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Ways to make a friend smile during lockdown
We’re now in the 7th week of Covid 19 Lockdown in the UK. And, although we all know this is necessary that doesn’t make it any easier.
Having friends that we know we can count on really helps, and more than ever we should try to keep those connections alive.
We all need a little pick me up now and again and being able to make a friend smile is a great way to do it for both of you.
A few ways to make a friend smile during lockdown
There are lots of ways you can make a friend smile from a distance. It doesn’t have to be big and expensive, sometimes the smallest things are the ones that bring us most joy. These are some of my favourites.
1. Make some homemade sweets to send /deliver
Making something for someone is always nice whatever the occasion. And, making some homemade sweets doesn’t have to be difficult.
Once you’ve made them you can wrap them up nicely and pop them in the post to a friend and I’m sure it will make them smile.
A really easy recipe is Coconut Ice (adapted from Carnation Easy Coconut Ice recipe)
You’ll Need:
- 200g Condensed Milk
- 22g Icing sugar, sieved
- 175g Desiccated coconut
- Tiny drop natural red food colouring
How to:
- Mix together the condensed milk and icing sugar. Stir in the coconut (mixture should be very stiff) and divide in half. Colour one half of the mixture pale pink and keep mixing until you have an even colour.
- Line a small loaf tin with baking parchment before placing the white coconut ice in the bottom, pressing it into a bar shape. Form the pink coconut ice into a similar shape and press firmly together. If you don’t want to use a tin just shape the coconut ice by hand on some baking paper on a flat surface.
- Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until firm, then cut into squares. You can leave this at room temperature to set but it will take longer. Keep in an airtight container ideally in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.
2. Send some flowers
AD - I was gifted Flowers by Moonpig
It may be a bit of a cliché but who doesn’t enjoy receiving a bunch of flowers, I know I do.
There’s just something about receiving a bunch of flowers that really lifts your spirits and makes you smile, even more so when you’re not expecting them.
Moonpig do some lovely flowers and plants, I especially like the fact that they do Letterbox sprays which are packed in fully recyclable cardboard boxes and cellophane.
And, you can currently receive 25% off flowers until the 25th May if you order through the Moonpig App with code ‘APP25BLOOM’.
Organise a Zoom Meeting
Zoom has been a brilliant resource during Lockdown for keeping in touch with friends and family.
So why not arrange a Zoom meeting with friends and give it a fancy dress theme or organise a light hearted quiz. It can be a great way to keep connected and make people smile while having some fun.
Send a small gift and personal note
Lots of shops are currently closed but there are lots of small independent companies and small businesses still working and selling their products online.
Another simple way to make a friend smile is to send them a small gift. It doesn’t have to be big and expensive as it’s the thought that counts. We’re all having to wash our hands a lot more at the moment so a nice bar of handmade soap and some hand cream would make a lovely gift.
It’s always special when you receive a gift that you weren’t expecting, especially if it includes a personal note.
5. Put together some Promise Notes
We’re all looking forward to a time when we’ll be able to socialise with our friends face to face again so why not send your friends some “Promise Notes” of things you’ll do together once Lockdown is eased.
The Promise Notes can be anything you enjoy doing together with friends from having a coffee to cooking them a meal. It’s just a way of saying you’ll still be around for them when this is all over.
I’d love to hear how you’re keeping your friends smiling.
