Mental Health Gifts: 12 Thoughtful Ideas for Someone Who Is Struggling (UK)
When someone you care about is having a hard time, it can be hard to know what to say. A small, thoughtful gift can say it for you: I have noticed, I am thinking of you, and you do not have to pretend with me.
Here are 12 ideas, from comfort gifts to small everyday reminders. None of them replace a conversation, but they can be a good way to start one.
Comfort gifts
1. A soft hoodie
Something warm to wrap up in on a bad day. Our It's Okay To Not Be Okay hoodies are organic cotton, with the message printed small on the chest or larger in the centre.
2. A cosy sweatshirt
For someone who does not like hoods, a crew neck sweatshirt does the same job. Try the women's black sweatshirt or the men's sweatshirt in oat or grey.
3. A good mug
Tea fixes nothing and yet helps with almost everything. A mug with a kind message on it is a small reminder every morning.
4. A hot water bottle or weighted blanket
Physical comfort matters. Warmth and weight can help some people feel calmer, especially at night.
Small daily reminders
5. A t-shirt with a gentle message
A tee they can wear every day. Our black left chest tee and centre print women's tee both start at £23.
6. A tote bag
Something they will carry to work, the shops or the gym. Our black shopper tote has the message printed large.
7. A notebook or journal
Writing things down can help untangle thoughts. Pick a plain one that does not demand anything.
8. A sticker for a laptop or water bottle
Small, cheap and easy to give. A good option for a colleague.
Gifts of time
9. A walk together
Fresh air and side-by-side conversation is often easier than sitting face to face.
10. A meal you have cooked
When someone is struggling, the basics can slip. Dropping round food takes one job off their list.
11. A handwritten note
Tell them one specific thing you value about them. People keep these for years.
12. A regular check-in
Not a gift you can wrap, but one of the most useful. A message every few days saying "thinking of you, no need to reply" can mean a lot.
Putting a gift set together
If you want to put a few things together, our It's Okay To Not Be Okay gift sets page lets you mix clothing, mugs, notebooks and bags. Buy 2 or more and save 5%, or 4 or more and save 10%, applied automatically at checkout.
Gifts for men
If you are buying for a man who would not normally talk about his mental health, keep it low key. A black hoodie or tee with a small left chest print is easy to wear without drawing attention, and the message is still there.
Gifts for the things that help them unwind
For many people, the job or hobby they care about is part of how they look after themselves. Our Is My Therapy and Off Duty ranges cover over 150 jobs, hobbies and sports, on organic cotton t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and more, printed to order in the UK. Browse them all in our gift finder, or start with these:
- Gardening gifts
- Wild swimming gifts
- Yoga gifts
- Meditation gifts
- Gifts for walkers
- Running gifts
- Knitting gifts
- Gifts for book lovers
- Gifts for nurses
- Teacher gifts
- Gifts for carers
If they need more than a gift
If you are worried about someone, encourage them to talk to their GP, or to call Samaritans free on 116 123. If you think they are in immediate danger, call 999.
For gift ideas for friends, family and colleagues more generally, see our mental health gift guide, or our ready-made gift sets.
