In times of hardship for your friend, partner, family member, or colleague, a thoughtful and meaningful gesture can make all the difference. If you want to show you mean well go for a meaningful gift for someone going through a hard time as it can provide comfort and support when they need it most.
Meaningful Gifts For Someone Going Through A Hard Time
Choosing the right gift requires consideration and empathy, as it should reflect their individual needs and preferences.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of heartfelt meaningful gift ideas tailored to bring solace and encouragement to someone navigating difficult circumstances.
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Note: Although I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), engaging with this website does not establish a professional social worker-client relationship. The information provided here is for general purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, this content is not a substitute for professional guidance. For specific concerns, issues, or situations, it is essential to consult a qualified professional and present your situation. Read the full Disclaimer here.
MEANINGFUL GIFTS FOR SOMEONE GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME
#1
ONE-OF-A-KIND TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Choosing to gift someone a special travel experience creates meaningful memories through unique activities, cultural immersion, and personalized itineraries tailored to their preferences. It allows them to reconnect with loved ones or themselves while leaving the stress of planning behind.
The value of these enriching moments and the joy they bring usually far outweigh the cost, making the experience unforgettable. I’ll introduce you to a few distinctive travel brands you’d probably want to know about. Choose the one most suitable for your person right now.
COSTSAVER
Costsaver offers stress-free, affordable tours with structured itineraries and the flexibility to customize a trip. Their Black Friday sale includes 10% off select trips and a €50 credit for optional activities. They handle all essentials—accommodation, transport, and guides—while letting you choose from over 1,000 “Choice Experiences” like wine tasting in Bordeaux or sightseeing in Santorini.
Popular tours include Imperial Highlights (10 days, 8 cities, 5 countries), Rhythms of the South (11 days, USA), and Highlights of Bohemia (15 days, 12 cities, 5 countries).
With a focus on sustainable travel and great reviews, Costsaver is ideal for solo travelers, groups, or those seeking memorable and flexible travel experiences.
TRAFALGAR
Trafalgar offers guided tours with everything taken care of, from accommodation to transport and expert guides. During their Black Friday Sale, you can save up to 30% on daily travel deals.
With over 240 tours in 72 countries, Trafalgar combines must-see sights with unique local experiences, like food tours in the USA or cultural highlights in Japan.
They focus on providing great value, memorable experiences, and seamless travel. Ideal for those looking for stress-free, well-curated adventures.
BRENDAN VACATIONS
Brendan Vacations offers personalized trips to Ireland and Scotland with over 55 years of expertise. Their Black Friday Sale lets you save up to $1500 on select trips. With a range of travel styles, from fully guided vacations to customizable trips, you can choose for your recipient to travel any way they like.
Pick from a self-drive, private chauffeur, or rail vacation, or mix and match styles with the help of Catherine’s Collection to create your perfect Celtic adventure.
They could stay in luxurious accommodations like castles and manors, and explore iconic destinations such as Dublin and Edinburgh. Plus, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences ensure a positive impact on local communities. They can start their unique Celtic story immediately.
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Insight Vacations offers carefully crafted itineraries for curious travelers, blending luxury with authentic local experiences. Their Black Friday Travel Sale features up to 30% off daily travel deals, making it an ideal time to explore their unique offerings.
Insight’s ‘Business Class’ tours are perfect for those seeking close-up, personalized travel with attention to detail. With a focus on sustainability, Insight Vacations offers digital brochures to support the UN’s goal of responsible consumption.
Their expertly designed tours cater to a variety of interests and ensure an unforgettable, stress-free experience, from luxurious accommodations to immersive local activities.
RELATED PRODUCT:
Paid link: TRAVEL JOURNAL, NOTEBOOK AND PLANNER
This travel journal is designed to help you or your gift recipient plan, document, and reflect on your trips, accommodating journeys of any length with its 31-day sections.
The 278 pages include sections for pre-trip planning, packing lists, budgeting, and daily journaling, with space for up to three months of travel.
Created by travelers for travelers, it helps capture and reflect on personal growth through one’s adventures. You or your gift recipient can adapt the journal to fit yourltheir travel style, with plenty of space for writing, drawing, and pasting.
