What can I send?

[echokilo]

A close friend's ten year old daughter has been diagnosed with cancer and is in hospital too far awayf or me to get to (and she is not really feeling like visitors anyway) When I first heard I sent a package including a mis year diary and pen in cae she feels like writing donw how she feels, a bear and some books ..... I want to send another parcel soon..... but I don't know what to send ........... she is now having chemo so the usually girly hair accessories are out .... it's so hard as I don't have children ... what might ten year old like??

[shaking]

So sorry to hear your news, I think 10 year old girls like experimenting with make up, nail varnish etc, you could also send cleansing lotion and wet wipes.

[Emmeedask]

How about a pretty scarf or hat and some body lotion or other smellies. the skin can become quite dry when in hospital cant it and its girly.

[echokilo]

Thank you both for your suggestions - and quick reponses....... I have been a bit taken abit by the news to be honest and can't think what to send so your answers are fab .............. I think I will send her exactly what you said - any suggestion on shops I can go to or ranges to look for which would appeal to little girs particularly? I am hopeless at this and would like to find some bits and pieces nicely packaged with little people in mind ... and this sort of stuff is usually only around at Christmas time in gift sets ................. thanks again EK

[shaking]

you could make up your own gift set in a flower basket or the like, boots have a good selection of toiletries, woolworths, body shop, wilkinsons, etc etc. if you use a flower basket with a handle you could cover it all with see through like the florists use and put a big bow on top.

[Robinia]

Be careful about sending cosmetics/ lotions etc. I'd check first. Chemo can make your skin sensitive or 'rashy' & your sense of smell can be altered so some might be too strong to her. She'd probably like more books or cd's/dvd's to keep her mind occupied. Could you ask her parents what she's into?

Hope the chemo isn't too rough a road for her & that she makes a full recovery.

[shaking]

don't forget to support your friend, she must be going through hell with this news.

[Emmeedask]

Thats a good point Robinia the hospital will no doubt be able to advise on lotions etc.

Shops like Claires stock hats and some pretty scarves. There is another similar shop, cant remember the name though. Sorry.

Hope she recovers well and lives a full and happy life. The doctors can do wonderful things nowerdays.

All the best

Em x

[echokilo]

Thanks so much to you all for your kind wishes and your ideas ..... I am trying to support my friends as much as possible, but it's difficlut to know what to say and I don't call them (at their request) as they were getting so many calls and texts at one point from well wishers that they simply couldn't take them all - which is understandable .... so have not really spoken to them a great deal .......... have asked if she needs anything, but they have said there is nothing they can think of. What do you think about buying her some nice pyjamas?? Saw some High School Musical ones which were nice .... is that the right age group do you think?

[echokilo]

Thanks Em - and thanks again to you all.

[Robinia]

you read my mind echokilo...I just came back to say my granddaughter who's 9 & half, is into all the High School Musical stuff! Yes, the pj's are a good idea. And does she like doing craft type things do you know? Places like WHSmith do funky little kits to make your own cards etc. Good luck, I know how hard it is to shop for them.

[echokilo]

It's really difficult ... she is not feeling like doing much as I know she has access to DVDs etc and is not really watching them ........ think will go with PJs and some hypo-allergenic smellies/nail varnish etc.

Thanks everyone - really am very grateful

[Eve]

Some lovely comfy hospital wear would be good, a nice cosy dressing gown and pj's and some slippers :)

Maybe a nice girly washbag for all her stuff or a nice pretty cushion, like a pink fluffy one, she can cuddle up to and sleep with and rest on in the day.

Some teenage girl magazines (maybe nothing related to hairstyles and such though).

A little nightlight she can press on, they do cute funky stuff in places like Next.

[Eve]

Oooh how about making something, like a happy thought for the day, something she has to look forward to opening every day. Or nice memories, something like that.

Some girly writing paper and envelopes and pretty pen so she can write to her friends.

A nice photo frame or album so she have have pics of family, friends, pets with her.

[Eve]

Pretty toothbrush and holder.

Nice soft cosy blanket/throw.

Sponge.

[echokilo]

Ah Jenna - lovely ideas all of them - this next parecel will be quite a size!!! Thanks for all your suggestions x

[sara3]

the fact that you're concerned about getting it right means you'll get it right. you obviously care, and that will shine through.

I hope she makes a fast recovery, there are some cr*p tihngs that go on in the world.

look after your friend too, and do things for her like laundry and cooking. when I went through a dark time people said, "if there's anything I can do..." good intentions.. but I still didn't like to ask for help.

[echokilo]

Hi Sara - hope your dark days are over now .... It's difficult to help my friend with the practical things as I am 150 miles away - but have sent her a few cards with some carefully chosen words etc - and am hoping to get there to visit soon..... thanks for your kind words Sara x

[sara3]

yeah, it all settled into some kind of "normality", thanks x

strange but my best friend, who was/is constantly there for me, is now going through a terrible time. it's good to feel I can be there for her now, but terrible things do happen to people who least deserve it.

your friend will understand that you can't physically be there, but you'll do your bit when you can.

bloody nightmare, huh?