When someone close to you gets sick, it can be difficult since you’d want to do something for them. You want to send something to make them a bit better or just to let them know you’re thinking of them. But deciding how to help correctly can be confusing.
Some gifts are just too old-school. Others aren’t useful. And you don’t want to overdo it, either. The best gifts at this point are the ones that bring comfort, lift someone’s spirits and say, “Hey, I care about you,” without saying a lot.
If you want help on what to send when someone you care about isn’t doing too well, let us take you through some ideas that can be quite eye-opening.
1. A Comforting Care Package That’s Almost a Hug
Most of the time, when someone is sick, all they need is some comfort. And even though you can’t give it in person, a care package can be well much the same thing.
You might mix some soft, comforting things together like herbal tea bags, honey, a soft sock, a face cloth, a gently perfumed balm or lotion, or even a small hot water bottle. These are small things, but when sick, even the smallest things matter.
If you’re short on time, there are plenty of pre-made care boxes online. Just make sure to choose one that feels personal and not too generic. Something with a little soul.
2. A Light Read or Puzzle Book to Pass the Time
Being confined at home or in bed during the day can make the hours seem to drag and be so dull. A nice, light read is just the ticket—a light, easy book. Not too brain-taxing, something with perhaps an uplifting story, a short story collection, or something amusing that isn’t too brain-taxing.
Puzzle books are a great idea, too. Crossword, word search, or Sudoku can be filling for the mind without it becoming work. They’re perfect for in-between times when one would want to be working but not have the energy to focus too much.
3. Fresh Flowers (or Dried Ones If Allergies Are a Thing)
It’s amazing how much a bunch of flowers can brighten up a room and someone’s mood. Even when you’re not feeling your best, seeing some colour and life on the table or near your bedside can be comforting. You can choose get well soon flower delivery for a quick and hassle-free drop-off
Choose low-maintenance and vibrant flowers, like carnations or tulips, and sunflowers. And if you know they are allergic to perfumes or pollen, dried flowers would be an excellent alternative. They are tougher, will not trigger allergies, and are extremely beautiful, too.
Bonus: You can even send a lovely little note with the bouquet of most flower-delivery companies, which is always a nice touch.
4. A Lightly Baked Meal or a Healthy Food Delivery
The last thing you would want to do if you are sick is cook. Even a warm, home-cooked meal can be so comforting. If you are nearby, you can just drop by and leave a light meal—clear soup, mushy rice, dal, or some warm khichdi. Something light to digest with loads of love.
If you are not close to town, never mind, there are loads of delivery services with clean, nutritious food. Some even send “get well soon” meal boxes with food that is easy to consume in portion-packaged form. Just ensure it’s the type of thing they can handle and doesn’t contain too much spice or richness.
Even a little bowl of soup conveys, “I care about you.”
5. A Nice Note With a Small Gift
You don’t always have to send a big package. Sometimes the greatest gift is a small, nice note. A handwritten letter or a simple card really can brighten your day. You can remind them that you’re thinking of them and maybe toss in a small joke or memory so they can smile.
If you do want to include something, something small like a keychain, candle, or even a magnet for the fridge is okay. It gives them something to grasp and remember you when they are sick.
If you can’t send something physical, even a voice message or a short video note can be just as intimate.
When someone is sick, it is not concerning the largest or most costly gift. It is concerning arriving in some way small. It is concerning letting them know they are not alone and that there is one who cares.
So if it’s a hot meal, a warm blanket, or even a “thinking of you” card, the point is the heart behind it. That small dose of love will do a lot to improve one, if just for a little while.
