I could use some gift ideas...

[Contrary1]

My best friend (who I have never laid eyes on) lost her dear dad a couple days ago. She lives in Australia and has an online breast cancer support group. We have been corresponding for 15 years now. She is like a sister to me.

I would like to send her something special. I thought about flowers, but for the same amount of money, I would like to find something more lasting.

I know that she has set up a small table where she burns candles as a tribute to her Mum, who passed away about 4 years ago. Would like to do something along those lines.

Any ideas would be welcome.

[applegrove]

1. Look for the most expensive scented

candle you can find. Look online too for gift baskets in australia.

[hollysmom]

2. I found flowers from Hawaii

can last a long time if they bath them regularly - My mom loved them. And it is not too costly, depends on the arrangements. These are big beautiful flowers and not easy to forget about.

[grasswire]

3. a gift certificate to Yankee Candle?

Although that doesn't fit in your specification for something lasting.

How about some kind of a stained glass candle holder, or a stained glass tryptich to go on the candle table? Check with local artisans. It might be cool to have something that was made locally, where you are.

[Arugula Latte]

4. If you go with the candle idea

it might be nice to send her some with scents that are characteristic of North America: maple, pumpkin, cranberry, etc. There are some here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/150991152098?lpid=82

[catnhatnh]

5. In 16 years you've probably collected a few nice photos of the parents....

Pull your bests and have a pro clean them up and print them either separately or the two of them together on good archival stock.Frame them nicely and ship them for the family shrine....

[Callalily]

6. Make a donation to the

Cancer Society in her honor!