How do I cheer up a colleague without going OTT?

[ChocolateDigestiveFiend]

One of my colleagues seems really down just now. She's a really lovely person and she never fails to help someone out or ask about the kids, but she's not herself. Plus our boss was being an arse today and it fell on her. (I reported the incident).

Would it be weird to leave a box of chocolates on her desk? Flowers? She's a very private person and she doesn't do personal talk, but she looks so unhappy at times.

You sound very kind OP!

If she’s not much of a talker would she find flowers or a box of chocolates too much I wonder? Maybe get her a chocolate bar that you know she likes or a takeaway coffee from a local cafe?

I’m sure whatever you get her will make her smile :)

Perfect timing for a bunch of daffs - understated and cheap but cute

Ask her if she wants to do lunch or coffee?

Dont have to have personal chat or ask after her just have a nice normal chat. She may like the company?

At my work one of our colleagues was like this recently (smallish world place, think healthcare). We did her a little basket of self care. Bath bombs, cream, face masks, chocs and a few miniature drinks bottles. Plus a little card with a note in.

She was very touched.

I gave my colleague chocolate recently. Someone was horrible to her (wind up) and she was really upset. I knew what kind of chocolate she liked so I treated her to some. She was very grateful and gave me a hug! I think little gestures like that are very meaningful.

I always get my assistant a chocolate bar and a can of coke. It just shows that you have thought about them. My friend who is allergic to food I got a candle and a small potted plant.

Oh OP you sound so lovely! Your colleague is so lucky to have you to work alongside. I wish I worked with you!

Daffs sound lovely. I think she'd like them.

Thanks!

I was going to suggest daffodils too. It's a bunch of flowers without being too much but they're still cheery and show someone cares. Maybe a bar of chocolate too.