The best ‘thinking of you’ gifts to send to somebody

The last few years have been tough. Many people have lost loved ones, or know someone who has been through a really rough time, be that with their physical or mental health. These 17 gift ideas below are our picks for gifts to send to that person in your life who needs a bit of cheering up from afar. Because sometimes you just want to let someone know that you care.

From treats like cakes and doughnuts, to an easy-to-put-together restaurant kit that requires minimal effort, or a non-alcoholic spirit that can be enjoyed by those not drinking.

The best ‘thinking of you’ gifts to send to somebody

BLOODY Mary kit

Cheer up a friend’s lockdown weekend with this seriously uplifting delivery. Inside the BLOODY box comes 4 cans of pre-mixed bloody Mary, alongside the diddiest bottles of Tabasco you’ve ever laid eyes on, a can of finest Perello olives and pickle mix, Mary salt, and instructions for how to mix the breakfast cocktail of dreams. Available from Bloody Drinks (£25).

brownies

Baked by Steph sprinkle cake

Support a small business while also cheering up a friend in need with these amazing sprinkle cakes from Baked by Steph. With sprinkles reminiscent of a Simpson’s doughnut, these bad boys are almost cartoon-like in their decoration perfection. The recipient will be reminded of childhood birthdays, with three layers of sweet sponge in vanilla, vanilla and raspberry or chocolate flavour options are coated in creamy, marshmallow-like icing. The small size is the perfect gift to send a friend, and will feed 4-6 people, while the large size is a stand out for a larger crowd. Available from Baked by Steph (£25).

Ciara Isabel ceramics

NUDITEA

NUDITEA’s selection of hand-picked teas includes new and exciting blends that the tea lover in your life may not have tried before. From mixes like their Gingerbread Chai, zesty Zen Blend and bestselling After Eight (Thirty) blend – to classics like chamomile and breakfast tea, there’s much to be enjoyed here. The Caffeine Free Bundle is an ideal gift for those who need some help relaxing. Packaging is 100% biodegradable and the tea is packed in the UK. Available from NUDITEA (from £3).

Pasta kit

A meal kit at home

Treat your friend or family member to dinner out (in the living room) with a delightful meal kit. Give the gift of pizza, pasta, steak and more with the ideas in our round-up of the best restaurant delivery kits.

Pasta kit

Stryyk Not Gin

If you’re buying for someone who is recovering from illness, or someone who is generally a little low, a non-alcoholic spirit is a great option. It’s not going to leave them feeling dehydrated and hungover the next day, but is grown-up enough to feel like a proper treat. This ‘Not Gin’ by Stryyk makes for a terrific cocktail. It’s dry, aromatic and refreshing, with summery notes that remind us of brighter days to come. We recommend enjoying it with tonic, some ice and lime, but it’s also lovely in a mock gimlet too. Cheers! Available from Stryyk (£18.99).

Stryyk

Sculpd pottery kit

A Sculpd home pottery kit is the perfect gift for someone who’s been self-isolating or shielding during lockdown. It aims to relieve boredom and help someone take their mind off things. The kit includes enough clay for two people to create 4 smaller pots or 2 larger pots with plenty left over for the finishing touches. All materials, instructions and tools are provided for the recipient to hand craft plant pots, vases, candle holders and other trinkets without any need for a kiln. There is also the option to include a candle making kit – or a mini cactus or plant to go inside your friend’s creations. Available from Sculpd (£39).

Sculpd pottery kit

Crosstown Doughnut boxes

If you’ve a friend who’s had it rough lately, gift them sugary goodness in the form of a box of doughnuts. Crosstown offer all kinds of epic gift boxes, from straight-up doughnut selections (available in six or twelve) to beer-and-doughnuts, coffee-and-doughnuts and fizz-and-doughnuts. They also provide gift wrap and personalised gift notes for an additional £5. Available from Crosstown (from £22).

