Alternative to sending flowers

[swizzlestix]

My close friend’s Mum died recently after a very short illness. I wanted to send her something with my card as she doesn’t live near me but wanted an alternative to flowers. When my dad died I struggled to find things to put the flowers in and found it sad when they then died and had to be thrown away. Maybe a plant would be better and would last longer. Any ideas would be really welcome. Thank you

Some nice biscuits or a picture frame for a picture of their loved one?

Maybe a heartfelt card would be best?

Flowers become so negative in these circumstances.

Something nice and easy to eat. Generally we don’t want to cook in these circumstances. Some nice ready meals and food staples could be good.

A locket? Nice cosy blanket? Nice candle?

A candle to burn. Brings warmth and light.

a flowering plant in a nice pot

what about a rose bush? If you cant get one with her mums name there are lots with appropriate names.

Donation to a charity? My daughter died recently and work / friends wanted to send give flowers. I asked for donations to a charity instead.

Thank you all, some lovely, thoughtful ideas there. So sorry to hear about your daughter ugghreally.

Yankee candles do one called angel wings which I've sent before.

Thanks Adventure, didn’t know they did that one

You can get cupcakes in the shape of a bouquet. I got them for my friend. It has the thought of flowers but more personal and it brings a little cheer. Plus some much needed sugar for someone not eating properly.

ugghhreally I'm so sorry for your loss, the worst thing that can ever happen, I know.
I greatly valued anything that continued living, my favourite gift was a small olive tree from M&S in a pot. I eventually planted it in the garden and it's a lovely reminder of people's kindness. M&S do a good delivery service too

Dontbuyherflowers do some really lovely care boxes for people who are having tough times.

Sorry pressed send too soon.

I’m sorry for your loss ugghhreally, i also found flowers hard to receive when my dad died, so I also try to send an alternative now.

When my dad died, a good friend who lived far away sent me a box, filled with a very riveting book, slipper socks, loose fruit tea and strainer, haribo etc. It was so thoughtful, and meant the world to me. I still think of her when I drink a cup of the tea or see the book on my shelf.

I almost feel she showed me what to do, next time it happens to someone else.

My friend lost her mum recently. I also didn't want to send flowers so I got a silver necklace with a pearl in it called "A Mother's Love" which she wore to the funeral. I got it on Amazon - will see if I can find the link.

When I lost my dad a few years ago, a friend of mine handed in a huge bag with jars of coffee, tea bags, loads of biscuits as she knew we'd be having lot of people round to visit. I now do this when someone has had a bereavement instead of sending flowers.

Thank you all for sharing those great suggestions, I love the comfort box idea and the olive tree. Lots of food for thought many thanks

Just had a look at the necklace too, lots of designs on the same theme, what a lovey idea

I loved the necklace too @swizzlestix. Something a bit different.

I'm going to get my friend's dad a Remembrance rose bush when the time is right to buy them. It's a gorgeous creamy yellow colour, which was his wife's favourite colour.