Gifts for a lovely wife dumped by hideous husband

[pennyapples]

hi all
I want to buy a couple of gifts for somebody who has just been told by their cock of a husband that their marriage is finished. I just want her to feel loved. Can anyone recommend any books in particular? Something healing? Other ideas welcome.
Thank you

Eat, Pray, Love?

But instead maybe invite her out somewhere she'd like.

What about lots of little parcels of smallish things with labels on for when she should open them? I did something similar for a friends birthday and it went down well I think but easily adaptable.

I think I did a parcel for her kids (colouring books and crayons, sweets etc) 'for if you need a break for 30 mins', nail varnish and candles, some chocolate 'for when you need pampering', food stuff (this might be esp important if she can't eat a lot ATM, just nice little bits like olives and nuts/ special chocolate), a good book/ magazine 'for if you ever get those 30 mins peace' etc.

But having just supported same friend through her marriage break up and been through one myself last year I'd say just bring there and listening will be the best thing you can do for her. Maybe ad hoc childcare (if needed) when she's struggling. You sound like a lovely friend :)

Raspberry gin? You could have the label personalised with something uplifting.

I agree, just offering a listening ear perhaps over a cup of tea or a meal out would be much appreciated. I really appreciated people offering practical help or emotional support, even if I didn't end up needing it.

I'm not sure a book would be appreciated.

A damn good night out might be.

An ever-available ear and a shoulder to cry on. Plus, any practical help you can offer. There's often truckloads of shit to sort out.

A little silly perhaps but might make her smile to have one of those rubber voo doo dolls you can stick pins in or one of those man shaped dolls that can hold knives .... :)

I think both can be found somewhere like I want one of those . Com or firebox (if that still exists).

Or make her a play list cd with super strengthening and inspiring songs.

If it's early days for her then I would say the best thing you could do is bring a bottle of wine round and let her talk, be quiet or just cry.

The last thing I wanted to do was go out and I didn't realise it at the time but my friends had a rota of when they would come to see me. I really didn't want the company as none of them had ever seen me so distraught but I was grateful for it, especially as I now know they were all so caring behind the scenes and talking to each other after to pass on how I was.

My DB bought me a teddy, lovely sentiment but I cried bucket loads. It was perhaps the wrong time for me to receive gifts.

You are lovely to be thinking of her, that will mean more than any material gift.

I agree that company/listening or practical help will help her feel loved more than presents (although a small gesture of flowers will let her know that she is in your thoughts...)

Thanks all - it's very early days and so maybe too early. Don't know. Am too far away to take her out and she can't talk on the phone much because he is always there and she is also terrified of her children overhearing - they don't know yet. so it's constant texting only, but I don't feel I can show her how much I love her and support her just through that. It's actually my sister.

To find her a good solicitor should help too.

I'm so sorry for her and your family. It impacts on everyone.

Keep texting, she'll need that.

What about sending some flowers - my Godmother did that for me in a similar situation and it was lovely. or a case of wine

Time & TLC. Haven't seen some of my mates for dust since my break up. I would have loved a few things to look forward to - night out/spa day/picnic.

t is having people on the end of the phone, who make random phone calls and texts to check on you that has been the biggest deal for me right now.

If he is still in the house, getting regular texts about nothing will stop her feeling so trapped. Keep sending them out - you've no idea how much it'll be helping her.

When my H left I would have loved a friend to take me out for lunch, then the next week take me out for a cake, then the next week pop round for a cuppa... Nothing big. You're obviously a kind caring friend so the best thing you can do is be consistently there for her.
Wish I'd known more people like you :)

Thanks everybody - think will try and get to see her more - and use a combination of ideas