An IG friend sent me a message earlier today and asked for suggestions for a quick surcee she could drop to a friend who was having a tough day. I gave her a few suggestions and she happily reported back a few hours later that the drop-off had been a success.
The good news is that the effort matters 1000 times more than whatever you’re leaving on the front porch. Over the years I’ve learned that what people desperately seem to need, even if subconsciously, (especially when going through a hard time) is to be seen.
In case you might need to drop a little love on someone’s front porch this weekend, here are a few ideas:
- Fresh flowers: I swear hydrangeas are the best flowers because they are so hearty and with fresh trim and fresh water can stay alive and brighten a space for weeks.
- Breakfast treats: fresh muffins (either from your kitchen or the local bakery). Not having to think about what to eat for breakfast is an unexpected treat. I also love protein balls and keep them stashed in our fridge and have happily shared with friends as a pick-me-up. (This version from my friend Ashlea is up next to try.)
- Double up dinner: when you’re making your supper, double the recipe and drop it off in disposable dishes that can be frozen (in case they need to save for a rainy day). Gah, can you imagine how you’d feel if you walked outside and had dinner on your front doorstep? (If you need meal ideas this list from my dear from Em is full of home run ideas)
- The good ice: do you know how much I love a fresh drink with good ice (not from my freezer)? Whether that is my beloved CFA, the gas station or the old faithful “Donald’s House” (which research has proven has the best Coke/Diet Coke), there is something refreshing and ‘splurgy’ about this on a hot summer day.
- A ‘happy’ hour: a chilled bottle of rose, sparkling lemonade or red wine and cute paper napkins or reusable cups. I keep thinking about those darling striped stemless glasses I saw at Target earlier this summer. I wish I had bought a few extra packs…
By no means is this list exhaustive. But I’m hoping it might be a good springboard for other ideas that might be a great fit for a simple surcee to brighten someone else’s day. Have other quick, easy and little effort ideas? Drop them in the comments below.
xo,
KNW
PS: If you’re new around here, my BFF survey is a great place to start collecting this information for people in your circle and an easy way to ‘customize’ the little unexpected gift (see: surcee) you’re dropping off.
McDonalds Coke is the very best. And a surprise large coke from McDonalds or Sonic is my surcee love language!
Love this post thank you! What is your recipe for protein balls? I can check your favorites it may already be there.
Great ideas! Fresh baked cookies or brownies are great too. Depending on what the friend is going through, new magazines or a great book could be a boost too!
These were mailed, not dropped off but when Lululemon did a $4/free shipping sale on the scrunchies that have been recommended by so many, I ordered one for each of some of my oldest friends and had them delivered to their houses all over the country.
Wow this is an amazing idea! Some of my best friends live spread out across the country too, so I don’t get to show them as much love as I’d like to. Definitely stealing this idea!
A bag of peanut m&ms, of course! 😉
Love this post! My favorite thing to drop off is a jar of flowers fresh from the garden 🙂 followed closely by a new book!
I love a good drop-off surcee. I have recently gifted banana bread, peach crisp, brownie, and CFA lemonade. I think my favorite though were small Galentines bags with my friends favorites thanks to the survey. A small reminder they are loved in February.
These are such great ideas! I was just telling my mom that I don’t feel like people do these kinds of thing enough. Growing up I always remembered neighbors and friends bringing baked goods, flowers, and little treats. My mom did the same! I am committed to more of this sort of “good stuff”. ☺️