Alternative to sending flowers

[swizzlestix]

My close friend’s Mum died recently after a very short illness. I wanted to send her something with my card as she doesn’t live near me but wanted an alternative to flowers. When my dad died I struggled to find things to put the flowers in and found it sad when they then died and had to be thrown away. Maybe a plant would be better and would last longer. Any ideas would be really welcome. Thank you

[TittyGolightly]

Some nice biscuits or a picture frame for a picture of their loved one?

[NewIdeasToday]

Maybe a heartfelt card would be best?

Flowers become so negative in these circumstances.

[WinkyisbackontheButterBeer]

Something nice and easy to eat. Generally we don’t want to cook in these circumstances. Some nice ready meals and food staples could be good.

A locket? Nice cosy blanket? Nice candle?

[Ochre37]

A candle to burn. Brings warmth and light.

[newtlover]

a flowering plant in a nice pot

[TaffyandTeenyTaffy]

what about a rose bush? If you cant get one with her mums name there are lots with appropriate names.

[ugghhreally]

Donation to a charity? My daughter died recently and work / friends wanted to send give flowers. I asked for donations to a charity instead.

[swizzlestix]

Thank you all, some lovely, thoughtful ideas there. So sorry to hear about your daughter ugghreally.

[AdventureBegins]

Yankee candles do one called angel wings which I've sent before.

[swizzlestix]

Thanks Adventure, didn’t know they did that one

[thethoughtfox]

You can get cupcakes in the shape of a bouquet. I got them for my friend. It has the thought of flowers but more personal and it brings a little cheer. Plus some much needed sugar for someone not eating properly.

[namechange2222]

ugghhreally I'm so sorry for your loss, the worst thing that can ever happen, I know.
I greatly valued anything that continued living, my favourite gift was a small olive tree from M&S in a pot. I eventually planted it in the garden and it's a lovely reminder of people's kindness. M&S do a good delivery service too

[suckysnow]

Dontbuyherflowers do some really lovely care boxes for people who are having tough times.

[suckysnow]

Sorry pressed send too soon.

I’m sorry for your loss ugghhreally, i also found flowers hard to receive when my dad died, so I also try to send an alternative now.

[Lemond1fficult]

When my dad died, a good friend who lived far away sent me a box, filled with a very riveting book, slipper socks, loose fruit tea and strainer, haribo etc. It was so thoughtful, and meant the world to me. I still think of her when I drink a cup of the tea or see the book on my shelf.

I almost feel she showed me what to do, next time it happens to someone else.

[QueenoftheSilverDollar12]

My friend lost her mum recently. I also didn't want to send flowers so I got a silver necklace with a pearl in it called "A Mother's Love" which she wore to the funeral. I got it on Amazon - will see if I can find the link.

When I lost my dad a few years ago, a friend of mine handed in a huge bag with jars of coffee, tea bags, loads of biscuits as she knew we'd be having lot of people round to visit. I now do this when someone has had a bereavement instead of sending flowers.

[swizzlestix]

Thank you all for sharing those great suggestions, I love the comfort box idea and the olive tree. Lots of food for thought many thanks

[swizzlestix]

Just had a look at the necklace too, lots of designs on the same theme, what a lovey idea

[QueenoftheSilverDollar12]

I loved the necklace too @swizzlestix. Something a bit different.

I'm going to get my friend's dad a Remembrance rose bush when the time is right to buy them. It's a gorgeous creamy yellow colour, which was his wife's favourite colour.