#2 MENTAL HEALTH (WORK)BOOK
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.
TRANSFORMING THE LIVING LEGACY OF TRAUMA: A WORKBOOK FOR SURVIVORS and THERAPISTS
Dr. Janina Fisher, international expert on trauma, who has worked with survivors for over 40 years now created a resource that explains how traumatic experiences have lasting effects that persist for years and traditional methods of re-telling the story to resolve them may actually overwhelm survivors. This way survivors can become victims of re-traumatization and secondary victimization because they keep “reliving” their experience by being asked to talk about it repeatedly.
And her workbook offers step-by-step strategies, diagrams, and worksheets to help survivors understand and work with their symptoms to transform the legacy of trauma, emotionally heal, and find relief and rejuvenation. If your gift recipient is having a hard time due to the consequences of past trauma, this may just be the perfect gift that comes in at the perfect time.
Anxiety Relief Activity Book: Draw, Paint, Color, Doodle, and Write Your Way to Calm
Mental health book or workbook is a resource designed to support self-reflection, growth, healing and well-being.
Hard times are always linked to mental health in some way, either being the mental health that causes hardship or the other way around. This meaningful gift for someone going through a hard time can help them ease anxiety by redirecting their thoughts with gentle yet engaging activities that occupy the mind and hands in this anxiety activity book.
It’s 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.
#3
CURIOSITY BOX
Would your gift recipient care to receive a curated box of surprises, adding excitement to their month or year?
Consider The Curiosity Box that offers a unique subscription tailored for inquisitive minds.
It features premium assortment of new inventions and classic science toys that showcase concepts ranging from angular momentum to optical illusions, experiments, and collectibles curated for adults who crave exploration, delivered right to their doorstep four times a year.
Each item is accompanied by an exclusive video lesson from Vsauce, accessible only through their app.
But you got to act quickly, as each limited-edition box sells out rapidly and isn’t available again once it’s gone. Use a PROMO CODE JoannaBel25 to get 25% if you’re ready for your person to get the unique opportunity to enjoy this special subscription.
If you want to get more details on this extraordinary box invented for science enthusiast and inquisitive minds, take a look at my review: CURIOSITY BOX REVIEW: UNBOXING A WORLD OF SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY.
#4 A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FOR A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
A gift membership for a subscription service like Audible, an online platform that provides a wide selection of audiobooks, original content, and podcasts. Your gift recipient can listen to audiobooks on any device, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and Amazon Echo devices.
Taking time to listen to audiobooks can be a form of self-care and relaxation. It provides an opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and recharge, fostering a sense of well-being and balance amidst life’s hard times. This is a thoughtful gift that shows how deeply you care for their well-being.
#5 GIFT THEM COURSES, CLASSES, OR PROGRAMS SUITABLE FOR THEIR SITUATION OR PREFERENCES
Classes or courses can be beneficial meaningful gift for someone going through a hard time vary depending on their interests, preferences, and specific needs. Here are some examples of courses and classes that can provide support and opportunities for personal growth:
- Mindfulness and Meditation courses and classes focused on mindfulness and meditation can teach techniques for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and cultivating inner peace and resilience.
- Yoga and Tai Chi classes offer gentle physical movement combined with breathwork and mindfulness practices, promoting relaxation, flexibility, and stress relief.
- Art Therapy classes provide a creative outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their emotions, process difficult experiences, and foster healing through artistic expression.
- Cooking and Nutrition classes and courses can teach healthy cooking techniques and provide tips for maintaining a balanced diet, which can have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being.
- Fitness and Exercise classes such as yoga, pilates, dance, or group fitness sessions can help boost mood, increase energy levels, and improve physical health.
- Home and landscape design courses and classes teach students the principles and techniques of designing functional, aesthetic, and sustainable living spaces and outdoor environments
If your gift recipient enjoys interior design and decorating you can gift them an online course that teaches space designing and decorating be it their living space, kitchen, office or landscape. This can be very relaxing and soothing, plus it can bring moments of exceptional creativity.
