10 thoughtful gifts to cheer up a friend who is down

It makes sense to pigeon hole gifts. It's your brother's birthday, you buy him a gift. Someone moves into a new home, you get them a housewarming present. A friend is getting hitched, you know the drill... But what about the in-between gifts? The gifts for no special reason. The gifts to cheer someone up. The gifts just to show you care. We've got you covered for those gifts too, whether you've a friend who is a bit sad, stressed, or simply has the blues, here are some gift suggestions to send to someone just to let them know you are thinking about them.  

Best gifts to send friends and family for no particular reason

1. Put your heart into it  

Handmade beaded heart decoration, £4.95 

What better way to let someone know they are loved than by sending them an actual heart? This adorable mini heart is small enough to be hung pretty much anywhere, and it will be a visual reminder of your enduring affection. This handmade decal comes in a variety of vibrant, cheerful colours to brighten their day.

2. Don't worry, be happy  

Six mini worry people in a box, £3.95  

Everyone has their own strategies to cope with anxiety, but if you want to support someone who you know is struggling to manage theirs, why not try the Guatemalan worry people method? These 'people' will listen to concerns and make worries disappear overnight. A keyring-style option makes the concept portable.

3. Canine compression therapy

Sausage dog squishy toy, £4.95

Stress relief doesn't get much more low-tech than this, but that's really the beauty of it. This desk-friendly doggo is ready to serve its master as a faithful stress reliever. High strung friends can stretch it, squish it, smoosh it, basically take it all out on the toy, take a deep breath, and carry on about their day.

4. Mirror, mirror on the wall

Gold tone circular hanging mirror, £4.95

Yoko Ono once famously advised smiling at yourself in the mirror each morning. There's science behind such whimsy - it can release happy endorphins. Tell someone you think they are beautiful by gifting them a mirror and passing on the artist's unusual advice. At the very least they can check their teeth in it before they leave the house.

5. Weave it all together

Handmade Mayan bracelet, £2.95

You can never go wrong with a classic friendship bracelet. An accessory that's instantly recognisable, there will be no mistaking your meaning if you gift one of these gorgeous handcrafted creations. As well as being significantly symbolic, these bracelets are postage-friendly. Just pop one inside a greeting card with a meaningful message.

6. Shine a little light

Glossy ceramic tealight holder, £2.95 

'There will be light,' is a powerful message of hope. There's something to be said that even a simple tealight can make a difference in the darkness. We love this star-themed candle holder but if you want to send light and love, it comes in a pretty heart design too. Add in some scented tealights and you've got a brilliant bundle to send a friend.

7. Disco penferno

Disco ball pens, £1.95 

If you know someone who would rather be bustin' some moves than busting their gut, add some sparkle to their daily grind with a glitter ball pen. Sure, it's not going to make their thankless tasks any more meaningful, but at least it might put a smile on their face, and give them the incentive to make it to the weekend - and the dancefloor ahead.

8. Something fishy going on

Ceramic fish vase, £9.95

Is someone likely to receive lots of flowers in the near future? Then don't add to the floral congestion, think smart and get them a vase instead. The measure of a good vase is that it should be decorative enough to be displayed sans floral arrangement. This retro-inspired fish vase definitely qualifies. This blue version is a favourite with Rex customers, but there are other lovely hues available.

9. Bear with us

Brown bear eye mask, £4.95

Send a friendly message to anyone who needs to get some rest with a sweet sleep mask. 'Bob,' as we've named him, is a teddy-themed version of your classic eye mask and can be used at home, or during travel, to help your gift recipient catch some zees. If you don't think bears are their thing, how about a cute capybara instead?

10. How the cookie crumbles

Daisy canister storage tin, £6.95

Sending a box of chocolates is so impersonal. Why not make it more special and treat a sweet-toothed friend to a terrific tin to store their goodies in? If you're gifting this in person you could bake some treats to go inside. If you're posting it, there are plenty of delicious individually wrapped treats available to fill it with.

BONUS: Show your hand

Cerveza Española playing cards in a tin, £4.95

Playing cards make a great gift for any age, at any time of the year. They represent fun, strategy, and chance. Cards can be gifted with a variety of meanings. Good luck - play your cards right. Commiserations - sorry you got dealt a bum hand. Or, simply - look forward to seeing you soon and enjoying an old-fashioned game of gin rummy together.

If you're looking for a gift that's a little more on the alternative side of things, check out our guide offering 15 unusual gifts for under £10.

Frequently Asked Questions about spontaneous gifts

Is it okay to send someone a gift for no reason?

Of course it is! Put the shoe on the other foot. How touched would you be if the postman delivered a pressie you weren't expecting? It shows thought and consideration and you can't have enough of that in this world. Giving gifts is the best kind of two-way street - you get to feel good for organising the gift, and the recipient gets a warm glow from getting it.  

What makes the best kind of surprise gift?

Something that you know they will like. Ideally, something you know will either result in some self-care, or something that will put a smile on their face. If you know someone is a cat person, send them a feline-themed gift. Are they never without a notebook? Then you know what to order. Heck, even a stylish tea towel can make a fabulous surprise pressie if it turns up out of the blue.

Do you have to give a surprise gift in person?

Not at all! Arguably, getting an unexpected present in the post is better than being handed one there and then. It takes any potential awkwardness out of the scenario and makes the whole process more unexpected and exciting.

Do I need to gift wrap an unexpected present?

Not necessarily, especially if you are trying to keep things as casual as possible so as to not make it a big deal. Gift wrapping does make a present feel more special, however, so it's up to you to gauge if it suits the situation.

What is some good advice for sending a gift for no reason?

Don't spend too much

These kinds of gifts are all about the thought behind them, not how much you have splashed out. Do not spend too much. All of the gifts we're suggesting come in under the £10 mark and many of the options we're highlighting sail in for less than a fiver. These types of gifts should be cheap, and make the recipient cheerful.

Be sure to include a note

If someone isn't expecting a gift from you, it's pretty essential to include some kind of explanation as to why they are randomly receiving a present. A simple note will suffice, but we'd say keep it classy and at least write such a missive in a blank greeting card.

What to write in an unexpected card

Ideally your note should be short and sweet and give an explanation for what you've gifted. 'Saw this and thought of you,' 'Thought this might put a smile on your face,' or 'Hope this comes in handy,' are good examples. If you're really stuck as to what to write, a classic phrase that suits literally any occasion is 'Thinking of you.'