Small gift to say I’m thinking of you

[jocktamsonsbairn]

Friend is having a nightmare, her ds has cancer and she is exhausted. She lives far away and I can’t see her. I’d like to send something but don’t know what. They are isolating due to his treatment. Good earner so can afford takeaways (live rurally too so don’t know who would deliver)but think she wants them to eat healthily. Flowers were my first thought but not sure if everyone will be sending and I’d rather do something more thoughtful. Have wracked my brains and can’t think. Not toiletries or smelly candles as she has her own tastes outside my price zone. Any ideas gratefully received! Am on a budget unfortunately which makes it hard to- probably around £20-£25 including postage.

Honestly, a bespoke card from Etsy. Or a small framed print of wildflowers? Something along those lines.

If they are both isolating due to his treatment how about 'an ideal night in' kind of bundle that they can both appreciate? Load of options if you google and you'll know what they like best - food-based, entertainment-based, that kind of thing. When my friend was signed off with a foot injury I got her a wine and cheese thing with a Netflix voucher, popcorn, some other bits. It was a while ago so I forget the full details, but lots of places do really lovely bundles and it will be something they can enjoy together too which might help when they are both cooped up and struggling. Also, what a fab friend you are!

How about a mini pouch from Elizabeth Scarlett? You can pop a few treats in it &post it off.

They have a sale on at the moment so you could pick up a bargain.
Their items have lovely designs, beautifully made, and are very tactile. It's a bit of luxury in the midst of all the woŕry.

What about a nice fruit basket, M&S do them I think? When I was going through something similar a donation to a relevant charity was very appreciated as well.

What about postal brownies? Not exactly healthy but a little treat. No matter what you choose it’s the sentiment that is lovely and you sound like a wonderful friend:

M and s do letter box treats with cake coffee etc.
I got one sent to my son.

Treatbox do lovely gift boxes around that price point and you can choose what goes in. https://treatboxuk.com/collections/buildyourowngiftbox

Or you could buy a nice calming candle from a company like Maegen. Both do first purchase discount code too so take that into account with the price. https://maegenhomeware.co.uk/collections/candles

My go to gift in this sort of situation is a peace lily or another nice indoor plant which will hopefully last forever unlike flowers. https://www.beardsanddaisies.co.uk/collections/sale currently have a 30% off sale and some lovely plants for around £15. I much prefer receiving plants than flowers.

A book they can enjoy together.

Hi OP, I have just done something like this for a very dear friend of mine, who is going through a sad/rough time. I bought her a lovely book (something uplifting and light) gorgeous socks (I know it's summer and hot right now, but you could substitute it for a lovely bubble bath, shower gel or something) and a luxury bar of chocolate. I wrapped it up and put this note on it:
Just a little something to remind you to take a moment for you —
a good book to escape into, some chocolate for sweetness,
and cosy socks for pure comfort.
You deserve it 💛
I hope that might inspire you??

A good quality water bottle or coffee flask is usually gratefully recieved

Oh thank you so much! Some lovely ideas there. I’ll go and have a look at some of these in detail. Thanks for the inspiration.

I'm not sure she needs an actual gift, rather someone she can offload to whenever she wants. What a desperately sad situation she's in. I really hope her son makes a full recovery.