*Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click on them, at no extra cost to you, I get a little commission. That being said, I would NEVER recommend something that I don’t absolutely love!
Have you been noticing that someone in your life has been down in the dumps lately? Do you have a friend that is feeling low, worthless, or not important even though you have told them a million times that those thoughts aren’t true? Have you noticed changes in their behavior and you want to do something about it?
Whether it be for the holidays, a birthday, or just a random day, there are some gifts that are extremely thoughtful that could brighten the spirits of someone with depression.
Something Cozy
Tell me something nicer than getting a new cozy blanket? (Really? What is better??) Getting something to help them relax is a perfect gift. A cozy blanket that they can wrap themselves up in after a hard day. A warm robe that they can wear after a hot shower. Some bath bombs they can soak in to relax from the stresses of life.
Here are some great cozy options:
- Essential Oil Humidifier: Essential oils are extremely calming and help you relax after a long day. There are many different types of oils that you can buy but some of my favorites are lavender, rose, and mint.
- A Cute Cozy Coffee Mug: I LOVE mugs (I kind of have an obsession.) I love to curl up with my favorite book and sip my tea. The sillier the mug the better! Who wouldn’t love a grey narwal mug, a Star Wars BB-8 mug, or a mug with a little surprise at the bottom!?
- Cozy Socks: I am IN LOVE with cozy socks. I have a whole drawer of them. If your special someone loves socks and loves being cozy then this is a perfect gift for them.
Something Thoughtful
Some of the best gifts are the one’s that are unexpected. It’s so great to come home after a crappy day to flowers and chocolates on the table or dinner made and your favorite tv show on! Write a personalized letter detailing happy memories that you and your loved one have gone through. It would be a gift for them to look back on when they are having a hard day.
Something to Brighten Their Day (Literally)
People can develop depression symptoms during the colder and darker months. When these months come around I like to string lights all over my house. They make me feel happy and they brighten my house so I don’t get gloomy. Fairy lights, light boxes, lamps, or neon signs are perfect gifts for someone with depression.
Here are some of the most popular light options:
- A Light Box: Light boxes are amazing for people suffering with depression. It helps give the,
- Natural Light Alarm Clock: For people with depression, it might be hard to get out of bed. This type of alarm clock with wake them up with natural light making getting out of bed a little bit easier.
- Fun Fairy Lights: fairy lights are a great way to brighten up any room! You can also hang memorable pictures from them to always remind you that you are not alone.
Something They Love
I always tell people if they are starting to feel low, do something that makes them happy and gives them joy. What are some things that brings joy to this person you want to buy for? Are they really into movies? Do they like to write in their journal? Do they like to plan everything in their lives? Find something that will bring them joy when they open it while also be something that they can use when they are having a bad day.
Something That Could Help Them
You might feel that you want to be a more active person in their recovery. THAT IS AMAZING! If that is the case then there are many things that you can provide to them that can help them in their recovery.
Here are some of my favorite helpful resources that have helped me manage my depression symptoms:
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Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration: This is a creative journal to help the reader find creativity, mindfulness, and self-motivation! It helps readers navigate the daily struggles of life with a simple reminder: that by taking the time to know ourselves and what those dreams are, we can appreciate the world around us and achieve our dreams.
- Mindfulness Coloring Book: I got this as a gift last Christmas and it has been very helpful for me throughout the year. This book is filled with coloring pages, mindfulness tips, and exercises! Bonus points: it’s pocket sized so you can take it on-the-go!
- Erin Condren Life Planner: This was probably one of the things that helped me the most last year. Because of my depression symptoms, I am always forgetting something. Having a planner helped me organize my day and help me stay on track! (If you use the link provided you will receive $10 off your first purchase!)
- Ready to Make Meals: Cooking is something I do not want to do when I am having a depressive episode. Buying them a gift card for a meal ready service is a very thoughtful gift. Some great services that do this are Freshly, Blue Apron, and Hello Fresh!
- Maid Service: People who have depression lose all motivation to do daily tasks including cleaning the house. It can make the person more depression and less motivated if the house is a disaster. Helping them reset their house by calling a maid service can give them the motivation to do other things they need to get done. Takl is a cool app that you can request professionals to come to your house and help you with anything you need done!
An Experience
One of the most common symptoms of depression is isolation. People with depression don’t want to go outside or be around others because their depression tells them that no one cares about them. Give them a gift of an experience to get them out of the house and around people. Take them to their favorite sports team, take them to a movie, maybe take them to a theme park. These types of gifts can also give them something to look forward too!
I hope you enjoyed these gift ideas. Please let me know down below some helpful gift ideas that you think someone with depression could benefit from! I would love to add more ideas to this list 🙂
Want to learn more about depression recovery? Check out these posts: “9 Types of Depression Everyone Needs to Know“, “9 Reasons Why People Don’t Seek Help For Their Mental Health“, and “10 Symptoms of Depression Everyone Needs to Know.”
