Tricky present dilemma for friend

[Wigeon]

I have a friend who is in very difficult circumstances which are completely outside her control and with no end in sight. She isn’t all well off, and has two DC. She doesn’t live near (but is in the UK like me). I would love to treat her for Christmas but she would be mortified to think of herself as a charity case. What could I send her in the post?! I’ve got something for her DC but would also like something for her. I thought of one of those vouchers for general high street shops like this, but then I think she’d be really embarrassed as that’s basically like giving cash. She has quite a few food preferences , so most “treat” food, eg chocolate, is out. She is quite lefty/ hippie /natural/ veggie. At the moment she is pretty much focussed on getting through life and her DC, so no obvious hobbies right now. I’ve sent her vouchers anonymously before, and probably will again, but think something for her at Christmas would be nice. Are smellies just boring?

Any ideas?

You sound like a lovely friend!

Vouchers sound sensible, how about John Lewis/Waitrose or M&S - then she can spend it on food or practical things as needed or treat herself. I'd send maybe vouchers and/or send a little something like some 'nice' smellies , or new pyjamas? Everyone loves new pyjamas. Or a lovely snuggly blanket and a few DVDs/boxset?

Cinema vouchers? A bit of a treat to someone with limited cash but not too indulgent. Depends on children/childcare though. Likewise vouchers for a meal out - Pizza express or somewhere else fairly low key?

How about a weekly/monthly veg or farm box?

How about a necklace which has some personal meaning? Perhaps her children’s birth stones or something that means friendship or family?

‘Hippy’ jewellery often isn’t expensive. You can always downplay the cost of jewellery if she says ‘you shouldn’t have’.

I am in a similar situation to your friend and I’d really appreciate anything that meant a friend was thinking of me. Somthing that is used most days that I wouldn’t buy for myself as not a necessity would be great.

You sound a lovely friend. Very happy Christmas to you and yours.

How about a hamper? That was she'll have special food for the Christmas period without the expense, and it's a perfectly acceptable gift without looking like charity

Thanks for suggestions. Will ponder. Most hampers out altho some other friends and I did get a gluten/dairy free veggie hamper last year for her.

A bit of a pamper box with face mask, hand cream, nail varnish, cocktail pouch etc maybe?