A thoughtful gift becomes a symbol based on what it represents. Symbolic gifts carry emotions, values, and connections, making them much more than just objects. They can stand for strength, healing, growth, love, life’s milestones, and more.
SYMBOLIC GIFTS
Regardless of your intention such as your desire to inspire, comfort, or celebrate (with) someone, a gift with deep meaning creates a lasting impact.
I’ve created a list of some interesting symbolic gift ideas based on the emotions and messages they convey, helping you find the perfect way to show appreciation and thoughtfulness. You’ll also find gift suggestions or recommendations to check out.
Let’s jump right in!
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GIFTS THAT REPRESENT STRENGTH
For someone who has faced challenges or embodies resilience, these gifts remind them of their inner power:
- Jewelry with strength symbols (such as lion, mountain, or tree of life)
- Books on overcoming adversity to inspire courage
- Personalized mantra bands engraved with empowering words
- Stone keepsakes etched with messages like “strength” or “perseverance”.
Related: Gifts That Represent Strength
GIFTS THAT SYMBOLIZE HEALING
For those recovering from hardship, grief, or change, these gifts promote peace and renewal:
- A soft anxiety relief plush animal for comfort
- Essential oil diffuser with calming scents
- A guided gratitude journal for emotional healing
- Crystal sets like rose quartz or amethyst
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.
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.
Waterless Essential Oil Diffuser Nebulizer, for Travel, Portable Cordless for Car Home or Hotel
Or check out this essential oil diffuser which is highly portable, and simple to take with anywhere, making it a fine travel companion.
An aromatherapy essential oil diffuser is designed to promote relaxation, creates a calming atmosphere, and enhance well-being by dispersing therapeutic scents throughout a space.
Related: Gifts That Symbolize Healing
GIFTS THAT REPRESENT GROWTH
For someone on a personal journey of self-improvement, these gifts encourage progress and transformation:
- A self-love journal to nurture self-acceptance
- The Curiosity Box by Vsauce, perfect for lifelong learners
- A digital photo frame to showcase milestones
- A bonsai tree or plant symbolizing growth
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.
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.
SELF-LOVE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN: Prompts and Practices for Your Journey to Self-Worth, Self-Care, and Self-Acceptance (Workbook and Journal)
Self-love journals often include prompts for self-care activities and practices. By prioritizing self-care and making it a regular part of their routine, your gift recipient can nurture their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This Self-Love journal includes prompts and practices for taking a path of self-worth, self-care, and self-acceptance.
Through this type of journaling, they can practice self-compassion by treating themselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This self-compassion is essential for healing and growth, as it allows them to embrace their worthiness.
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 their uniqueness can significantly alter your person’s perspective on life, and this guided journal is designed for just that.
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
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.
In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Curiosity Box donates a portion of proceeds to support the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia, contributing over $100,000 to date.
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.
DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME
Displaying photos of cherished moments and loved ones can provide comfort and remind them of the positive aspects of their life. A digital frame can serve as a pleasant distraction, offering a continuous stream of uplifting images and memories.
Seeing pictures of family and friends can help someone feel more connected and supported, even if they are physically apart.
Or it’s a good idea to include photos of milestones and achievements that can remind them of their strength and resilience, encouraging a sense of hope and motivation.
Related: Gifts That Represent Growth
GIFTS THAT REPRESENT CONNECTION & THOUGHTFULNESS
For those who value deep conversations and meaningful moments:
- Meaningful conversation starter cards for heartfelt discussions
- Kindness cards that encourage spreading positivity
- A personalized message mug/tumblr with words of encouragement
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.
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.
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.
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.
GIFTS THAT PRESERVE MEMORIES & SHARED EXPERIENCES
Memories shape who we are, and these gifts help capture life’s most special moments:
- A digital photo frame to relive cherished moments
- Customized photo books or scrapbooks
- A journal for documenting life stories
GIFTS THAT MARK SPECIAL JOURNEYS AND ADVENTURES
For those who love travel and exploration:
- Special offerings from travel brands, such as experience-based getaways
- A scratch-off map for marking visited destinations
- A personalized travel journal
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. 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
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. 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.
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.
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.
SYMBOLIC GIFTS FOR LIFE EVENTS
Some moments in life deserve a meaningful gift:
- New Beginnings (moving, new job, fresh start) → A compass necklace or a book on new opportunities
- Graduation → A customized keepsake box for memories and achievements
- Marriage and relationships → A couple’s memory journal or personalized star map
- Healing and recovery → A care package with soothing teas, a cozy blanket, and self-care items
- Remembrance and loss → A memory locket or a star named in their honor.
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FINAL THOUGHTS ON SYMBOLIC GIFTS
Symbolic gifts hold messages just as much as words. In case you’re celebrating a milestone, offering comfort, or reminding someone of their worth, a meaningful gift can represent an intention to create a connection that lasts.
Choose something that resonates with their event or milestone, and it might just be cherished for years to come.
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