Small surprises can make a big difference when the days are short and the weather is grey. From cosy home comforts to expert-backed wellness treats, we’ve found the best "just because" gifts to brighten up a loved one's mailbox - and their mood - this Blue Monday.
If you know someone who's struggling with their mental health, grieving or feeling lonely, it can be hard to show that person how much you care.
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, even if just for a minute.
The winter can be a real challenge - with short days, we have less sunlight which can disrupt our sleep cycles. It's cold - the low temperatures make it tougher to stay active and the cold can also aggravate joint pain. Winter often keeps people indoors so you might not be seeing your friends or family as often as you'd like. What's more, we catch a lot more bugs around this time of year and a bout of flu can really get someone down in the dumps.
Some people might still be feeling the financial strain from Christmas, and that might be a real burden on someone's mental health. It can also be a triggering time of year when it comes to grief and loss. I've just written an article about kindness when you're grieving.
- Flowers: This is debatable but I personally love receiving flowers if I'm feeling down. Seranata Flowers, M&S Flowers, and Bloom&Wild are all great options.
- Spa gift set: NEOM Organics has lots of feel-good gifts for loved ones. The 'Scent to make you happy' range has gift suggestions for better sleep, less stress and more energy.
- A motivational book: When I say motivational, I don't mean 'here's all the things you're not doing right with your life and how to fix it', I'm talking about the caring books full of compassion. I'm a big fan of Donna Ashworth's Wild Hope book as it's full of healing words to find light on the dark days.
- A personalised note or a card: Thinking of you cards needn't to be sombre, this colourful 'Sending you a big hug' card from Moonpig will definitely brighten their day.
- A big hug: Sometimes the small things make a big impact. Arrange to go our for a coffee or arrive on their doorstep with big open arms.
How we chose the best gifts to cheer someone up
- Personal experience: After the loss of my amazing mum in 2021 I was inundated with messages of support from family, friends and colleagues. I also got sent a lot of thoughtful gifts in the post, some of which I've highlighted below.
- Speedy delivery options: If someone is struggling with their mental health, you'll want to tell them you're thinking about them and you won't want to hang around 1-2 weeks for delivery for their gift to arrive.
- Affordable options: These gifts aren't about lavish declarations of wealth, they are often inexpensive ways of letting someone know you care. I've tried to keep it as budget-friendly as possible.
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.
Blue Monday gift ideas
1/12
Bloom & Wild Letterbox Flowers
© Bloom & WildEditor's Note:
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. What's more, there's a category called 'arrives soonest' so you can get a bouquet to them as fast as possible.
2/12
M&S Confetti Indulgent Chocolate Brownies Letterbox Gift
© M&SEditor's Note:
You can't beat a home delivery of delicious brownies. All of M&S' brownie bases are made using 70% cocoa dark chocolate. They're made in small batches to create the home taste and texture. Perfect crisp crackly top, super fudgy centre, chewy or gooey in all the right places. Yum!
3/12
NEOM Organics Happiness Scented Candle
© NeomEditor's Note:
Who knows what happiness really means, but we're all striving for it. This would make a perfect gift for anyone who's feeling a little unhappy right now. The 100% natural Happiness fragrance is made up of 10 essential oils including white neroli, woody and powdery mimosa and zingy lemon, and has been expertly blended to help boost your mood.
4/12
Wild Hope: Healing Words to Find Light on Dark Days
Editor's Note:
If you haven't discovered the life-changing words of Donna Ashworth yet, you must follow her on Instagram. It's not just me who's a fan! Davina McCall described this book as "beautiful and uplifting" and Fearne Cotton said it provides "soul-nurturing permission to relax, connect and be kinder to ourselves." Donna's bestselling books include Wild Hope, I Wish I Knew, Love, Loss, Life and To the Women. You can't go wrong with any of them.
5/12
I Am Not A Card I Am A Hug Card
© MoonpigEditor's Note:
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?
6/12
Jar of Affirmations
© AmazonEditor's Note:
This is such a sweet gift for someone. The directions are as follows: Each morning or afternoon at work your friend can pull out a little quote that not only brings them closer to you but helps them refocus, find calm, relieve stress, and enjoy the day that much more.
7/12
Name a Star Personalised Gift Package
© GrouponEditor's Note:
If you're looking for a gift that's a little special! It's a truly great experience naming and locating their very own star! When named the recipient will be sent a Personalised Star Registration Certificate and other personalised details with the confirmed astronomical position.
8/12
Aura Carver WiFi Digital Picture Frame
© AmazonEditor's Note:
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.
9/12
Lily & Roo Family Calendar Necklace
© Lily & RooEditor's Note:
This gold family calendar necklace is set with your choice of gemstones to mark the dates which will mean the most. Personalise your way and choose any name, dates and birthstones (up to four).
This one of a kind sentimental piece comes complete with a ‘find your meaning’ gemstone card and luxury gift box.
Ideal for a husband to gift his wife if she's feeling particularly down, and it's a great way to commemorate anniversaries, birthdays or special occasions.
10/12
Etsy No Words Just Hugs Candle Gift Set
© EtsyEditor's Note:
In one simple gift box, you can show your loved one how much you care and treat them to a lovely candle, complimented perfectly by the sweetest keepsake token.
11/12
Wonderbly You Can Empower Your Life with Louise Hay
© WonderblyEditor's Note:
Looking for a unique gift that’ll show them how special they truly are? What better gift than a book... all about them with tailored affirmations, exercises and a focus on four life areas and feelings of your choice.
12/12
M&S The Unwind Edit
© M&SThe Unwind Edit is a perfect gift if you want to cheer someone up and want to send someone a little pick me which is filled with positive vibes. Inside you've got Bloom and Blossom AND BREATHE - a relaxing shower oil, NEOM Wellbeing's Perfect Night Sleep Magnesium Body Butter, Pai's Rosehip Bioregenerate, Emma Hardie's Vitamin C Hydrogel Mask and Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme. What's more, you've got Dr. PAWPAW's Overnight Lip Mask, Hair by Sam McKnight's Bigger Love 5-Minute Volumising Treatment Mask and M&S' Premium Sleep Pillow Mist and silk eye mask.