You can check out Home Design Institute, a French educational platform that specializes in the field of Interior and Landscape Design. It offers wide variety of online courses that you can enroll in, based on your specific interest and level of expertise or skills.
Interior Design Professional Course: If you’re thinking about gifting them the Interior Design Professional Course, you should know that this is a 10-month online program where they’ll dive deep into the world of interior design, gaining all the knowledge and skills thry need to tackle interior design projects like a pro.
Interior Design Fundamentals – FREE online course: If they’re dreaming of kickstarting a career as an independent interior designer, this free online Interior Design course may be right for them. By the end of it, they’ll have the skills to whip up basic designs that’ll spruce up any room.
Landscape Design – online course: In this course, they’ll discover how to shape their unique view of the world, nurture their creativity and gain a hands-on understanding of how different plants, shrubs, and trees come together in perfect harmony throughout the year. They’ll develop a deep understanding of how to enhance visual and practical skills, becoming well-versed in plants, hard landscaping materials, and how to integrate them seamlessly into the landscape while considering the surrounding context and existing features.
Sustainable Interior Design: This course was born in response to the fast-paced changes in our global climate and the increasing need for projects that make a positive environmental impact. Your gift recipient will dive into fresh materials, strategies, and tools, aiming to spark creativity and craft designs that not only stand out but also do good for the environment.
Kitchen Interior Design Course: No matter if starting from scratch or already a pro, this course will bolster their kitchen design skills, ensuring they can approach any culinary space with confidence and expertise. They’ll have the chance to collaborate with seasoned experts in the field of kitchen design, delving into diverse topics like lighting design, sustainability, rural kitchen concepts, and the psychology of color.
Interior Design Decoration Course: Interior decoration encompasses the strategic placement of furniture, the selection of colors, textures, textiles, coatings, and the careful curation of ornaments, accessories, and lighting. The objective is to achieve a harmonious and functional aesthetic in any space. This course is designed for both beginners and professionals.
Office Interior Design Course: This course is ideal for enhancing interior design skills with a focus on office spaces and it covers diverse topics like ergonomics, creative office spaces, and large-scale interior design for office buildings. Along with tools, resources, and project feedback, they’ll access exclusive content aimed at boosting creativity, innovation, and confidence in creating exceptional interior design experiences.
Scandinavian Interior Design: help them look into the guiding principles, guidelines, tools and techniques to create amazing projects of any setting. With all practical tasks and developed projects, they’ll finish the course with a new level of knowledge and experience that will enable them to take on any type of Scandinavian design in the future.
Japandi style – What is Japandi and how to create Japandi interiors?: Japandi is a design style that blends the minimalistic aesthetics of Scandinavian and traditional Japanese interior design. Its appeal lies in the fusion of simplicity, elegance, and eco-friendliness. This versatile style is suitable for various settings, be it homes, offices, or commercial spaces.
#6 MINDFULNESS CARDS
Mindfulness cards typically contain prompts or exercises designed to bring attention to the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, individuals learn to let go of worries about the past and anxieties about the future, which can contribute to emotional healing and a greater sense of peace.
By incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine, users can cultivate resilience and find inner strength during a hard time. Ultimately, these cards offer a pathway to healing and renewal, guiding your loved one towards a brighter, more peaceful future.
You may be interested in affirmation cards as well.
Paid Link: AFFIRMATION CARDS FOR WOMEN – 35 Inspirational Cards with Positive Affirmations for Self Care, Stress Relief and Daily Meditation
Help your gift recipient (or yourself) enhance their daily routine with 35 unique motivational messages designed to bring positivity and empower them through the challenges of motherhood.
These affirmation cards make a thoughtful gift for new or struggling moms, offering strength and smiles on tough days.
They’re built to last and provide daily inspiration whenever needed.
With vibrant colors and designs, these cards can make practicing positivity and mindfulness an exciting and engaging part of their day.
Or kindness cards.
Paid link: Kindness Cards
The act of drawing a kindness card becomes a daily reminder to focus on the positive and engage in acts of kindness, no matter how small. This can contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Many cards suggest random acts of kindness.
