The Luxury Gift Guide: Best Cheerful Happy Luxury Gifts

Looking for a luxury gift to cheer someone up? Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum is here to help. She’s curated our luxury gift guide of the best cheerful happy luxury gifts.

the best cheerful happy luxury gifts

Do you know someone who is having a hard time? Maybe they are in a bit of a rut, recently heard some bad news, are dealing with a loss, or for some other reason could use some cheer. Well, here is a gift guide to lend a hand.

Of course, you may just be looking for a happy, cheerful luxury gift for someone who is . . . happy and cheerful. We’ve got you covered, too.

Flowers are the classic gift that comes to mind when thinking of the perfect gift to cheer someone up. You could give a gorgeous floral arrangement. Or a luxury floral gift item that conveys the same sense of joy.

But if flowers aren’t quite right, here are ten gift ideas that will send you in the right direction – we’ve rounded up items that cover the silly, the thoughtful, and the inspiring.

And we suspect the fact that you care enough to try to lift your loved one’s spirits with a gesture or a gift of any type is probably the most effective and valuable present of all.

the luxury gift guide: best presents to cheer someone up

1. Tap into their Sense of Smell

As we all know, scent is extremely powerful. It can trigger nostalgia, they can help us relax, and they can even improve our memory. Next time someone you know is down, try getting them a scent that will lift their spirits.

This perfume ($70) from Clinique is literally called Happy – and that is exactly how it will make you feel. The scents are a mix of citrus and floral, grapefruit and bergamot, and whoever wears it will find themselves feeling lighter than they have in ages.

Or if the gift recipient isn’t a perfume wearer, you might want to get them a joyful smelling candle. This citrus Love Potion Candle ($24) from Brooklyn Candle Studio has notes of mandarin and lavender, creating a candle that both invigorates and soothes at the same time. Or try out this gorgeous Gardénia Candle ($65) from Diptyque. Of all the flowers, the gardenia is the one that is said to most inspire joy and happiness.

If your gift recipient would respond well to something a bit sassier (and/or goofier), we love these irreverent scented candles, which always make us smile. Anya Hindmarch Smells has a coffee-scented candle ($225). One with the fragrance of cherry lip balm ($180).  Or you could go for the one that smells like toothpaste ($75).

2. Increase their understanding of what happiness is and how to achieve it

When we don’t know what we are looking for, happiness can seem elusive and sometimes even impossible. That is why you might consider getting someone a book or film that can help them frame and define what happiness really is for them.

The Happiness Project ($13.59) by Gretchen Rubin is a little bit philosophy and a little bit self-help, as it covers Rubin’s own attempt to find happiness over the course of one year. This is a great read and will definitely inspire anyone.

Another great guide to happiness is You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life ($9.89) by Jen Sincero. Its the most fun “self-help” book you will ever read. It is a how-to in embracing yourself and creating the life you have always wished you could lead.

For those who like movies, the documentary Happy ($19.99) would make a fantastic gift. It takes a holistic approach to the idea of happiness, examining the way it is approached across cultures, ages and communities. You will never think about your own joy the same way again.

3. Make ’em Laugh

No matter what is going on, the best gift you could give to someone who needs a lift might be the gift of comedy.

If you are unable to convince them to join you at your local comedy club, consider getting them a box set with all the classics – something the two of you can sit and watch together.

This box-set ($85.26) has a huge range of Warner Brothers comedy classics, like Bringing Up Baby and the Marx Brothers’ A Night at the Opera.  Alternatively, this DVD collection ($79.99) has some newer favorites, including hits like Anchorman. 

And they are more of a stand-up person, this collection of Robin Williams’ comedy ($99.95) has more than thirty hours of pure gold.

4. Get them moving

If you can get someone up and moving, chances are the endorphins will do a lot of your work for you. That is why we recommend giving someone the gift of exercise.

You could coax them into trying a new sport or activity.

Or you might consider gifting an exercise class. Being around other people might be a good energizer, in addition to the physical effort.

We recommend 305 Fitness – these classes are right for anyone of any skill level, and each one has its own DJ. You will feel like you are at your own private dance party, and will leave feeling completely rejuvenated. They have studios in cities across the US, including New York, DC and Boston.

You could also take them to a rave at Daybreaker. These are early morning raves, and they are geared to help promote happiness in all of their attendees. Have your friend go before work, and they will have a better day than they ever thought possible.

5. Try a Gag Gift

Perhaps you just need a little something silly to give someone a small sparkle of joy.

How about getting them a pillow ($19.95) with their face on it? Or the face of a beloved pet, or a famous celebrity? This squishy yellow emoji ($6.99) toy looks so happy – and squeezing it will make your gift recipient feel the same way.

