Let’s be honest—watching someone you care about go through a breakup, divorce, job loss, or any other emotional upheaval is hard. You want to wrap them in a blanket, hand them a tub of ice cream, and whisper, “It’s going to be okay.” But let’s be real—healing takes more than sugar and sympathy. That’s where thoughtful gifts come in.
The right gift can say, “I see you,” “I believe in you,” and “You’re going to get through this.” Whether it’s a breakup or a “quarter-life crisis,” the goal is the same: help them let go of the past and embrace what’s next.
So if you’re looking for gifts to help someone move on, here’s a carefully curated guide—from empowering journals to cozy comforts—that’s packed with heart, humor, and healing vibes.
1. A Journal That Says What They’re Really Thinking (But Nicer)
Let That Sht Go: A Journal for Leaving Your Bullsht Behind and Creating a Happy Life
👉 Buy it on Amazon
This isn’t your average “Dear Diary.” Let That Sht Go* by Monica Sweeney is for the person who’s tired of bottling things up and is ready to unleash a little real-talk healing.
It’s sarcastic. It’s supportive. It’s like having a brutally honest friend who also knows how to make you laugh while you cry.
With profanity-laced prompts and clever, cathartic activities, this journal invites them to rage, reflect, release, and then reset. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I love you and I think it’s time you gave fewer fcks.”*
🛒 Perfect for: The person who’s ready to laugh through the pain and start fresh.
2. A Weighted Blanket for Comfort and Calm
A weighted blanket isn’t just cozy—it can literally help lower anxiety. The gentle pressure mimics a hug, helping to release serotonin and melatonin (your feel-good hormones) while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).
You can find options that range from luxe to budget-friendly, but the goal is the same: give them something to curl up under while they binge-watch their favorite healing TV show.
🛋️ Pro tip: Choose one that’s about 10% of their body weight for the best effect.
🛒 Perfect for: Anyone who needs a literal and emotional security blanket.
3. A “New Chapter” Candle
Scent has a powerful connection to memory and emotion. Gifting a candle with a meaningful name—like Fresh Start, Let Go + Move On, or Peaceful AF—can serve as a symbolic gesture of change and calm.
Look for candles made with natural soy wax, essential oils, and affirming messages. Some come in beautiful reusable jars with empowering labels.
🕯️ Bonus: Pair it with a bath bomb or a playlist of peaceful music for a full self-care starter kit.
🛒 Perfect for: The bath-lover, the homebody, or the person creating a “fresh start” altar in their living room.
4. An Empowering Book (No Toxic Positivity, Please)
Sometimes, all someone needs is a different perspective—and the right book can feel like a wise, witty friend.
Here are a few book gift ideas to help someone move on:
- Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed – Heartfelt advice with zero sugarcoating.
- It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken by Greg Behrendt – Hilarious and healing.
- The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest – Perfect for deeper emotional growth.
If they’re the journaling type, pair the book with Let That Sht Go* to give them both guidance and space to process.
🛒 Perfect for: The introspective type, the self-improvement junkie, or someone who wants wisdom without woo-woo.
5. A Playlist That Hits Every Mood
This might be more of a DIY gift, but it’s incredibly personal. Create a Spotify or Apple Music playlist with songs that match their journey—from heartbreak to healing to “I’m doing better than ever.”
Include a mix of:
- Sad, soul-touching songs (they need to feel the feels)
- Empowering anthems (hello, Lizzo)
- Chill, self-love tracks for lazy Sundays
- Uplifting bops for when they’re finally ready to dance again
📱 Share the link with a sweet message like:
“Here’s your ‘Healing Mix.’ Cry, scream, sing, dance—whatever you need. You’ve got this.”
🛒 Perfect for: Music lovers, emotional feelers, and car-cry enthusiasts.
6. A Self-Care Box That Feels Like a Hug
Sometimes the best gift is a box of little things that scream “Take care of YOU.”
Put together a thoughtful bundle of:
- Herbal teas or calming adaptogen drinks
- An essential oil roller for stress relief
- A gratitude journal
- Their favorite snacks
- A face mask (or five)
- A handwritten note from you
Or, grab a pre-made self-care gift box online—they range from funny and fierce to cozy and comforting.
💡 Don’t forget to toss in Let That Sht Go*—it ties the whole vibe together.
🛒 Perfect for: The friend who’s always taking care of others and needs permission to care for themselves.
7. A Little Desk Reminder That Says “You’ve Got This”
Affirmation cards, mini desk signs, or even cute post-its with mantras can help them shift their mindset daily.
Try phrases like:
- “Progress, not perfection.”
- “You’re allowed to outgrow people.”
- “Your peace is your power.”
- “Feel it. Heal it. Release it.”
These little touches add emotional support in small doses—especially for someone returning to work after a rough time.
🛒 Perfect for: Office warriors, overthinkers, and anyone who needs a daily dose of hope.
8. Something to Get the Body Moving
Getting active can work wonders for someone moving through emotional pain. No, this doesn’t mean they need to start CrossFit (unless they want to). But something as simple as a yoga mat, a guided stretching app subscription, or a pair of cute walking shoes can be that nudge they need.
Even a “fun” fitness gift—like a hula hoop or jump rope—can lift their mood and reconnect them with their body.
🎁 Wrap it up with a note:
“Move your body, move your mind. Healing lives here.”
🛒 Perfect for: Anyone ready to move stuck energy through movement.
9. A Plant to Symbolize Growth
Giving a plant is like saying, “This chapter may be hard, but you’re still growing.”
Succulents, pothos, or snake plants are great low-maintenance options. Bonus points if you choose one with a meaningful name or symbolism—like a peace lily or bamboo for strength.
Add a sweet note: “Like this plant, you’re resilient, adaptable, and thriving.”
🛒 Perfect for: The nature lover, the apartment dweller, or the soul who needs a sign of life’s quiet beauty.
10. A Digital Detox Tool
Sometimes, the best way to move on is to unplug. If your friend keeps doom-scrolling or stalking their ex’s Instagram, consider a gift that supports a digital break:
- A beautiful analog alarm clock (no phones in bed!)
- A “phone jail” box for screen-free time
- A subscription to a mindfulness or meditation app like Headspace or Calm
📴 Encourage them to disconnect in order to reconnect—with themselves.
🛒 Perfect for: Tech-addicted besties and those who just need mental space.
11. A “Let’s Do Something New Together” Voucher
Not every gift needs to be a thing. Sometimes, a shared experience can provide the most healing. Sign them up for something new—together:
- Pottery or art class
- Dance lessons
- A weekend road trip
- A new restaurant they’ve been eyeing
Create a custom “voucher” they can redeem with you whenever they’re ready.
🛒 Perfect for: The extrovert, the newly single, or anyone craving connection and distraction.
Final Thoughts: Healing Doesn’t Happen Overnight (But It Does Happen)
Moving on looks different for everyone. Sometimes it means crying into a pint of rocky road. Other times it means screaming into a journal, lighting a candle, or walking until the hurt feels a little softer.
The best gifts to help someone move on don’t “fix” them—they empower them. They say, “Take your time. Feel what you feel. But know that there’s joy waiting for you on the other side.”
And if you want a place to start, Let That Sh*t Go is honestly one of the best little tools to begin with. Funny, fierce, and refreshingly real—it’s not just a journal, it’s a release valve.
👉 Click here to grab Let That Sht Go* on Amazon
Because moving on doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
