I want to write about the 10 best gift ideas for a person with bipolar disorder today because people often are at a loss as to what to get when they’re trying to support not only the person but their mental wellness. Thoughtful, supportive gifts that promote relaxation, self-care, and creativity can show a person with bipolar disorder how much you care while also prioritizing their mental well-being. Whether you’re looking for something cozy, inspiring, or practical, these gift ideas are perfect for helping your loved one feel valued and supported during any time of the year. Here are 10 meaningful gift ideas designed to uplift and support a friend with bipolar disorder. Read on to learn about how you can win a perfect pair of PJs to gift!
Why Thoughtful Gifts Matter for Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder
Look, not everything is about a person’s bipolar disorder — and this includes gifts. That being said, acknowledging your loved one’s mental health and wellness in a well-considered gift is never a bad idea. So, these gifts aren’t designed to say, “Hey! You have bipolar!” They are more designed to say that you love the person and you want them to be well.
I know some of these gifts are pricey, but some aren’t. I’ve marked the less expensive options with an asterisk for your convenience. (Affiliate links are used, but the gift choices are solely mine.)
Relaxation Gifts to Support Mental Health for Friends or Loved Ones
- I love a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are known to calm anxiety, which is why I love them, but they have also been known to improve sleep, lower your stress response, help with restless leg syndrome, and many other things. I have this one here, which I love, but there are many more options here. And don’t forget the chunky knit ones that are really cool, too. Also, note that some weighted blankets are specifically made for people who sleep hot. Keep in mind, you should buy a blanket that is about 10% of the person’s body weight.
- An at-home spa kit is such an indulgence. We all hear about self-care, which includes everything we do to improve our mental and physical health. And while this can include choosing a salad over a steak and getting a colonoscopy, having an at-home spa experience is a lot more fun. So, for your gift for a person with bipolar disorder, consider getting items like bath salts (Epsom and magnesium ones can actually help with muscle pain and relaxation*), essential oils, beautiful-smelling candles (try one that is natural soy*), and a soft robe (this one is from Marriott).
Creative and Fun Gift Ideas for a Friend or Loved One with Bipolar Disorder
- Adult coloring books and colored pencils are very popular right now. I know some people think it’s weird or even childish, but it can be meditative to sit and color. Some find it stress-relieving and grounding. These are great benefits to one’s mental health and are even combined with fun. If your loved one is artistic, try this best thoughtful gift idea for a person with bipolar. There are such things as adult coloring books. I like this one here because it’s mandalas*. Coloring pencils range in price. I love the Prismacolor ones for their superior color, but these ones are ridiculously less expensive*.
- Puzzles are one of my favorites. I find working on them quite zen and restorative, but it’s not just me saying that. According to this paper in Front Aging Neuroscience, jigsaw puzzling (yes, that’s the verb they use) strongly engages multiple cognitive abilities, and long-term use can benefit cognition. That’s a fancy way of saying that working on jigsaw puzzles is good for your brain — and yes, I think it’s kind of fun and even an activity that people can do together. You can look for “adult jigsaw puzzles” on Amazon to see a bunch of options. I like ones that I can hang on my wall afterward, like this one*. There are also lots of puzzling accessories, like a puzzle board (I have this one) that comes with a case so you can clean up your puzzle between puzzling sessions.
Wellness Gifts to Encourage Self-Care for Those with a Mental Illness
- A book by one who has been there can make a person feel less alone. As I said before, self-care is anything that you do to improve your mental or physical health, and learning about your mental health definitely falls into that category. I’ve curated a list of books* that I think can help people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. Yes, of course, mine is there*, but so are many others.
- A subscription to a meditation or mindfulness app can enhance your loved one’s calm. Learning about mindfulness and mindfulness meditation can help many people. It allows a person to slow down, ground themselves, and be in the here and now. I find it’s best for those with those facing anxiety and undue stress. And while the benefits of these apps do appear to be real, knowing which one to get is tricky. Here’s a list of popular options. I recommend taking a look at the evidence behind any particular app before buying into it. (Remember, while an app can have a small effect on mental health, treatment is needed for anything more.)
Comfy and Cozy Gifts for Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder
- A pair of cozy PJs is something to laze in. I live in PJs. Actually, I call it a lifestyle choice — as a work-from-home contractor, it kind of is. You can get PJs almost anywhere, but some PJs actually celebrate mental health. The Token Clothing Company prides itself on Intelligent Fashion™, which works to change your mindset. It does this by printing affirmations all over its pajamas. Find out more about them here. And CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN A PAIR (enter before November 30)!
- Warming accessories can be an affordable addition. I just found these slippers* that have inserts in them that you can heat in the microwave. That means you can keep your loved one’s tootsies nice and toastie. Cozy socks can be another welcome gift for a person with bipolar. These ones have a little mental health humor* on them.
Personalized and Inspirational Gifts Show You Care About Mental Health
- Jewelry or a keychain with an inspirational message can be great. Depending on who you’re buying for, this can be a cherished gift. Here is a keychain with great, little positive reminders*. Here is something more subtle. It’s a bracelet that says “stay” in Morse code*. That one supports a small business looking to “change the world.”
- Give to a charity in your loved one’s name. You can give to any charity that speaks to you, but I love this Gifts of Light program* because you can give specific items to mental illness patients. Gifts range from modest to extravagant. If you’re looking for a different charity, these charities are top-rated by Charity Watch (this ensures your money actually goes to programs and not overhead).
How to Choose the Perfect Gift for a Friend or Loved One with Bipolar Disorder
The above gifts range from under $10 to over $1000. Make sure you choose a gift for your loved one with bipolar disorder that you can actually afford. No one wants you going into debt for them.
Also:
- Consider whether you want to give a need or want. I love to give people things they wouldn’t get themselves, but maybe your loved one is in need of something in particular. That might be a better choice over something indulgent.
- Think about whether your loved one wants to wear mental health “on their sleeve.” Some people really appreciate gifts that visibly talk about bipolar disorder or mental health, and others would prefer something that supports them and their mental health but doesn’t scream about it.
- Think about whether your loved one wants to focus on mental illness or not. Sometimes, people want to forget their bipolar disorder for a minute. In those cases, a book about mental illness, for example, wouldn’t be the best choice.
- Make your gift personal. Try to use what you know about the person with bipolar disorder to make the gift as personal as possible. When in doubt, focus on self-care — most of us can use more of that.
- Ask if you are really unsure. Surprising someone with a gift is part of the fun, but if you really are at a loss as to what would be best, try to ask some leading questions that will point you in the right direction.
Ultimately, the best gift for someone with bipolar disorder is one that shows your thoughtfulness and care. Whether it’s something cozy, creative, or deeply personal, your gift will remind them they’re loved and supported through every challenge.
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