Or If you want to play a joke on someone – try getting them the frustration box ($17.99), a box that seems like a present but is simply impossible to open. If you have a friend who you know enjoys pranks, this joke will definitely help them laugh off their troubles.

6. Go for the High-Fashion Smiley Face

For a high-fashion take on silly smiles, the trend toward everything 1970’s means that there are a number of options for cheerful happy designer apparel and accessories this season. 

Alexander Wang’s coat for fall-winter 2019-20 is “a celebration of American hustle;” it’s printed with a dripping spray paint-effect smiley face ($1,295). Anya Hindmarch’s new navy blue tote has a more subtle and traditional version of the smiley ($650). Bella Freud’s grey Happy sweatshirt ($240) is inspired by the rave culture of the 1990’s. 

Balenciaga’s Market Happy Printed tote bag ($1,575), Gelareh Mizrahi’s Have a Nice Day python tote bag ($1,500) and her Smiley Face coin purse ($200) are all fashionable ways to spread cheer to both your gift recipient and everyone who sees them sporting one of these bags.

These mirror-image smiley face sweaters from Joos Tricot ($915) are equally silly-70’s and fun.

7. A cheerful statement sweater 

Sometimes the best way to elicit a laugh, a smile or even a conversation-starter is with a whimsical sweater. This new collection from Miu Miu ($1,295 each) is perfect for anyone who loves cats or cartoons (and isn’t that pretty much everyone?) Pair them with a gift of cat-eye sunglasses if you’re feeling especially bold.

8. Crystal Healing

We love the power that crystals seem to have to help us feel restored and reassured. No matter whether you ‘believe’ in what they do, sometimes the gift of a simple stone is enough to help cheer someone up.

Citrine ($5.25) is said to inspire happiness, as well as encourage strength and prosperity. Rose Quartz ($10) encourages healing and unconditional love, and Black Tourmaline ($10) is grounding and will protect you from negative energy. These are all must-haves for any beginner crystal collection.

9. Share some Affirmation

Affirmation cards are a great way to give someone a gentle little nudge of inspiration., a good gift to consider when you’re trying to cheer someone up.

From Knock Knock, this adorable book ($14) has 50 super cute cards with illustrations and uplifting mantras.  Another great option is this illustrated deck ($13) from Natural Life. These have a “to and from” section, so perhaps the best thing to do is get one of these for yourself, and give them out to friends anytime they are feeling blue.

Or if you want to give someone a gift that will truly turn their mood around, this self care package ($63.68), has a journal, dream list, note cards and more.

10. Brighten their Home

Helping to spruce up someone’s space is sure to alter their mindset. There are many different ways to do this.

It could mean helping them clean up. This vacuum cleaner (and in a happy-go-lucky yellow at that!)  ($699) from Miele is the top of the line, and has a filter that removes more dirt than your average machine. A clean home is the best move for all fresh starts.

You could also give them something that will fill their home with a little more joy. These customizable quote prints ($26.90) can put any memorable, thoughtful line in a permanent place in their home, as a reminder of your love and support.  Or for something small, consider getting an everyday wishes jar ($20.60), to help them manifest all their hopes and dreams.

11. Comfort Food 

On a bad day, all you want to do is eat something warm, comforting and delicious. A good gift to cheer someone up is such a meal. Or maybe a series of them. Here are three cookbooks we love that you can gift so that your loved one always has a few great recipes on hand. Of course, you could also whip up one or two of these dishes for them as gifts, too! 

Rick Rodgers’ cookbook Comfort Food ($26.95) has a permanent place on our shelves. The recipes are excellent and easy to follow – and the accompanying photos will make your mouth water.

If you want unlimited options, Welcome Home Cookbook: 450 Comfort Food Recipes for the Slow Cooker, Stovetop, and Oven ($16.99) has enough recipes to last a lifetime. Including many that can be made in the slow cooker – so they can be waiting for your loved one when they get home.

And an unbeatable option is Carla’s Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World ($14.99), which includes comfort food recipes from the renowned chef and Top Chef contestant.

12. Help them Escape

Sometimes, when it is all too much, all you really want is to get away. And sometimes a change of scenery is what it takes to hit the reset button. Some real sleep, some fresh air, something fun – and when you return, a chance to start fresh.

So give the gift of a trip! And invite yourself along. You will both come back feeling happier than before. There’s probably no better gift to cheer someone up.

the luxury gift guide: best presents to cheer someone up

That’s our gift guide with ideas and inspiration for gifts to give to cheer someone up. Or to reinforce their love of happy and cheerful items and experiences. What’s at the top of your list?

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Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

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