Life is a fun and exciting adventure with many milestones along the way. It’s fun to watch people you care about learn and grow from big life changes. Unfortunately, not all of life’s events turn out as planned or desired. Things like unexpected job layoffs, the loss of loved ones, or painful divorces can throw a wrench into the most well-laid plans. People who go through these types of challenges often feel lost, overwhelmed, and sorrowful.

If you’re wondering how to support a friend who’s going through a hard life change, talking with them is often the best thing you can do. Hearing your words of comfort and motivation can go a long way toward helping them feel capable of overcoming their trials. But words can sometimes fall short, and you may want to do more to show you care. Here are five comforting gift ideas that can brighten the life of a friend who’s struggling through big life changes.

1. Sympathy Gift Baskets

A sympathy gift basket can contain anything from treats and snacks to personalized jewelry and motivational books. It’s up to you to decide what type of gift basket will best comfort your friend when they’re feeling low. When life feels like it’s careening out of control, it can be helpful to receive comforting, grounding items that help you feel a sense of stability.

Food is one of the most comforting gifts you can give someone who’s going through a hard time. It gives the recipient a break from making dinner when they’re probably struggling just to get out of bed. Consider sending your friend a sympathy gift basket that contains ready-to-eat comfort foods like bread, soup, or cookies. These types of foods often bring back comforting childhood memories of eating dinner surrounded by the coziness and safety of family.  

2. Self-Care Comforts

For many people, personal hygiene tends to take a back burner when they’re trying to survive a traumatic life event. If your friend is going through something extremely difficult, they may start to let their own physical and emotional needs slip. Just taking regular showers may seem like a monumental task. This is especially true if they run out of soap or shampoo and don’t have the energy to go shopping.

If you’re brainstorming sympathy gift ideas that will have the biggest impact on your friend’s life, consider sending self-care comforts. Items like lotion, dry shampoo, lip balm, or bath bombs can remind your friend that they shouldn’t neglect their own needs during hard times. Proper self-care can help sorrowful individuals navigate the grieving process in a healthier way.

3. Humorous Offerings

Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine – especially for someone who’s gone through something highly stressful. Research shows that laughing through hard times can lighten daily loads and lessen pain. You might be wondering, “How exactly can I give someone the gift of laughter?” It’s easier than you might think! Here are some ideas for helping a friend enjoy laughter and lightheartedness through hard times:

• A prepaid night at a comedy club
• A customized blanket featuring your friend’s favorite sitcom quote
• A scented candle with a label that says “From your unpaid therapist” or another funny message
• A “friend’s night in” watching funny movies and shows
• A humorous card game

These are just a few fun and quirky gift ideas that can brighten your friend’s day and help them forget their troubles. When giving them a funny gift, be mindful of their needs and personality. Avoid gifting anything crass, insensitive, or inappropriate for the situation.

4. Experience Gifts

Experiences make great sympathy gifts because they can distract the recipient’s mind from their worries and help them have fun. Some great experience gifts include tickets to concerts or live shows, cooking classes, wine tastings, outdoor adventures, or spa days. Choose an experience that you think your friend will appreciate, then arrange it all for them.

Whenever possible, make sure your experience gift includes the gift of your company. Your friend probably doesn’t want to participate in new experiences by themselves. Go with them and take the opportunity to create lasting memories while supporting your friend through life’s challenges.

5. Messages of Support and Motivation

Your time and support are two of the most thoughtful gifts you can give a friend who’s struggling through hard things. They probably prefer your company over any gift your money could possibly buy. Go out of your way to call, text, or visit them in person on a regular basis while they navigate a difficult life change.

If you’re not sure what to say to help your friend get through, try not to overthink things. If you’re authentic and sincere, you can’t really go wrong. Simple words of encouragement are often more powerful than you think. Try starting with phrases like, “You’re stronger than you think and I know you’ve got this!” or “You’re not alone. I’m here whenever you need me.”

Conclusion

Sympathy gifts can go a long way toward helping a friend get through hard life changes. Review this list of thoughtful gift ideas until you find one or two that are perfect for your loved one.