The gift basket is a great idea. Just off the top of my head: thank you cards/notes, stamps, pen, candy, coffee or tea & a nice mug/cup. Maybe a muffin or 2 that are individually wrapped so they don't dry out. Any-thing 'pampering' like lotion, bubble bath, powders, candles, etc. Since you don't know about allergies, I'd suggest the vanilla candles rather than more heavily scented ones. What she doesn't or can't use, she can share with others. The main thing is to let her know you care. Your reaching out to her will be appreciated so much!!

When my mom died an old friend of mine sent both a plant and a basket of fruit to my dad, which was nice.

It was difficult for me to keep a clean house, plan a meal and meet friends who came by to console me. Not to mention the paperwork.

What I most appreciated was someone bringing an entire cooked meal in throw away containers. You can order entire meals online and have it delivered next day.

My Cousin uses Honey Baked Ham to ship food to friends and family for different occasions.

Gayle

I was going to suggest a fruit basket too. When my DGS was first diagnosed with his brain tumor in May, and going through radiation, we (my other 2 daughters in the area, my sister and mom and I) made up some casseroles, froze them, and took them to the house. It made life a lot easier for my DD as they had to go into Omaha everyday M-F.
Leslie

Check out fruit and veggie, bouquets and wreaths. They are the newest trend. The fruits and veggies are cut and designed into pretty looking "flowers" put into a pretty ceramic vase and delivered to the door. The vase can be saved and used with memories of the gift after the "flowers" are eaten. This makes for a practical gift (food) and also gives something long lasting (vase).

There are both local places and national chains that do this.

Here is an example of one. I have no experience with them and am not connected to them in any way.

Here is a link that might be useful: Increible Edibles Bouquet

Maybe send a note in the basket along with phone numbers of the wives and or any of the other staff willing to go along with her to an appointment, out for just a coffee if she needs to talk, or a few hours of child care if she happens to have children, (no age was given ). She might have a job around the house that she has never had to do with winter coming and might be overwhelmed enough to overlook it right now. Any of the male members want to step up with a coupon booklet maybe?..One Snow shovelling, one emergency call if the car acts up...you get the idea.... even if she just needs someone to ask and figure out how to do it yourself deal ...who knows someone might make a very close friend of the deal!! Right now she need some. She may never take you up on them but I am sure the thought would be appreciated.

Those Incredible edible baskets are wonderful.My sister sent me one after my surgery,and i sent one to a friend last month when her son passed away.She said it was the perfect thing,as a lot of people came to the house after the funeral,and that was a great help.
Glenda received one also i think awhile back,so i think she can vouch for them as well.
Kathi

Thank you so much for all the great suggestions. I will pass them on to the faculty and they can decide they want to do.

I knew I would get great ideas from all of you.

Thanks again.

There is a nice little book called, "Healing After Loss, Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief," by Martha Hickman. It is organized by date, and there are some thoughts to read for each date. She might not be ready for that right away, but later she might glean some comfort from the book.

Just a thought...if it is a large basket of just fruit...the fruit may go bad before she can eat it all. If she is alone.

I personally would like the candles and bath goodies along with the fruit.

patti

don't forget to include a temp address book with all the contributers names and addresses. it will make it so much easier for her to send thank you cards later...

another thought...instead of flowers why not plant a tree on campus?

I love Susan's idea. A tree would be a lasting memory.

I'd be much more appreciative of things threej's suggested. All could cause a newly widowed lady stress & anxiety & may save her a good deal of money as well.

IMO devoting time to another surpasses 'things.'
Suzi