Birthday gift suggestion for friend going through a hard time.

A luxury throw or cashmere cardigan?

Some lovely toiletries would I am sure be welcome.

I always welcome really nice handcream.
My son bought me some from Ted Baker which smells lovely 🤗

A foodie type gift she would usually like pickles jams etc.
Maybe a special tipple she might enjoy and a big hug of course. Enjoy you time with your friend.

Make a wellness hamper up with nice food treats and some nice skin treats.

I suppose it depends on how much you want to spend and, as you’re on the train, nothing too bulky. Some luxurious that she wouldn’t buy for herself and some flowers on the journey from the train to her home? Have a lovely time whatever you decide.

Depends on how much you want to spend, my go to is a Jo Malone candle.

If you have shared memories, perhaps you can find a photograph that celebrates your friendship and mount it in an attractive frame. I know that's the kind of thing I'd like.

What a kind thought. I can't better the suggestions of lovely hand cream or a cashmere throw. I hope your visit goes well as I'm sure it will.

I would choose natural candles, reed diffusers, lotions etc. by Valentte or Candle Spa. They are readily available on line. Maybe a bottle of her favourite tipple? I’m sure she will be delighted just to see you. 💐

These are all kind suggestions but are they the sort of things that your friend would like?

I can't stand smelly candles - they make me feel like I'm suffocating. As for toiletries, friends do give me some nice ones, including face/body creams, but I seldom get around to using them.

I'm sure that, whatever you give, the sentiment will be appreciated but it might be worth sneakily checking her preferences first.

Thanks everyone, there are some great suggestions. My favourite is the memory box and the (mini) wellness hamper. I've left it a bit late, but ordered a natural, nerve oil for pain and I'll pop into town and see what I can find tomorrow. And definitely big hugs!

Could make a mini hamper? Either a self care one with some face masks, nail varnish, eye mask, hand cream etc or a food one with healthy snacks, some nice juice, maybe some cheeses and crackers, grapes etc.

I’m with Septimia, I don’t like false smells in the house, but I do like non smelly candles. I hope you and your friend enjoy sharing some time together and she is not too poorly.

Could you make up a nice basket of fresh fruit?

Having had to cope simultaneously with serious illness plus the death of one of my nearest and dearest, what I have appreciated most of all is the time friends and family have given me - visits, phone calls, short but regular Whats App messages.All those have touched my heart, and made such a difference.

Where presents are concerned ,I personally have been lucky enough to receive more fabulous toiletries/ creams/ wellness stuff etc than I really need, and until I can use them, have had to put several away in a drawer.But I have always, always been glad of the immediacy of flowers ( especially the scented ones) and plants - could you not send a bunch or a pot in advance with a message along the lines of 'can't wait to see you - very soon now!' ?
I was given one good sized arrangement in a basket - all house plants, rooted in compost.Not all the plants survived, but two (with some nurturing!) did.They now, six months later, fill the basket by themselves; there are twice as many flowers as there were originally - and every time I look at it my heart lifts to think that, whatever else has happened, I still have that friend of 60 years plus in my life.

Neal’s Yard make wonderful aromatherapy based products that make lovely gifts of these are in your budget. I was in this position once, trying to buy gift for someone whose was very unwell. They recommended anything with rose oil which is very calming apparently. A photo of happy/fun times is a wonderful idea too, I’m definitely tucking this one away to use myself sometime.

I found a lovely little bear in a gift bag on Internet my sister in law was having a really bad time in hospital and it comes with a little card sending hugs to the person she loved it and carries it in her bag whenever she's down she takes it out its really small so would be posted easily

If your friend likes to read would she like a nice book ? Something she can keep from you. A history of where she was born for example.

Why not a voucher for a massage or a lovely alternative therapy, like reflexology?

Agree, flowers and plants and most important time spent with my friends and family is by far the greatest gift of all. Sounds cliché but its the truth. And if someone is far away a long phone call can be nearly as good. but nothing beats a physical hug and kiss

How lovely that you will see her. Nice chocs and flowers are always welcome. She can share the chocs.
Lavender oil or similar for her bath if she has one.

How about a beautiful ornament, or painting, she will think of you every time she looks at it. Or an unusual vase that is lovely with or without flowers….

Leave it till after your visit then organise a special bouquet to be sent with some smellies