Small collection of gifts for friend who has it tough

[EnglishRain]

I've got a friend who has been having a hard time in terms of home life etc for a long time now. She's currently on mat leave. I want to get her a few bits and pieces for Xmas to show that I care, and I'm not sure whether she will get anything or not. She won't like me spending much so budget probably under £50. Was wondering if you could help me come up with some ideas?

She's not going to have the time for luxurious baths or the mental energy to read a book I doubt. I will obviously get her some chocolate like any good friend. Does anybody have any other suggestions?

I've got her baby a lovely book and will get him something else too as baby may also not get anything other than from her, but I don't want to only buy for baby as I want her to know that she matters too.

Posh advent calendar as a pre Christmas gift? I like the Hotel chocolat "everything" calendar.
Then it's a little nice something every day in December, and you could use the remaining budget to get her something for Christmas itself.
What about something to make life easier, like posh ready meals (eg Cook) if she is short of time with a new baby?

You sound like the most wonderful friend. I had horrendous postpartum psychosis and depression, so can hopefully understand a bit about not having the energy to read a book etc. I actually made myself a “compassion tool box”. Sounds wanky, but is just a pretty bag with favourite photos, mementos, aromatherapy, pebbles to ground me etc.

I agree maybe one or two small things for the baby, most for her. Would she be interested in any aromatherapy or other pampering bits like nail varnish (that don’t involve a soak in the bath)? Some posh food bits (personally I love things like posh hot chocolate, figs in syrup), a contigo flask if she’s worried about hot drinks near her baby. A cosy blanket. A beautiful mug to really indulge in those rare moments when she can have a cup of tea. Has she got money/time for a Christmas tree? I think I saw Bloom&Wild selling mini decorated ones. Mostly your time... again sorry if it sounds naff...but if you’re local, could you do a “voucher” for an afternoon where you take the baby out for a push/carry and she has an hour to herself. Or a meal rota? If not, a voucher for a postnatal doula/cleaner etc.

It really depends on what she enjoys. If she is a foodie, you can’t beat a nice food hamper with treats you might never eat.

If beauty is her thing then face masks, nail varnishes etc

If it’s the home and decor, scented candles etc

But for me the one thing I always appreciate and particularly when I am having a hard time, is nice PJs. They always put a smile on my face and make me feel good.

I would add in a magazine, chocolate and perhaps some posh crisps and that to me is a real treat

These would be a treat for me, but I appreciate others have higher standards !! www.marksandspencer.com/satin-butterfly-print-pyjama-set/p/clp60471432?color=TEALMIX

Or these
www.marksandspencer.com/rosie-satin-crane-print-pyjama-set/p/clp60468081?color=BLUEMIX

Pillow mist
Shower steamers
Pukka motherkind tea
A magazine as they don’t take as much energy to read as a book! A good gossipy one like Hello!
Non-alcoholic G&T (Seedlip do a couple of nice cans)
Silk pillow case

Pyjamas and a travel mug so her drink stays warm. You sound a fantastic friend OP.

Such a lovely idea
Really nice thought. What about a nice perfume if you know what type she likes. Or hair dresser voucher and you can mind the baby for her.

Things I appreciated as a new mum: herbal tea, hand cream (quick way of taking care of myself), nice shower gel (I only had time for a quick wash so it was nice when it was luxurious) , chocolate, slipper socks, eye mask (to help sleep in daytime when baby sleeps), voucher to come and sit with baby and let me sleep, nice notebook with attached pen (so important) to write ideas while stuck underneath a baby (might be less of a problem now with smart phones)