Your person or you can perform these acts spontaneously, bringing unexpected joy to others and creating a ripple effect of positivity.
These lovely Love Bombs cards contain messages of love, support, encouragement and gratitude.
They and/or you can give them out to friends, family or strangers. Or find creative ways to spread the love.
#7
Paid link: MINDFUL CONVERSATION STARTER CARDS
Mindful conversation cards contain prompts that foster deep and meaningful conversations. By giving these cards, you’re encouraging your gift recipient to create connection with others on a more profound level, showing that they value meaningful relationships.
The prompts on these cards often encourage reflective and attentive communication. This promotes mindful and present conversations, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy among individuals.
This deck will be the only deck they’ll ever need as it’s perfect dinner conversation starters for families, or for a romantic date night.
It’s definitely a high quality conversation starter deck sure to let them move past boring small talk with thought provoking questions thst inspire fun and meaningful conversations.
Topix conversation cards provide 424 conversation prompts to turn boring events into lively conversations.
Take a look at conversation starter cards for couples too.
Paid Link: Better Me Couples Topix – 612 Conversation Starters for Couples To Create Quality Time
The Conversation Cards for Couples is a relationship card game designed to help partners, whether new or long-term, connect through meaningful conversations.
Each card features four engaging questions, with a total of 612 unique prompts, making it ideal for deepening relationships and understanding between couples.
This game promotes intimacy by encouraging genuine connection through thought-provoking topics.
The cards are compact and convenient to carry, perfect for date nights or intimate discussions anytime, anywhere.
#8 SELF-CARE BOX SUBSCRIPTION
During hard times, people may neglect their needs negatively impacting their well-being further. Then a self-care box subscription serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care and self-compassion, encouraging them to carve out time for themselves amidst their hardship.
Self-care boxes typically contain items designed to promote relaxation and stress relief, such as candles, bath products, soothing teas, and mindfulness, even therapeutic tools. These items can help the recipient unwind, de-stress, and find moments of calm and tranquility amidst the chaos of their daily lives.
You may want to get them a soa gift basket if you’re not into subscribing them to a self-care box like this, or you can buy fhem a bath bombs set.
Paid Link: Vanilla Coconut Spa Gift Set – Bath & Body Gift Basket for Women and Men
Treat your gift recipient or yourself to the ultimate relaxation with the Purelis Vanilla & Coconut Milk Spa Basket, designed to renew, recharge, and rejuvenate.
This precious gift set includes natural and organic bath essentials, such as body wash, bath salts, hand cream, and more, all infused with warm vanilla and moisturizing coconut milk.
The set also features premium bath accessories like hand mitts, a loofah, and a wooden massage stick, making it the perfect pampering gift. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, this deluxe spa package is an ideal gift for anyone who loves to indulge in self-care.
Paid Link: Relaxing Essential Oil Bath Bombs for Men & Women – 50 Wholesale Bath Bombs Individually Wrapped
This gift set includes 50 natural bath fizzies, offering a unique and luxurious bath experience every day.
Purelis bath bombs are handmade with 100% natural ingredients, vegan, gluten-free, and free from toxic chemicals, providing real health benefits for your skin.
The bath bombs are designed to nourish and repair the skin, with no staining or residue left behind, and come with a satisfaction guarantee.
Beautifully packaged, this set makes an ideal option for many occasions, suitable for all ages, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a soothing bath.
#9 PERSONAL GROWTH JOURNAL
THE 1% BETTER EVERY DAY JOURNAL
In case your gift recipient is on a mission to become the aspired version of themselves they could consider The 1% Journal.
This journal isn’t a notebook; they can commit to looking at it as their personal development accountability partner in paper form. And rely on it to guide them through morning and nightly routines carefully with an aim 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 uplevel their efficiency and make every day count.
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.
#10 SELF-LOVE AND SELF-CARE JOURNALS
Paid link: A Year of Self-Care: Daily Practices and Inspiration for Caring for Yourself (A Year of Daily Reflections)
This is a 12-week anxiety and self care journal that will help your gift recipient process what’s occupying their mind and gently re-frame their thoughts, so they can manage their worries before spiralling out of control. This could potentially help them if they are feeling anxious even to start self-exploration.
