhancing flexibility and balance.
- Foam Rollers: Used for self-myofascial release, foam rollers help relieve muscle tension and improve mobility.
- Medicine Balls: These weighted balls are excellent for functional strength training and core workouts.
- Balance and Stability Equipment: Bosu balls, balance boards, and stability discs help improve balance and coordination.
- Pilates Equipment: Pilates machines, like the reformer, aid in strengthening and toning muscles.
- Fitness Trackers: Wearable devices monitor physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, helping individuals track and improve their fitness levels.
- Home Gym Systems: Comprehensive systems offer a variety of exercise options, allowing users to perform multiple workouts in one space.
Paid Link: WORKOUT CARDS
Engaging in physical activity has proven benefits for both mental health, including stress reduction and mood enhancement, and physical health, providing a structured and accessible way to incorporate exercise into their routine, even if it’s just a quick session.
The cards are color-coded for standing, core, or equipment-based exercises, enabling you to tailor routines to your balance goals and equipment availability.
They’re suitable for all fitness levels, each card provides modifications for progression or added challenge.
#5 BOOK ON HEALING OR SELF-DISCOVERY
Books on Healing or self-discovery offer guidance and inspiration for their journey toward healing and personal growth.
Reading can be a therapeutic and immersive escape and w well-chosen book on healing can transport the reader to different perspectives, inspiring hope and offering a sense of connection with characters or authors who have navigated similar paths.
#6 Paid Link: THROW BLANKET
Throw blanket provides physical comfort and warmth, creating a cozy and comforting environment. Plus it’s a versatile and practical gift that can be used in various settings, whether they’re relaxing on the couch, reading a book, or simply seeking solace in their personal space.
#7 JOURNAL AND/OR JOURNALING SUPPLIES
Journal is space for self-reflection, goal-setting, and expressing thoughts which can be excellent for both healing and personal growth. A good idea is to use a guided journal when not sure how to go through this process without some instruction or guidelines.
SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF – GRATITUDE JOURNAL
If your gift recipient would benefit from transforming their daily routine with the power of gratitude, scientifically proven to produce a number of benefits to physical and mental health, such as better sleep, improved mood and a boosted immune system, consider buying them the Show Up For Yourself Gratitude Journal.
They can experience more fulfillment and tranquility as they’re guided through six months of self-discovery, getting an opportunity each day to cultivate a higher level of positivity and reduce stress. And indulge in daily reflections featuring morning and evening sections to start and end their day on a positive note.
By regularly noting down things to be grateful for, anyone can begin shifting attitude from self-criticism to self-appreciation. Additionally, prompts within the journal can invite to acknowledge strengths, accomplishments, and moments of personal growth, reinforcing a sense of self-worth.
Conveniently, this journal’s undated pages ensure they can pick up right where they left off, fostering consistency without pressure.
THE 1% BETTER EVERY DAY JOURNAL
In case your gift recipient is on a mission to become the aspired version of themselves they should enhance discipline, consistency, and productivity. That’s where The 1% Journal comes in.
This journal isn’t just a notebook – they can commit to looking at it as their personal development coach in paper form. And rely on it to guide them through morning and nightly routines carefully designed to transform their life over the course of 140 days.
Inside The 1% Journal, they’ll find:
- 20 weeks of self-improvement: Tackle exercises and reflections that will push them to grow, one day at a time.
- Daily doses of inspiration: Quotes that will fire them up and keep them motivated when the going gets tough.
- Weekly reflections: Review their progress, celebrate their wins, and course-correct where needed.
- Long-term goal planning: Map out dreams and create a roadmap to turn them into reality.
- Daily productivity goals: Focus on achievable tasks that will skyrocket their efficiency and make every day count.
If you feel that your person is ready to take charge of their life, let The 1% Journal be their guide.
SOUL THERAPY JOURNAL
Soul Therapy is a daily, guided journal intended to guide them in self-exploration, reflection, and healing. It’s a great resource that will support them in creating the positive helpful journaling habit, including daily reflection to stay grounded, healing, slowing down, observing themselves from a new perspective, and getting in touch with their true selves more.
MANIFESTATION JOURNAL
A manifestation journal can be a thoughtful gift for someone who has been through a lot because it offers a tool for empowerment and renewal. By focusing on their desires, dreams, and goals, the recipient can shift their focus from past hardships to envisioning a brighter future.
