These are incredible ideas! As someone who lives so far from family and dear ones, it's hard to know how to be present. This helps. Saving this post forever.
Erin I feel like you need to know that when I was away doing my Oxford semester in 2007, Will & Courtney (who were newly dating, eep!) sent me an animatronic lamb toy with a handmade construction paper card that said "We miss ewe". It's my gold standard, as they themselves are for me as humans. 🥹
As a mom who had a son die from a drug overdose, I just wanna say thank you for challenging people to think outside the box. The truth is, too many times people stay quiet because they don’t know what to say or do… these are beautiful ideas for people to show up.
I love this! Being a good friend doesn’t have to cost a lot. I’ve sent cards, texted encouragement in the form of poems and photos, knit hats, and done other thoughtful things without spending much, if any, money. Gift cards are wonderful if you can afford them but reaching out and remembering is beautiful too.
Putting "heavenly birthdays" and hard anniversaries on your calendar is such a thoughtful way to love someone over the long haul, since those are the days people often feel most forgotten. I also loved your reminder that something small still matters, because it tells someone you're not afraid of their pain and you're sticking around. That's love in such a practical form.
Wag gift card for dog walks, uber gift card (can use for rides OR Uber Eats), or honestly a Venmo - I had to pay so much parking and gas when my family member was in the hospital.
These are incredible ideas! As someone who lives so far from family and dear ones, it's hard to know how to be present. This helps. Saving this post forever.
Ah, I'm so glad it could be helpful! 🥹
Erin I feel like you need to know that when I was away doing my Oxford semester in 2007, Will & Courtney (who were newly dating, eep!) sent me an animatronic lamb toy with a handmade construction paper card that said "We miss ewe". It's my gold standard, as they themselves are for me as humans. 🥹
Oh.my.goodness. I could not love that more. Top tier gift (and friend!).
As a mom who had a son die from a drug overdose, I just wanna say thank you for challenging people to think outside the box. The truth is, too many times people stay quiet because they don’t know what to say or do… these are beautiful ideas for people to show up.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. “There’s nothing I can say to make this better, but I’m here,” can go a long way. ❤️🩹
You can order gift boxes from companies like Beehive meals (frozen prepped crockpot meals). They deliver in the US.
I’ve also done grocery orders from Costco for far away friends for meal train dinners.
I’m excited to check out Beehive!
Thank you for putting together all of these amazing ideas with links to actual companies!
It was fun to put together, and I was encouraged to find so many great small businesses doing good work in this area.
Love it!! I know that’s a lot of work to compile so thank you!
I love this! Being a good friend doesn’t have to cost a lot. I’ve sent cards, texted encouragement in the form of poems and photos, knit hats, and done other thoughtful things without spending much, if any, money. Gift cards are wonderful if you can afford them but reaching out and remembering is beautiful too.
Absolutely. Remembering is its own gift. ❤️🩹
Putting "heavenly birthdays" and hard anniversaries on your calendar is such a thoughtful way to love someone over the long haul, since those are the days people often feel most forgotten. I also loved your reminder that something small still matters, because it tells someone you're not afraid of their pain and you're sticking around. That's love in such a practical form.
So thoughtful and helpful thank you. I’m also saving 💛
Some other ideas:
Wag gift card for dog walks, uber gift card (can use for rides OR Uber Eats), or honestly a Venmo - I had to pay so much parking and gas when my family member was in the hospital.