Ideas - housewarming after homelessness

Oodies (or similar!) each to help keep them warm and save on astronomical heating bills

a nice matching mug, crockery and cutlery set

towel bail

a microwave/air fryer

lovely toiletries/ cleaning products in celebration of their very own bathroom

Could you look into a full spectrum light bulb so your friend can expand the range of things that can be grown in her flat? Just make sure not to get one that is all pink/blue as it gives off a very annoying light (though I guess she can always turn it on while she's at work).

The friend is a keen gardener!
(Has the opening post become invisible this evening??)

Er no. Actual gardening (being in the outdoors, with space and rain) is totally different from watering a pot plant every day just to keep it alive.

The friend is a keen gardener!

(Has the opening post become invisible this evening??)

some good ideas here but unless you know she's keen, I'd avoid a plant - it's basically work to keep it alive and if it dies, it will make her sad. Obviously if she likes that kind of thing, go for it - but given your description of her circumstances, caring for a plant however minimal - may not be what she needs at this point.

The OP’s friend has teenagers, not toddlers, @crostini - I doubt cuddly toys and wipe clean tablecloths would be high on the list of priorities …

Towels, heated throw, slow cooker

I'd put a box together of some nice things and some practical things like:

Nice coffee/tea bags.
Pretty Coasters
Nice hand soap
Cuddly toys for the kids.
Some good biscuits
Maybe a wipe clean tablecloth
And I'd probably add in a voucher for home bargains.

I'd bake a cake 😊

Sounds fine, @UndertheCedartree.

(Presumably your friend has been able to hold on to her yoga mat?)

@UndertheCedartree this is so kind. Your list sounds perfect. I like that you're thinking of the teens too. I'm sure your friend is so glad to have you in her corner.

These are all lovely ideas although only your friend can say if she would like them. The suggestion to help with transport is a particularly good one as is the small pampering thing for her.

If you are close enough to your friend could you give cash instead of a gift card? She will then have complete choice of where to spend it (including if she buys new or secondhand).

Domino's gift card so they can order pizza one night for their new home? Would expect teens to go for this too.

Argos vouchers would also allow them to furnish it but pick their own things. Agree that John Lewis is lovely but they may want to stretch the budget a little further. The Habitat stuff at Argos is nice.

Nice towels, facecloths and bathmat in bright colours. Take a look about online for bargains. They can be so pricey.

What about an empty hamper basket, Tesco, Morrisons etc sell them and fill it with treats so when they move in they can tuck in and watch a movie.

The furniture grant is only likely to go as far as extreme basics so I think either something to make the home more cosy, eg rug, throws, bedding (depending on what is actually in your loft), or a starter hamper and depending on what you can afford, a voucher for somewhere that sells household stuff or furniture.

It very much depends on what she actually has, assuming she doesn't have much money, it would be a waste to buy eg new mugs if she already has perfectly good ones but no bedding.

If the kids need desks and chairs there are always loads on gumtree for free or very little. Lots of charities do starter packs and Facebook can be great if there is a a local community group she can ask for what she needs.

I would go for basics or a gift card, she might want to choose her own mugs and towels if she's starting from scratch and not have random ones, I know I would.

I've moved a lot and buying things like cleaning supplies, brooms and such, and basic groceries adds up so quickly!! I would give that then when she's moved in see what's missing, maybe a piece of furniture that she needs but couldn't find secondhand.

I would make a hamper with bits for them all to enjoy inside it.

new mugs with hot chocolate sachets
cosy socks
bubble baths or shower gels
Bars of chocolate
candles
a photo frame

Warm thick blankets/snuggle hoodies
Lovely mugs and cocoa/tea
Stash of biscuits
New front doormat
Some house plants
Maybe a slow cooker?
Airer
Dehumidifier
Some christmas decorations?

When I was skint, I found it annoying when people spent money on things that were kindly meant but not needed - I would have preferred something useful that would have helped a bit.

Everyone is different so it depends on your friend, but don't assume that a luxury/treat gift is what everyone wants - to me it was really galling thinking what that money could have bought that would have made everyday life much easier.

I like the ideas of some nice towels, a throw and tea, coffee and biscuits in a biscuit barrel with some lovely mugs.