The act of writing down their aspirations can instill hope, motivation, and a sense of control over their circumstances. It serves as a reminder that despite setbacks, they have the power to manifest positive change in their lives.
The 369 method, explained in this journal, taps into universal positive energy to help them achieve their goals.
By following this method daily for 12 weeks, they’ll learn to align with their deepest desires, set strong intentions, and maintain a “positive” mindset.
Let’s mention some journaling supplies now:
- Journaling Kits: These kits often include a combination of supplies like notebooks, pens, stickers, and other decorative elements, making them suitable for beginners or as gifts.
- Bullet Journaling Supplies: Bullet journaling is a creative and customizable system that combines planning, journaling, and tracking. Supplies for bullet journaling often include dot grid notebooks, pens, colored markers, stickers, and stencils.
- Pens and Writing Instruments: High-quality pens, markers, and pencils are essential for jotting down thoughts, creating to-do lists, and adding artistic elements to journals and planners.
- Highlighters and Colored Pens: These supplies help organize and emphasize important information in planners and journals. They can be used for color-coding tasks, events, or categories.
- Stickers and Washi Tape: Decorative stickers and washi tape add creativity and personality to journals and planners. They can be used to mark special occasions, create dividers, or highlight key content.
- Rulers and Stencils: Rulers and stencils assist in creating neat lines, grids, and shapes in journals and planners. They are particularly useful for bullet journal layouts.
- Index Tabs and Sticky Notes: Index tabs and sticky notes help users easily navigate and organize content within notebooks, planners, and journals.
- Journaling Prompts: Journaling prompts provide inspiration and direction for self-reflection. They can be integrated into journals to encourage deeper exploration of thoughts and emotions.
- Calligraphy and Lettering Tools: For those interested in artistic journaling, calligraphy pens and lettering markers allow for creative typography and embellishments.
- Traveler’s Notebooks: These versatile, refillable notebooks are designed for travel journaling and personal organization. They often include pockets, inserts, and accessories.
- Calendar Stamps: Calendar stamps allow users to add dates and monthly layouts to their journals and planners creatively.
#8 Paid Link: SELF-LOVE JOURNAL
Women everywhere encounter unrealistic societal expectations that lead to feelings of overwhelm and discontent with themselves. However, discovering the path to self-love and embracing our uniqueness can significantly alter our perspective on life, and this guided journal is designed for just that.
A self-love journal is a meaningful gift for someone who has been through a lot because it encourages them to prioritize self-care and cultivate a positive relationship with themselves by providing a guided space for reflection, allowing them to acknowledge their strengths, express self-compassion, and set intentions for self-improvement.
This journal incorporates insightful writing prompts and easy exercises to guide your person in:
- handling negative self-talk,
- contemplating their authentic aspirations, and
- building the confidence to pursue anything they desire.
You can combine it with its companion the self-love workbook for women or with the self-care journal for women.
#9 Paid Link: SELF-LOVE WORKBOOK
A self-love workbook like this one is a beneficial gift for someone who’s been through a lot because it provides structured exercises and prompts to cultivate self-compassion, build resilience, and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Paid Link: The 5-Minute Self-Care Journal for Women: Prompts, Practices, and Affirmations to Prioritize You
This journal offers quick and easy self-care practices for your person to meet their needs amidst a busy life.
It stands out with 150 uplifting prompts promoting growth mindset, mindfulness, and positive intentions.
They’ll neet to spend just 5 minutes on self-care with its effortless questions, affirmations, and actions.
Plus, its user-friendly design makes reflection recording enjoyable.
#10 MENTAL HEALTH BOOK OR WORKBOOK
Mental health book or workbook is a resource designed to support self-reflection, growth, and emotional well-being. It’s a small yet impactful gift for someone who has been through a lot, especially if this is connected to their mental health and well-being.
Paid Link: 52-Week Mental Health Journal: Guided Prompts and Self-Reflection to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing
This is a year-long Mental Health Journal designed to aid your person in navigating the core pillars of good mental health so they can thrive in all areas of your life:
- calm and resiliency,
- connection and engagement,
- goals and purpose, and
- healthy living.
It can help them with being more attentive to their emotional needs, improving their mood, and defining the right goals for themselves.
A 52-week mental health journal includes:
- Quick and effective prompts to use for a few minutes each day
- Evidence-based methods transformed into exercises and research-supported techniques (For example, from cognitive behavioral therapy.)
- Inspirational quotes of wisdom from philosophers, artists, writers, and others.
