Be a source of hope and encouragement this holiday season by choosing the perfect gift for a loved one who is battling depression.
Depression can engulf you like a hurricane with negative thoughts swirling around you and make you feel like you are going down a negative spiral indefinitely. If you have never lived with depression (or gone through a very tragic event), you most likely can’t imagine what that is like. This can make it difficult to choose the “right” encouraging gift for someone with depression.
But what you can do, is be there for someone you care about by listening, helping with daily activities and responsibilities, and offering encouragement in any way you can. Encouraging words for depression go a long way especially by giving a small, yet meaningful, encouraging gift can be a loving way of showing support. It can also inspire someone with depression to have hope. That is an invaluable gift.
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Be sure to check out . . .
✅ AMAZON WISH LIST: ENCOURAGING GIFTS FOR SOMEONE WITH DEPRESSION
✅ Inspirational Gifts of Strength and Courage
Often times when you live with a mental illness, you feel weak and broken. I
1. Mugs with a Message
A cup of coffee in an encouraging mug (first thing in the morning) is a great way to start your day! Just imagine how that would make someone who deals with depression feel – Loved, Encouraged, & Hopeful!
Cup of Courage Mug “You Got This”
✓ 16oz capacity
✓ High-quality stoneware is dishwasher and microwave safe
✓ Inside message says "You Got This"
✓ Shipped in decorative gift box
✅ Compare our Reader’s Favorite Mugs for encouraging gifts for depression!
2. “You Are Braver than You Believe” Adjustable Copper Charm Bracelet
An inspirational jewelry gift for someone who is depressed is a wonderful idea because as they wear it, they are constantly reminded of the encouraging message. (✅ See more inspirational jewelry ideas.)
✓ Adjustable Bangle Bracelet
✓ Quote: "You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter thank you think"
✓Options: Rose Gold, Silver, Antique Gold
3. Power Thoughts: A Book of 365 Daily Affirmations
Using affirmations is a very powerful tool for improving your mental health. This book with a
✓ Inspirational book with affirmations for every day of the year
✓ Author: Louise Hay
4. “Being Strong” Rustic Wood Decorative Wall Decor
Decorating your home with inspirational wall art that reminds you of how strong you are can be very helpful in thinking positive throughout the day. This rustic wood wall decor is perfect for the farm-house style lovers. The full quote says, “You Never Know How Strong You Are Until Being Strong is the Only Choice You Have.” (✅ See other styles)
✓ "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
✓ 8" x 8" box sign
5. Willow Tree “Angel of Courage” Keepsake Figurine
This hand-sculpted figurine from the Willow Tree Collection is a great reminder of the courage we have within ourselves. It makes a thoughtful and encouraging gift for someone suffering with depression who has many doubts about their worth and their ability to get through the dark times.
✅ Simple Gifts to Make Someone Smile
Not all encouraging gifts for depression need to be extravagant and make a big statement. Sometimes it is the simple gifts to make someone smile that can lead to feeling loved and comforted. If you can put a smile on someone’s face, you have done them a beautiful favor!
6. Instant Happy Notes: 101 Sticky Note Surprises
Peel this cheerful sticky notes off one at a time (or a few) and stick them to places like–a mirror, refrigerator, coffee maker, or steering wheel. A caring surprise for a loved one with depression.
7. “Why You’re So Awesome” Knock Knock Love Journal
This fill-in-the-blank journal is a fun and personalized way to show your love for someone with depression. This will surely make them smile when they are feeling down. Get creative and maybe a little silly when responding to the prompts. These Knock Knock Love Journals come in many different themes. (✅ Compare them now)
- Fill in the blank style journal where you answer the prompts about how your friend/loved one is awesome
- Other versions of journal include: "Why You're My Bestie" "Why I'm Grateful for You," "Why You Make Me Smile"
- Hardcover with removable clear plastic jacket: 4.5 × 3.25 Inches, 112 pages
8. Love Bombs
These Love Bombs are beautiful gold embossed cards allow you to express your feelings of gratitude, appreciation, and encouragement towards a special someone with depression. (✅ see customer reviews)
9. Framed Inspirational Printable Art
A very budget-friendly gift is an inspirational print in a simple frame. Just print it out on your own computer, your favorite print shop, or my go-to for quality printing, Office Depot/OfficeMax.
✅ Gifts of Encouragement for a Friend
There are many ways you can show your love and support for a someone special. Gifts of encouragement for a friend with depression serve more than one purpose. Everyone loves a present, right? But a present that inspires hope and happiness is truly the best kind of gift. Remind your depressed friend that she is a warrior and her life can still be beautiful even alongside her pain.
10. Warrior Quote Hand-Stamped Cuff Bracelet
This silver cuff bracelet has the quote, “Fate Whispers to The Warrior You Cannot Withstand The Storm And The Warrior Whispers Back I Am The Storm.” People with depression often
✓ Engraved quote: "Fate whispers to the warrior you cannot withstand the storm. I am the storm
✓ 3/8" x 6" stainless steel cuff
✓ Gift box included
11. “Why You’re My Bestie” Fill-In-The-Blank Love Journal
People with depression often avoid social situations and may start to worry that they have lost (or will lose) friends. Encourage your friend by letting them know their illness has changed your relationship or that you have forgotten them. This fill-in-the-blank love journal is the perfect gift for letting them know you will always be by their side no matter what. (✅ See more Knock Knock Journals for other occasions)
✓ Hardcover with removable plastic sleeve
✓ Fill in the blank pages
✓ 4.5" x 3.25"
12. True Friends Keepsake Jewelry Music Box
This beautiful jewelry music box is handcrafted with a distressed teal finish. The top has the quote, “True friends are hard to find. In a lifetime you only get a few. I am so grateful in mine I have YOU.”
