Get Well Soon Basket

No one gets through life without going through illnesses of different varieties. Sometimes, they may be as minor as the sniffles or a stomach ache. At other times, they can be as serious as a major illness or devastating health diagnosis. So when someone you love goes through tough times with their physical health, it’s natural to want to show them some extra love and attention. 

But once you try to figure out how to show you care, you might realize it’s a lot tougher to come up with something meaningful than you first thought. Any type of sympathy gift will do. From a thoughtful gourmet gift basket to fresh flowers, here are some great gift ideas to help a family member or friend feel loved while sick. 

How Can I Support a Friend Who Is Sick?

Wondering how to support a friend who’s sick? Well, take a minute to think about what you’d want a friend to do for you if you were sick. For example, would you like gourmet treats? They may not help with your physical recovery, but they sure can improve your mood! Or maybe you’d prefer a gift card to a favorite location that you can use once you’re all better. If your friend is anything like you, they’ll probably like to receive the same types of gifts. 

But besides giving physical gifts, there are other ways you can support a sick friend. For example, you might send a greeting card with your genuine wishes for a speedy recovery. Here are some additional ideas for creative ways to brighten a sick friend’s day. 

• Give them a “heart attack” by taping heart-shaped messages of love all over their front door.

• Call them up when you have a few minutes to chat. Give them plenty of time to tell you what they’re going through and how they’re feeling. Sometimes talking through hard times can make them feel easier to bear. 

• Take them on a road trip if their illness isn’t contagious. This is a great type of gift for a friend who’s battling a chronic or terminal illness. 

• Do their grocery shopping for them when they’re stuck in bed and can’t get out. 

• Order meals for them so they don’t have to worry about cooking when they’re feeling weak and ill. 

• Offer to wash their dishes or clean their house to minimize stress while they’re recovering. 

Often, the gift of time is the perfect gift for someone who’s going through an illness or disease. It’s one of the few ways you can show you truly care about someone without spending a dime. 

Food That Helps Friends Heal

While it’s fun to gift cakes and other sweet treat options to a friend who’s sick, it’s important to also give them foods that can facilitate healing. If you decide to give your friend a gift box with their favorite cookie flavors, you’re sure to cheer them up. Just try to balance the sweet options out with nutritious foods that will provide comfort while helping the body heal. 

Soup is just one example of a food that can help with the body’s natural healing process. It is naturally warming and contains a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients that can improve immune function and promote healing. That may be why your body craves warm soup when you’re sick. Here are some more ideas of foods that can make a great addition to any healthy gift basket.

• Broth
• Herbal tea
• Fresh fruit
• Salad
• Chopped vegetables
• Nuts
• Milk

Keep in mind that fruit, vegetables, and milk require extra care if you’re sending them in a gift box. Ensure they’re delivered right away so they don’t spoil in transit. Soup and broth may also require extra care if they’re sealed in cans. 

If you want to deliver fresh soup but don’t want to worry about it spoiling, you may want to consider Spoonful of Comfort. Their soup is prepared in small batches and then packaged immediately in insulated containers with gel packs to ensure freshness upon delivery. This conscientious packaging is one of the things that makes Spoonful of Comfort one of the best sick care package deliverers.

Items to Include in a Sick Care Package

Now that you have some great ideas for comforting food selections you can include in your get well soon basket, here are some additional wellness gift ideas. Feel free to narrow down this list to include only the items you think your friend will enjoy most. 

Gifts for Entertainment

Whether you get sick as a kid or an adult, you face the same primary challenge: overcoming boredom. Being confined to your bed or house for a prolonged period of time can feel like torture unless you have plenty of fun ways to pass the time. 

That’s why gifts for entertainment are so meaningful when someone you care about is sick. If they’re contagious, they can’t rely on friends to rescue them from the monotony. Fortunately, you can send a gourmet gift basket with essential elements for busting boredom. Here are a few ideas for things to include in your entertainment gift box.