It was designed to meet them where they are and guide them to developing a practice of dedicating a few minutes a day to reflect on their thoughts, detect the sources of anxiety, and prioritize their overall wellness and mental health. This is dedicating a few minutes to themselves they really need.
It has:
- Daily Journaling Pages
- Self-Care Ideas
- Therapy Reflections
- Emotional Support Cheat Sheet
- Fear-Setting Exercises
- Habit Trackers
- Monthly Progress
Self-Love Journal for Women: Prompts and Practices for Your Journey to Self-Worth, Self-Care, and Self-Acceptance
A self-love journal is a meaningful gift for someone who is going through a hard time because it encourages them to prioritize self-compassion and cultivate a positive relationship with themselves in times they may even feel disconnected from themselves. This a guided space for reflection, allowing them to acknowledge their strengths, express self-compassion, and set intentions for self-improvement.
This particular 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.
Or consider/combine it with its companion a self-love workbook for women and the self-care journal for women.
Paid link: Self-Love Workbook and Journal For Women: Release Self-doubt, Build Self-compassion, and Embrace Who You Are
Help your gift recipient embrace who they are with this guided self-love book for women of any age and any background. They’ll embark on your journey of self-discovery by learning what self-love is, and then immersing themselves in exercises to help them build their self-esteem and improve or elevate their relationships.
This very successful self-Love workbook created by a fellow Megan Logan, LCSW is designed with a clear intention to empower women on their journey of self-discovery and self-love
The self-love workbooks typically include exercises, prompts, and activities that encourage self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-care, in addition to practical tools and strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress and anxiety, and cultivating healthy habits.
By giving someone a self-love workbook, you are providing them with a valuable resource that can empower them to take control of their mental and emotional health, develop a more positive and compassionate relationship with themselves, and ultimately, improve their overall well-being.
I’ve collected a few helpful Self-Love Workbooks in my post: The Best Self-Love Workbooks To Help You Finally Break Free From Self-judgement Through Self-Compassion And Self-Acceptance.
Paid link: Self-Love Workbook for Black Women: Empowering Exercises to Build Self-Compassion and Nurture Your True Self (Self-Love Workbook and Journal)
African American woman especially may be juggling many roles can leave little time for self-care. With this in mind, here’s an empowering self-love and self-care workbook designed to help them prioritize their joy, healing, and growth, with affirmations and exercises that nurture authentic self.
Help your recipient embrace self-love, build inner peace, and cultivate confidence while exploring themes of self-compassion and community.
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.
Paid link: Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Start the new year by encouraging the teen girls in your life to embrace self-love and confidence.
The Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls offers affirmations, reflective prompts, and creative activities that help them understand their emotions and celebrate their uniqueness.
With uplifting quotes and practical exercises, it’s a powerful tool for fostering self-awareness, self-worth, and self-care.
Check out a self-care activities book as well.
Paid link: SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN: 101 PRACTICAL WAYS TO SLOW DOWN AND RECONNECT WITH YOURSELF
Prioritizing well-being is crucial, especially for women who often/usually prioritize others.
“Self-Care Activities for Women” offers a variety of ways to relax and find joy, covering emotional, mental, physical, social, and professional care.
With 101 simple activities, from creating a joy playlist to cooking a healthy meal, this book encourages making time for ourselves and cultivating a habit of self-check-ins. If your gift recipient is a woman this will be a great gift to promote “positivity”.
#11 THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND, AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA BY BESSEL VAN DER KOLK
This is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive understanding of psychological and physiological effects of trauma, or how trauma affects the brain and the body, and how these effects can be treated. It’s written by a psychiatrist and trauma expert with 30 years of experience in working with trauma survivors, Bessel van der Kolk.
It offers practical tools and strategies for healing and recovery, presenting a wealth of research and clinical experience that sheds light on the ways in which trauma can disrupt the body’s natural balance and lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. If trauma is what caused your person to go through a hard time right now, this gift might fit perfectly.
