10 Heartfelt Gifts for Friends Going Through Tough Times (2026)

When friends go through tough times, it's important to show them they are loved and supported. Thoughtful gifts can uplift their spirits and convey your care. Whether it's a cozy blanket, a personal journal, or a comforting candle, these gifts can provide warmth and encouragement. In this guide, we present ten carefully selected gifts that not only cater to different interests but also deliver heartfelt sentiments, making them perfect for anyone seeking to brighten a friend's day and remind them they are not alone in their struggles.

Encouragement Jar
An encouragement jar filled with inspirational quotes, personal messages, or memories can lift their spirits. It reminds them that they have support and positivity surrounding them.
ANTREATU Not A Day Over Fabulous Gifts for Women，Birthday Gifts for Women - SPA Birthday Gifts Baskets with Glass Cups for Women Her Friends Coworkers Wife Mom
$12.99
Compendium ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards — 2-Pack of You're Awesome, You Matter — 60 Pop-Open Cards, Each with a Different Message Inside
$13.33
Christian Art Gifts Keepsake Count Your Blessings Ceramic Gratitude Jar Set w/Bamboo Lid: In Everything Give Thanks - 365 Bible Verse Note Cards, Multicolor Flowers & Butterflies, White/Purple Floral
$18.49
Karma, Sentiment Box, Note Taking Box, Prayer Box, Encouraging Notes Box, Hope
$10.72
Comforting Scented Candle
Gift a scented candle with soothing fragrances like lavender or vanilla. Lighting this candle can provide a moment of peace and comfort, reminding them to take time for themselves.
Chesapeake Bay Candle Scented Candle, Peace + Tranquility (Cashmere Jasmine), Medium Jar, Home Décor
2 sizes
Yankee Candle Comforting Vanilla & Honey Well Living Collection Large Square Candle, 19.5 oz.
4 sizes
Yankee Candle Lemon Lavender Scented, Classic 22oz Large Jar Single Wick Candle, Over 110 Hours of Burn Time, Ideal for Gifting, Events, and Home Fragrance
4 sizes
PT41900 2-Wick Scented Jar Candle, Bamboo & Eucalyptus, 19-Ounce, Green
$16.99
Personalized Care Package
Craft a personalized care package filled with their favorite snacks, comforting teas, and a heartfelt note. This thoughtful gift shows you're thinking of them and encourages self-care during tough times.
Get Well Soon Gifts for Women, 10pcs Care Package Unique Birthday Gifts for Women Sending Sunshine Box Sunflower Basket w/Inspirational Blanket Jar Candle for Thinking of You Sister Best Friend
$39.99
Unique Birthday Gifts for Women Mom, Get Well Soon Self Care Package Spa Gift Baskets for Her, Womens Birthday Gift, Relaxation Gifts Set for Best friends female, Wife Sister Coworker.
$19.69
The Love Crate Co Sunflower Gifts for Women, 15pc Custom Gift Box for Women. Get Well Soon Gift Baskets for Women, You Are My Sunshine Gifts, Care Package For Women Thinking of You, Wellness Gifts.
$47.99
KORTTITALO 50 Care Instruction Cards Tumbler, Care Instructions for Tumbler Insert for Small Business, Care Instruction Cards for Cups, Small Online Shop Package Insert Tumbler Care Instruction Card.
$4.75
Motivational Wall Art
Cheer them up with beautiful motivational wall art that inspires strength and resilience. This gift serves as a daily reminder that brighter days are ahead.
Motivational Quotes Canvas Wall Art Inspirational Ability Motivation Attitude Saying Words Posters Prints Entrepreneur Quote Home Office Bedroom Decor 3 Panels Ready to Hang - 36" W x 16" H
4 sizes
3 Panels Mindset is Everything Motivational Canvas Wall Art Inspirational Entrepreneur Quotes Poster Print Artwork Painting Picture for Framed Home Decoration Living Room office bedroom 36''W x 16''H
4 sizes
Stupell Industries Distressed Difficult Roads to Beautiful Destinations Motivational Quote, Designed by Daphne Polselli Art, 7 x 17, Wall Plaque
$15.47
I Choose, Warrior Creed - Motivational Quotes Wall Art Decor, Rustic Spiritual Fighter Wall Art Print Ideal Wall Decor For Home Decor, Dojo Decor, Office Decor, Gym & Fitness Decor, Unframed -11x14
$11.99
Aromatherapy Diffuser
An aromatherapy diffuser can create a calming environment at home. Pair it with soothing essential oils to help them relax and reduce stress, offering a sense of tranquility.
LEVOIT Essential Oil Diffuser, Aromatherapy Diffuser for Essential Oils, Cool Mist Humidifier,300ml Aroma Diffuser with 7 Color Lights & Timer, Auto Shut-off, BPA Free for Home Office Bedroom
$29.99
Diffuserlove Ceramic Diffuser 160ML Essential Oil Diffusers Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser for Room Air Diffuser for Home Bedroom Stone Diffuser White (Size:6.8" H x 3.6" W)
$29.99
Diffuserlove Flame Diffuser Humidifier Essential Oil Diffusers 200ml Desk Aroma Diffusers for Home Office Cool Fire Air Diffuser (Size:9.8" L x 2.67" W x 3.5" H)
