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I remember receiving gift baskets a few times in the past few years, and one of those was called Hug In a Box. I found myself exhausted in December of 2023 as I was caring for my mom, whose health was declining rapidly. One day, I received a box at Mom’s house that I didn’t order. This box contained fluffy socks, a cozy blanket, a candle, a journal, a pen, and a mug with a packet of hot chocolate. This was from my daughter, and I still use those items. I feel comforted whenever I think of it or use one of the items.
Whether you are looking for a hug-in-a-box gift for someone grieving or you are looking for yourself, I have my go-to suggestions and reasons for each item I find, and I found comforting. Soft fuzzy blankets and warm fuzzy socks are my go-to’s at home. As of this writing, it’s wintertime and cold in many areas. I love wrapping up with a warm blanket and wearing fuzzy socks while reading.
Hug In a Box Gift Ideas
Here are some of my favorite things about assembling a box for someone. You can buy items separately or find curated hug-in-box gift ideas.
- Aromatherapy: You can create a gift box with a comforting aromatherapy blend and a journal with a pen. I like the Grief Support Spray (you can also get a roll-on bottle or nasal atomizer) from Jennscents. Click here for a link to the products at JennScents. I have this and have used the spray and roll-on myself, and I love the comfort I receive for my emotions.
- Comfort Boxes: When I was caring for my mother, my daughter sent me a hug-in-a-box. It was one of the best support items I’ve ever received. This box on Amazon is similar to what my daughter sent, but this one is specific for grief support. Many options exist, but I like what they have in this box.
- Book/Journals: My favorite books are It’s OK That You’re Not OK and A Journal: How to Carry What Can’t Be Fixed. Both books are by Megan Devine, one of my grief coach training mentors. You could also add a nice pen and mug with a relaxing tea blend.
- Teas: You could create a box with a lovely, relaxing tea with herbs to support rest and grief. Add a grief mug, a blank journal, a tea strainer, and a pen. A lovely soft blanket and matching fuzzy socks are also comforting. I still use my fuzzy blanket and socks almost every day.
- Chocolate: I love chocolate. It’s a real comfort food for me. Lindt is my favorite. You could create a gift box with chocolates and any of the items mentioned above.
- Gift Box Supplies: Amazon has a large assortment of gift boxes. You can also get a gift box with everything you need, like filler paper. I’ve got a suggestion here, but you can search on Amazon for gift box supplies and find the size you need.
I shared a list of ideas. You can mix and match or come up with your gift ideas. I shared ideas of things I loved and still use. A grief journey is rough, and sometimes, you don’t know the right words to say. During raw grief, there isn’t much comfort to be found, and being present and even just sitting and holding space for your friend or loved one is all that is needed.
Gift boxes to support your friend or relative are well received. They stand out as going the extra mile, and they mean so much to your friend or loved one who is really going through a hard time. I almost forgot! I also LOVED adult coloring books in the early days of my grief journey. These can also be used as add-ons in a hug in a box you create.
I have some that are grief coloring books and many that are not. It doesn’t matter if it’s grief specific. My favorite coloring books are by Johanna Bashford. Secret Garden is one of them. I have several of hers. I’ll write another article explaining how therapeutic coloring is. My favorite colored pencils are Faber-Castell. Their colors are vibrant and versatile for different paper types.
I pray that I’ve given you some ideas to support a friend or family member grieving or that you find comfort here if you are on the grief journey. Please feel free to reach out to me at joycelynn@joycelynnharrell.com
Living Whole ~ Joycelynn
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