to ask for gift ideas for friends having a terrible time

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My lovely friends are having a real time of it at the moment. He lost his job earlier this year so freelancing now there's no work so no pay. Their wedding was cancelled, long awaited medical treatment on hold (both due to CV) car in the garage £££ and they've been burgled to boot. It's so hard, because no one's having a great time at the moment but I really want to do something nice for them.

Thinking of a gift box/hamper type thing but.. not booze, food, flowers beauty as they have allergies, so am struggling and wondering if anyone has any ideas?

Scented candles?

Or books

If you know what the allergies are, can you not put together a food box of stuff they wouldn't get for themselves if cash is tight?

I did this for my sister recently. I included some board games, crafts for the children, alcohol and chocolates.

If you know what their allergies are then you could tailor it to them. But otherwise, fun things to do, selection of games etc.

My friend used to get the dine in for two from M&S for us so, with wine and dessert and sometimes a magazine and flowers too. She did it every few weeks and it made a huge difference when we were going through similar to your friends.

What about nice versions of things they need?

Eg Are they coffee or tea drinkers? Can you order them some lovely drinks to be delivered - then it cuts down in something they have to usually buy but they get to enjoy a treat as well?

There are some nice teas at Selfridges (they had free delivery this week). Or if they like coffee there are some good places that will post you freshly ground - either as a one off or as a subscription.

Do they have a branch of cook near them? If so you could give them vouchers and they can choose suitable frozen meals.

I sent my mum one of these, they are only £3 with £1 going to the nhs, you can write your own message on them. My mum said it was the nicest gift she has ever received and I put a lovely message in about how much we love her and how tough it is for her at the minute working in the job she does. Would be nice as a little extra, I ordered via their Facebook page

Neom organics do beautiful diffusers (both reed and electronic) candles, scented oils etc . Expensive but very luxurious if you are looking for a special treat.
What a lovely thing to do for you friends.

Anything cosy, blanket, cushions socks etc

Or a meal box subscription - I like Mindful Chef.

www.marksandspencer.com/luxury-fruit-basket/p/p21035815

How kind you are op. Get yourself something nice too, when you are buying for your friend.

I was going to say meal subscription. Or a local takeaway delivery

Just ordered friend Majestic wine box. £10 off discount code, she loved it. All the wine clubs have amazing intro offers for a really cheap box.of very good wine. Order the first then cancel membership.

I would go for booze every time ( definitely not flowers)

I’ve just ordered my shielding parents a Hello Fresh box - 3 meals for two people. I chose stuff I knew they’d like to try, and it lists all the ingredients so you can check for allergies.

If I were them I'd just want a voucher for a supermarket shop and a bunch of flowers

Candles are nice, but when you're hard up it can be a bit frustrating that someone has spend so much money on something frivolous when you're struggling for basics.

I like to send very thoughtful gifts or flowers but a friend recently is behaving a tough time, reliant on food bank and I thought why spend the money on a thinking of you gift instead of just giving the money I would of spent on something