#12 BOOKS ON (EMOTIONAL) HEALING
Many books on emotional and other kind of healing share stories of resilience, transformation, and hope, showing that healing and growth are possible even in the face of adversity. These narratives can inspire readers and instill a sense of optimism and possibility. For someone going through a hard time this will be a very meaningful gift signaling that you’ve put a lot of attention and care into choosing it.
#13
Paid Link: Habit Tracker Calendar by Bright Day, Inspirational Journal Planner and Activity Recorder
Give the gift of motivation and productivity to yourself or someone else with Bright Day’s Motivational Weekly Action Pad, a perfect tool for someone looking to build better habits.
This undated habit journal helps them stay accountable and track progress visually, making it easier to reach personal goals.
By having a daily routine organized and in sight, we can reduce stress and focus on what truly matters.
And with its stylish and functional design, this habit tracker is a thoughtful way to support anyone in becoming the aspired version of themselves.
#14 MEDITATION TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Meditation helps individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This increased mindfulness allows them to observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them, leading to improved emotional regulation and resilience.
And gifting someone who has a hard time meditation tools offers them tangible aids to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine. These gifts symbolize a commitment to self-care and encouraging them to take a few moments for themselves each day reinforces the importance of their mental and emotional health.
You can look into:
- Mediation app or platform provides tools for relaxation, mental and spiritual growth, and mental well-being, accessible anytime, anywhere.
- 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 (paid link): Aromatherapy oils like lavender, frankincense, or sandalwood can be diffused to create a calming and sensory-rich environment for meditation.
- 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.
- Biofeedback Devices: Advanced biofeedback devices can provide real-time data on physiological responses, helping individuals monitor their stress levels and learn to manage them through meditation.
- Meditation Retreats: Attending meditation retreats or workshops led by experienced teachers can be a transformative experience for deepening one’s practice.
#15 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.
#16
Paid link: BETTER ME, FAMOUS FAILURES GAME OF GROWTH AND PERSISTENCE
Better me, famous failures is a board game designed for personal development and community building with a mild competitive aspect, that revolves around sharing, goal setting, and real-world accountability.
It’s perfect for various settings like friends and family gatherings, church groups, schools, counseling, therapy.
So any group seeking a platform to engage in meaningful conversations, self-improvement, and maintaining positive goals with mutual accountability.
If you’d like to inspire them to have some fun while going through the hard time, check out Liar Liar board game as well.
Paid Link: Liar Liar Party Board Game – The Family Card Game of Truths and Lies – for Kids, Tweens, Teens, College Students, Adults, Friends and Families
Liar Liar is a fun, family-friendly card game suitable for all ages, including adults, teens, and kids.
Players take turns sharing statements about themselves, while others try to determine who is lying.
Each round involves telling a truth or a lie based on assigned roles, with points awarded for correctly guessing or deceiving others.
With 200 topic cards and simple rules, it’s an excellent choice for exchanges and family gatherings.
You can throw in a jigsaw puzzle too.
Paid Link: Better Me Yosemite USA National Park 1000 Piece Puzzle – Ideal for Hikers, Travelers, Adults, Teens & Family
The 1000-piece Yosemite National Park puzzle features a collage of stunning landscapes from the park, making it perfect for anyone who loves hiking or dreams of visiting Yosemite.
This jigsaw puzzle is perfect for adults, teens, and families, helping to relive memories or plan a future trip. Completing this puzzle fosters a healthy interest in the outdoors and encourages an active lifestyle in nature.
#17 The Complete Shadow Work Workbook & Journal: Exercises and Prompts to Prioritize Your Well-Being and Heal Old Wounds
Your person can confront their fears and initiate healing with this comprehensive guide to shadow work, which includes reflective tasks and in-depth journaling prompts.
Our shadow mind houses unconscious elements like fear, shame, and trauma. And engaging in shadow work entails acknowledging and embracing this aspect of ourselves, thereby dismantling limiting beliefs.
This journal and workbook offer strategies to delve into the shadow mind, growing self-awareness and facilitating healing which makes it a very meaningful gift for someone going through a hard time. With an introduction to shadow work, exercises, and expert guidance, this resource equips your gift recipient to take a path of true self-discovery and transformation.