$26.99
HealthSmart Essential Oil Diffuser, Cool Mist Humidifier and Aromatherapy Diffuser, FSA HSA Eligible with 500ML Tank for Large Rooms, Adjustable Timer, Mist Mode and 7 LED Light Colors, White
$29.99
Self-Care Journal
Encourage reflection and positivity with a beautifully designed self-care journal. It allows them to express their feelings and track their progress toward happier days.
Self Care Journal
$6.99
Gratitude Journal: A Self-Exploration Funny Notebook for Tired-Ass People (Self Care & Self Help Books)
$8.70
Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are (Self-Love Workbook and Journal)
$10.88
Self Care - A Journal for Being Kind to Yourself
$12.99
Cozy Throw Blanket
A soft, warm blanket can provide both physical comfort and emotional warmth. Gift them a cozy throw blanket to snuggle under while watching movies or reading a book.
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket for Couch - Thick and Warm Blanket for Winter, Soft Fuzzy Plush Throw Blanket for All Seasons, Navy, 50x60 Inches
5 sizes
Maetoow Chenille Chunky Knit Blanket Throw （30×40 Inch）, Handmade Warm & Cozy Blanket Couch, Bed, Home Decor, Soft Breathable Fleece Banket, Christmas Thick and Giant Yarn Throws, Cream
5 sizes
Cozy Bliss Beige Checkered Throw Blanket Ultra Soft Warm MilkyPlush™ Fleece Blanket Checkerboard Grid Plush Blanket for Couch Bed Sofa, Beige 50"x60"
3 sizes
Eddie Bauer - Throw Blanket, Reversible Sherpa Fleece Bedding, Home Decor for All Seasons (San Juan Oyster, Throw)
$21.72
Tea Sampler Set
A varied tea sampler set can provide comfort and warmth with every sip. Choose calming flavors like chamomile or peppermint to help them unwind and feel cozy.
Thoughtfully Gourmet, Inspirational Retirement Tea Gift Set, Includes Glass Storage Jar and 5 Flavors of Tea with Inspirational Quotes, Set of 25
$14.99
Thoughtfully Gourmet, Inspirational Affirmation Tea Gift Set, Includes Glass Storage Jar and 5 Flavors of Tea with Positive Self Affirmations, Set of 25
$19.99
Thoughtfully Gourmet, Tea Therapy Infusion Gift Set, 7 Unique Flavors and Reusable Copper Ball Infuser, Loose Leaf Tea Set Flavors Include Peppermint, Jasmine, Vanilla Chai and More, Set of 7
$24.99
Numi Organic Tea World of Tea Gift Set, 45 Tea Bags, Fair Trade Black, Green, Maté, Rooibos & Herbal Tea Sampler
6 sizes, 7 flavors
Stress Relief Stress Ball
A stress relief stress ball can be a small but effective gift to help them manage anxiety. It's a great way to release tension and remind them it’s okay to take a break.
Power Your Fun Arggh Rainbow Giant Stress Balls for Adults - 3.75 Inch Large Stress Balls for Kids Squishy Toys Ball Anxiety Stress Relief Fidget Toy Sensory Ball Squeeze Toy for Boys Girls (Rainbow)
$10.00
Schylling NeeDoh Original - Sensory Fidget Toy - Assorted Colors - Ages 3 to Adult , 1 Count ( Pack of 1)
$3.44
Schylling NeeDoh - Gumdrop - Soft Sensory Fidget Toy - Collectible Stress Balls - Assorted Colors 1 Pack
$9.48
Toysmith Catstronaut Slow-Rise Squishy Ball - Small Outer Space Stress Ball, Cat Astronaut Squishy Toy, Space and Animal Stress Relief Balls
$7.00
Mindfulness Coloring Book
Bring some creativity into their life with a mindfulness coloring book. It's a great way to relieve stress and relax while adding a splash of color to their day.
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Kids
$7.40
The Mindfulness Coloring Book: Relaxing, Anti-Stress Nature Patterns and Soothing Designs
$7.00
Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: For Mindful People | Feel the Zen With Stress Relieving Designs Animals, Mandalas, Zentangle Nature Art
$7.95
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Mindfulness (Stress Free Coloring Book)
$6.98

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gifts are best for friends going through tough times?

Gifts that promote self-care, comfort, and emotional support tend to resonate well. Items like cozy blankets, journals, and calming scents can provide both physical and emotional relief.

Should I give a gift with an uplifting message?

Absolutely! Uplifting messages can boost your friend's mood and remind them that they are loved and supported during challenging times.

How can I personalize my gift?

Consider adding a handwritten note or customizing the gift based on their preferences and interests. Personal touches make the gift more meaningful.

Are there gifts that can be shared?

Yes, gifts like care packages or tea sampler sets can be enjoyed with friends or family, promoting togetherness during tough times.

What if I'm unsure about what they would like?

Choose versatile gifts that cater to general comfort, like cozy blankets or scented candles. You can also ask subtle questions to gauge their preferences.