Christmas gift to friend

[Okaaaay]

Hi all - looking for views as to whether I’m likely to cause offence / embarrassment.

My lovely friend is having a really hard time with lots going on at home, 4 children and a partner who has had a bad accident and therefore can’t work. Money is incredibly tight and everything feels very precarious for her. She has openly talked about her family’s struggle with money with me in the past. I am fortunate and not struggling currently. I would like to send her a £100 gift card for Christmas to help ease a really difficult time. I’d include a little note to say that I love and appreciate her friendship, and that the card is a little token of my appreciation of her.

I can’t decide whether this will be received warmly as intended, or feel cold (like giving someone cash instead of an actual gift). Thoughts on how this would make you feel really welcome.

I think it's a really kind thing to do and I would be really surprised if she took it badly. Voucher is better than cash - Tesco or Sainsburys or even M and S. Then she can use it for food/essentials, or for clothes if that's needed more.

You sound lovely and a true friend.

Super helpful, thank you. I was thinking M&S so it feels more treat than just for the food shop. Or Amazon as there is an option for Morrisons to delivery through that route.

I would say a supermarket gift card or one those that can be used in various shops. Sorry, I can’t remember what that’s called.

@AdoraBell thank you, I’ll take a look at the one with multiple use

Tbh you may be better with a cheaper supermarket instead of M&S. Although M&S vouchers as a gift would be amazing and so kind but if they are struggling as a family I do think like Tesco/asda something like that they can get a much bigger shop and more for the money where as M&S I don’t think the money would go as far

@Coconutter24 completely agree, but do feel a bit odd giving supermarket vouchers. I think the Amazon option might be the way to go as it can be spent in Morrisons too (I need to check this out)

I’d love supermarket gift vouchers 🙈😂
I think if you’re an Amazon prime member you can order through Amazon for delivery or click and collect of a Morrisons delivery but I’m not 100% sure on details.
I’m sure whatever store you decide on your friend will really appreciate your gift

@Coconutter24 it’s tricky isn’t it. I want them to use them for food if that’s what needed but don’t want to suggest that’s the use! Will have a look at options, thank you.

I've been the person on a very tight budget at Christmas. I would have appreciated a Tesco/Asda gift card much more than M&S, as i'd get more meals out if it. But why not supplement the gift voucher with a Christmas cake, pudding, meat etc.

M&S is actually quite competitive for food . They do some good multi deals and the prices of veg , fruit and dairy is comparable with the likes of Tesco , Sainsbury and arguably better quality . The quiche , cold meat , butter etc is particularly good .

Sorry should have said that I think it’s a lovely idea @Okaaaay and I can’t see how it could cause offence .

I agree that M&S is excellent value for some items. We get eggs, bread, milk, veg, cheddar cheese, high juice without sweeteners in and often the various meal deals. Plus good yellow stickers.

I would go for M&S - useful for lots of things whether its a "normal" food shop, treats, clothes or if they can use it to buy gifts it might free up some of their own cash budget.

I think a lot of their groceries are now in line with other supermarket prices.

The problem with an M&S card is that you can't get anything like as much for your money as you can in a normal supermarket. I would get her a card for the nearest cheapest supermarket. It's very kind of you and I'm sure she will appreciate it.

Thanks all, really appreciate your thoughts, and happy no one (so far) thinks it’s likely to upset. I’ll include something delicious alongside it as suggested.