Memory gift suggestions
 

Love this group because of the creativity that’s here. Thought I would pick your brains and see if I could get some help.

A longtime friend of mine lost her husband not quite a year ago but on the anniversary of his death, she and I will be traveling overseas. I would like to have something to give to her that has a yellow rose theme. Obviously there isn’t a lot of packing room in a suitcase so it needs to be something small. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Thx. Happy quilting.

Christmas ornament, table topper, bookmark, makeup bag? I’m sure she’ll love whatever you decide on!

How about a yellow rose lapel pin? If you do a search for yellow rose pin, lots of options come up, from vintage enamel ones to fabric, you could even make a fabric rose pin!

If possible, I would try to find a picture or 2 of happy times and sew it into a small quilted postcard or other gift you might find appropriate.

One of those expensive soaps in a yellow rose theme that is both pretty and nicely scented. Was going to suggest that if you wrap it in a heavy paper, that will help hold in the scent if you don't want that to give it away in advance -- but they don't always like even little packages wrapped going through customs and such, so maybe just a manila envelope that can be peered in.

If you think this might work I would be happy to print the photos for you.(no charge) Just pm me and i will give you more info.

What about a stuffed bear from yellow rose fabric? Easily “squished” into a suitcase, and something to hold close whenever she needs you or her husband near.

Potholders with yellow roses on them?

A tissue holder or nail file sleeve would be small, useful and lightweight. How about a passport holder?

I think one of the best things you can do for someone who has lost a loved one is to recount your favorite memories and stories of that loved one. Even if you spent hardly any time with him, maybe talk about some of the things she's told you in the past? Get a card with a yellow rose on the front and write the stories down. Or, even better, if you have time, buy a blank notebook with a yellow rose on the front, and have as many people as you can write down all their memories of her husband. Holy cow, I would love it if someone did that for me if I lost my husband!!

You can make a card for her using one yellow rose. You use clear contac paper and use a blank card and envelope. You could write a poem inside the card about your friendship. I made some of these with dried wild flowers I put the flowers in pages of a phone book for a few weeks. You could also do a journal with the dried rose with contac paper on the cover and a note inside about your friendship.

A rose pincushion with yellow flower head pins? Maybe. So many ideas!

I've been wanting to make lingerie bags for my girls but so far no luck finding a pattern online.

How about making a little travel bag for her cosmetics or souvenirs with a yellow rose applique or fabric for it?

I lost my husband last spring and picking up on a suggestion someone offered I purchased a memory jar. Family members and friends are adding memories of him. I hope it is full some day. Perhaps we'll read them all together at a family gathering in the future.

Since you would be traveling, what about some zipper bags in a few sizes. These could be used in her both her suitcase, a carry on or in her purse. My favorite to make and are easy are the in-the-hoop bags. You could use yellow rose material or embroider a yellow rose on each bag.

I have made a small quilt using a light bat and the top made out of vintage handkerchiefs. Something like this is lightweight and can be small lap size.

Thanks for all the great ideas. I guess I need to get busy. I decided there are so many great ideas I hope to plan several gifts to give over our 10 day trip. Hopefully it will help her on the first year anniversary of his unexpected passing. Was in their wedding and a college classmate. Many, many years of good memories.

Thx again to all of you!!

I agree ....when I meet customers who share their “loss” , I always listen to their grief etc then I ask them to share a fav memory or what it is that they will always remember about their loved one. Their faces light up and they share the qualities and memories.

My sweet hubby went suddenly to his reward in Dec. 2001. Then 2 wks later my Dad passed. I made a wallhanging (Dresden Plate) out of my hubby's ties-1 for me & 1 each for son & daughter. I've made several for ladies at attend my church of their hubbies. I've seen pillows made out of a shirt with a cute saying on it.
PS: I'll try to post pic later. Can't seem to get it smaller to post...