A lovely gift for my lovely friend

[MotherForkinShirtBalls]

My wonderful friend is having the emotional shit kicked out of her by every aspect of her life at the moment. She's understandably holed up at home cuddling her baby and growling at the world. My go to for trying to help in such situations is to be the bringer of food, but I know that won't work this time (complex dietary needs that will stress her more if she doesn't prepare her own food). Flowers seem trite. Checking in by text is welcome but not enough. Any ideas of some sort of treat/gift that I could do/arrange to help her feel a bit treasured? Any recommendations of things you've loved in such a situation? My only thought is a soft, cosy blanket or scarf to wrap up and feel protected.

A few of us have a friend in a similar position. We pooled resources and bought a basket (from card factory or somewhere) and filled it with random bits. Fluffy socks, mini nail varnish, hand cream, chocolate, travel samples of various products, face mask, tea light candle, little puzzle book. We attached a card saying sorry she was having a crap time and we were thinking of her and any time she needed a boost pick something from the basket.

Oh that's a nice idea, some easy distractions. Thanks

A blanket, a candle and a really nice smelling shower gel. They are my comforts :)

Gravity blanket.

I would love new pyjamas and an early Easter egg!

Sounds like you're already doing everything right and you sound like a lovely friend.

Warm snuggly gifts sound great. Has she already got Netflix/Amazon Prime/Audible/Spotify? One of those might be good for distraction?

Lovely candles always cheer me up.

I am super vain so in that situation would love someone to come to the house to do highlights, nails, something like that but it sounds like that might be for a bit further down the line and she would prefer space at the moment.

Keeping checking in and offering small things is the most important I think. She needs to know that if she does decide to come out for a walk with you, or have a cup of coffee or whatever it's ok for her to feel overwhelmed and need to go after 5 minutes. And if she's not ready to start seeing people for a while, you're never going to give up on her! It's easy to imagine that people are going to forget you when you need a bit of hibernation!

What's a gravity blanket? I'll have to Google.

New pjs is a great idea. She has asthma which I know is triggered by a lot of perfumes so I don't want to risk a candle or smellies. I'm not sure she's up to any pamper treatments right now but maybe in a while. Maybe a new book?

I offered to put on my noise cancelling headphones and come over so she can yell at someone without having to feel bad about insulting me. She said she might be up to a coffee next week instead 😂

Genius idea with the noise cancelling headphones! love it!

My wish at the moment is for someone to come and hold the baby whilst I have a bath, facemask, dye my hair, trim my nails etc. Maybe a hamper of nice smellies and a few hours of your time?
I'd also love for someone to come and clean the house for me, do some ironing?

A Blurt Buddy box? I have sent one of these to someone in a similar situation and it was well received.
www.blurtitout.org/buddybox/

Take a look at NotAnotherBunchOfFlowers website

A box set so she can lose herself in it?
Is it too early for some stand up comedy.
A nice photo frame of her and baby?
Get yourself on Etsy!

I've just found an awesome colouring book of swear words!

I think I'll use some of these lovely ideas for a hamper of some sort.

I had a really awful time last year. My amazing friend sent me a Buddy Box which made me cry - it was brilliant.

Really really nice handsoap. Next best thing to a spa when you've got a small baby & are washing your hands a lot anyway.