30 Thoughtful Gifts for People with Depression (2024)

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What do you give to someone who is feeling down and depressed?

If you’re thinking of buying a loved one or friend with depression a gift make sure it’s personal to their current situation.

People who are suffering from depression (in many cases) have a tough time doing basic daily tasks, such as getting dressed or washing their hair.

Others may put on a brave face and seem to function normally even though they are experiencing long-term depression.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone who has seasonal depression or someone with longer-term depression, there are a few things to keep in mind…

What do you give someone who is struggling with depression? My Recommendations:

Whether it’s a family member, a friend, a neighbour, or colleague, when someone is having a tough time with mental health issues here’s what I recommend to give the right gift.

Focus on buying (or creating) gifts that will make their bad days a little easier and more enjoyable.
Encourage them with gifts that relate to their interests and hobbies (even if they aren’t that focused on them at the moment).
- By helping your friend engage in activities that lift their mood can be a lifesaver and reduce low feelings.
Give gifts that someone can enjoy with one of their 5 senses. This allows them to enjoy the simple things in life which is what they need right now.
Lavish gifts are not necessary – the point of gift-giving is to let your loved one know you care.

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30 Best Gifts for Someone With Depression

More Thoughtful Gifts for People with Depression

4. Thoughtful Card

Sending a little note to someone when they’re down and depressed can be such a beautiful gesture, especially when your loved one is not expecting it.

Simply saying, I love you, I’m here for you, I’m thinking of you goes a long way in helping someone feel supported.

(I only use printable cards these days. Just get yourself some good quality card stock and print at home. Very easy, especially when you’re short on time!)

5. Lend a Hand

When someone is severely depressed they aren’t able to function enough to do normal daily activities.

Therefore by visiting them and lending them a hand with tidying, cleaning, shopping or cooking is the best gift you can offer.

Physically showing up for someone reminds them they are loved and not as alone as they may think.

That human contact helps even when your loved one is at their lowest point and has a hard time interacting.

6. Plants

One of the lifesavers for someone with depression is to have something (or someone) to look after. This is where a plant comes in.

Plants are simple enough to look after and have many health benefits.

My top recommendations for easy to look after indoor plants…

Aloe Vera
Money tree (aka Guiana Chestnut)
Boston fern
Spider plant
Peace Lily

There are some amazing plant subscriptions you can gift. Here are my favourites!

House Plant Box

With subscription plans as low as $15.00 a month this box comes with a variety of fresh, beautiful houseplants, succulents, air plants, plant cuttings or seeds.

Includes free nationwide shipping in the US. Learn More!

Plant of The Month Club

This comes with a plant every month (of course) and everything you need to display your plant (vase, soil, etc).

$39.00 for one month and discounts for more months.

Ships to most states in the US. See details.

For those who live outside of the US (like myself) I recommend looking for a local plant subscription option. Here are a few choices:

UK: Leaf Envy – choose from the plant only or a plant and pot
Canada: PlantShop.ca – plant related accessories including and in the warmer weather it includes plants too
Australia: Bosque – Choose from plant only or plant + accessory

Self-Care Gifts for People with Depression

9. Essential Oil Diffuser

Using a diffuser is my favourite way to enjoy essential oils.

Not only does it bring beautiful aromas into your home but also unique lighting for the evenings that create the coziest of atmospheres.

My top essential oil diffuser picks…

Gifts to Help Improve the Daily Routine

14. Cute Mug

This may seem cliché but something as small as a cute mug can bring a smile to someone’s day.

Before I drink tea in the morning I always choose a mug that gives me a happy memory or makes me feel good.

Here are some of my top picks for cute mugs…

15. Cozy Tea

Don’t forget to add in some good quality tea or coffee to add to the mug you’ll gift.

My tea pick…

Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast, (Many other varieties available)

More Tea-Related Gifts: 12 Unique Tea Gifts for the Tea Lover in Your Life

16. Food Subscription Box

Making a meal when you’re depressed can be a real challenge, so a meal kit box is the perfect way to show someone you care.

