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48 gift ideas to cheer someone up who might be going through a tough time right now

These sentimental presents will put a smile on their face...

gifts cheer someone up
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If you know someone who's struggling with their mental health, grieving or feeling lonely, it can sometimes be hard to show that person how much you care.

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Whether you have a vulnerable relative, a friend who's dealing with anxiety about this crazy world, someone close to you is grieving a loved one, or just going through a really tough time right now, we've rounded up the ultimate list of gifts to help put a smile on their face in 2022, even if just for a minute. 

What's a good 'cheering up gift'?

From 'thinking of you' gifts, to grief cards, birthday presents, 'miss you' gift ideas or something to cheer others up on those tough days, here are the best buys to help you feel connected to your loved ones...

What to buy someone who's feeling down?

flowers to send

Letterbox flowers, from £23, Bloom & Wild

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Who doesn’t love a bunch of beautiful flowers? Bloom & Wild’s are perfect for friends; they come in a box that can be posted through the letterbox, and the receiver gets to arrange them themselves. A perfect indoor activity.

sunshine necklace

Sunshine necklace with happiness message, £60, NotOnTheHighStreet

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How sweet is this sunshine necklace? Inspired by nature, sunshine is a symbol of happiness.

little miss hug

Little Miss Hug biscuit, £11.95, Biscuiteers

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Little Miss is having a moment right now, and this Hug biscuit will certainly bring a smile to his or her face. 

happy jar

The Happy Jar, £10.99, Amazon

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This is such a sweet gift for someone. The directions are as follows: Find a happy thought or moment from your day, write it on a note (included), fold it up and pop it in your happy jar. Then one year later - or when you're feeling down in the future - you open your happy jar and read all the happiness and joy you had.

name a star

Name A Star gift, from £16.99, Getting Personal

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If you're looking for a gift that's a little special, then treat someone to their very own star! The star can be given any name of your choice and it comes with a beginner’s guide to astronomy. The star can't be renamed so it's forever theirs!

dreamcloud flowers

Dream Cloud flowers, £60, Selfridges

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Brighten up their day - quite literally. 

photo frame aura

Aura Carver Frame, £189.99, Robert Dyas

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If you're looking for a gift with a lasting impact - look no further! Aura's Carver digital photo frame is ideal because you can share treasured memories with loved ones around the world on a stylish and easy-to-use device. You can also set up the frame for that person so they can immediately place it on a shelf and watch their happy memories on a slideshow. It's super easy to use - and it's controlled with a discreet touch bar that sits on top of the frame allowing friends and families to continue sharing their photos.

you are powerful

You Are Powerful by Becki Rabin, £8.15, Amazon

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You Are Powerful is your best friend, hype girl and everyday toolkit, dedicated to helping you manifest your best life. With this short expert guide, you will learn the basic principles of manifestation, how to stand up to 'self-sabotaging Susan', and the everyday exercises that will help you raise your vibe and reach your full potential. The guide to manifestation is from entrepreneur, business mentor and empowerment coach Becki Rabin.

sunshine hamper

The Little Ray of Sunshine hamper, £29.50, Hotel Chocolat

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Chocolate is always a good idea. 

Grief Kind

Pack of Sue Ryder Grief Kind cards, free with optional donation, Sue Ryder

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When it comes to something as tough as going through grief, it can be hard to know what to say or do that might help someone you love. That’s why Sue Ryder is creating a national movement of kindness and helping more people get the confidence to support their loved ones through grief. Because no one should grieve alone, Sue has designed a pack of four free, limited-edition sympathy cards. The first card is to be sent to your friend in the first days, weeks and months after someone has died, the second if for difficult 'firsts' such as an anniversary, and the last two cards are to send to check in to remind your friend that you're thinking of them. Find out more about what's on offer, including a podcast and newsletters, at SueRyder.org.

positivity candle

Positivity candle, £37, ESPA

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Give the gift of positivity with ESPA’s most-loved Positivity candle - it will uplife and inspire.

