How to Show You Care When Words Aren’t Enough: Thoughtful Gift Ideas

We often get asked how to show you care when words don’t feel enough. People ask what to send instead of flowers. We understand you can feel desperate to help a sad friend or loved one, and that we often worry about getting it wrong. If you know someone who is suffering from a period of poor mental health. Maybe a sudden bereavement, or devastating diagnosis. Sometimes this can be ongoing if they are facing something difficult over a longer period of time, such as cancer treatment, addiction, a divorce, or deep grief. During times like this, we can often feel desperate to send a gift of support. For when you don’t want something overly cheery, a ‘thinking of you’ gift is an ideal way to acknowledge their struggles or pain and show them you are thinking of them. It can, however, be hard to find a supportive gift that seems appropriate during these difficult life moments. That’s exactly what inspired us to start Brown Paper Packages, helping people express their utmost support and sympathy in these challenging and sad times. When you want to show someone you care, but you don’t know what to send www.brownpaperpackages.co.uk is a calm, thoughtful gifting space. We’ve created a collection of comforting gifts and packaging to help you show you care. The small touches mean you can feel confident you can acknowledge someones struggles without making mistakes. The small, thoughtful touches have all been taken care of by us. We don’t include receipts, or paperwork, or marketing leaflets in a Brown Paper Packages care package. Also, we only use comforting words on our packaging and gift cards. Everything is packed carefully with love and shipped speedily by a trusted premium courier service, where possible. 

Brown Paper Packages is a gifting provider trusted by many for this reason. We have sent tens of thousands of care packages across the UK and beyond. So if you want to show you care or you want to know what to send instead of flowers, sending a thoughtful gift such as a care package is a wonderful alternative to flowers. A care package can say what you want to say, and can be personalised to create the most thoughtful gift. 

We have several options to choose from. For those with a little more urgency and less time, you can choose from one of our carefully curated gift boxes designed to quickly send the perfect gift to cheer someone up. If you want to create something more personal and take your time, we have a handy build-a-box tool. Wondering how to send a care package? Before you get started, you can read our blog on how to create a care package online? This blog will help you to understand the steps of how to build a gift box with meaning. Then pour yourself a comforting cup of tea and enjoy creating the perfect comfort gift. 

Thoughtful gifts for someone going through a hard time

If you know someone going through a hard time, sending a thoughtful gift can help lift their spirits. Receiving lots of telephone calls can feel especially difficult and overwhelming if that person is going through depression or low mood. In certain situations, a thoughtful gift for her can open up the channels of communication and help her to make contact when the time is right. A thoughtful gift for someone struggling might consist of a soothing candle, a comforting soft wrap or blanket, or a care package filled with gentle treats and calming teas. Something that encourages rest without saying they should feel better. 

If the man in your life, a male friend, relative, or colleague, is having a hard time, it can feel even more difficult to send comfort. Thoughtful gifts for men can include a comforting mug, quality snacks, a wellbeing item, or a relaxing book or puzzle book where their interests have been considered. Our Men’s Care Packages hold the same intention as women’s care packages. It’s one of the reasons our packaging is neutral so that sending a gift to a man is as easy as selecting a thoughtful gift for her. Brown Paper Packages is often the go-to gifting website for many people looking for thoughtful gifts for a man, for this reason. 

What to consider when sending a thoughtful gift

It’s worth first considering what makes a gift thoughtful. A gift that feels generic feels impersonal. That’s why flowers, chocolates, an Amazon gift or voucher feel less thoughtful than a gift you have spent time selecting. The most meaningful gift ideas are those that feel personal and that let someone know you are thinking of them and their situation, even if you don’t know what to say.

At Brown Paper Packages, we believe thoughtful gifts aren’t about grand gestures. A small, sincere gift can make someone feel seen and supported. That’s why we’ve made the experience of buying the best thoughtful gift, which expresses warmth and kindness, as easy as possible. You can visit our website here. 

Why Flowers Aren’t Always Enough: Rethinking the Traditional Gift that is Flowers

Flowers are beautiful, but they’re not always fitting for every moment. Sometimes, your friend might need something more comforting, something they can treasure, or a moment to help them escape their troubles. Tools to help them de-stress or relax, or simple snacks to fuel or nourish them. Flowers need to be cared for, and when someone themselves needs a little care, it can be a chore to tend to flowers.

The concept of care packages or custom boxes allows you to send warmth and care — without the stress of finding the right words or gifts. The recipient can choose to access the gift(s) when the time feels right, or when it’s needed the most. 

Why a Brown Paper Package Care Package is Better Than a Bouquet

But remember, the kindest thing you can do when someone is going through a difficult time is simply reach out. Acknowledging their struggles or sadness is really important. It builds a bridge for further connection and allows them to come to you for support when the time is right. A small gesture, sent with care, can bring real comfort — and remind someone they’re not alone.

→ Create a Comforting Gift in Minutes: Shop for a meaningful alternative to flowers with Brown Paper Packages.

Want some more ideas before you get started? Then continue reading…

What to send instead of flowers

1. A Care Package: A gift box or basket full of caring items can say far more than a bouquet. Think herbal teas, gentle treats, a candle, a cosy pair of socks, a jigsaw puzzle, or an activity to keep the kids busy.

2. Something Practical to Offer Help: When life feels heavy, practical support can feel particularly thoughtful. Think a meal delivery or voucher. Babysitting, or cleaning. Delivery of a home-cooked meal.

3. A Keepsake or Memory Gift: For times of loss, something meaningful and lasting can feel more appropriate than something throw-away like flowers. Think a photo frame, a memory journal, a small keepsake box, an item of jewellery, or a memorial gift. 

4. Self-Care Gifts: When someone is going through a hard time, looking after themselves becomes difficult. Think bath soak, a sleep balm, pillow mist, a mindfulness book, or a reflection journal. 

5. Nature-Inspired Gifts: Nature can relax us. For something longer lasting than flowers, think potted plant, wildflower seeds, a memorial tree, or shrub.  

6. A Thoughtful Note (Paired With a Small Gift): Sometimes the words mean more than the gift itself. Think simple messages like: “Thinking of you.” “I’m here, whenever you need.”, “Sending a little comfort.”