When someone close to you is struggling with their mental health, it can be really difficult to know how best to support them especially around the festive season.

Although gifts aren’t everything, they can be a really lovely way to show somebody you’re thinking of them and there might be things that they would not consider getting for themselves that would help them to feel better and cared for. I’ve collated a list of items that people who struggle with their mental health might appreciate. Some of these items are gifted and some aren’t, but there are all things I love and would recommend.

Comfort items
These might include soft toys, blankets, cosy blankets and slippers for example. My top suggestions are Jellycats (as an avid collector they are my absolute favourite), slipper boots and soft blankets.

Weighted blanket
Weighted blankets can be an amazing sensory aid as well as warm and comfortable. Kuddly offer different options as well as other sleep and comfort items and come very highly rated.

Fidgets
Fidgets are great for people who struggle with anxiety but are often also really valued by people who are neurodivergent. You can buy a really big selection at Smyth’s Toys but also there’s a tonne of options on Amazon if you like to shop there.

Oodie
I have an Oodie and I basically live in it during the winter. They are giant hoodies but are really thick and fleecy and have the cutest designs. You can get dupes in places like Primark and New Look too if you’re looking for a cheaper option.

Cute accessories
It can be really thoughtful to gift somebody something that not only lets them know you care, but brightens up their day to day. Innabox make beautiful pins, stickers and other items for people experiencing mental health problems or chronic illness, and they are great quality as well as spreading lovely messages.

Pamper stuff
Buying people things that they can use to be a bit kind to themselves can go a long way. My absolute favourite pamper bits come from Lush – I always especially look forward to when the Snow Fairy range comes out in the winter. Superdrug is also great for other smaller and cheaper bits like bubble bath, face masks and foot masks.

Nails
For me, one of my favourite self care activities is doing my nails. In addition to doing my own gel nails (which are so much more hard wearing than normal nail varnish), I’ve also been obsessed with nail wraps. Holy Grail Nail have so many options and they’re so easy to apply as well as lasting for up to three weeks – I am a complete convert and they are really affordable too.

Journals
Journaling is something I only came to properly a few years ago. I have always kept diaries since I was very young, but I didn’t realise how much of a positive activity it would be for my mental health if I allowed myself to branch out in what I was doing. Writing can be an amazing tool in and of itself, but I also found drawing, decorating and recording various things in my journals to be even more helpful, because it allowed me to be creative but also allowed my to take time out of my week dedicated to thinking about myself and my wellbeing. Papier have some lovely journals, and I’m a big fan of 6 Minute Journals.

Self help books
Although self help is rarely the sole cure for mental health problems, resources that can aid people in their journey to positive wellbeing can be invaluable. I have written a series of creative self help books for various mental health problems, but there are lots of others out there too.

Hot drinks
Having a cup of tea or a hot chocolate can be really comforting. Teapigs do a lovely selection of tea bags, and Whittards are great for hot chocolate. If you have the budget for it, the Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat is one of my favourite gadgets in my kitchen.

Mug
What better to go alongside cosy hot drinks than a lovely mug? I absolutely love all the homeware from Sass and Belle, but their mugs and teapots are especially lovely.

Craft supplies
Creativity can be a really effective way of expressing feelings as well as being a good distraction. There’s lots of different ways to do this, including adult colouring and needle felting. The Works has some really affordable options for colouring, and Hello Pumpkin has some lovely whimsical arts and crafts items. Of course there’s also Hobby Craft, that has an abundance of creative activities to try like embroidery and scrapbooking (both of which I love to do).

Diffusers or candles
Candles and diffusers can be really comforting and make somebodies home feel inviting and positive. This is a bit of a given, but Yankee Candle are my favourite because they last for ages and unlike some budget versions, the smell really does fill the room. Argos have quite a few options for aromatherapy diffusers too.

SAD lamp
A lot of people who struggle with their mental health anyway will notice this even more so in the winter months. SAD lamps can be really effective at relieving some of the seasonal impacts. Lumie lamps are amazing and I’ve been lucky to try the Lumie Mini which is great because it’s small enough to include on pretty much any surface.

Noise cancelling headphones
Sometimes the world can feel really loud, and this among other things can be a barrier to leaving the house and can cause a lot of anxiety. Noise cancelling headphones can be a great solution to this. Bose have some really high quality ones, but if you’re looking for something more discreet, Loop ear plugs are also really effective.

Hot water bottle
Hot water bottles are another really great way to feel snuggly and cosy. I have a Warmie at home which is amazing in the winter and because of it’s shape you can really wrap it around your body, so I find it much cosier and warmer than a standard hot water bottle.

Clothes
Dopamine dressing is a relatively new term floating around but I absolutely love it. It’s the idea that dressing bright and colourful as well as comfortable can improve self esteem and brighten somebodies day. I am a total fangirl for Run & Fly dungarees and dresses, and Lucy & Yak are also a great source for these. Make sure you’re aware of the persons size before you buy rather than guessing, because being gifted clothes that don’t fit can be difficult for lots of different reasons.

Pyjamas
My absolute favourite pyjamas are from Chelsea Peers – I have a borderline embarrassing amount. They are lovely but can be pricey, so if they’re out of budget I also think Primark have a really good selection and are definitely my go-to if I want a little affordable treat for myself.

Audiobooks
Sometimes sitting down and reading a physical book can be really hard if you’re mood isn’t great or you’re finding it different to concentrate. An Audible subscription can be a lovely gift because it allows people to enjoy books without needing to carve out time to sit and read, as well as allowing them to choose their own

Massage voucher
Self care can really fall by the wayside if somebody is struggling with their mental health. When things like getting dressed and eating and drinking enough feel like a chore, luxuries like spa treatments are likely to be a pipe dream. Gifting somebody a voucher (Groupon are often more affordable than going to spas or companies directly) can give someone the push to engage in a bit of well deserved but often neglected self care.

Plants
A bit of greenery can do wonder to brighten up someone’s home, even more so if they struggle to go outside. Beards & Daisies have a really cute selection of options, but if taking care of a real plant feels too difficult, artificial plants might be a great alternative. I am somebody who can’t keep a plant alive to save my life, but my little fake succulents really do make a difference. If you’re able to, getting a nice vase to go alongside would be a lovely addition. Oliver Bonas do some lovely ones of all different sizes.

Bedding
I don’t know about you but I think getting into a bed of fresh bedding is one of the greatest feelings known to man. My absolute favourite place to buy bedding is Asda – they have so many options and often they are really cute and colourful, as well as feeling comfortable. There’s usually something there to fit any colour scheme or style.

I hope this has helped with generating some ideas – if you have any more to add, please drop them in the comments.

Happy gifting and happy Christmas!