Hellobee Boards

So sorry for the loss of your father. It’s so hard losing someone. I know you mentioned a small town but what about any classes? Like a barre class or yoga class? I like your ideas you mentioned so far.

I’m so sorry about your father. I wonder if there are any meal prep services that do single portions, so that she could still cook but not be left with so much food. Is there something you think she would like that would get her out of the house? What about an art class—even an online one? Or a mambership to a local museum or something like that.

I'm sorry for your loss. This is going to get weird but since you asked for off the wall...

The year my mom's parents passed my mom was having a really hard time with Mother's Day (which I'm not trying to equate to losing your spouse and not Christmas). I struggled with what to get her and thought about what she liked. She really likes beards, including DH's. I don't remember why but we ended up blowing up a picture of DH, gluing his beard trimmings to it, and framing it. Seems unfathomable now but this was pre-kids and we must have been way weirder then.

I wrapped it up very nicely and gave it to my very mom on her very solemn mother's day not really knowing what to expect since we never give weird/funny gifts. She LOVED it. She laughed so hard for so long (even though she also thought it was a little gross). She ended up displaying the picture in my grandparents living room while she wrapped up all their business and got ready to sell the house - much to the shock/horror of the rest of the family.

So, do you know anyone with a beard? Just kidding, you'd need your own oddball idea.

I gave my mom Getchen Rubin's The Happiness Project shortly after my dad died. She's not a big reader, but she liked it. I'm trying to think of some other fun and light books. Maybe The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is a great light read! Come Fly the World by Julia Cooke is also good if your mom is into travel.

I'm sorry for your loss

@SweetCaroline: So sorry for your loss. My Dad passed away quite a while ago now, when I was in college, buy my parents had been married for 33 years by that point! Anyway, I like your ideas. Another idea is an experience gift for when she visits you--something to look forward to like a show or concert. Or fancy cooking class with you.