https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:12:53 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858856 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 13:24:32 +0000 Jennibenni 2858856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snarkybiochemist: @LabradorLover: I’ve just put the date in my phone, that is a great idea so I can remember to check in with her each year on the anniversary day. </p> <p>@Mamaof2: Wind chimes sound beautiful, I think that’s a lovely idea. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858846 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 13:09:26 +0000 LabradorLover 2858846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lost my father almost 3 years ago exactly one week before Christmas. He was only 47 and I was 24 so this was a very tragic time for me. Not sure if this is a good idea or not but I figured I would throw it out there. </p> <p>My two closer cousins got me a shadow box for Christmas with some nice "Greatest Dad Ever" stickers and an ornament that I could put his picture in. I loved the idea and found it to be very thoughtful. I was able to put one of his shirts in it along with some other things that reminded me of him. I have it right in our hallway where I can see it every day. It is something that makes me smile everytime I walk past it. </p> <p>I also recommend remembering the date and following up with your friend each year. It sounds terrible but I almost expect people to text me on that day (because I just really need the support) and get upset if I don't hear from someone important. Prayers to your friend and their family. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858784 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:04:37 +0000 Mamaof2 2858784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: How about wind chimes? We got my mom some when her mom died and had it engraved to say "Listen to the wind and know I am near" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858781 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 09:57:58 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2858781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: Set a reminder in your phone or something to remember her next year at the time of his death. That was one of the hardest parts for me was the next year I was in a funk and felt like I had to keep reminding people why. It would have been amazing if someone had reached out and just said, hey just checking in I know this might be rough. It seems so far away right now but it will be awesome for your friend. I know personally I didn't want anything anyone else picked out in terms of remembrance items, eventually I got a necklace made with his handwriting, but it was my choice in my own time frame. A gift card for food and a simple card might be nice (particularly around the holidays) where grief might hit her strongly again as she realized that this is the start of not having her dad at a holiday celebration ever again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858746 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 08:43:28 +0000 Lahela017 2858746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with all the previous comments. I think another card let her know you are thinking of her and perhaps a gift card for take out would be very nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858703 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:29:49 +0000 irene 2858703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: Honestly, a handwritten card trumps taking her out to coffee. Truthfully. Depending on how she is, sometimes she may not want to talk about it, and then it is awkward that you are putting her on the spot. At least that's how I feel when a more extroverted friend who kept pushing me to go out, and finally I was out and I had to think about what I want to say about my mother's passing. argh. But then again you know your friend best.</p> <p>Another thing is, do not just text her. Send her a card in the mail at least in the next couple of weeks/months. Texting is easy. Buying, writing, and sending a card requires effort and it shows that you are really thinking about her. Not saying you shouldn't text her, but text plus card if you want to be nice and thoughtful :silly: </p> <p>And wow I agree with @thepicklemonster: a gift card together with a handwritten card would be very very nice. Do that :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858701 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:14:33 +0000 Jennibenni 2858701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Thank you! I appreciate your help. I do check in with her often but I’d just like to send her something thoughtful. We don’t live in the same city so I can’t take her for coffee or anything like that and I want her to feel cared about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858699 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:11:50 +0000 thepicklemonster 2858699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: Oh also I just remembered. One of my friends sent me a massage gift card a few months after my dad died and it was sooo nice. I am also pregnant and was working really hard at the time so I think her card said something like “I know you’ve had a rough few months, go take care of yourself” or something. It was SO SWEET. But I think it was more in response to my pregnancy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858698 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:11:43 +0000 lamariniere 2858698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the above. I have also lost a parent and really, all I wanted was for friends to check in on me from time to time. Just a little 'thinking of you' type of message can mean a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858695 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:07:15 +0000 Jennibenni 2858695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@thepicklemonster: Thanks for your insight! Yes I guess I should have expressed myself better but I want her to know that I’m still thinking of her and that I know it’s not business as usual. Maybe something I could give her when she’s having a rough day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858693 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:03:59 +0000 thepicklemonster 2858693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>(edited for typos) I lost my dad in June and all I’ve wanted/ needed is my friends to check in. I got a lot of cards and messages in the first few weeks which was so lovely but then life went back to normal for everyone but me. I have a few friends who continued to check in with me and that meant so much more than any gift. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858691 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 22:50:29 +0000 irene 2858691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have good suggestions, but I just want to chime in to let you know you are a great friend. I think flowers and a handwritten card is more than enough. My mom recently passed away, and those two are the best things that I have gotten. Personally, I'd say I'd rather leave her alone and don't try to rub it in and get her something that reminds her of him.... you don't know where she is in terms of mourning. Mourning does come in stages, and it is very tricky if you send something (bigger than flowers and cards) in the wrong time. I have recently framed my mom's picture when she was much younger and hung it up, but that's very personal and I am not sure how I would feel if a friend, or even my husband, would give me that.</p> <p>I'd say maybe send her another card in the mail after a while and let her know you are thinking about her, and you are there for her. That would be very heart warming. Of course I am interested to see what others suggested. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-for-friend-whose-father-died#post-2858685 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:45:50 +0000 Jennibenni 2858685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My very close friend recently lost her father. At the time of his death I sent her flowers and a handwritten card, and I’d like to get her something meaningful that would help her remember him. I can’t decide what is cheesy or trite vs what is special? Any ideas? </p>