ANXIETY RELIEF ACTIVITY BOOK
Help them ease anxiety by redirecting their thoughts with gentle yet engaging activities that occupy the mind and hands in this anxiety activity book, delivered by a certified art therapist and features uncomplicated drawing, painting, coloring, and writing tasks, ensuring a relaxed state as they immerse themselves in creative pursuits.
#11 ONLY GOOD VIBES POSITIVE THINKING JAR
Only good vibes jar is another good ideas as each time they reach into the jar and read a positive message, it serves as a reminder of their inner strength and the good things in life, helping to uplift their spirits and cultivate a more positive outlook.
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#12 YOU’RE AMAZING WOODEN SIGN
This wooden sign serves as a constant reminder of encouragement and if displayed prominently in their living space, it can reinforce feelings of self-worth, resilience, and positivity, reminding them that they are valued and appreciated, truly amazing and have unique qualities that make them different and special.
#13 AFFIRMATION MUG
Affirmation Mug with affirmations printed on it, serving as a daily reminder of their strength, worth, and resilience with every sip of their favorite beverage may be a good choice as it will bring a spark of good energy each time they use it.
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#14 INSPIRATIONAL COLORING BOOK
Inspirational coloring book for adults with intricate designs and patterns to help them relax, unwind, and focus their mind would be useful to those who have been through a lot recently, as they could use some time to move their focus away from things that occupy their attention.
#15 DIGITAL E-READER
Digital E-Reader is a nice gift for someone who has been through a lot as it gives them access to a vast library of books and magazines, providing endless opportunities for escape, learning, and inspiration.
#16 SELF-CARE KIT
Self-Care Kit includes items like bath bombs, face masks, and scented candles to promote relaxation and self-nurturing.
If they have neglected to take care if themselves because they’ve been through a lot, this will be a sign of support to go for it finally.
#17 MOTIVATIONAL WATER BOTTLE
Motivational water bottle can be a good gift for someone who’s been through a lot, as it encourages them to prioritize self-care and stay hydrated, promoting both physical and emotional well-being. Especially with these affirmtional messages that encourage them to keep going.
#18 MINDFULNESS CARDS
Mindfulness cards are beneficial for someone who’s been through a lot because they provide gentle reminders and prompts for self-reflection and grounding, bringing moments of peace and clarity amidst challenges.
#19 AFFIRMATIONAL CARDS
Affirmation cards are a good idea for a gift for someone who has been through a lot as daily affirmations foster a positive mindset orientation and encourage self-compassion and optimism.
#20 SOOTHING SOUND MACHINE
Soothing sound machine creates a tranquil environment with calming sounds like ocean waves or rainfall, promoting restful sleep and relaxation. More tranquility may be just what your person who has been through a lot needs right now.
#21 DAILY PLANNER
A daily planner helps them organize their thoughts, tasks, and responsibilities, which can be particularly beneficial when feeling overwhelmed or scattered after being through a lot.
If you feel your gift receiver is ready to streamline their planning process and simplify their daily planning to stay right on track, you can consider giving them this user-friendly daily planner. What sets it apart is the undated layout that allows them to start planning whenever suits them best.
Each day they can prioritize tasks, schedule appointments, and take time to relax, as well as reflect on their day, because self-reflection matters most.
In the weekly sections they can set goals, track habits, plan meals, and organize shopping lists quickly and easily to stay organized and in control every step of the way especially if this gives them a sense of control and certainty. That’s how we can get our power and strength back.
There are 180 daily planning pages and 26 weekly sections providing a seamless 6-month planning experience.
#22 ONLINE THERAPY SESSION
An online therapy session gives them access to professional therapy services, offering support and guidance as they navigate through challenging times and work towards healing and growth. Someone who had been through a lot will definitely benefit from this type of gift and it can even be life-changing for them considering that they’ll start a journey if self-exploration, mental growth and emotional wellness.
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FINAL THOUGHTS ON GIFTS FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT
As we wrap up our short exploration of thoughtful gift for someone who has been through a lot, remember this: the greatest gift you can give someone who’s been through a lot is your presence and support. And this can be also shown ny choosing the right gift for your person.
Whether it’s a small token of appreciation or a grand gesture of love, it’s the thought and care behind the gift that truly matters.
So, let’s continue to show up for each other, lend a listening ear, and spread kindness wherever we go
I hope you found the right gift by now and I’ll see you in my next post! Here’s one: