We get it – cheering someone up is no easy feat.
And it doesn’t matter what they’re dealing with – the death of a loved one, a heart-wrenching breakup or divorce, or navigating through nasty bouts of anxiety/depression, when your friend is going through it, it’s challenging to know what to do or a magic word to say to make things better.
But if there’s anything the movies and our nanas have taught us, it is that a thoughtful or comforting gift can make a huge difference and remind your troubled friend that they’re not alone.
So, ahead, you’ll find eight thoughtful Black-owned gifts to give or get to put a smile on your best friend’s face or anyone else who might really need it right now.
The Safe Bet – Flowers, $32-$65
You could never go wrong with a gorgeous fresh flower gift delivery to show your friend you’re thinking of them.
The Plant Project, a Black-woman-owned flower shop, offers a range of cool and unconventional arrangements to choose from to send your loved ones struggling with anxiety/depression/stress and hopefully brighten their day.
The Self-Care Kit – Fenty Beauty Prime + Set Essentials Beauty Gift Set, $39
A luxe gift box from Fenty Beauty features everything your bestie or loved one needs to feel like themselves again.
This one comes with the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer and the Invisimatte Instant Setting Powder, which will keep them looking fresh and fly all day. And when combined with the Glossy Possy bundle ($42), you’ll have gifted your bestie with a complete beauty set.
Hugs In A Box – Marshmallow Of The Month Club, $17 Per Box
If you aren’t physically present to hug your friend or offer some comfort, this massive box from Marshmallow Of The Month Club is the next best thing.
It comes with a small batch of artisan marshmallows made with natural flavoring, some deliciously savory cookies (with the option for gluten-free ones), and your choice of coffee, hot cocoa or tea to enjoy your sweet treats.
It’s basically a snug, tears-drying hug in a box.
Some Sympathy Scents – Freres Branchiaux Candles, $33
Don’t – scratch that – Never underestimate the power of scent! It can quickly take you from annoyance to calm, happy, and relaxed. And the Freres Branchiaux candles are among the top Black-owned candle brands known for triggering a quick mood switch-up.
Our favorite picks from the brand include the cherry blossom (fall never smelt so good), the lime cotton (smells like a sunny Sunday morning), and the amber nights candle (lures you into a peaceful, calm, and relaxed deep slumber).
CBD Goodness For The Win – Homebody Essentials ($8.40)
Everyone and their nana have been using CBD to relax their mind, muscles, and body – and the best CBD-infused brand on the market right now is Homebody.
Offering over 50mg of CBD per pack, the Black-owned firm promises a blend of bath bombs, bath oils, bath salts, and bath soaks that target everyday instabilities such as stress, moods, and sleep for whole-body wellness.
Gift this to anyone who could literally need a chill pill RN.
Scoops Of Support – Creamalicious Ice Cream, $6
Like flowers, there’s nothing a good scoop of ice cream can’t fix.
These thoughtful pints of support, including flavors such as Porch Light Peach Cobbler, Uncle Charles Brown Suga Bourbon Cake, and Slap Yo Mamma Banana Pudding, show your troubled friend that you’re thinking of them and will always be here to lend them a crying shoulder or a spoonful of love no matter what they’re going through.
What About A Feelings Releasing Platform – The Great Gratitude Journal ($15)
Sometimes, the best thoughtful gift for a friend dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress is to encourage them to do some emotional dumping – on a journal.
This one by Addie Rawr helps you be more intentional with being grateful and enables you to attract more out of your life.
Plus, you can use it to write down all your current feelings (both negative and positive) and express gratitude for things in your life (glimmers). This will ultimately help you or your friend improve your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
The best part? You can download a digital version of it here.
A Mini Vacay Care Package – Express Packages With The Traveling Counselor
There’s a good trip can’t fix – been feeling overwhelmed at work? Book a trip to the Bahamas. Need a quick creativity boost? Road trip your way to ingenuity. Angry at your best friend? Force her into taking a staycation with you at your favorite spot.
So, if you’re looking for the most thoughtful gift for a friend who’s been through it this year, a mini vacay package from some of the best black-owned travel businesses might just do the trick. @PerspectiveTravels offers unique access to destinations that even Google Maps can’t find.
@TheTravelingCounselor provides specialized express packages (and they’re really cost-friendly!).
