If you talk to anyone about 2020, almost everyone had some rough moments during this past year. From facing health issues to dealing with income loss, you may have seen friends and family struggle with difficulties that left them feeling stressed and upset.
Perhaps you want to do something special to put a smile on their face or show them you care. It can be challenging to know how to show up for your friends or loved ones when they’re going through difficult times. Here are some ideas to help you brighten their day during rough moments:
Make them smile with flowers
Flowers can be a great way to brighten up someone’s day, no matter what may be going on. From get well flowers to a bouquet that conveys, “I am thinking of you,” there’s no limit to reasons why flowers can make someone feel better, and it’s a simple yet meaningful gesture that will be appreciated by anyone who is having a rough time.
Use your creative talent
If you have a special skill, from writing poetry to painting beautiful art, you could share some of your skills by creating a thoughtful gift for your friend or loved one who may be going through a rough time. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones with the most thought put into them and as a creative, making something unique just for them can be the best way to show them you care. Whether you get in the zone and paint a masterpiece or use a site like Etsy to have your personal poetry printed for a special present, there are a variety of ways to make something that makes for a perfect gift.
Invite them over for a special meal
There is nothing quite like being invited over for a homemade meal when you need a friend. It’s the combination of the friend who isn’t only willing to listen to what’s going on but it’s also the way that warm food that tastes amazing helps us feel better, no matter what may be going on. If you’re busy or have a tough time coming up with recipes, there are some great gourmet food subscriptions that make it easy.
Give them a call
Sometimes people just need to be able to vent to a friend who won’t hold judgement for what they’re going through. If you know your loved one has been having a rough time, they may not want to express what’s been happening, so why not reach out to show them you care and want to know what’s going on. Letting them know you’re there for them and holding space can help them relieve some of their burden.

Gift them something special
Your friend may have wanted something special for a while but perhaps the economic difficulties have kept them from being able to get it. Maybe you can help. Gifts don’t have to be very expensive to be meaningful. For example you could get them a gift card to their favorite store or maybe one to cover groceries. Want to do something on a bigger scale? A custom care package filled with curated items is sure to raise their spirits.
Your creativity is the limit
From cooking a warm meal to sending flowers, showing kindness and concern to a friend who is sick or who feels down is a great way to help them feel like someone’s there for them, no matter what. There are many ways to reach out to a friend or to be present for them, whether it’s a simple phone call or gifting them something you’ve created. With everything that everyone has been through in the past year, kindness is worth sharing.