The Ultimate Guide to Feel-Better Gifts

Yes, we’re a country of celebrants. A few “holidays” that actually fill our calendars: Hawaiian Shirt Day (Aug. 16), Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19), and National Hermit Day (Oct. 29). 

Sometimes, though, we need to acknowledge events that aren’t as fun, life occurrences that can be downers. And just as with any happening, a gift to mark the occasion can bring good cheer. (FYI: Both receiving and giving gifts raise dopamine levels in the brain.) 

Here are some common life mishaps and corresponding gift ideas to make someone feel better.

A relationship break-up 

Whether they’re suffering from an ended relationship or divorce, you can help someone get over a break-up with some hair of the dog. Those immersed in peak love often give chocolate-covered anything to express their affections. After the romance is over, the same confection makes for the perfect feel-better gift. And among Harry & David’s many chocolate-blessed desserts, nothing heals a broken heart better than Artisan Chocolate Truffles. These exquisite Belgian chocolates come in a variety of flavors, including white chocolate, raspberry, hazelnut, red velvet, Champagne, and vanilla.

Loss of a job

For many, job loss triggers a common worry: How am I going to put food on the table? While you probably can’t solve that dilemma for someone long term (unless your name is Milburn Pennybags), you can help provide some sustenance right now. How about a Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops Meal? Maybe some Ribeye Steak? Teriyaki Chicken Breast? Lobster Pot Pie? Rather than go on and on (which we could do, except it's making us hungrier and hungrier), check out the many Harry & David gourmet prepared meals. And I promise there are non-meat options…

Death of a pet

When someone you know loses a human loved one, you needn’t strain to find tokens of sympathy — gifts like flowers are pretty much de rigueur. Gifting for the loss of a pet, however, isn’t quite as straightforward; you have to put more thought into what to get. Or better yet, don’t, because Harry & David has already done it for you. Search the site for "pets" and you’ll see a number of respectful presents (minus a random sausage sampler) to give a grieving pet owner.

On the mend

We all get sick. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Whatever the diagnosis, we’ve got the goods to help people get well soon (after all, happiness — like the kind you feel when you receive a gift — bolsters immune function). For the friend or loved one saddled with a bad cold, we naturally recommend chicken soup, such as a Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Mix. For someone recovering from, say, surgery and who has the doctor’s green light to eat heartily, these Get Well Baskets offer selections ranging from fruit to sweets to savories. And finally, we recommend the obvious: a get-well-soon bouquet. Don’t forget the card. 

Stabbed in the back at work

We can’t even begin counting all the ways the workplace can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. Today, Machiavelli would have a corner office, a salary 70 times higher than yours, and a hard-and-fast rule to never look him in the eye. So, for someone who’s been hit hard by a ruthless boss or coworker, we prescribe…popcorn! Moose Munch offers kernels for every taste. But why popcorn, you ask? Because you’ll need something to munch on when you treat your wound-licking friend to a movie night featuring classic workplace films in which the hero prevails over the office nemesis. While we can only provide the movie night snacks and not the actual movies, we can make a few recommendations, such as Working Girl, The Devil Wears Prada, Office Space, and Wall Street.

Emptying of the nest

This is one of those bittersweet events — that time when all the kids have moved out. Really, it’s both sad and a triumph in parenting at the same time. So how best to celebrate/mourn the moment? Wine, of course! True, alcohol is a depressant. But then, this is also a time of revelry. Harry & David boasts a hearty collection of award-winning wines paired with — depending on your selection(s) — cheeses, meats, nuts, crackers, etc. Should you want to celebrate with a less potent potable, try non-alcoholic beverages inspired by classic cocktails. After an evening or two feasting on treasures like these, those empty nesters will quickly, and happily, adapt to the new normal. 

Just feeling down

For those times when someone’s feeling just plain down in the dumps for reasons not covered here, sending over some “happy foods” can elevate moods and torpedo the blues. Among them: coffee, nuts, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish like salmon.