To ask for help to come up with a little hamper to help a friend

[Heytigertea]

A very close friend is struggling recently, it’s a bad time of year with anniversaries of her grandparents deaths, and she’s had her infertility treatment delayed again because of covid. I have a horrible feeling that the continued delays in her fertility treatment are breaking her. Obviously it’s hard at the moment to physically be there for people but I’d like to make a little pick me up box/hamper for her and would like suggestions on what to include for her.

A couple of weeks ago I treated myself to a One Line a Day journal - there are loads on Amazon -and it feel really indulgent to have that minute or two to myself to write my answer to the day's prompt.

I have also bought several glass ink pens as presents and they have always been well received.

Nice pair of pjs and/ or fluffy socks. Nice hot drinks and a mug.

Maybe some spring flowers? Scilly Isles narcissi or a big bunch of tulips?
I'm afraid anything with inspirational quotations or uplifting Hallmark sentiments would only energise me enough to want to throttle the kind donor.

I've been trying more online food stuff lately

www.latuapasta.com/

Is one im waiting for my partner to comeback to the UK to try.

Maybesome snacky foods, so they can be eaten while depressed on the sofa/bed?

Pick n mix put a smile on most people’s faces

A bath bomb? Some scented candles?

A small box of very expensive chocolates. Ortigia bath salts. Nice book.

These things are so personal it’s hard to generalise. I would hate a candle or bath bomb or mug or journal. I would like flowers or chocolates or fluffy socks.

I put one together for a friend that suffers from SAD. It was a while ago, but it had some of her favourite sweets, fluffy socks (heat holders, gorgeous and cosy), a couple of books about seasonal depression, a cuddly little sqoosh ball thing for her to squeeze when she was anxious, some night time and calming tea bags, and a do not disturb sign for her door (she has nieces who love to rush in). I bought a beautiful box with rainbow polka dots, some matching tissue paper for the inside, and tied it with a massive ribbon. I wrote a small card inside describing everything that was in there. She loved it, though I think she was most, delighted by the box!

I'd get her a selection of treats, one a day for a week, handcream, a book, small box of chocs, a small bottle of prosecco, a small cake, little packet of biscuits, candle

Maybe some pic 'n' mix penny sweets; Fruit Salads, Black Jacks, Sherbet Fountain, Dib Dab lolly, rhubarb and custards, love hearts, double lollies, Parma violets, popping candy, cola bottles, various Haribos and Tagtastics? This website seems to have a big selection and you can order exactly what you want as a personalised gift:

www.aquarterof.co.uk/pick-n-mix

I agree with PPs about cosy socks - you can never have enough! M&S are doing some lovely soft ones, which wash really well at the moment; '2 pack of velvet ankle high socks', they come in blue, pink, black and gold (currently £5, buy 3 for the price of 2).

What does she like OP? The only things I'd personally like out of the above suggestions are socks and chocs. If it was me I'd like something like a cheese hamper, I love trying new interesting cheeses. Or a book that a friend had enjoyed, if we had similar tastes. One friend once sent me some exfoliater stuff as she remembered I'd said I liked it and it was sold from a market stall near her, so that was really thoughtful. I'd try and go specific to her likes rather than generic

I agree that it all depends on what your friend likes. I would love yarn for example, I wouldn't want food/flowers/alcohol/bath stuff.

Presumably you will look at all the different suggestions and pick the ones that shout "that's my friend!" at you.

Does she like crafty stuff? There are a few subscription boxes out there. Or maybe a subscription box for something else she loves (stationery, food, beauty...)

Lip balm. Fudge. A hot chocolate stirrer thing.

But it really is the thought that counts. I'm sure she will be really touched by your gift even if a few bits aren't absolutely spot-on.

Totally agree it depends what she likes - pampering stuff, a notebook, sweet treats, wine (?!) would get my vote. If you would like help putting it together I have small gift box business and would be happy to help.

You could send her a bear hug, they have lots of options to personalise.

Also, you sound like a wonderful friend OP!