OT- need gift ideas to send to a friend just diagnosed with Breast Cancer

[disneyfan2]

What a shock for a friend who is young with children under 10. Wanting ideas for gifts besides flowers. She lives out of town, so flowers may be the only choice but looking for something that the entire family can enjoy. Was thinking about the fruit bouquets but they don't have one in her city. Any suggestions?

 

[mkmommy]

Are you able to help out with looking after her kids? Maybe you could give her certificates for babysitting that she can redeem when she needs some extra help.

Many times people are too proud to ask for help and a certifacate might make it easier, and let her know that you really want to help.

My prayers to your friend and her family.

 

[encinc]

What about gift certificates to a restaurant/ gourmet take out food place in her area? I'm sure that a night or two without needing to think about cooking would be a great relief at a time like this.

 

[Jen M]

I think the gift certificate idea is great. Also if you go to Loblaws or Superstore website they have some really nice gift baskets you can order and I believe they deliver.

 

[pxlbarrel]

There's a place that sends cookies and muffins. If you're interested, I'll ask somebody at work who arranged for some to be sent to an absent co-worker.

 

[Lisa Anne Colling]

My Cousin has an aggressive form of breast cancer right now. She is 34 and has 3 young girls plus cares for her autistic brother. From going through this with her, I can tell you what she needs most is food. Prepared healthy meals that can br froze and cooked quickly and will feed a family. Or Gift cards for restaurants. Also helping with the kids is a huge help. We took the girls camping for the long weekend in August. It was great for my cousin to recharge her batteries and spend time with her husband, Plus it gave the girls a chance to forget for just a little while, have fun and just be normal kids. Although it broke my heart to hear them talk about thier Mom. Even though they are young they know what is going on and they are scared. You can also help drive. Drive kids to thier activities, drive Mom to her appointments.
As nice as flowers etc... are and they do lift your mood, nothing can beat a little or alot of help to someone going through cancer.
God Bless your friend. It is horrible illness at any age, but when women are young with kids it is heartbreaking!

 

[Luhts]

I sent someone a basket with tea and scones in it once. I found them in a neighboring town to where I wanted it sent, and I just had to pay an extra $10 for delivery. Perhaps you can find something nearby where she lives.
So sorry to hear about your friend. I hope they caught it early and I pray she has a quick and full recovery.

 

[disneyfan2]

thanks for the suggestions. I think i will arrange a mini spa package(manicure, pedicure etc) and maybe some gift cards for dinners in her area. i would like to pass on flowers as i am sure she will get many from other friends and family.

 

[misslissa]

My sister had breast cancer a couple of years ago and was in a similar situation. For her, the best thing that she received was several precooked dinners that she (and her family) could put in the oven. Being on chemo, the last thing she could do/wanted was to go out... You might want to see if this is a possibility. I'm not sure what stage your friend is at, but it is possible that takeout would be a better idea that a "going out" type of restaurant... I don't think my sister was up to going out for dinner for well over a year.

 

[CanadianPaco]

After reading these other suggestions, mine sounds kind of weak.

I found these circular necklace pendants (first time in Disneyland last year) in gift stores in London, Stratford and Ingersoll. They have different words on them: live, love, happiness, daughter, mother etc.

I bought up every one that said "strength".
I have given it to a friend whose husband has brain cancer, coworker who lost her sister to ovarian cancer and I gave one to a friend whose husband was killed earlier this year.

I want to give them the strength to face what has been put in front of them.
I bought my first one because it was the 1st anniversary of my battle with cancer.

 

[pigletto]

When my mom had breast cancer so many people did such amazing and thoughtful things for our family. I think what stood out the most was the people who made meals and a friend down the street that owned a restaurant and sent food over almost every night for months.
I was the oldest and living on my own .. but my parents still had 5 kids at home and my dad was working, commuting and taking care of my mom... having meals ready at dinner time was a life saver.
Also .. i took the children every weekend that my mom had chemo.. and other friends would take them out or have them over on other evenings.
I think the best gifts are the ones that allow the family to keep running smoothly.
Maybe a Molly Maid gift certificate?
It is very kind of you to think of your friend..

 

[encinc]

Maybe a Molly Maid gift certificate?

I love that idea!

 

[Eeyoreloverforever]

but as someone who has a dh recovering from kidney cancer surgery, I can tell you what I would like.
A maid to keep up with my housework.
prepared meals so I don't have to worry about cooking
someone to run my errands
dh is mostly just enjoying reading and watching tv. he has gotten lots of cards in the mail and that brings a smile to his face

sorry to hear about your friend.

 

[chrisann]

a cookie bouquet? I received one and me and the kids loved it!!! It had our names and some messages, it was very cute!! Hopefully you can find someone who does them in Canada. This one was from someone in the U.S.

 

[maryliz]

I agree with all of the wonderful suggestions. I have sent McDonald's gift certificates, and mailed them addressed to the kids. After all, they're living through this too. I sent a card at the same time telling my friend that if she needed some sleep time, her DH could take the kids to McDonalds, and if she was up to it, she could go too and watch them enjoy the food and the PlayPlace.

I agree with food, and maybe you could pick up a bunch of "lunch-type" stuff at Costco for the kids lunches. It wil make it easier on her to grab some nutrigrain bars, rice krispie squares, juice boxes etc right out of the pantry when trying to pack lunches. Helps to simplify her weekly grocery shopping.

I don't know how far away you live, but everytime my sister had chemo, her kids came and lived at my house for a few days. This won't work for your situation, but maybe you could arrange for the kids to come for a day or two on a weekend right after chemo treatment.

There are such wonderful, caring people in this world, and I'm so privileged to know so many like yourselves.