Can anyone suggest anything please? Gift

[shlthappens]

I've been going through a really difficult time with my mental health for a while and two of my friends have been absolute lifelines. They've given me so much good advice, so much support, so much love and it's largely thanks to them and their constant positivity that I am inspired to be more positive myself. I want to post them something, just a little surprise, a little something to show appreciation. Not a card, nothing wordy, I've already told them in person how much it means, but just a little something, something they can keep and have in there house and smile when they see it. I want to show more gratitude and positivity. It seems like a nice place to start with being a better, happier version of myself. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm drawing a blank.

A framed photograph of you or both of you together or a lovely plant

How about a nice mug (radley do some nice ones) and a tub of posh hot chocolate.

Willow tree figurines make nice gifts

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000E8IVUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_EN2YFJS4WW8J3XAB91QZ?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H6YIWVW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_SY6ZJBC03GGV3VS0D8ZE?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Flowers are the obvious choice. Plant in pot for longer lasting present.

I wouldn’t send a photo of myself - makes it awkward for friend who may then feel obliged to display it.

You can get some lovely pop-ups which are east to post and last longer than normal flowers or chocolates

www.amazon.co.uk/POP-UP-CARD-PAPER-TULIPS-colourful/dp/B00V545LOU/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=Flower+Pop+Up+Card&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1617867374&sr=8-14

And Paper Blossoms by Ray Marshall is a lovey hardback book which would make anybody smile

Do they read? The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom is fitting (and lovely)

These little wooden flowers are lovely. There's different sizes and colours but I've bought a couple as little thank you gifts recently and they've been well received.
This is just the little dandelion one but have a look at the others too.

sandscreative.co.uk/product/dandelion-clock-flower-in-jar/

spaceform.com

They have lots of lovely paper weights/photo frames/pocket mirrors all that can be personalised.

Thank you

Etsy have some lovely friendship bracelets that are classy and not tacky or teenage.

Dried flower bouquet? Theyre very 'in' at the moment.

It depends on tastes really, they sound wonderful and so do you OP but I wouldn't want or keep any sort of keepsake if I were sent one (it just isn't my thing) and would find more meaning in a card or letter with meaningful words with some flowers or some baked goods in the post. Just a little treat to feel thought of, knowing the meaning of the sentiment. It's very affirming to see them in writing.

I hope things continue to improve for you OP, it is incredibly hard to keep afloat when mental health feels as though it won't allow it. I imagine your friends are so proud of you

Sorry, I don't know how to add clicky links to web sites but I have been online this morning looking for a gift for similar reasons. I have come across a company called 'Sienna Glass', they make beautiful hand blown glass ornaments. They are called friendship balls and come in a variety of different colors and sizes. A ball and stand to display it costs less than 20 pounds. I found at least six different suppliers online (I wanted a few and had to keep searching for a supplier that had all the ones I wanted in stock), if you search for sienna glass balls you could have a look at them. I think they will make a beautiful, unusual gift.

Big bunch of beautiful flowers 🤩 maybe they might feel obligated to keep the present and they might not want any more stuff in their house 😬 x

A rose for the garden.

This thread is a good lesson in needing to be careful and choose right for your recipient. I would HATE a framed photo, a dried flower bouquet, that awful 'five people' book or one of those 'Willow Tree' figurines.

Drink (alcohol or posh tea/coffee), chocolates, toiletries, book token, theatre token, could all work depending on the individual.

This thread is a good lesson in needing to be careful and choose right for your recipient. I would HATE a framed photo, a dried flower bouquet, that awful 'five people' book or one of those 'Willow Tree' figurines.

It's very personal. A friend recently sent me a Chris Whitty mug which made my day.

Exactly @NerrSnerr that's why I don't think it really makes sense to ask a load of strangers to choose something.

I sent my mum a 'pocket hug' during lockdown. It was made by someone local to her but you can get them online too. They are only small as well lol

@NerrSnerr have a word with my MIL will you, she gives me awful gifts. I know I sound ungrateful, but we have expressly told her not to buy us anything just the kids and she still does
I like actual cats but I do not want a cat chopping board or a giant cushion with a knitted picture of a cat on it

@DropDTuning

This thread is a good lesson in needing to be careful and choose right for your recipient. I would HATE a framed photo, a dried flower bouquet, that awful 'five people' book or one of those 'Willow Tree' figurines.

Drink (alcohol or posh tea/coffee), chocolates, toiletries, book token, theatre token, could all work depending on the individual.

The op asked for suggestions. There's no need to be snobby about the answers. I wouldn't be that happy to receive any of your suggestions either.

It really comes down to the recipient. I absolutely hate those willow tree figures but would love a rose for the garden (similar price). We received a small watercolour framed bookmark about friendship for Christmas, not really my taste but might suit your needs

It unbelievably personal both to your relationship and what they would like ! The framed photo doesn’t sound good but that’s to me.
Lots of other great suggestions wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Honestly I’d be tempted to write a personal letter of thames and how much their help has meant. or a box of small good edibles (I sent a shoe box size of light special small edible things by 48 hr delivery for under a fiver Royal Mail recently 300 miles and paid something like 70p for them to pick it up from home). Or letter and real flowers.
Anything they would feel they needed to display or wear when you see them might backfire ??

Fantastic you’re through a difficult time and how brilliant to have such good supportive friends.

@LagneyandCasey

Drink (alcohol or posh tea/coffee), chocolates, toiletries, book token, theatre token, could all work depending on the individual.

The op asked for suggestions. There's no need to be snobby about the answers. I wouldn't be that happy to receive any of your suggestions either.

Disliking something isn't being 'snobby'. I don't know many people who would spend £17 on a little bit of tat like that.

I'm amazed to hear that you don't enjoy a single thing on my list (booze, tea, coffee, chocolate, theatre, books) but it only reinforces my point that it's important to choose gifts with reference to that individual, rather than asking strangers.

@Dropdtuning - I'd loathe all that stuff, too. There's nothing worse than manufactured sentiment.
If you don't want to send flowers - there's lots of companies at the moment doing cake deliveries or posh meal kits. I'd be thrilled if someone sent me a roast beef dinner from Hawksmoor.
The best presents have a limited shelf life!

Send them afternoon tea!