When someone you love is struggling with infertility, it can be hard to know what to say or do. You want to support them, but you may worry about saying the wrong thing or giving a gift that unintentionally hurts.

Infertility affects about 15% of couples globally, totaling about 48.5 million couples.¹ Behind those numbers are real people carrying grief, hope, stress, appointments, waiting, and uncertainty.

A thoughtful gift will not fix what they are going through, but it can remind them that they are loved and not alone. Here are some gentle gift ideas to consider for a friend struggling with infertility.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for a Friend Struggling With Infertility

Gift-giving during infertility takes extra care. The most supportive gifts usually focus on comfort, stress relief, nourishment, or simply reminding your friend that you are thinking of them.

Before choosing anything pregnancy- or fertility-themed, consider your friend’s beliefs, personality, and where they are emotionally in their journey.

Self-Care Kit

You can throw so many things into one of these kits, and it’s the perfect gift to personalize based on the person you’re gifting it to.

Some ideas that I love adding are coffee mugs (also something you can personalize if you want to, or purchase one with their favorite movie character/quote on it or just in their favorite color), bath bombs (who doesn’t love a hot bath!), a magazine/book (something to take their mind off things), one of their favorite snacks (maybe a packet of hot cocoa or their favorite chocolate bar). The possibilities are endless.

Related: How To Support a Friend Struggling With Infertility

Saint Gerard Charm

This may be meaningful for a Catholic friend or someone who finds comfort in faith-based gifts.

Gerard is the patron saint of expectant mothers and babies. He is known for his help in obtaining the blessings of motherhood. His intercession is also sought for difficulties in parenthood.² A Saint Gerard charm may offer comfort to someone who finds strength in prayer or Catholic tradition.

Pineapple-Themed Gift

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For some in the infertility and IVF community, pineapples have become a symbol of hope and support. Many people don’t know this, but an old wives’ tale says eating pineapple core can help with embryo implantation, and things took off from there.³

A pineapple-themed gift is fun but also shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about what your loved one is going through. That thoughtfulness can mean more than any tangible present ever could.

Some creative pineapple-esque ideas include:

• A candle
• A coffee mug or tumbler
• A canvas tote

Related: The Rollercoaster of Infertility: Women’s Stories

Meal Delivery or Takeout Gift Card

This is a big one! Most couples struggling with infertility tend to have a lot on their mind and are under the constant stress of hoping and thinking about the future. One thing nobody wants to think about when their brains are already consumed with other thoughts is what to make for dinner, or any meal for that matter.

Programs like Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, and DoorDash can be lifesavers. Gift cards will go a long way and be appreciated on days when the last thing they feel like doing is cooking.

Journal

This is a meaningful gift and may depend on the person you’re purchasing for. Although some people may not want to talk or share their fertility concerns, it can be therapeutic for others. Writing brings me peace, and it helps me get it all out on paper.

It’s a great idea to include the journal in a gift package and let the receiver use it as they see fit. Maybe they use it to write down their grocery list or what they need from the drugstore. Or perhaps it brings them solace as they write about their journey and feelings.

Related: The Benefits of Journaling

Fertility Planner

There can be a lot of appointments and steps for couples going through fertility treatments. If your friend loves a good planner, The IVF Planner is a perfect gift.

This planner is designed specifically for women undergoing fertility treatments. It offers a place to keep everything together and organize the fertility process. It has everything she’ll need because it was professionally designed for an IVF patient.

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Use a Planner

Spa Day or Massage Gift Card

Purchasing a gift card for a massage or just a spa day for them to use later speaks volumes. Like reading a book, enjoying a day out with friends or family is great for taking their mind off their situation. Infertility and the processes and procedures surrounding it can be pretty stressful and anxiety-inducing, so spending an entire day relaxing would be something that some might find helpful.

Fertility Ritual Candle

If your friend is spiritual or enjoys ritual-based gifts, then a fertility ritual candle may feel meaningful. They can light this candle and use it during meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection.

Fertility Care Package

If you would like to give a care package that specifically acknowledges your friend’s fertility journey, this is a thoughtful option.

Related: How to Help a Mom Who Has Experienced Loss

None of these gifts will take away the pain of infertility, but the right gift can offer a small moment of comfort. It can say, “I see you, I love you, and I’m here,” without asking your friend to explain how they feel.

And while thoughtful gifts can be meaningful, your presence matters most. Check in, listen without trying to fix it, and let your friend lead the conversation. Infertility can feel incredibly lonely, and knowing someone is willing to sit with them in it can be one of the greatest gifts of all.