• Board or card games
• Puzzles
• Books
• A journal
• A canvas and paints
• A coloring book

These are the types of get well soon gift ideas that will provide your loved one with much-needed entertainment while they’re recovering. They’re also exceptional gift ideas for someone who has to spend a lot of time in the hospital. The hospital can get very boring without these things to stay amused. 

Gifts for Cheering Up

It’s not unusual for someone to get a little down during an illness—especially if it’s a recurring or terminal illness. You have more power than you realize to brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful gift or message. Here are some tried-and-proven ideas for presents that can help lighten your loved one’s load and bring some sunshine into their life. 

• A t-shirt with an uplifting message
• A gift tray with chocolate covered strawberries or another type of delicious treat
• A bottle of champagne
• A comedy movie
• A gratitude journal
• A self-care gift basket
• Chocolate chip cookies
• A fruit basket
• A gift card to a local comedy show
• Comic books
• A succulent

These gifts don’t cost a lot of money, but they can make a priceless difference in your sick friend’s life. Sometimes, all you need is a dash of humor or a moment for intentional self-care to experience a significant mood improvement. 

Gifts for Comfort

For many young kids, one of the nicest things about getting sick is being taken care of by a loving parent or older sibling. Unfortunately, if you have a college student who falls ill while they’re away from home, they don’t get that luxury. But you can give them the next best thing by sending them a gourmet gift basket with a sweet get well soon message tucked inside. Here are some ideas for comforting things you can put inside your gift basket. 

• Fuzzy socks
• Gift card for grocery delivery
• A healthy meal kit subscription
• A facial massager, bath bomb, or any other at-home spa gift
• Plane tickets to come home for the next holiday weekend
• A fluffy bathrobe
• An air purifier
• A favorite cookie recipe
• A comfy pair of leggings
• A basket of healthy snacks
• Stress-relief candles
• A bubble bath set
• A weighted blanket
• Lavender pillow spray
• Cozy slippers
• A wedge pillow to help relieve nighttime congestion
• A pair of soft pajamas
• A gourmet gift basket full of soup, cookies, and other comfort foods

These are also excellent college care package ideas for any college student who’s feeling under the weather and doesn’t have family nearby to comfort them. A gift card for grocery delivery or any other type of practical subscription service can be nice because it gives users access to a service that can make their life easier (especially when they’re sick). 

Ideas for Get Well Soon Baskets

It’s nice to be able to put together a custom gourmet gift basket for your sick friend, but what if you don’t have the time or creativity to do so? Not to worry. There are plenty of pre-made gift basket options you can choose from. In fact, once you start searching online, you may get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you. To help guide your search, here are some creative ideas for get well care packages from Spoonful of Comfort. 

• Peace and Pampering Care Package: This sweet, comforting gift comes with a variety of warm delights that can make anyone feel loved. Your friend will find items like cozy socks, a snuggly blanket, and a mindfulness coloring book inside (along with some other non-edible comfort items). It’s the ideal gift for someone who could use a long-distance “hug.” It’s also perfect for Valentine's Day and other special occasions.  

• Get Well Soon Gift Package: There’s no better way to wish someone well than with this gourmet gift basket. It contains 32 ounces of homestyle soup, gentle-on-the-stomach rolls, and a half dozen mouth watering cookies. It also includes a personalized note card from the sender.

• Man Cold Care Package: Everyone knows a man cold is one of the most serious illnesses a person can get. All joking aside, it is nice to be able to send a male friend or family member a gift that can help satisfy their big appetites and nurse them back to health. The Man Cold Care Package contains man-sized soup portions, hearty rolls, and energizing cookies. It also comes with “I Am Strong” socks (for inspiration) and a cold care kit.  

• Total TLC Package: Just as the name suggests, the Total TLC Package contains everything you could possibly want when you’re lounging in bed with a cold or another type of illness. It includes a luxurious comfort throw, a fuzzy warming/cooling pack, 4-6 servings of soup, plus cookies and rolls. It even has a cute bedside bell so your friend can ring for any need. This package also works great for any mom who has recently welcomed a new baby to the world. 

