55 BD gift- Immunocompromised Still Not Doing Stuff

[Anonymous]

My friend is turning 55 and I would like to get her a nice gift but I am stuck. She has had a terrible time during Covid basically being a shut in because she is on immunosuppressants. Normally I would do spa day or something like that but she can’t use a certificate like that right now.

We were having a discussion the other day about clothes and makeup and she was saying she has no desire to shop or anything anymore so clothing or Sephora gift certificates are also out.

Ugh! What can I give her?!

She is a great friend and I feel so bad. I’d like to spend $100-200. Ideas?!??

[Anonymous]

I’m immune compromised and today is my birthday. A dear friend dropped off a package on my front porch this morning with a really lovely framed print. Sent me a text to go look on porch where I found the gift and card. Was such a nice surprise and perfect.

[Anonymous]

Does she enjoy watching TV/movies? You could get her a gift subscription to a streaming service. A friend has done this for us twice now and it's a really lovely gift we use a LOT.

For instance, if your friend likes British television dramas and comedies, get a year of BritBox or Acorn TV. If she enjoys live theater but can't get out to plays and misses it, try Broadway HD (there are other theater streaming services too). If she's into sports, get her a sports package. If she likes US sitcoms in general, maybe Hulu or Peacock if she doesn't have those. A lot of them also have reality shows from all over the world if she's into that. Or classic movies.

You might have to blow the surprise by consulting with her so you get something she does not already have, actually would watch, and which is compatible with whatever she uses to stream things. It's kind of "a gift that keeps on giving" -- a spa day is over in a few hours, a garment you wear and then put away, but if she likes watching stuff, a streaming service gift could be one she'll remember you by every day.

Also: Great food dropped at her house is always a good thing. Does she like to cook or bake? Great, high-quality utensils or ingredients. That's another one for consulting on -- does she have a signifcant other/older kid/housemate who can advise on what she's already got or what cuisines she likes to cook?

[Anonymous]

I love "Month Club" gifts - flowers of the month, ice cream of the month, beer of the month, cheese of the month, etc...

You can pick how many months to do it and it's a gift that keeps giving.

[Anonymous]

I like the “month” ideas above, as there are some really great ones these days.

Or how about setting her up for a nice home spa day? A nice fluffy robe, some fluffy socks, some delicious spa quality products?

Is she so immune compromised that a home massage or mani would be out?

[Anonymous]

Will she meet up with you outside somewhere that there won't be a lot of other people. Maybe you could do one of those luxury picnics? It sounds like she might be sliding towards to depression and maybe anxiety regarding getting back outside.

[Anonymous]

Check about flowers, when my cousin was severely immunocompromised she couldn’t get flowers because of possible bacteria and different pollens being brought in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check about flowers, when my cousin was severely immunocompromised she couldn’t get flowers because of possible bacteria and different pollens being brought in.

+1

Also, check re: food gifts, OP, especially fresh foods like fruit (for instance, fruit of the month clubs etc.) and cheeses etc. Some immunocompromised people don't eat things like raw fruits and vegetables and certain cheeses etc. due to the risk of foodborne illnesses in raw and unpasteurized foods. So a fruit of the month club gift might go to waste if she can't have it safely. I hope that's not the case with her immunocompromised status, though.

[Anonymous]

PP from above who mentioned giving her a streaming service subscription. Another idea could be a hefty gift card for a restaurant she loves that does delivery and/or for Door Dash or whatever delivery service she would actually use and which operates in her area (not all of them are in every area). Does she get occasional takeout or delivery at home? It's a big break from cooking and a treat. If she does, a gift card with the intention of her using it for delivery (don't even have to go out and pick up!) could be good. As you're willing to spend quite a bit, you can say that it's supposed to cover delivery fee and tips as well. She should be able to designate that food be left outside her door so she does not have to go to the door and interact even briefly with the delivery person, by the way.

[Anonymous]

If she's doing carry out, restaurant gift card. I would not do the month days or the spa stuff... nice thought but would she use it. Or, flowers. Or, something like Cheryl's Cookies.

[Anonymous]

You’ve got great ideas here! As someone who is in much the same position (I’m not immunocompromised but my family member is, so I’m exceptionally isolated too - have been in one restaurant since December, didn’t go back to the office with the rest of my coworkers, wear an N95 if I’m indoors anywhere other than my house) anything to make her at-home experience better is great: A gift card to Wayfair or similar, Plants if she likes to garden, gift cards to a favourite restaurant or delivery service, housekeeping services (it gets so much dirtier when you never leave it) if she’s able to get out to not be there when the cleaner comes, new cookbooks from her favourite celebrity chefs, or chutneys/spices/oils/truffle products if she enjoys cooking

Basically think back to what would have elevated your experience in the early pandemic when you were at home 24/7. Because that’s what those of us in this boat are still experiencing.