It will also help them get back into the kitchen with ease.

I personally love HelloFresh due to the variety and healthy meal options.

HelloFresh Canada (Get $40+ OFF)

HelloFreshUS

Creative Gifts for a Depressed Friend

17. Adult Coloring Books

There are so many benefits of coloring for adults with the main being stress relief.

This simple activity is my go-to when I feel heavy stress building up. Just 15 minutes of colouring in my favourite books really lifts a weight from my chest.

Add a cup of tea and some happy music and you can lift your spirits very quickly.

These are the colouring books that I use on a regular basis and absolutely love.

Add in some glitter pens or coloured pencils for a well-rounded gift that will make your friend smile 🙂

18. Relaxing Puzzle

Love Tree of Life 1000 Piece Puzzle

Ronstone Animal Oil Painting 1000 Piece Puzzle

19. Hand Lettering & Calligraphy Guide

Similar to colouring, hand lettering can be extremely relaxing for many people.

This is the perfect gift for someone interested in learning a new creative skill.

Beginners can start with this ultimate guide teaching the basics…

The Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering

Add this beginner Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen Set which are the go-to pens for many professional modern calligraphers.

Book Gifts for a Somone with Depression

20. Mind Over Mood: 2nd Edition – Change How You Feel By Changing The Way You Think

This was the workbook I used when I was going through group therapy for depression.

The primary focus in Mind Over Mood is teaching Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

This life-changing book focuses on depression, anxiety, anger, guilt and shame and has been sold to more than 1.1 million readers.

21. The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin

This is still one of my favourite books on happiness.

I’m a strong believer that you can (somewhat) be in control of your happiness – even when going through depression.

This means making a choice to add things to your day that feel good – and The Happiness Project is just that.

Gretchen Rubin shares her 12-month journey of testing a variety of methods on how to find happiness. Great read!

More Gift Ideas for Someone with Depression

25. Gift Certificate for a Massage or Mani/Pedi

Treat your friend to something that will make them feel good physically and mentally and this is definitely a massage or manicure/pedicure.

The kind gesture will be much appreciated.

26. Subscription to a Meditation / Mindfulness App

Apps like Headspace provide meditation and mindfulness tools to support mental health.

You can sign a friend up and even sign up alongside them to share the experience.

27. Take Your Friend Out For A Paint Night

Paint nights have become so popular in the past 10 years. Look for a local art studio – many offer an evening of painting on Canvas.

28. Subscription to a Music Service

Music is a great way to escape and the gift of a subscription to Apple Music or Spotify is such a treat for a friend who’s having a tough time.

29. Subscription To Audible

When you’re going through depression it can be hard to pick up a book and physically read it and that’s where an audiobook can be so helpful.

Give the gift of Audible so your loved one can get lost in a good story.

30. Movie Tickets or Gift Card

Gift your friend a movie night – ideally a feel-good movie or comedy.

What are the Best Ways To Cheer Someone Up Who Has Depression?

When it comes to depression, as well as anxiety disorders, you may be able to cheer someone up (temporarily). However, healing from depression goes a lot deeper than having a good laugh or fun time.

Saying this, the best way you can support a depressed person is to let them know you are truly there for them.

Many people who are depressed assume others don’t want to be around them.

This can be a cognitive distortion in many cases.

Therefore, just showing up for someone goes a long, long way – especially if it’s during a time like the holiday season when emotions can feel even more intensified.

Tip: Check out this article on encouraging words for a friend going through a tough time which will help you communicate with your loved one.

How do you ‘show up’?

Simply, be in regular contact with that person.

Send a text
Make a phone call
Write them a card
Pop by and say hello

And if you want to give them a gift during an especially hard time or an important occasion – make it a personal, thoughtful gift.

*Note: I am not a medical professional, but share this advice and guidance from my own experiences with depression and cognitive behavioural therapy.

If you or someone you love is suffering from depression reach out to a family therapist, doctor or a mental health facility. Depression doesn’t get better on its own and medical/therapeutic support is often needed.