• Cookie Comforts: Sometimes, nothing sounds better when you’re sick than a soft and chewy cookie. Give one of the most delicious comfort foods available with the Cookie Comforts package. It comes with one or two dozen cookies in favorite flavors like chocolate chip, ginger spice, and triple chocolate chunk. 

• Can’t Top This Care Package: The Can’t Top This Care Package is loaded with delightful comfort foods like soup or mac and cheese, rolls, cookies, gourmet cheese bites, and deliciously-flavored croutons. The package also includes a shiny ladle to dish up warm and comforting flavors.

• Feed the Fam Package: For moms, one of the worst things about being sick is wondering who’s going to feed the family while they’re in bed. Most moms don’t have the luxury of relaxing even when they’re sick because there are hungry mouths that must be fed. You can give any mom in your life an incredible gift by sending a Feed the Fam Package when she’s feeling sick. This package includes enough soup to feed a small family, plus a dozen cookies and a dozen Bacci rolls. The included deck of conversation cards makes for entertaining dinner time that can take anyone’s mind off their illness. 

• Mini Sick Day Care Package: Would you like to give a get well soon gift to someone, but you’re working with a small budget? No worries! The Mini Sick Day Care Package may be right up your alley. This affordable gift may be relatively small in size, but not in sentimentality. It includes a small cold care kit with honey lemon throat soothers, cough drops, and tissues. It also has a half dozen cookies, raw honey with a wooden dipper, cozy socks, and soothing herbal tea. 

• Cookies and Cuddles Care Package: This package is the next best thing to a big hug from a friend or family member. It’s cute and comforting with a lavender-filled stuffed monkey that can be warmed in the microwave. It also features an adorable book, a soft blanket, and delectable cookies. It’s the perfect gift for someone who’s feeling lonely or unwell. 

• You’re One Tough Cookie Package: It’s not pleasant to feel like a weakling when you’re sick and have to take time off work or school. You can remind a friend or family member that they’re stronger than they think they are by sending them a You’re One Tough Cookie Gift Package. Choose from a variety of beloved cookie flavors that are sure to cheer your loved one up. 

• Build Your Own Soup Package: Soup is the quintessential comfort food for sick people. It’s not only nourishing to the body, but to the soul as well. When you send a loved one a Build Your Own Soup Package, you can choose from classic flavors like chicken noodle soup, broccoli cheddar, or creamy potato and corn chowder. You can even ditch the soup and go with mouthwatering mac ‘n’ cheese instead. Does your friend have dietary restrictions? There are vegan and gluten-free soup packages available, too! 

• Get Well Cookie Package: Is someone you care about going through a “crummy” time? Send them a Get Well Cookie Package to take their mind off unpleasant things. You can send up to two dozen of their favorite cookie flavors so they can snack their cares away.  

These types of gift baskets are not only perfect for friends and family members, but they make ideal corporate gifts, too. It’s easy to include a nice message and company info on the custom note tucked inside. 

What to Get a Friend Who Has Been Stressed

There’s an old saying that claims “comparison is the thief of joy.” If you’ve ever struggled under the weight of excessive pressure, you know that stress can give comparison a run for its money! Stress can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to illnesses of all types. Chronic stress can also have a long-term negative impact on both mental and physical health. 

While it’s impossible to skate through life without some stress, it’s important to learn how to manage it whenever possible. Unfortunately, there are certain times in life that are associated with enhanced worry and pressure. A few stress-filled events include going to college, getting laid off from a job, having a baby, and going through a major life crisis such as a serious diagnosis. 

If you know someone who’s currently overwhelmed by stress, it’s important to do what you can to ease their burden. Whether you’re close enough to visit or many miles away, you can give your friend a stress-relieving gift to help them get through a rough patch. Here are a few stress-relieving gift ideas.

