What do I do with all these presents?

[Astressie]

Covid restrictions hit us at Xmas and DD couldn't spend Xmas with us or her birthday (just before). She has just moved into an unfurnished flat, not much stuff of her own, so we wanted to help her out. I have a load of presents sitting here wrapped up for her including a large piece of furniture. Feel a bit sorry for myself and her. I haven't seen her for months (or anyone else for that matter). She is in her flat holding off buying things as her presents are sat here.

Any ideas on how to get them to her without costing a fortune and within restrictions? Really lacking in energy to find an answer to this one at the moment!

@HermioneMakepeace

Why can’t you post them?

The OP clearly says that there is a large piece of furniture.

Ah sorry, I missed the bit about the large piece of furniture 😄

If it's driveable just drop them off, if not then look into courier options - may be expensive but should be worth it (provided you can afford it).

I would have done it ages ago, don't wait any longer.

Can you not get the majority of the gifts couriered if it’s too far to drive ATM. That would probably massively cheer your daughter rip, and you could maybe watch her open the gifts on Zoom?

How would you have got the large piece of furniture to her if there wasn't a lockdown?

For the rest of the stuff, I would take them round and leave them at the door, with her taking them in, if you live in the same area, or post/courier them if you aren't.

Anyvan.com

I think your post is lacking a crucial detail OP.

How far away is she? Australia? Or next village along?

Unless she's in London and you're in Glasgow or something, just go and take them. I don't know why you wouldn't.

pointless question, really as there is no mention of distance.

Parcel2vo gives quotes for different couriers. I thought the one we chose was very reasonable.

Hermes collect from your door and courier all different sized parcels. Worth getting a quote to see how expensive it is to send everything.

There's about 25 presents- some very large/ heavy . She lives about 2 hours drive from me.

Thank you for all your suggestions but I have thought about all above, but still thinking and taking a long time about! Just procrastinating as feeling miserable!! I was hoping at the beginning of lockdown maybe mid Feb may not be too long to wait but obvs. going to be pretty big restrictions on making unnecessary journeys and mixing etc. for ages - I suppose it's a mental block because I really want to see her and to watch her open her presents in person. Silly really!! also the options for delivery will be expensive and I'll be putting others (delivery drivers) at risk. I suppose we could drive there and back but would be tempted to give her hug!! (and would be a really miserable journey.)Probably be over the top about restrictions. Also, she's in London and a bit of a trial finding my way about there at the moment having not driven anywhere further than 10 minutes away for about 9 months! But feel guilty for not sorting it out.

Just drive there and do a doorstep delivery. Roads aren't too busy atm. Uses maps on your phone, stick the radio on, it'll be fine!

Another vote for anyvan.something might get a van heading back to London empty who will do it quite cheap - if you can’t go yourself.

I will look up anyvan now. you are spurring me into action!!!

Only 2 hours?! Just do it already! Pick a dry day and wrap up warm so you can see her open the presents outside? Or get her to wait until you're home so you can zoom each other when you open them?

Take them, moving house is on the permitted list regardless of distance.
Maybe a quick 10 second hug outdoors with masks on.

Why are people on about tiers? There aren’t any tiers, we’re in lockdown.

“Covid tiers” have absolutely no relevance right now. Just go, OP, it’s fine.

anyvan asking for details of all parcels to get a quote, but I think I can ring them to explain and get an estimate-must do this tomorrow!!!

Thank you for motivational replies. They are helping!!xxx

@updownroundandround

But I completely disagree with all the PP's who say it would be an essential journey though !

It's certainly NOT essential, as she obviously had what she NEEDS, but perhaps not what she wants ?

But if it's from one end of town to the other and you can fit it in your car/van, then I'd probably do it if you can leave the stuff on her doorstep, but I think that crossing Covid Tiers would be taking the piss

There are no "covid tiers" now, we are all in the same lockdown.

What is the actual risk here? If OP drives to drop something off at her daughters house is she contributing to the spread of covid or putting the NHS under pressure. No, so what's the problem?

I agree that you should drive the parcels - it seems silly to pay a courier to do the same journey. You obviously would not be able to go inside but can drop off & have a walk then head home.

Yes am still considering driving but will involve partner who i think may just say she will have to wait till restrictions are lifted- i agree to a certain extent but now think we are being mean- my dughter has said don't worry about it mum!! she is a darling- but i know it would cheer her upx