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#18 The 369 Method Manifestation Journal: Unlock the Divine Code of the Universe and Attract the Life You Want
A manifestation journal encourages the recipient to focus on their desires, dreams, and aspirations, fostering a sense of hope and positivity even during difficult circumstances. Writing down their goals and visualizing their desired outcomes can empower them to take control of their future and believe in their ability to create positive change in their lives.
Your gift recipient who is having a hard time can harness the power of magnetic attraction and realize their dreams with this manifestation journal for beginners.
The 369 method, explained in it, 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 your deepest desires, set strong intentions, and maintain a positive mindset.
This resource provides space for daily affirmations and encourages reflection on progress, ultimately helping them manifest their dreams through the Law of Attraction.
#19 DAILY PLANNER
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.
#20 Paid link: DIGITAL PICTURE FRAME
Digital picture frame is a meaningful gift for someone who has a hard time as you can load the frame with photos of happy memories, loved ones, and positive moments that can bring comfort and joy to support them in focusing on a good side of life.
Seeing pictures of family and friends can help someone feel less isolated and more connected, especially if they are physically apart from loved ones.
Digital frames can rotate through many images, providing a constant source of visual support without the need for multiple physical photos.
#21 RELAXATION OR SELF-CARE GIFT BASKET
Considering that the contents of the relaxation basket are classic elements of self-care, by getting these items, you’re encouraging them to take a break, engage in self-care, and prioritize their well-being—a gesture that reflects genuine care. Curate a basket with a soft throw blanket (sponsored), scented candle (sponsored), herbal tea, and a cozy reading or listening selection. Here the combination of a soft blanket, scented candles, and herbal tea creates a cozy and relaxing environment. This way you’re gifting them with a comforting and tranquil space to unwind while going through a hard time.
You might be into adding a portable essential oil diffuser or a weighted blanket with a pressure sleeping mask for relaxation. Or a neck massager. Let me mention some.
Paid Link: Compact Weighted Blanket + Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask Designed for Sleeping, Traveling & Relaxation
If you’re looking for better sleep and stress relief, a weighted blanket might be just what you need. Designed to calm restlessness and improve relaxation, it’s a cozy, comforting addition to your routine—and makes a thoughtful gift too.
The Weighted 3D Sleep Mask is designed to gently relieves eye fatigue and promots deeper rest while sleeping with its breathable, contoured design. It effectively blocks light without putting pressure on your eyes, offering a comfortable way to relax.
GIVEHUGZ – PLUSH ANIMALS FOR RELIEF (A PORTABLE ALTERNATIVE TO WEIGHTED BLANKETS)
Hugz are comforting and supportive plush friends designed with intention to help soothe anxiety, depression, stress, and improve sleep. Weighing 3.8 pounds, they are filled with certified glass beads that simulate the feeling of a perfect hug, offering a portable alternative to weighted blankets. You can heat or chill Hugz for added benefits.
Hugz intend to provide stress and anxiety relief by promoting relaxation of the parasympathetic nervous system, helping regulate heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone, ideal for travel, bedtime, or anytime a hug is needed.
If you get it you’ll be also doing a good deed because with each purchase, Hugz contributes to mental wellness by donating a portion of proceeds to the Rare Impact Fund.
Paid Link: Cordless Neck Massager for Pain Relief Deep Tissue and Shiatsu Low Back Massager with Heat
The Etekcity rechargeable massager is a caring and practical tool that promotes well-being and relaxation, making it perfect for any occasion. It offers deep tissue relief and relaxation anywhere, with its cordless design allowing up to 3 hours of use without needing to be plugged in.
Since it has customizable features, including adjustable intensity levels and heating options, it can provide a tailored massage experience, making it perfect for relieving stress, muscle tension, and fatigue.
The ergonomic design targets multiple body areas, delivering professional-quality massages at home, in the office, or on the go.
#22
Paid Link: KLUBI Birthday Gifts for Women – Sometimes You Forget You’re Awesome 12oz Funny Tumbler With Lid and Straw
This versatile tumbler, also available in rose gold, is perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or simply to show appreciation for your wife, mother, friend, or yourself.
