heartfelt support gifts

Oh man. There are just some gifts that you wish with all of your heart that you never have to give. And a dear friend starting chemo is def on that list. But those times that are the most difficult in a friend or family member’s life are some of the most important times to show up with your most heartfelt support and a thoughtful gift that screams “I’M SO SORRY THAT YOU’RE SUFFERING AND I’D DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT GO AWAY but I can’t, so here are some soft + lovely things that I hope help you feel deeply loved instead.” Or something like that, right? It can be so hard to know what people need or want or what to say, but there are a few really nice, pampering things that are just about always welcome when someone is struggling.

Blankets are such a fantastic gift for almost any occasion, but are especially nice when someone is feeling unwell. This crazy soft, serene and soothing organic cotton Faherty Adirondack Blanket is lightweight enough not to bother any super sensitive spots, but has enough heft so you know it’s there. It’s just like a sweet hug when you’re all wrapped up and it can be super grounding. A natural fiber like organic cotton is nice for people who are healing and compromised and could do with avoiding additional toxins. Likewise, I love this Zestt Organics Dreamsoft Travel Scarf for snuggling up at appointments or treatments. And this Boll & Branch Sweater Knit Throw Blanket looks super cozy for cooler days.

Likewise a cozy pair or two of socks or house shoes keep toes nice and toasty when you’re having trouble regulating your temp. I LOVE these Le Bon Shoppe Cloud Socks for chilling at home and have gifted them to several people who all agree that they’re heavenly. A pair of Topdrawer's Japanese House Shoes are also so soft and comfy. You can’t go wrong with something super luxurious and squishy to make someone feel a bit more comfortable.

Next add in a few really lovely self care elements. I generally like to keep things pretty simple for people who aren’t at their best, so not too scented and with clean ingredients. Rebecca’s Herbal Apothocary in Boulder is a fantastic resource for handmade blends that are made simply and intentionally. The Balancing Spritzer is for calming anxiety and the Clearing Spritzer is for moving bad juju out of a space. The Himalayan Salt Massage Stone can be put in the fridge or oven to create a smooth and soothing hot or cold tool for working out angry muscles and detoxifying the body. Just about everyone needs a good lip balm and a friend is obsessed with this French Nuxe Reve de Miel. Homemade body butters or other soothing goodies made ‘with love’ are always a beautiful addition (I so didn’t make this one, thanks RHP!). And mints (these are my favorite, I stash them everywhere) or mouth spray can mask the taste of meds or help with a dry mouth. There are TONS of self care items that your loved one might need along the way, many of which are super useful, but NOT sexy. You should, of course, bring them what they need. BUT just for this beautiful pampering gift, maybe stick with the special, luxurious things over straight utility; both will help in their own way.

A special tea blend or other beneficial nourishing foods and drinks (like homemade granola) that promote healing are always so nice. This Yin Time Tea + Slippery Elm mix was specially blended by the expert herbalists at Rebecca’s to help sooth anxious nerves and calm a nauseous stomach. And this World Market Glass Tea Maker makes brewing loose tea super easy and beautiful. Or opt for an electric one that keeps your favorite tea nice and warm so it’s always at the ready.

And if collecting all of this stuff sounds daunting or your special person is out of town, MEND Wellness Packages are a gorgeous, already perfectly curated option. They’ll package all of the stunning goodies up beautifully with a sweet handwritten note and ship them off to your special person.

There are so many options for spoiling your loved ones when they need a little extra propping up. What’s most important is that the gift is put together and given with the love and support with which it’s intended so that the message is super clear; ‘I’m here for you and I have your back.’ If you need help brainstorming ideas for your special person, reach out, I totally have YOUR back. xo

Hey! Just a heads up that this post includes affiliate links that could earn me a small commission, but rest assured that I stand by all product recommendations 100%. Questions? Reach out, I’m always here for you. xo