Care Package to cheer someone up.

VJsmum

HI

My Sister in law is going through a tough time, mentally. She is widowed, but young (early 50's) with two teenage children (needs all the help she can get, right?)

I am supportive from a distance (as i live a little way away) but thought i'd send her a little care package through the post to cheer her up.

I don't want to spend a fortune, cos that isn't the point and i thought i would try to make a bit of a habit of it.

I thought of a face mask, some nice chocolate, maybe a book (possibly from a charity shop, she won't mind). Any other ideas?

Or ideas for others - males of all ages, or my 20 year old daughter at uni who sometimes struggles.....

Thoughts welcome

caronc

At Christmas I made up a number of "night in" boxes- they ranged from a carpet picnic (lots of nice "picky" bits), movies and duvets (hot choc, some sweeties, cheap DVD), to a "drinks before dinner" (bottle of gin and nibbles etc.) You can spend as much or as little as you want. The Christmas before for a £5 "secret santa" a I put together a pre-mixed can of cocktail, a candle, a mini bath bomb, chocolate, a face pack and a wee tube of handcream so it needn't be expensive.
I'm sure your SIL will appreciate whatever you put together for her. Would she appreciate some daffodils or similiar in a pot - I always love things like that especially as I shows spring is coming

Islandmaid

How sweet, what a lovely idea x

Maybe a scented candle, bath bomb, bar of good chocci - stress buster kit

One thing I received from a friend when I went though a difficult divorce was a handwritten letter with some old photos from a good friend, made me laugh and cry, but was so touched they had made to effort to write a proper letter x

My sons at uni, and I sometimes send him a shopping delivery, slab of beer, some pizzas, sweeties, and some 'nice' smellies, hair wax etc or a prezzo/pizza express voucher so he can treat his GF occasionally - I also send him some HM brownies/Fudge which he likes

karcher

What a lovely idea OP, what a wonderful caring SIL you are.

I think anything that she can pamper herself with, spending as little or as much as you want, will be a marvellous surprise for her.

Smellies, new cosy slippers, PJ's, small bottle of wine/champagne, chocs, book, magazine...If I received all or any I'd be overwhelmed by such a kind gesture

VfM4meplse

I think receiving the surprise package will be a huge lift, regardless of contents! It's a very thoughtful gesture.

Out of all the suggestions I'd go with PJs and slippers as she'll get the most use out of them.

katkin

That's the loveliest thing I've read in ages. You are very considerate VfM I take it you get on well with her.

What about a wee voucher inviting her to yours for a girls weekend / night? Something for her to look forward to getting away and relaxing without the teens on tow.

All the suggestions here are amazing though, wonderful thoughts x

rach_k

Unless you're specifically trying to make it all for her, I'd include a little something for her kids. Sad though it is, the easiest way to make me happy is to make my kids happy! It could be something that indirectly benefits her e.g. a cheap DVD to keep them quiet while she has a long soak in a hot bath.

Callie22

Nice tea (or hot choc if she's not a tea drinker) and some nice biscuits?

Prinzessilein

How about something to remind her of being a child?...I know someone who when they are low loves to cuddle up with the Beano (although they also enjoy a moan that it is not a scrap as good as 40-odd years ago!)...and some of those pink shrimp foam sweets!

Some really nice coffee is a treat for some...you can get the small jars of flavoured coffee (such as Beanies) at various supermarkets for a few quid....maybe with a packet of 'good' chocolate.

If you know her taste in reading then the book from a charity shop idea is terrific...I have been known to squee in delight at a charity shop book for Christmas if it is a title I really want (I collect children's books)

For your daughter...how about a top-up voucher for the phone, a voucher for I-tunes, some tins/packets of food a snuggly cardigan or pair of warm slippers....oh and I don't know if you can still do it, but a few years ago a friend exchanged some Tesco vouchers for Pizza restaurant vouchers (can't remember which one!) which her student son LOVED!

Men are the WORST to buy for!....the top-up vouchers for phones are never refused, Men like chocolate too!...and maybe stuff for a guys' night in- DVD, bags of crisps, bottle of beer or cola...if they work and take the bus/tram/train, then how about a weekly travel card?

Puffinbertha

Does she like crafting? If so, some yarn or a craft magazine (iThe Works often have craft books as cheap as magazines). If you craft, a handmade shawl, scarf, gloves or hat. A hot water bottle with cover. A pot of hyacinths. A primula. Some packets of seeds. If not too far away, invite her for "afternoon tea". Some homemade cakes or scones. An oil burner with tealights and some essential oils. A crystal. A box of homemade fudge. A few hours to sit and chat.

[Deleted User]

I have a few housebound friends and when its their birthday or Christmas or if they just feel a bit fed up with life in general I will fill a shoebox with a few things they perhaps may not treat themselves to I have one friend who lives on a very limited income, and to her some Roses Lime marmalade is something she really enjoys as a change from her normal bog basic stuff, or I will find a few small tins of fruit, and a nice soap or talc for another friend

It doesn't have to cost much but as I know what they like a little treat just says 'I am thinking of you' A couple of C/S thrillers gives no end of pleasure with a bar of chocolate to another old friend.

My DGS who is a penniles student I will send a voucher for S'bobs so he can buy a few bits extra with it (usually he treats his pals to a few cans . He usually goes back to Uni with a 'Ben Box' that I collect with bogoffs when I shop.`I fill it with the boring stuff like toothpaste and shampoo and shower stuff tucked in between the tinned bits and packs of pasta and rice.he says sometimes towards the end of term his housemates all pool their food and he makes a mean dahl apparently which helps to stretch their food out :):) I know he always eats like a horse when he comes home