Crosstown

Cloudberries puzzles

Cloudberries’ treats may not be edible, but they are an excellent way to while away unfettered time, especially for those stuck indoors self-isolating. The jigsaw puzzles for adults are all works of art, and a tree is planted for every puzzle sold. We like Feast, by artist Rocio Egio. Available from Cloudberries (prices start from £16.99).

grind coffee pods

Cutter & Squidge brownies

For a batch of brownies that will bring a smile to anyone with a sweet-tooth, check out Cutter & Squidge. Their mixed brownie boxes include peanut butter fudge brownie bites as well as a millionaire shortbread cookie specimen, alongside all the classics. If chocolate isn’t your pal’s thing, Cutter & Squidge also offer gorgeous cakes that look as phenomenal as they taste. Available from Cutter & Squidge (from £13.90 for 12 mini brownies).

Brownies

Williams and Johnson subscription

For lovers of coffee, this subscription from Williams and Johnson has everything you need to make a fuss-free and tasty cup of Joe in no time. Williams and Johnson carefully select their single origin blends from South America and Africa, and roast the beans in their Edinburgh roastery. Available from Williams and Johnson (£60).

Coffee kit

Bookblock bespoke gift boxes

Bookblock offer pre-selected curated gift boxes or a pick-your-own bespoke service – each box brimming with thoughtful trinkets. There’s personalised stationary, boozy bits, chocolate, flowers and a whole host of foodie treats and skincare to choose from. This is the gift for that friend who needs to be reminded of the all-important lockdown self-care. Available from Bookblock (from £17.20).

bookblock

Create your own Italian hamper

Sometimes buying gifts is as much fun as receiving them. Take a trip to the virtual deli with Prezzemolo & Vitale, who offer a range of produce that’s as impressive as any supermarket in Italy. Fill your basket with pasta, sauces, cured meats, oils and even fresh Sicilian tomatoes and lemons. Is there anything more delightful for a recipient than a fully-stocked fridge and pantry? Available from Prezzemolo & Vitale (prices vary).

Deli box

Cheese delivery

Mons are this country’s French cheese specialists – and though you might not be able to get to their stall in Borough Market, you can order a freshly cut and wrapped cheeseboard from them and have it sent to someone’s house. Sounding good? Mais oui. From their classic French cheese selection (pictured) to an Auvergne trio, these guys know their stuff when it comes to mountain cheeses and we thank them for it. You can order accompaniments such as their oat crackers, French cider and chilli jams. Prompt a smile with the key to the heart: the belly. Available from Mons (£29.50).

Mons cheese

Figuer candle

When times are tough, light a candle. Diptyque are known for impressive scents as well as the lasting throw of their candles. This beautiful limited-edition Figeur candle is sure to cheer up a buddy who needs spoiling, or a family member who needs reminding that there is light at the end of this winding tunnel. Available from Selfridges (£56).

Figuer candle

In the Kitchen book

Has anyone else’s attention span been somewhat affected by the world events of the last year? If so, this book is the perfect antidote. Gifting this collection of heart-warming essays on food and cooking is perfect for a recipient who’s in need of entertainment, not a challenge. It’s a book they can dip into when they have the time and energy. From Rebecca May Johnson’s ode to finger food to Julia Turshen’s essay on food and community, this is a collection to inspire both in the kitchen and outside of it. Available from Daunt Books (£9.99).

In the kitchen

Porters Gin

Porter’s Gin is cold-distilled in Aberdeen and is the crisp and refreshing tipple that the start of spring demands. Porter’s new Orchard Gin makes a deligtful gin and tonic, simply with ice and a slice of apple or lime. It’s also brilliant in a French ’75, and the beautiful illustration on the bottle means it makes for a gorgeous gift. Available from Porter’s Gin (£34.25).

Porter's gin

Homemade cake

Show someone you care by taking the time to bake a them a mood-boosting cake. Sure, it’s more time consuming, but there’s nothing more thoughtful than something homemade. Our classic cakes and loaf cakes are all wonderful for gifting, and relatively easy to transport. Click here for our classic carrot cake recipe.

 

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