What to Buy for Your Friend Who Got Laid Off

In today's economy, everything is up in the air. This past year, our family learned that all too well. My wife had a fantastic job, where she made enough to support us, buy a nice house and drive a nice car. We were able to put our only child in
various classes like tumbling, swimming and ballet. I stayed home, did a lot of writing and picked up a notary gig doing some mortgage closings.

In January, we sat down and wrote some goals. Some of them were related to finances. Then on Feb. 1, my wife got the news just before lunch. It was news that will upset your lunches for months and years to come. She was told, like many Ohioans lately, that as of summer this would be the end of her job as she knew it. And she didn't feel fine.

It took about 24 hours for this information to sink in. February came and went and so did the summer. Here we sit, trying desperately to find the right combination of work to pay the monthly bills, while planning for the semi-annual bills like insurance and taxes.

When it comes to receiving gifts, my wife has always been very practical. She is extremely easy to please. She's never asked me for flowers or jewelry or perfume. She cares more for practical items than luxurious items. Much of this has to do with her childhood. Growing up, she only had enough for a day - then she had to worry about the next.

These suggested gifts are wonderful for a family - or even an individual - going through a financial difficulty or a layoff.

Necessities
If you ask the person who has been laid off what he would like for his birthday, and he comes back with a reply like "a coat for my son," he really means that! Perhaps money is so tight, he can't imagine wanting a gift for himself. He probably won't need a new coat for himself. However, kids are constantly growing. That gift would greatly help him through this time.

If you don't want to ask for gift ideas, gift cards for the grocery store or gas station are perfect. While no one wants to give or receive cash because of awkwardness, gift cards are always lovely to give and receive. Think of the fringe benefits of giving a gift card; you don't have to pay any taxes on any items. If you buy a $20 picture frame, you have to pay taxes, which could end up bringing the total to $22 or $23.

However, if you decide to put that $20 on a gas card, you've given them another week of gas that they didn't have to purchase. Get into a conversation with them. See if they shop at lesser-priced grocery stores. Don't hesitate to get them gift cards to those stores. Find out where they like to purchase their gas. Get them a gift card for their favorite gas stations.

The only thing I would caution is about getting them a gift card to a restaurant. While it's a very nice gesture, a $40 gift card for groceries could be half their groceries for a week and more appreciated then a single meal for two at a restaurant for one night.

If getting gift cards to the grocery store or gas station is a little uncomfortable for you, perhaps you could consider the local zoo if they have a little one at home. While this doesn't fit the "necessity" bill, it's a nice compromise. A tough thing for a parent experiencing a layoff is not being able to provide for their family in the style they were used to. A family pass to the zoo is nice way to get away from home without having to spend any money. That is a gift that keeps giving all year long. If they don't have a little one at home, perhaps these other ideas would help:

Drug gtore gift card
Discount store gift card
AAA or another reliable auto club membership
BJ's or another "wholesale" club membership
Local gym membership or classes for the little one

Non-monetary
It may seem that a layoff is wonderful, because now your friend has time to get things done and spend time with their child. After a layoff, the person seeking employment has a lot to do. Searching for a job should be a full-time job.

A very nice and touching gift would be to make time to watch their child. A large part of their day is spent finding jobs, applying for them, desperately trying to find some quiet time to do phone interviews and tailoring their resumes to fit the positions.

They don't make too much time to clean house and cook and play with the little one. Or they may want to schedule an interview, but with the lack of funds, they can't pay for a babysitter. If they don't have children (or even if they do) perhaps you could visit them and take a look around. Are there any small jobs that need done, but they are ignored due to lack of funds? Perhaps you don't want to pay for those projects, but you could roll up your sleeves and lend a hand.

Another refreshing non-monetary gift that is much appreciated is a home-cooked meal. This is perfect if you're not comfortable with a gift card or not very handy. A meal cooked for them is one less meal they need to buy for themselves.

Information
Now it may seem strange to think information would be a gift. Actuality, it can be a worth more than a million dollars. Here is some valuable information:

Do you know of alternative places where they can get health insurance?
Are you skilled in credit counseling?
Do you know where they can get free or discount clothes?
Are there free activities they take their child to?
Are they looking to sell items to cut back or make money? Can you help with e-bay or passing out fliers?

Whether you contribute a meal or some helpful information, just being there for your laid-off friend is a big help. Don't be afraid … losing your job is not a contagious disease.