I don’t know about you, but this is the longest time I’ve been without a big get-together with my friends in as long as I can remember. And while we’re lucky to have Facetime and texts to catch up, it’s not quite the same as seeing them in person, is it? If you have a friend who is finding social distancing particularly hard, why not send them a little something to let them know you’re thinking of them? And if anyone you know is celebrating a birthday in isolation, now more than ever it’s important to spoil them.

5 Gift Ideas To Cheer Up A Friend

Double Dutch Cash Card

Before we get into the gifts, remember that for some people it’s more than social contact they’ve lost. A gift is really lovely but what a lot of people need right now is cash. But giving money isn’t always the most stylish present, until now, that is. A Dutch startup by fashion photographer Inez van Lamsweerde and husband Vinoodh Matadin called Double Dutch allows you to give cash gifts online with cards featuring exclusive artwork by celebrated artists such as Richard Prince, Maurizio Cattelan and Urs Fischer. “People say it’s the thought that counts, but actually it’s the cash that counts,” says Inez. They are donating $10 per sign-up for the first 1,000 users to World Central Kitchen to support their Covid-19 efforts.

A Love Letter

Letter Writing Set

If there isn’t a particular occasion but you just want to let someone know you’re thinking of them, how about writing them a letter? There’s nothing quite like a hand-written note to brighten someone’s day, particularly when it’s breaking up a large pile of bills and invoices in your in-tray. Invest in some personalised stationary so people have your address for a reply.

Flowers

Not sure what to say? Say it with flowers. Receiving a big, beautiful bouquet to your doorstep will cheer up even the gloomiest of days and it’s the perfect time of year for a blousy peony bouquet or some fragrant roses. Try Bloom & Wild in the UK (Jessica bouquet, pictured) or Urban Stems in New York.

Beauty Box

This shouldn’t surprise you but I am a firm believer that the gift of beauty products is never a bad idea! If you know your friend’s favourite product or perfume, send them a refill, or pick a bright lip or nail colour to brighten their day. If you don’t know what they’d like, hedge your bets with a beauty box delivery, check out my roundup of the best. Pictured: Birchbox’s May edit.

Food Box

I don’t know about you, but food is the main focus of my days at the moment! The contents of our food cupboards and fridges has never been under more scrutiny so adding a few luxuries into the mix is never going to be a bad idea. Order them a delivery of artisan breads, meats, cheeses or their favourite brownies, satisfaction guaranteed! I just tried Feast Box, which delivers delicious world recipes (and ingredients!) to your door and absolutely loved it, so I would highly recommend gifting this. Of course, you could always throw in a copy of Eat Beautiful to inspire them, too! Pictured: Feast Box

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