I want to write about the 10 best gift ideas for a person with bipolar disorder today because people often don’t know what to get when trying to support not only the person but also their mental well-being. 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 comfortable, inspirational or practical, these gift ideas are perfect for helping your loved one feel valued and supported any time of year. Here are 10 great gift ideas designed to uplift and support a friend with bipolar disorder. Read on to find out how you can win a perfect pair of PJs to give away!
Why thoughtful gifts matter to loved ones with bipolar disorder
Look, it’s not all about a person’s bipolar disorder — and that includes gifts. That being said, recognizing your loved one’s mental health and wellness with a thoughtful gift is never a bad idea. Well, these gifts aren’t designed to say, “Hey! You have bipolar!” They are more designed to say that you love the person and want them to be well.
I know some of these gifts are expensive, but some are not. I have marked the least expensive options with an asterisk for your convenience. (Affiliate links are used, but gift selections are solely my own.)
Relaxation gifts to support mental health for friends or loved ones
- I love a weighted blanket. Heavy blankets are known to relieve anxiety, which is why I love them, but they are also known to improve sleep, reduce your stress response, help with restless leg syndrome and more. have this herewhich I love, but they exist many more options here. And don’t forget it chunky knits she is very nice too. Also note that some weighted blankets are specially made for warm sleepers. Please note that you will need to purchase a blanket ie about 10% of the person’s body weight.
- A home spa kit is such a treat. We all hear about self-care, which includes everything we do to improve our mental and physical health. And while that might involve choosing a salad over a steak and getting a colonoscopy, the 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 can really help with muscle pain and relaxation*), essential oilsbeautiful scented candles (try one that is natural soy*), and a soft robe (this is from Marriott).
Creative and fun gift ideas for a friend or loved one with bipolar disorder
- Coloring books for adults 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 down and color. Some find it stress-relieving and grounding. These are great benefits for one’s mental health and are even combined with fun. If your loved one is artistic, try this best thoughtful gift idea for someone with bipolar disorder. There are such things as coloring books for adults. I like this one here because it’s a mandala*. Crayons range in price. I love it Prismacolor for their superior color, but these are ridiculously less expensive*.
- Puzzles are one of my favorites. I find working on them quite zen and restorative, but that’s not just me. According to this paper to Front Aging Neurosciencethe puzzle (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 puzzles is good for your brain — and yes, I think it’s something fun and even an activity that people can do together. You can search for “puzzles for adults» on Amazon to see a bunch of options. I like the ones I can hang on my wall afterwards, like this*. There are also many puzzling accessories, such as a puzzle board (I have this) that comes with a case so you can clean your puzzle between puzzling sessions.
Wellness gifts to encourage self-care for people with mental illness
- A book by someone who has been there can make a person feel less alone. As I said before, self-care is anything you do to improve your mental or physical health, and learning about your mental health definitely falls into that category. I have curated a list of books* that I believe can help people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. yes of course mine is there*but also many others.
- A subscription to a meditation or mindfulness app can enhance your loved one’s peace of mind. Learning about mindfulness and mindfulness meditation can help many people. It allows a person to slow down, ground and be in the here and now. I find it best for those dealing with anxiety and undue stress. And while the the benefits of these apps seem to be realknowing which one to get is difficult. Here is a list of popular options. I recommend that you take a look at the details behind any particular app before purchasing it. (Remember, while an app may have a small effect on mental health, it needs treatment for anything more.)
Cozy and comfortable gifts for loved ones with bipolar disorder
- A pair of warm PJs is a must-have for relaxing. I live in PJ. In fact, 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. Token Clothing Company prides itself on Intelligent Fashion™, which works to change your mindset. He does this by printing affirmations on all of his pajamas. Learn more about them here. And CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO WIN A PAIR (enter before November 30th)!
- Heating accessories can be an affordable addition. i just found these slippers* that have inserts that you can heat in the microwave. This means you can keep your loved one’s sweets nice and toasty. Cozy socks can be another welcome gift for a person with bipolar disease. These have some mental health humor* on them.
Personalized and inspirational gifts show that you care about mental health
- Jewelry or a keyring with an inspirational message can be great. Depending on who you’re buying for, this can be a valuable gift. Here is one keychains with great little positive reminders*. Here is something more subtle. It’s a bracelet that says “stay” in Morse code*. He supports a small business that wants to “change the world”.
- Make a charity in your loved one’s name. You can give to any charity that speaks to you, but I like this one Gifts of Light Program* why you can give certain items to patients with mental illness. Gifts range from modest to extravagant. If you are 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 to owe them.
Also:
- Consider whether you want to give a need or want. I love giving people things they wouldn’t get themselves, but maybe your loved one needs something specific. This may be a better option than something indulgent.
- Consider whether your loved one wants to wear their mental health ‘on their sleeve’. Some people really appreciate gifts that clearly 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.
- Consider whether or not your loved one wants to focus on mental illness. Sometimes, people want to forget about their bipolar disorder for a minute. In these cases, a book about mental illness, for example, would not 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 than that.
- Ask if you’re not really sure. Surprising someone with a gift is part of the fun, but if you’re really at a loss for what would be best, try asking some basic 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 comfortable, creative or deeply personal, your gift will remind them that they are loved and supported through every challenge.
