What can I buy rich colleague

[Richfriend]

I work in a large team but I work closely with a colleague who is well off (forgive me if you take offence to that). I know this because I have been to her 7 bedroom house occupied by only her and her husband, no children. Massive grounds and chickens and a stream etc!

They paid the mortgage years ago. Colleague has several no expense spared holidays a year.

I know this because our jobs mean we converse often about the smaller th8ngs in life.

Getting to the point, said colleague is beyond wonderful to me. That's on top of a hard couple of years due to family losses (covid).

I really don't want to go into any greater detail in case this identifies me.

Colleague and spouse are home alone this Christmas. Previously they would spend it with family and friends that have since passed.

They only talk to me about personal stuff.

I want to get them a gift. They've been so wonderful to me.

What can I buy somebody who wants for nothing?

Rather than an anon gift I think you should invite them over and spend the money on hosting them at yours. Or maybe bake her a cake or something.

You're thinking the anon gift will somehow address the imbalance but it won't, it'll just create a different imbalance. You'll know you've done this gesture to thank her, but she won't - you're kind of withholding info. However kindly meant, it's not treating her as well as just being honest.

Invite them to your house for dinner.

Anonymous presents are not fun, just creepy. Bottle of wine (they may not love champagne a lot of people don’t)so £30 bottle of a wine they like is more thoughtful - a claret, a white burgundy Etc

a ground coffee from Fortnums

something for their hens or a dog if they have one.

A festive floral table decoration?

Tree or Rose Bush. I would absolutely love either 💕

Do you enjoy cooking? Perhaps a gift basket of baked goods you've made yourself.

I would love something like that over a bought gift.

I wouldn't want an anonymous gift it would make me feel confused and I'd spend too much time wondering about it. I really am not bothered about having presents, perhaps she is the same. A lovely card with some well chosen words are more likely to be appreciated. Maybe suggest a meal out or a meal at yours or coffee and cake somewhere.

Something homemade would mean the absolute world to them, I'm sure. Could be edible or seasonal or useful... and if you're really not creative in that sense then I would opt for something from a local small business (so still with the 'homemade' kind of theme - just not by you!)

Wow. Thank you so much for all of your advice. I came back thinking I'd have no replies. Thank you so much. I keep reading 'rose bush'. I will have a look at that as well as the other suggestions.

I will also, as per your suggestions, not gift anonymously! It does seem creepy!

Thank you again x

A few of your favourite books. You could buy a little hamper of about 5-6 books

I think your time would be more appreciated. How about having a spare ticket to x and would she like to use it, or even better just ask her if she’d like to do something. Even if she pays for it herself, she’ll value a nice experience with a good friend.

Bake them a cake or make some cookies , choc chunks and crystalized ginger for example are easy to make but a bit luxury. Put them in a lovely tin box . That way you can say it's from you as it's thoughtful but they won't stress you've spent too much.

I agree with the suggestion of a David Austin rose. There are so many beautiful roses on their website and they grow really well.
www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/pages/shop-online

My lovely friend got me a rose bush once. We want for nothing. Every time I smell a rose from it, I think of her. Get a David Austin.