✓ Music plays "That's What Friends Are For"
✓ Handcrafted wood with a distressed finish
✓ 4" x 6" x 2"
13. Inspirational Quote Greeting Cards with Envelopes
This is a great gift to send to someone you care about who needs some encouragement and to be reminded of their strength in courage. These quote cards come in a 48pc. boxed set. It’s perfect for you to have on hand and every so often, you mail them an unexpected card.
✓ Bulk Box Set -
✓ 6 Unique Inspiring Motivational Designs with Envelopes, 4 x 6 Inches
✅ Gift Ideas for Someone Going Through a Hard Time
I know your heart hurts for people you know who are going through a hard time. For someone with depression, those hard times may come quite often. So even the smallest gift that can bring hope for a better day, can be a treasure. These gift ideas remind someone going through a rough patch that “storms don’t last forever.”
14. “Believe in Yourself” Kindness Notes in a Keepsake Jar
This jar is filled with 31 encouraging notes on keepsake quality paper and linen envelopes. Your depressed loved one will appreciate the personalization of this gift and it will surely make them smile amidst their struggles. The idea is to open one note a day for a month-long experience. These notes come in with other motivational quotes
15. “Storms Don’t Last Forever” Charm Bracelet
When you are right smack in the middle of depression, it is hard to believe that what you are feeling won’t last forever. Give this beautiful silver charm bracelet with an inspirational quote for encouragement and support.
✓ Semicolon Charm represents Suicide Awareness
✓ Made of surgical grade stainless steel
✓ Comes ready to give in gift pouch
16. Encouraging Cards Sent by “Snail Mail”
A great idea (and one of the best gifts for depressed people) would be to buy a pack of encouraging postcards and set a reminder for yourself to send one every few weeks or months.
✓ Assorted scripture cards
✓ 3 cards of 4 designs
✓ 12 cards with envelops
✓ Folded Card Dimensions: 4.5" x 6/5"
✅ Encouraging Gifts for Depression
Just to make sure you don’t run out of great ideas for encouraging gifts for depression, here are a few of my favorites to top it off.
17. Printable Mental Health Coloring Pages with Words of Affirmations
I love coloring pages so much, I created a set of 30 mental health coloring pages with original mandala designs. Each page has a powerful affirmation word. They are encouraging words for your depressed friend to focus on while they color the design. This is a great budget-friendly gift idea for you to give. Print the pages out and add a set of colored pencils for a quick and easy gift.
✓ PDF file with 30 individual pages to color
✓ Print at home or at OfficeDepot/OfficeMax
✓ Each page has a unique Mandala with an Inspirational Word to focus on while you are coloring
18. “My Story Isn’t Over” Heart Semi-Colon Ring
Some people with depression have struggled for a long time and may have even attempted suicide. No matter how far down to rock bottom they have been through, there is always another chapter of their life waiting to unfold. This sterling silver ring will remind them of their worth and that their “story isn’t over.”
✓ .925 Sterling Silver
✓ Quote: "My Story Isn't Over Yet"
✓ Ring Sizes: 5-12
19. Knock Knock Love Journal “Why You’re Gonna Do Great!”
This Knock Knock Love Journal is perfect when you want to encourage and motivate someone you care about who has depression. So many times, those of us who live with depression struggle to believe we really have a chance for success and happiness. This fill-in-the-blank journal gives you the opportunity to tell them exactly why they have something to give back to the world. (✅ See more Knock Knock Love Journals)
✓ Hard cover removable plastic jacket
✓ Fill in the blank pages
✓ 4.5" x 3.25"
20. Adult Coloring Book with Motivational Sayings and Positive Affirmations
Coloring is fun and relaxing. It gives your mind time to rest and put aside negative thoughts. That is what makes this adult coloring book so helpful and encouraging. It is filled with motivational quotes and sayings that give someone with depression positive thoughts to replace their negative ones. (✅ See Amazon’s top choices in motivational adult coloring books)
✓ 25 Unique Images with Motivational Sayings
✓ 2 copies of each page in case you want to share
✓ Single-sided pages
- 48 Pc Set of Premium Ink Gel Pens Set With Case
- Artist Quality Coloring Pens: 24 Glitter, 12 Metallic, 12 Neon
- Plus 48 Matching Refills
- Portable Storage Case and Magnetic Gift Box
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Now you are ready to bring encouragement, hope, and inspiration to those around you who have depression.
Bookmark this post so you don’t ever get stuck for ideas on encouraging gifts for depressed people again. These gifts actually make great Christmas and Birthday presents for just about anyone in your life. Make your own list too!
Check out these other One-Of-A-Kind Gift Guides for Depression!
- 🎁 GIFT GUIDE: Top Self-Care Gifts for a Depressed Friend
- 🎁 GIFT GUIDE: Quirky & Unique Gifts for People with Depression
- 🎁 ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE: 150+ Amazing Gift Ideas for Someone with Depression
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