How to Help With a Gift for a Friend Who Is Laid Off

What do you do when your friend has been laid off work? The right gift can be priceless for a friend who is down on their luck. Give a gift that will help lift their spirits. It can be hard to find the right gift, when you are dealing with a touchy subject. Being laid off work can make a person emotional, so here are some tips on finding a good way to give a gift for a friend who has been laid off work.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Gift basket
• Time
• Gift Cards
• Card

1. Put together a gift basket -
   This is a good option if you know your friend well. In the gift basket you can include gift cards (Wal-Mart or gas cards)coffee or their favorite hot beverage, fruit, and helpful books. Add in something personal or funny, to lighten the mood.

2. Give the gift of time -
   Write a nice card and let your friend know you are there for them. If they have kids and need a sitter, or someone to go job searching with, make sure they know you are available.

3. Pick up on cues your friend drops -
   Sometimes people don't come right out and say what they need. Make sure to listen for the little clues when you are talking to them .

4. Be there-
   One of the best gifts to give, is you. Check up with them frequently and be open to helping where you can.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you don't over emphasize the loss of the job, steer away from personal questions, let them do the talking about their job loss if they chose to.

• Don't overwhelm them with one big gift. If you know your friend really needs help, smaller gifts spread out are more helpful

• Make the gifts plain, don't wrap or make it fancy. Over the top extravagant things can make the person feel worse.