 

be kind book

 

Be Kind, £9.29 / $14.99, Amazon

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HELLO!'s very own Editor-in-Chief Rosie Nixon has created the ultimate guide to kindness. Packed with quotes, tips, actions and pearls of wisdom from famous personalities, experts and inspirational leaders. This small book is full of heart. 

personalised plant

Personalised plant pot, £38, Letterfest

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If your friend enjoys gardening this would make a truly special gift - his or her own personalised plant pot. It can even be engraved with a motif of that month's birth flower and its meaning. A very sweet gift if a friend's loved one has died and you can name the flower after him or her. 

fairholme

Bright rainbow Fairholme Studio candles, £50, Liberty London 

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Made with a luxury blend of soy and beeswax, Fairholme’s cult taper candles are hand-dipped in the UK using a traditional technique meaning no two are exactly alike. Showcased here in a spectrum of bright rainbow shades, these mood-elevating essentials are as colourful as they are elegant.

luxury care package etsy

Luxury care package, £25.99, Etsy

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In one simple gift box, you can pamper your loved one, show them you care and treat them to some tasty snacks.

you book

The Book About You, £19.99, Prezzybox

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Looking for a unique gift that’ll show them how special they truly are? What better gift than a book... all about them!

tough cookie

Movie Night Nuggets, £24.99, Blondies Kitchen

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'You're a tough cookie!' - this box of movie night nuggets would be perfect to share with a loved one. 

neom pod

Neom Organics London Wellbeing Pod Diffuser, £95, John Lewis

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Why not boost a loved one's mood with this Neom Organics wellbeing pod diffuser. Simply fill the tank with water and add five to ten drops of your chosen scented oil, press the button and relax as the room fills with a fine mist to stimulate your senses and boost your wellbeing.

sweary candle

Sweary candle, £9.50, NotOnTheHighStreet

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Sometimes all they need is a giggle - this sweary candle should do the trick. 

sancturary

Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Bath Salts With Magnesium, £8, Amazon

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The De-Stress Bath Salts with Magnesium smell absolutely delicious in the bath and help to soothe away aches and pains, relieve stress & tension, whilst magnesium also helps in promoting optimum joint health and circulation.

miss face

I Miss Your Face bracelet, £2.85, eBay

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The message on the card is very sweet and the more you buy the more you save. 

thinking of you shortbread

Thinking of you gift set, £40, Marks & Spencer

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This set includes a bouquet of flowers, shortbread and a gorgeous calming candle. Bliss. 

craft kit

Everything Is Going To Be Ok Mini Motivator Craft Kit, £14.95, Notonthehighstreet

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In challenging times, it's important for us all to remember that everything is going to be ok. Gift the crafters in your life with this embroidery hoop kit which allows them to practice mindfulness whilst sewing at home. 

kate spade silver lining

Find the silver lining bangle, £40, Kate Spade

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Let them know that better and brighter days are on the horizon with this idiom bangle. 

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memory box

Memory box, £32, NotOnTheHighStreet

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If you're feeling nostalgic you could send your loved one a memory box and fill it with old photographs of your adventures together. A sweet gift they can treasure forever. 

give me a squeeze

Personalised pillow, £37.95, Notonthehighstreet

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This personalised pillow will make someone else’s day. 

photo puzzle

Personalised puzzle, £22.99, Myphotopuzzle.co.uk

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If you know your loved one is feeling a bit fed up, puzzles are a great way to help them stay entertained - especially ones that are personalised! Pick a sweet photo of friends or family that can be made into anything from a 100 to a 1000 piece puzzle - it's a great way to remind someone of a special memory. 

hug in a mug

Let them know you miss them with this hug in a mug.

A Hug In A Mug Hidden Message Cup, £23.75, Notonthehighstreet

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tisserand

Tisserand Aromatherapy Little Box of Mindfulness, £13.50, Boots

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This is the ideal treat for some R&R.

new personalised choc

Personalised letterbox chocolate, £20, Notonthehighstreet

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Chocoholics will love this! A personalised chocolate bar that will fit in the letterbox.

sr

Sensory Retreats Divine Glow Self-Heating Face Mask (box of three), £15, Feel Unique

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When times are tough it's important to prioritise self-care, and thanks to Sensory Retreats, you can bring the spa experience home to them. Inside they'll find three gold-foiled, cloth masks that heat up when unwrapped and placed over the face. 

