P.B. asks from Hillsdale, MI on July 15, 2008
40Th Birthday Gift Needed for Friend
OK - here's my question - I have a friend who has been pretty much bedridden for the past 2 1/2 years with migraines and she is turning 40 next week. I would like to get her something for her birthday letting her know I have missed her friendship these past years as she has not been able to get together with our group of friends very often. She is trying to make more of an effort (I think there is some depression or bi-polar going on also) lately to get out and be part of the gang again, but she is almost trying to overdo it and plan all kinds of activities that she may not even be able to be part of due to her migraines. What kind of gift suggestions does anyone have? I have gotten her a book about getting older - kind of a spoof on old age, but wanted to get her something nice too. She does not have any particular hobby like scrapbooking, beading... she does like to read, watch movies, and in general be catered to... I don't have a fortune to spend either.
So What Happened?™
Thank you all for you wonderful ideas for my migraine ridden friend who turned 40 Friday! I ended up combining a few of the ideas I received and gave her a basket filled with books, movies, Dove chocolates, and encouraging Bible verses tucked in the books and scattered throughout the basket. She also went to the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday where they gave her several nerve blocking shots in the side of her face and she woke up Friday with no headache for the first time in 2 1/2 years - she was very excited! After having been to the Chelsea Pain Clinic, Mayo and other not so desirable options being discussed, she is very happy that so far, this is working!
Thanks to all Mamasourse friends for your great tips!
Featured Answers
J.N. answers from Detroit on July 17, 2008
Rent a movie and watch it together... something inspirational. Or, even better (but more expensive), take her to one. Depression and Bi-Polar disorders are tough. Hang in there; Be her angel, and don't give up on her. However, don't let her take advantage of you either.
Good luck!
1 mom found this helpful
E.W. answers from Grand Rapids on July 16, 2008
How about some aromatherapy items. If she is spending so much time in bed they can be a comfort, an eye cooler ( you know those gel things we stick in the fridge) some candles, a neck pillow with herbs in it that can be microwaved to hold the heat and still smell nice. Some scented lotions, and how about a foot rub from a refelexologist( sp.. so sorry ).I know that they will make house calls and usually are not to expensive.
E. in Howard City, Mi
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B.M. answers from Detroit on July 16, 2008
Hi P. - what about a dvd about friends...I'm not coming up with anything myself right now, but that's a simple activity she can do anytime...gc to a bookstore...pretty notecards. Sorry that your friendship with her has gotten so complicated. Beth
1 mom found this helpful
J.M. answers from Detroit on July 15, 2008
J.N. answers from Detroit on July 17, 2008
Rent a movie and watch it together... something inspirational. Or, even better (but more expensive), take her to one. Depression and Bi-Polar disorders are tough. Hang in there; Be her angel, and don't give up on her. However, don't let her take advantage of you either.
Good luck!
1 mom found this helpful
S.B. answers from Detroit on July 16, 2008
I attended a party and there was a theme gift given by all. You can search it on the internet, but the idea was 40 of different everyday items with a special use for each item.
40 balloons to bring you up when you are feeling down. 40 sheets of paper to continue the next chapter of your life, 40 paper clips for when you feel like you are falling apart. You could do 40 messages in a jar to cheer her up as well- she could open them when she feels down.
1 mom found this helpful
B.D. answers from Grand Rapids on July 16, 2008
Hi P., I swear i just read this in a good housekeeping mag. people with migrains should wash their hair with a shampoo that has tea tree oil....that it takes away the headaches. They did a study to prove this... I know, it sounds wacky...but I had some shampoo that had some in it. It felt like spearmint in my hair, like my head was breathing. lol. Even if it doesnt take the headaches away, it makes your head feel great!!! I dont have a certain name of one, but look online, or perhapes a health store... I think I got mine from Big Lots, but of course, it was only there once. good luck and happy birthday to your friend
L.C. answers from Grand Rapids on July 16, 2008
Dear P. B.,
First of all, pray and ask God what He would suggest you buy your bedridden friend. He always has the best ideas and sometimes they sound strange but fall right in line with what the person would really like to receive.
Secondly, I wonder if that "Head On" product I see advertised on t.v. would be of any help to relieve her severe headaches. It would be so great for her to get a break from this.
I just read one of the responses about Tea Tree Oil in shampoo and I buy this type of shampoo at a local cosmetology school for a much lower price than the regular salons and it is so much stronger than what you can buy elsewhere. That means you don't use as much and it lasts much longer than the lower-cost stuff.
Hope this helps some.
L. C.
L. C.
M.H. answers from Detroit on July 15, 2008
I think a gift certificate to a book store or a movie place would be nice. Place the movie one in a picnic basket with some movie type candy and microwave popcorn. With the book store one get a nice blanket to wrap up in to read.
D.N. answers from Detroit on July 16, 2008
First, in your card, write exactly what you wrote about your friend to your friend. We all need to hear that we matter to others and it would be great for her to be ablel to read and re-read this message whenever she wants.
You may ask if she'd like gift certificates for services like housekeeping or meal making/delivery. The day to day stuff can pile up when you aren't feeling well and she may need to take a day off from trying to get it back together. A spa day would be good if she is able to have massages (ask first). You may want to make sure this is at a spa only (not a solon where the chemical smells could make her sick or irritate her).
The best gift is time. Offer her coupons to take her out, just the two of you and do what she wants (movies, lunch, jet ski whatever). She's probably missed all of you and wants to know that she is still loved.
Wish her a great birthday from me.
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