11 Just Because Gift Ideas to Brighten Someone's Day

Because the best gifts are the unexpected ones…

We often associate gift-giving with special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s and Father’s Day, but sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones given just because. These rather lovely and thoughtful surprises can really lift someone’s spirits, making them feel loved and reminding them they are important, even on the most ordinary of days.

Maybe your best friend is having a tough week (or month) and you’ve noticed they’ve not been themselves lately, possibly a colleague has been working tirelessly, staying late to get the work done in time, or simply a family member deserves a little reminder of how much they mean to you. Whatever the reason, a small but meaningful gift can instantly brighten their day.

The question is, what do you give when there is no ‘special occasion’, just the desire to make someone smile? Here are 11 easy yet thoughtful just-because gift ideas that don’t need a lot of planning and are sure to leave a lasting impression.

1. A Curated Gift Box Full of Treats

Not just any curated gift box, but a Woodbury Blue one! These hand-picked boxes are beautiful, they are designed specifically for just-because occasions, amongst others, and they are hassle-free and so easy to gift. You literally pick a pre-filled box or fill your own and we do everything else!

A beautifully presented, ready-to-send gift box filled with a variety of little luxuries is the ultimate way to make someone feel special, guaranteeing smiles all round.

2. A Handwritten Note or Card

Hands up who has received a handwritten letter recently… Nope, didn’t think so, which makes us really sad because a thoughtfully written card or note can mean so much more than the most expensive gift. It’s simple, affordable and it can be deeply personal, reminding someone how much they matter.

Writing a heartfelt message doesn’t have to be hard. If you struggle with words, here are some ideas that you could put down on paper:

• Some words of encouragement to show you’re backing them and letting them know that you know they can do it, whatever it is they’re struggling with.
• A simple “thinking of you” to show you care.
• A nostalgic memory that makes them smile. Memories of happy times can spark so many good emotions and it’s wonderful not only to be reminded of them but also to show that you remember those important times.
• A heartfelt thank you for their support or kindness. Instead of a text or an impersonal email, how about sending a card with a handwritten thank you message. Your handwriting and your words will mean so much more to them than a typed line or two.

Unlike digital messages that get lost in all the noise, a handwritten note is something they can keep and revisit whenever they need a pick-me-up. If you’d like to know more about the power of handwritten notes why not take a look at our recent blog post on the subject.

3. A Little Box of Positivity

A box filled with uplifting messages, positive affirmations or handwritten compliments is a truly unique and thoughtful gift. It is ideal for someone going through a rough patch or having a moment of low self esteem as it reminds them daily of their strength, beauty and worth.

Inside the gift box you could include:

• Some miniature handwritten notes with kind words - one to be opened whenever needed.
• Motivational quotes.
• A journal to encourage them to write down their thoughts and process their feelings.
• A small token, lucky charm or healing crystal. Small enough to fit in a pocket, they can take it around with them wherever they go and be reminded of your kindness and support.

These are literally like small doses of happiness… in a box! 

4. Sweet Treats

Who wouldn’t love a sweet surprise landing on their doorstep out of the blue one day? Imagine feeling a little sad or out of sorts and suddenly you open your door to a little box full of delicious treats that someone has thoughtfully sent to cheer you up! 

You could box up some shop bought goodies or you could beautifully bag up a mixture of their favourite sweets, secure it with a ribbon and add a little gift tag with your message written on it.

5. A Self-Care Package

For the friend who is always busy, overworked or over-tired, a self-care present makes a wonderful reminder for them to take a break, relax and recharge and to spend a moment or two to focus on their well-being.

Think about including products that will encourage them to pause for a moment and enjoy the pampering. Some excellent choices could include:

• A nourishing hand cream
• A soothing face mask
• A relaxing warm bath filled with soothing bath salts - they can lie back, close their eyes and let any stresses melt away

It’s a gentle nudge to practise self-care, even on the busiest days and it’s the perfect way to show someone you care about their well-being without needing to say a word.

6. Tea (or Coffee) and Biscuits

Something as simple as some good quality tea and a box of gourmet biscuits can turn an ordinary day into an extra special one. You can’t beat a good old cup of tea and a tasty biscuit to dunk when you’re feeling a bit rubbish. Even the smallest of gestures can have the biggest impact and if you can be there in person to make the tea too, then you’re really going to make their day better!

7. A Book You Think They'd Love

Books make incredibly thoughtful gifts, especially when they’re chosen with care. Every time they pick it up, they’ll think of you and the kind reason you chose it for them. It’s a present that can be kept forever and can be made even more meaningful with a heartfelt message written on the inside cover. 

Think about what sort of books and films they enjoy and try to choose one that matches their tastes. Maybe they would like a feel-good novel to help them escape reality momentarily, a mindfulness or self-care book for personal growth or even a funny story to lift their spirits. 

8. A Scented Candle

There is something a little magical about the way a candle can change the whole atmosphere of a room. From the moment it’s lit, a warm glow appears and everything suddenly feels calmer, softer and warmer. Depending on the scent it can either energise and boost the mood or it can relax and soothe the mind and body. If the scent is a familiar one, it can bring memories flooding back, allowing them to reflect on the past and think about the future.

Choosing a scent that matches their personality or one that brings some wonderful memories of happy times back, shows the thought and care you have put into this thoughtful gift. It’s a lovely way to say “I’m thinking of you,” even if you can’t be there in person.

9. A Hug in the Post

Moving on to another 'when you can't be there in person' moment, how about sending a big hug in the post. It feels pretty rubbish when you're unable to physically give a huge hug, you know the ones, the big bear hug type cuddles that show you care a whole lot. But a thoughtfully chosen box of gifts can come pretty close. A Hug in the Post is exactly what it sounds like - something warm and comforting, filled with love and sent straight to their door. 

It might include some delicious chocolate, because sugary treats are comforting and they taste so good, a soft pair of cosy socks, a pampering treat to encourage some self care or a little ‘hug’ token that reminds them of you and how much you care. These treats are perfect for times when someone is feeling low, recovering from an illness, or they just need to know that they’re not alone.

10. A Personalised Gift

There’s something incredibly special about receiving a gift that’s been made just for you. Personalised gifts show thought, care and attention to detail and they make the recipient feel truly seen.

Personalising a present can turn ordinary items into beautiful treasured keepsakes. Whether it’s adding their name or initials to something, having a special date engraved or uploading a photo to be printed onto an item, just seeing something of themselves in the gift will brighten their day. Personalisation can strengthen friendship bonds, connect individuals and create lasting memories. Going that little bit further makes your gift to them totally unique, showing creativity and a whole lot of love.

11. A Playlist

Gifting music is a beautiful way to share memories, emotions and good times. Whether you create a playlist filled with songs that remind you of your friendship, make one filled with feel-good hits perfect for their morning walk or workout, or share soothing tunes for winding down in the evening, it shows great thought has gone into it with an emotional and personal touch. 

You don’t always need a reason to show someone they’re loved. A just because gift is a small but powerful way to remind someone:

💛 I appreciate you

💛 You matter to me

💛 I thought of you today

So why wait for a special occasion? A small act of kindness today could make all the difference in someone’s tomorrow.

Browse our thoughtful, ready-to-send gift boxes here and brighten someone’s day today!