Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Looking for present ideas for my friend

22 replies

moolady1977 · 02/03/2019 20:12

So as title says I'm looking for present ideas for one of my friends, known each other 18 years and only just realised that I'm totally stuck when it comes to buying her something just to say "I'm thinking of you". So as not to drip feed she has got breast cancer going through chemo and is feeling mega rough, her boyfriend buys her flowers every week and she isn't in to bath stuff, tia to everyone that can think of something I haven't (thought chocolate, fruit basket, books, and all the stuff you would normally get)

OP posts:
PrivateIsles · 02/03/2019 20:17

Sorry to hear about your friend OP Flowers

Do you have a budget in mind? I have just bought an Emma Bridgewater mug for a friend's birthday - you can get them personalised and they have loads of nice spring flower designs at the moment. Also there is a discount if you sign up to their newsletter.

Lwmommy · 02/03/2019 20:21

When a friend was going through chemo she found her sense of taste changed, she was uncomfortable all the time, tired and bored.

She liked getting:

  • A soft snuggly not itchy blanket
  • Strong citrus fizzy drinks, they cut through the bad taste in the back of her throat
  • A little bean bag tablet holder thing for her ipad that meant she didnt have to hold it up
  • bOx sets, books, magazines, cds
  • Good, comfy but nice looking PJs so she could feel snug and comfy but not like a.slob
Singlenotsingle · 02/03/2019 20:22

Something nice to wear, depending on your budget. Loungewear? Luxury pyjamas?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General shopping
Samind · 02/03/2019 20:24

What sort of interests does she have? Why not make her a scrap book of your friendship?? It's a thoughtful gift and it might even jog some memories you share with your friend. 18 years? That's lovely 🙂 I wish your friend a speedy recovery and long term remission

Buster144 · 02/03/2019 20:25

Really sorry to hear about your friend. My first thought was a personalised notebook/scrap book. I think having the opportunity to write about old memories etc would be a great distractions from current situations. You can get really nice notebooks that give you topics to write about etc.

Palominoo · 02/03/2019 20:28

Fancy yarn, crochet hook and a pattern book if you think she would be into a craft.

When I was ill I loved having something to make as it spurred me on to see the finished result.

tararabumdeay · 02/03/2019 20:43

What about something you connected with 18 years ago? Love beads; friendship bracelets; crisp packet badges cooked in the oven?

Or, if you're a bit flush Pentathlon's bluebell perfume because everyone deserves it at least once in forever.

BikeRunSki · 02/03/2019 20:47

A really nice version fo something she uses anyway -
If she suffers with dry lips, then nice/expensive lip salve
If she is prone to being cold, a cashmere jumper , or socks

BikeRunSki · 02/03/2019 20:49

Not Another Bunch of Flowers was started exactly for people in your situation OP.

SandAndSea · 02/03/2019 21:22

How about a collection of things with a theme, such as everything you need for a lovely evening at home? Eg. Good DVD, snacks, super soft blanket, candle, bubble bath.

MeOldBamboo · 02/03/2019 21:30

When my best friend was going through chemo, I initially bought her some cashmere socks, a magazine and gave her some pictures my DDs had painted for her. Then every fortnight I sent her a rude card. We are both very silly and she tells me she really looked forward to this coming through the post and I had to outdo myself each time. They got ruder and ruder to the point she had to hide them from her mother.
She accidentally left one out that was particularly offensive and her mother, without blinking said “oh is that from Bamboo? How thoughtful” Grin
Her husband is now in the Wars, although not to the same extent and I’ve started again! It gives me great pleasure to know that it has put a smile on a face!

littlebillie · 02/03/2019 21:33

What a great idea

BikeRunSki · 02/03/2019 22:25

I was on the receiving end of a similar "rude card" campaign to what Bamboo has described. I suffered from HG very badly in my first pg (also second) and was hospitalised many times for periods of 2 days to 2 weeks from weeks 7-18. My uncle was also having chemo during this time, but he took it upon himself to send me jokes, funny cards, rude cards , foods to tempt me to eat and general daftness at least once a week. I was a bit pathetic with my replies, but DS's middle name is that uncle's first name. That uncle lived another 10 years, and we became very close through our joint horror of throwing up, spending far too much time in hospitals and DS.

If you are stuck for "big ideas", then a stream of small things, can be very effective.

CinammonPorridge · 02/03/2019 22:32

Psychologies or natural health magazine subscription
Four foot long hot water bottle
V shaped pillow
Pot plant
Herbal teas
Mindful colouring book
Organic toiletries
Organic cotton nightset
Cheery light hearted DVDs

CinammonPorridge · 02/03/2019 22:33

Perfume society box

llangennith · 02/03/2019 22:41

What Lwmommy suggested right at the start. I've been through chemo for breast cancer and would've loved those presents.

nailslikeknives · 02/03/2019 22:54

The 'rude' cards are great if you think your friend would like them. I think they look fab.

Not as a birthday present, but as a general present, when my bestie got bowel cancer, I got her a ... wait for it ... it was ultra glam ... her very own ... radar key!

So not glam at all, but it was practical. It meant she could leave the house again.
Maybe your friend would appreciate something like that?

BikeRunSki · 02/03/2019 23:29

Perfume society box only if you are sure that treatment has not made her really sensitive to smells.

lms2017 · 02/03/2019 23:45

Do you live local? If so how about your time? Go round and do the really mundane jobs a few times?
Or just go round for a chin wag! .

A really POSH lipstick and blush?

Pay for her ironing to be done,
Cleaner once a week for a few weeks?
Magazine subscriptions
Comfy lounge wear

It really depends on your time and budget xx

mysteryfairy · 03/03/2019 19:02

DD and I both suffer from really dry lips and can recommend Clarins lip comfort oil and Nuxe revel de Miel lip balm as the two most effective on the market.

Bit random but I just bought a stylpro - some sort of dragons den invention makeup brush cleaning device - and have spent a satisfying few minutes cleaning make up brushes with no effort. As I was doing this I was reflecting on how many unwanted things I have and how it would have been great if anyone had bought me that!

BlueMerchant · 03/03/2019 19:05

A nice silver locket necklace with a little pic of you both?

Pinkstars2501 · 03/03/2019 20:12

When my friend had cancer I got her a blanket covered in pics of her favourite pop star. Not very grown up (she’s 48), but she loves it. Was great for napping under after chemo/radio and now she can still enjoy it after the all clear.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page