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These past couple of years have been some of the toughest people have ever faced in our lifetime. The news is constantly rattling off new horror stories depicting what people across the globe are going through. Disease, war, mass murder, natural disasters — all of these can be a lot to handle, even if we’re not directly affected. If somebody you know is down in the dumps for whatever reason, a gift to cheer someone up may be necessary.
Cheer-up gifts are thoughtful presents to give anyone going through a tough time. Whether the situation your friend is facing is big or small, cheer-up gifts will surely find a way into your giftee’s heart. A gift to cheer someone up might not cure your pal’s issues instantly, but it will surely help, even if it’s just for a moment.
Whether this is a gift for dad going through a job loss, a gift for your girlfriend dealing with a family-related issue or even a simple, unique gift for a buddy who’s bummed for reasons you’re unsure of, see all of the best cheer-up gifts to consider below.
1. Heart Pocket Hug Keepsake Token
We can’t always be there for people physically. This keepsake offers a small heart with the term “pocket hug” your giftee can keep in their pocket. Every time they need a little bit of love, they can squeeze this token and be reminded of all the love you have for them.
Heart Pocket Hug Keepsake Token
Price: $12.99Buy Now
2. Jeni’s Ice Cream
There is no better way to drown your sorrows than with a pint of ice cream. If there is any way to help cheer somebody up, ice cream is it. Jeni’s does ice cream the best, so snag this variety pack for a sad buddy and ship it straight to their front door.
Jeni's Ice Cream
Price: $58.00Buy Now
3. Jovivi 7 Chakra Thumb Worry Stone
Whether or not you believe in the healing powers of natural gemstones, this thumb worry stone still makes for an excellent cheer-up gift. Merging clear quartz, amethyst, dyed lapis lazuli, green aventurine, yellow aventurine, red aventurine and red jasper into one stone, users can rub their thumbs over this multi-gem to help promote anxiety relief and positive energy.
Jovivi 7 Chakra Thumb Worry Stone
Price: $14.99Buy Now
4. Novelty Ceramic Tea & Coffee Mug
Nothing like a positive message to help you get through the day! This coffee mug depicts a message to your sad-stricken buddy to constantly remind them that they’re truly the best on all their down days.
Novelty Ceramic Tea & Coffee Mug
Price: $11.99Buy Now
5. Homesick Candle
Maybe the reason your friend is sad happens to be because they’re feeling a little homesick. Homesick is here to help. Wherever they’re missing, we’re sure Homesick has a candle for it. But if they don’t, commemorate their new move with a candle specifically made for folks starting a new adventure with the “New Home” candle.
Homesick Candle New Home Candle
Price: $32.30 (orig. $38.00) 15% OFFBuy Now
6. SAM & LORI Personalized Bracelet
For those suffering from confidence-related issues regarding self-image, job or college rejection letters, addiction and more, this personalized bracelet says so little yet so much at the same time.
SAM & LORI Personalized Bracelet
Price: $12.95 (orig. $16.99) 24% OFFBuy Now
7. Sweet Basil Co. Gift Box
Some of the best gifts for cheering someone up are in a gift box. This one from Etsy is the ideal gift box for just about anybody going through it. Each box features a live succulent in a white pot, a hand-poured soy candle, matches, soap, lip balm, a bath bomb and a personalized card to show how much you care. Plus, it’s all available at a very reasonable price.
Sweet Basil Co. Gift Box
Price: $34.21 (orig. $42.76) 20% OFFBuy Now
8. Potato Parcel
If your sad friend is a fan of the more comedic side of living, this personalized potato with a message of your choosing is a hilarious option that will surely put a smile on their face.
Potato Parcel
Price: $18.99 (orig. $21.99) 14% OFFBuy Now
9. Shutterfly Photo Book
Sure, printing out photos and gifting them to your sad friend is a great idea, but printing a photo book from Shutterfly is an even better idea. Create a photo book with all your favorite memories and gift them the most unique cheer-up gift they’ll ever receive.
Shutterfly Photo Book
Price: Starting at $14.99Buy Now
10. Smiles by Julie
This jar of smiles features quotes for folks to help make them feel happier, laugh a little and feel the weight fall off their shoulders. This is also a great gift you can DIY, but Smiles by Julie sells these jars for a pretty affordable price.
Smiles by Julie
Price: $19.99Buy Now
11. Plants from The Sill
Nothing brings a bigger smile than a gorgeous potted plant in your home. Gift your sad friend a plant from The Sill and inspire their green thumb. These plants are sure to bring a smile to their face no matter which you choose.
Plants from The Sill
Price: Prices VaryBuy Now
12. You Are Fucking Awesome: A Motivating Swear Word Coloring Book for Adults
Who said adults can’t color? This coloring book is specifically made for adults to work out their sadness, anger and frustration in a throwback format.
You Are Fucking Awesome: A Motivating Swear Word Coloring Book for Adults
Price: $6.99Buy Now
13. Send a Friend
Send a Friend is a care package brand specializing in stuffed animals — because no adult is too old for a new stuffed animal. Cooper the Cow is our favorite and will surely brighten any sad pal’s day.
Send a Friend Cooper the Cow
Price: $32.00Buy Now
14. 1-800-Flowers
There’s no better gift to give a sad friend than flowers. 1-800-Flowers has a slew of different options, so whichever their favorite flowers are, be sure to get those. These can also deliver as soon as tomorrow!
1-800-Flowers
Price: Prices VaryBuy Now
15. Bearaby Blanket
This one is pricy, but it’s a splurge that’s worth it. Bearaby Blankets are weighted blankets that promote better sleep and reduced anxiety. Sounds perfect for a friend who’s down in the dumps, doesn’t it?
Bearaby Tree Napper
Price: Starting at $269.00Buy Now
16. Verilux HappyLight Lucent UV-Free LED Light Therapy Lamp
Seasonal depression is real, and while this might not be the sexiest gift in the world, it might be the most needed. This light therapy lamp helps promote your mind, focus, energy and sleep through powerful natural light that’s flicker and glare-free. Perfect for those living in colder climates!
Verilux HappyLight Lucent UV-Free LED Light Therapy Lamp
Price: $39.99 (orig. $44.95) 11% OFFBuy Now
17. Wine
There’s simply nothing a glass of red can’t sort out. If all else fails, a bottle of wine will do most of your sad friends justice. Try Banfi Chianti Classico, a favorite of ours right now.
Banfi Chianti Classico
Price: $15.99Buy Now