brownies boi

Brownie Eyed Boi brownies, from £12, Brownie Eyed Boi

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You can't beat a home delivery of delicious brownies. 

thinking of you cards

Thinking of you cards, from £1.25, Snapfish x Macmillan Cancer Support

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Macmillan Cancer Support has collaborated with Snapfish to create a special range of ‘Thinking of You’ cards in light of people feeling even more isolated right now. Sending one of these cards will help friends, family or colleagues express their support for people going through cancer during this isolating time. 

afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea Experience Box, £34.99, Buyagift

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Gift your loved one something that they can use at a time that works for them, like this afternoon tea experience voucher! With many wonderful UK locations available, the recipient will be spoilt for choice on where to book. A country estate or a lovely modern hotel? The possibilities are endless!

thinking of you bracelet new

Thinking of you bracelet, £2.75, Etsy

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How sweet is this gift/card? This is a thoughtful gift for a friend who's going through a tough time.  

hello magazine subscription
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Make someone's day with a HELLO! subscription! Subscription prices start at £5.99.

Cewe Portrait

Large portrait photo book, £12.99, CEWE

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Brighten someone's day with a personalised photo book, reliving the best of times with happy memories. CEWE has a range of gifts including personalised phone cases and jigsaw puzzles, but this large photobook has more than enough space to fill with dozens of photos and tell your story.

sweets

Retro sweets, £19.24, GettingPersonal.co.uk

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You just can't go wrong with sweets, can you? GettingPersonal.co.uk is selling this personalised retro sweet jar crammed full of old school favourites. From cola bottles to love hearts, foam shrimps to double-dip sherbert. 

isolation sisterhood bracelet

Sisterhood bracelet, £135, Aurum + Grey 

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How adorable is this pearl 'sisterhood' bracelet? It features a solid 9ct yellow gold initial of your choice flanked by freshwater white pearls which symbolise wisdom - the ideal gift for one of your dearest friends.

this works pillow spray

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £21, This Works

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Looking for the perfect wind-down gift? How about the award-winning Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. The natural, aromatherapeutic Superblend of Lavender, Camomile and Vetivert calms both mind and body, soothing you to sleep. Simply spritz your pillow before you sleep.

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blue wellness journal

Wellness Journal, £26, Papier

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For every wellness journal sold, Papier donates 50p to YoungMinds – the charity that helps young people get the mental health support they need.

storigraphic

Story book, £19.50, Storigraphic

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Storigraphic is a unique personalised book that your loved one can treasure forever - what's more, they fit comfortably through the letterbox. Use code HELLO10 for free delivery and 10 percent off your first order.

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mug

Friendship mug, £15, Notonthehighstreet

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If there's one thing we Brits do well in a time of crisis, it's drink tea. This sweet personalised mug will remind them of you every time they sit down for a cuppa.

travel book

Travel Memories photo book, from £18.12, Photobook

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Miss your travel companion? Or maybe you just miss going on holiday with your pals and you want to add all your favourite photos in one perfect safe-keep book. 

GORGEOUS: These chocolate heart-shaped brownies are the perfect gift to bake for a loved one

chocolate hamper

Personalised Cadbury's letterbox hamper, £29.99, Prezzybox

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This is one for the chocaholics. What better surprise than a letterbox delivery of their favourite Cadbury's classics, from Dairy Milk Caramel to Double Decker? The epic box is stacked full with no fewer than 27 bars. That'll keep them going in isolation!

RELATED: 9 best chocolate hampers that will bring a smile to anyone's day

bright hug card

Hug in an enveope card, £3.29, Moonpig

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If you can’t afford anything physical but still want them to know you’re thinking of them, how about sending a card in the post with a hug? 

photo gift

Personalised 'Remember when' Slider Photo Card, £15, Notonthehighstreet

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Celebrate a happy memory with this adorable through-the-letterbox photo gift from Not On The Highstreet. You can personalise the 'Remember when' card with a favourite snap and a sweet message on the back.

rupi kaur

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur, £10.37, Amazon

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If they love poetry (or just can't face making their way through a whole novel right now), Rupi Kaur's latest collection is the perfect gift. A celebration of love in all its forms, it's raw and uplifting. 

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

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