When you want to let someone you care about know that you’re there for them, it can be easy to get stuck. Especially if you’re on a budget or feeling like you want to offer something more personal than an extravagant gift, you want to “show” rather than “buy.” This feeling is totally normal, but it might take more time, energy, and effort to provide one of these heartfelt gestures. Here are some ideas for showing you care without breaking the bank.
1. A Care Package
Care packages are one of the most personal, loving offerings you can make to someone who is struggling. Whether it’s a sympathy gift basket or a get-well-soon package, the thought that goes into one of these collections is profound. More than flowers, cards, chocolates, or jewelry, a care package says, “I know you, I see you, I’m here for you.” The trick lies in figuring out what to put in the basket.
Of course, you want to first base the gift around the situation. If your loved one is feeling under the weather, you’ll want to include soup, crackers, tissues, and teas. If the package is a sympathy gift, consider additional comfort items like cookies, a cozy blanket, and maybe a journal to write in. Also, be sure to consider your loved one and their preferences. You won’t want to give cookies to someone who’d rather have cupcakes, for example.
2. A Handwritten Letter
While a care package might include a journal for writing in, you could also write a special note to your loved one. Writing is incredibly cathartic on pretty much any level, and it can help you formulate your feelings and show your loved one the depth of your love. While a beautiful greeting card can be nice, a letter on nice paper written in your own hand is extra special.
If you have personal stationery, sit down at a table or desk and take the time to express your feelings. If you don’t have personal stationery, you can use lined paper or consider buying special notebook paper. In your letter, include your favorite memories with your loved one, fun stories you share, and lighthearted jokes that will make them smile. Also, be sure to tell them you love them and that you’re just a phone call or text away.
3. A Walk
If you live close to your loved one, an excellent heartfelt gesture would be to spend some time outside with them. When life gets tough, many people tend to hide in their homes, in dark rooms, and under covers. It makes sense, of course, if you’re struggling, your first reaction is not usually to get out into the sunshine. But sunshine, fresh air, and movement can often boost even the darkest moods.
So, invite your friend on a nature walk. All you need is good walking shoes, and you can hit the trail, get into nature, and, ideally, get sunshine on your face. You can reassure your loved one that they don’t have to talk if they don’t want to, but that you’re here to listen if they do. As a nice bonus, conversations while walking are often easier to have. Both parties are able to clear their heads and focus on talking and listening.
4. A Trip to a Public Library or Museum
Many people are soothed by calming surroundings, particularly in spaces they love. If your loved one is having a hard time, you can invite them to one of these spaces. When you’re suffering for any reason, home, work, and the usual haunts can tend to feel like prisons. You might feel trapped and unable to think of brighter days ahead. The only way out of that self-imposed prison is to go somewhere new.
You can visit the local library for free, which could be soothing for a friend or family member who loves books. Many museums are public institutions, so prices are low, and they might even offer free days for local residents. You could visit a botanical garden with someone who loves nature, or even just go to the coffee shop if your loved one can’t live without their cup of Joe. Pick a place you’re sure they’ll love, and invite them for a respite from their difficult days.
5. A Phone Call
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, pick up the phone and make the call. In these days of texting and DMing, so many people forget to just dial their loved ones’ phone numbers and talk. And whether your loved one lost a job, lost a loved one, is sick, or had a bad breakup, a phone call can be the best heartfelt gesture. And it’s usually free, thanks to unlimited data plans and free international calls on most cell plans.
Be sure you don’t just leave it at that one phone call, either. Continue to follow up and check on your loved one over the weeks and months following a difficult situation. Ask how they’re doing, how they’re feeling, and if they want to talk. As the months go by and things start to seem better, you can of course shorten your call to a text. It will still mean a lot to hear from you, just to know someone is thinking of them.
In the end, there are many heartfelt gestures you can make to support a loved one that are either inexpensive or free. And many of the ones listed here can all be done together. You can go for a walk with your friend and still follow up with a call later that week. You could write a thoughtful note and still invite them to the museum or for coffee. There really is no end of ways to show someone you care and that you’re there for them. So take the first step, and then the next.
