Help - what can I get my friend as a present whos had an awful year?

[sweetkitty]

I want to get a close friend a special present as she has had the most awful year. She lost her DD at only 3 days old earlier in the year due to hospital negligence. She's been having a really hard time and suffering since, I usually only get her boys a voucher to pick something themselves but want to get my friend something special.

She doesn't live near me and I won't be able to see her before Christmas so it needs to be something I can post or order for her. Moneys tight so was thinking £20-30 max. I had thought about a rose bush but might get a bit damaged in the post.

What about making her up a pamper box. Get a large shoe box/boot box and cover it with nice paper (or if you are arty, paint it with acrylic paint then stick things on, eg photos of you and her). Inside you could put - a slushy novel (or something you know she would enjoy reading), some posh bubble bath, some really nice chocolate, a mini photo album with copies of any photos you have of her and/or you, going back as far as you can (you can probably scan and print them?), a lavender bag to make it all smell nice (I can provide one for a small fee ). Then add anything that is appropriate for her - eg some nice makeup, a CD of her fave songs (or whatever you were both into when you were younger), a book of poetry, etc

All this says "I am putting time and effort into thinking about you and the kind of person you are, because I can't be with you just now" - rather than just writing a cheque.

Just a thought, anyway!

thats a lovely idea , hmmmm might use that for someone I know.

Don't risk a rosebush if it could end up delivered battered or dying, lovely idea though it is.
For the sum you are considering, Miaou's idea is a lovely one, or a less effort on that always picks me up is a Clarins/Decleor facial or pampering treat.
Lovely idea sweetkitty, how thoughtful. I am sorry about her dd, I think you have posted before about this tragic case...?

Like miaous idea!
I just thought I would say that I like your idea of a rose tree too - something that she will be able to look at for years to come. I have sent rose trees by post (delivered directly from the company) and they have arrived in perfect condition. Sorry have been struggling to remember who through though - if I remember I will come back and post.

or maybe a voucher for a massage or facial at a salon near her? the sort of thing people tend not to buy for themselves?

David Austin Roses deliver.

How about this

wow thanks for the responses hadn't had time to go browsing myself yet, the pamper box sounds a lovely idea too really personal