Designed with double-wall insulation, it keeps drinks hot for 3 hours or cold for over 6, and features a leak-resistant, BPA-free lid for convenience.
And packaged in a giftable box, this durable tumbler includes a straw, straw cleaner, and lid, making it a perfect gift choice for any special woman in your life.
#23
Paid Link: Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Allow yourself or your gift recipient to enjoy comfortable, pressure-free listening with Bluetooth Headphones, featuring soft memory foam earcups for a secure, lightweight fit.
They can personalize audio settings with preset or custom equalizers. And easily adjust Noise Cancelling and Ambient Noise levels for better awareness.
Additionally, the app keeps the headphones up to date with the latest firmware.
#24 A SUBSCRIPTION TO A MENTAL HEALTH APP
Mental health apps often provide a wide range of resources, including therapy sessions, guided meditations, mood tracking tools, and educational materials. By gifting a subscription, you’re giving them access to professional support and self-help resources that can assist them in managing their mental well-being.
This is a meaningful and thoughtful gift for someone going through a hard time as it opens the door to life transformation when things may seem even unmanageable to them. Providing access to such resources to your person can both support their mental well-being and empower them to prioritize self-care.
#25 SUBSCRIPTION TO A MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS OR APPS
I recommend these platforms platform as a meaningful gift for someone going through a hard time since 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, elevate their life to meet their aspirations, or navigate hard times and periods or life areas.
Whether it’s through programs and courses based on meditations carefully designed to speak to the subconscious mind, mindfulness exercises, or other personal growth content, they provides a convenient and accessible way for users to embark on a journey of real growth, healing, self-discovery, physical and mental wellness, and transformation.
A personal development platform like that with tailored programs is a thoughtful gift for someone going through a hard time as it offers a structured and accessible path for self-improvement, providing practical tools and guidance to overcome challenges. It also comes as a great support if it has a community of people going through the same programs on their individual journeys of self growth.
#26 (ONLINE) THERAPY SESSION
Therapy provides access to trained mental health professionals who have the expertise to help individuals navigate their emotional challenges effectively. Therapists offer support, guidance, and evidence-based strategies tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
Therapy offers a confidential and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By expressing themselves openly and honestly, individuals can gain clarity, insight, and relief from emotional distress.
#27 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES
Nature-based activities are not only fun but also linked to reduced stress and increased mental clarity which can be beneficial for when someone is going through a rough patch. Outdoor adventure experiences can be deeply meaningful, providing a blend of physical activity, connection with nature, and opportunities for personal growth. Here are some examples:
- Hiking or nature walks – organize a scenic hike or a guided nature walk, offering relaxation and a chance to connect with the outdoors.
- Camping – a camping trip, whether solo or with friends, can be a rejuvenating escape, providing solitude or bonding time under the stars.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding – water-based activities like kayaking or paddleboarding are not only fun but also promote a sense of calm and focus.
- Rock climbing or rappelling – for those who enjoy physical challenges, these activities can be empowering and build resilience.
#28 HANDMADE CRAFT OR DIY PROJECT
A handmade craft or DIY project that holds personal meaning and reflects your relationship with them during difficult times, can be incredibly comforting and uplifting. It serves as a tangible reminder that they’re not alone, that someone cares deeply about them, and that there are moments of beauty and kindness to be found even in the midst of hardship.
Whether it’s a photo collage of cherished memories, a knitted scarf in their favorite color, or a custom piece of artwork inspired by shared experiences, the gift becomes a tangible representation of your bond and connection.
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FINAL THOUGHTS ON MEANINGFUL GIFTS FOR SOMEONE GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME
As we conclude our exploration of meaningful gifts for someone going through a hard time, let’s remember the profound impact that a thoughtful gesture can have on their well-being. Whether it’s a simple handwritten note expressing your love and support or a carefully curated care package filled with comforting essentials, the intention behind the gift is what truly matters.
In times of struggle, small acts of kindness can serve as beacons of hope, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.
I hope you found the perfect meaningful gift(s) for someone going through a hard time by now and I’ll see you in my next post! Here’s one