Supporting a friend with little money

[AussieMum28]

Evening all,

I've written this here because I'm not sure where to post it.
I'm visiting my friend with my 16 week only son on Saturday. She has a 7 month old daughter and is really struggling financially. She has to go back to work in a couple of weeks so will be getting an income again soon but I would like to help her in the meantime.

What can I do? I don't want to lend her money but want to help her without making her feel embarrassed. Any ideas?
Thanks so much x

Could you do a big supermarket shop for her.
Buy household stuff and non perishable food items as well as fresh food. Also packs of nappies.
You could also do a big batch cook of freezer foods (if she has a freezer).

I want to save her as much embarrassment as possible (not that she has anything to be embarrassed about! Her situation is completely not her fault in any way and he is coping in hard circumstances so brilliantly) should I do an online shop and have it delivered anonymously?

Could you “lose” some cash down the side of a cushion and then deny all knowledge?

Could you give her a supermarket gift card?

I would be tempted to buy necessary things for the child. Maybe some cute outfits in the next size up that you could not resist buying. It will seem less like charity.

How about a little hamper? You can say it's because you wanted to treat her but it could contain some nice foods and useful items etc.

And I'd say no to anon delivery as that would be like charity

They are great ideas thanks! It is her birthday next month and I'm away for it so could do a "I'm not here but happy birthday". Thanks for the ideas x

I'd just turn up with some essentials you know she uses, you don't want her thinking its an early birthday present she needs to reciprocate. Include some cake (or wine) to share and let her know you appreciate how good a friend she has always been.

Bring some nappies, wipes, formula for baby as they can work out expensive over the month, as you know. And then maybe give her a voucher 'for her birthday' for Tesco seeing as they do food, clothes and household stuff.

Agree with the idea of helping her put by a stack of freezer meals. You might be able to talk to her about how she is weaning her little one, if on purees maybe you can prepare and freeze some too. In the guise of "getting some practice in for when mine needs it" ...

Turn up with all the food, drink, nappies, etc that you will use plus loads more that you won't actually use, but obviously won't take home either.

If your really good friends you can say

‘Xxxx I’ve done you a big shop because I love you and want to help because I know you’d do the same for me’

You sound lovely