• Stress-relief candles
• Lavender massage oil
• A Bluetooth sleep headband
• An electric scalp massager
• An aromatherapy diffuser with stress-relieving oils (such as eucalyptus, sweet orange, and cedarwood)
• Bath bombs
• A neck massager
• Soothing chamomile tea
• A microwavable neck wrap
• A foot spa
• A fidget toy
• An indoor or outdoor hammock swing
• A Tibetan singing bowl
• A calming desktop water fountain

And, of course, nothing beats stress quite like some time away from your stressors. If possible, schedule a weekend getaway with your friend so you can both have fun and let your worries melt away. 

Gifts for After Surgery

Feeling unwell doesn’t always mean you’re sick. You often spend extended time in bed feeling down in the dumps after surgery, as well. If you know someone who’s going in for surgery soon or is recovering after surgery, it can be nice to give them something thoughtful to show you care. To get your creativity flowing, here are some gift ideas that can help a friend or family member feel better after a surgical procedure. 

• A tablet stand to make it easier to comfortably use a phone or tablet while lying in bed
• A book of healthy recipes (this can be even more meaningful if you create a custom book full of your personal favorite recipes)
• An inspirational wall plaque 
• An electric heating pad
• An activity book
• A salt lamp (this has a relaxing and soothing effect)
• A subscription to an interesting magazine
• Slipper socks
• A leg pillow to assist with post-op recovery and comfort
• An anti-fatigue mat to relieve foot, back, or leg pain while standing
• A weighted blanket

If your friend is bedridden for a period of time after surgery, physical support is one of the best gifts you can provide. Cleaning the house, fixing meals, and taking kids to and from various appointments can be a godsend in times like this. 

Helpful Things to Bring to Someone in the Hospital

What if your friend is still in the hospital and has to stay there for a while? You may be wondering what types of gifts you can bring that won’t take up too much space in the tiny room. From traditional gift ideas to more creative options, here are some suggestions for things you can bring to your friend’s hospital room. 

• A small bouquet of flowers
• A custom necklace or other piece of jewelry
• A pocket-sized bottle of hand sanitizer
• A foot massager
• “Real food” when they’re sick of hospital food
• Chapstick
• Extra-comfy pajamas
• Dry shampoo
• Breath mints
• A soft and cozy blanket
• Fuzzy, non-slip socks
• Warming herbal tea
• A cute stuffed toy resembling their favorite pet
• A card game
• An essential oil diffuser

These types of gifts can go a long way toward helping a cold hospital room feel much warmer and more like home. 

Other Ways to Support a Sick Friend or Family Members

Sometimes, gifts just don’t seem to cut it when you’re trying to support someone who’s sick. Giving the gift of yourself is one of the most meaningful things you can do in these situations. Simply being available when your friend needs to talk is an invaluable gift that won’t soon be forgotten. 

You can also show your support for a sick friend or family member by offering to babysit their children, taking care of their pets while they’re recovering or in the hospital, or keeping their house tidy so it’s not a disaster zone when they return home. Just being there is one of the most effective ways to help a friend or family member feel valued and remembered. 

Homemade Food for a Get Well Soon Basket

As nice as it is to receive a professionally assembled gourmet gift basket, sometimes there’s no substitute for homemade food. It has a delicious, nostalgic taste that can immediately inspire comforting thoughts of home. Plus, your friend will appreciate the fact that you were willing to go the extra mile to help them feel better. Here are a few things you may want to include in your homemade food basket:

• A fresh loaf of homemade bread
• Steaming soup
• Flavorful cookies
• Waffles or pancakes
• Breakfast burritos
• Pot pie

These are the types of homemade dishes that cause mouths to water. They can also deliver an instantaneous mood boost (which is great for your friend’s recovery). 

How Can Spoonful of Comfort Help Me?

You may not have time to put together a lavish homemade gift basket for your friend or family member, and that’s okay! Spoonful of Comfort makes it easy to send homestyle soups, cookies, and rolls when you have minimal time to work with. Select from a wide variety of gourmet gift baskets—some centered around food and some centered around other comfort items like socks and robes.

Once you find the perfect option, Spoonful of Comfort will ship it right to their door (or hospital). There’s no easier way to send your affection to a sick loved one when you aren’t able to be there with them in person.