Gifts to Send a Friend BEFORE a Loss

JANUARY 20, 2017  /  ADINA BAILEY  / 

Gifts to Send a Friend BEFORE a Loss

Last week, I wanted to send a care package to a friend who is walking through cancer with a beloved family member. I was thinking of her constantly. Because I needed some fresh ideas for this type of care package, I checked in on Facebook to ask what others are doing for their friends. The response was overwhelming and I want to share with you all of the fabulous and caring ideas.

Below you will find an incredible list of gifts that say "take care of yourself" and "invite stillness and permission to grieve".

Gift Items

Vintage Cloth Handkerchiefs - more comforting than Kleenex.

"It's neat to think of the generations of women before us who relied upon these pretty things for day to day use as wells big occasions. It's a comforting thought to know these slips of fabric have endured through countless runny noses and broken hearts. They remind us that all storms pass, but we will endure, as the handkerchiefs and the women who used them." ~Stacey

Willow Tree figurines

Lavender scented eye mask

Mary Kay eye gel (for puffy eyes)

Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Pampering Kit

Sweet smelling candle

Soft cozy blanket or throw

Blank journals

Bath salts

Your favorite music on CD

Bonsai tree (for serenity)

Soothing herbal plant (like lemon verbena)

Disposable plates, cups, and silverware (with a note that says thinking of you - I'll do the dishes for a while)

Wind Chime (with engraving)

Knitted Shawl

Alex and Ani bracelets

Calligraphy

Gift Cards

Manicure or pedicure

Redbox codes

Massage

Food

Flavored coffees and teas

Calming tea - like chamomile

Suckers (or lollipops) like good chocolate ones and tootsie roll pops

Chocolate

Hot cocoa

Homemade Cookies

Books

I'm going to list all of the books mentioned, but please know that I haven't read them all yet... they just arrived and are on my nightstand. It's always good to read a book all the way through before deciding to give it to a friend.

A devotional book

A Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card

A distracting, fun read

Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman

Deeper Than Tears, Promise of Comfort and Hope by Thomas Nelson Publishers

Life Lessons by Elisabeth Kugler-Ross, M.D. and David Kessler

It's Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn't Choose by Melanie Dale

Chicken Soup for the Soul

If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits by Erma Bombeck

Family the Ties that Bind... and Gag! by Erma Bombeck

From the Heart

Remembering a friend during a difficult time does not need to be costly. Certainly, gifts can be enjoyable to give, but handwritten words of encouragement can mean the world to your friend. Your words don't need to be perfect, but just a reminder that you a just a call or text away.

One woman gave the follow idea which I love...

Trace your hands on paper and cut them out. Connect them with a long ribbon. Mail your connected hands to your friend and call it a "HUG".

Please help me continue this list. How do you encourage your friends during a difficult time?


Read other recent articles by Adina Bailey:


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Adina & Maureen
Adina & Maureen

Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.

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