Ideas for a wedding gift please

[JoanThursday]

We're going to a civil partnership in a few weeks. They're very dear friends of mine, and I've known one of the couple for over 30 years.

Its all very bittersweet: they've decided to make it 'official' because one of them is terminally ill and doesn't have long left.

They don't need anything for the house and there is (and we expected this) no gift list or request for charitable donations.

In any case, I thought about giving a donation to an appropriate charity ... but does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks.

I'd give them money so they could have a nice meal out or put it towards something they could enjoy together whilst they still have the chance.

A charity donation whilst a nice gesture isn't really a gift for them.

I was going to suggest vouchers for a nice meal, or for a trip somewhere (depending on if the person who is I'll could manage that.)

I was thinking vouchers for a meal or trip too

You could get a costa voucher so they can have coffee out together or even a lovely bottle of wine

You're right about the charity donation. I was wibbling about it hence posting here!

Unfortunately my friend's treatment means that they aren't going out and about much at all. However they love food: a voucher is a great idea and, for the place I'm now thinking of, it can be used either in the restaurant or online.

I'll do that - job done! Thanks 😊

In this circumstance cash might be a better option, they can spend it on something special for their last few weeks together or choose to donate to charity, perhaps the one for illness your friend has. Cash is flexible

I wouldn’t get them a voucher tbh. With terminal illness there is a lot of admin to do and adding a voucher to their list gives them an extra thing to organise. If the ill party passes away before they get to use it it will be a really awful reminder of what they didn’t have.

Id just put cash in a card and hope they can treat themselves, and if not, no lasting negative memories.

Sorry for your friend

Thanks for your further thoughts - I really appreciate it.

And your kind words. My friend is the loveliest person and I love her to bits. We all do.

A photo shoot?

Something like a tree for the garden.?

OK this is maybe a bit morbid and you would need to discuss it but something towards the funeral? I don't mean you gift wrap a coffin but funerals can be expensive.

Assuming there will be a funeral, I know not everyone has one.

A voucher for a place like this

revitalise.org.uk/respite-holidays/our-centres/sandpipers/

It's basically a hotel but with care so a carer and the person they are caring for both get a break. A week is over £500 but between guests it could be funded (do you know other guests?) and caring for someone, no matter how much you love them is tiring.

A plant subscription?

A voucher for Dispatch?

They can get a really nice restaurant meal often from well known restaurants delivered to eat at home.

Nice rose bush for garden.