Get Well Gift Ideas

A good get well gift is a simple but effective way of letting someone know they are remembered and cared for. Giving a thoughtful gift is a great way to cheer someone up whether they are recovering at home or in the hospital. When choosing a gift, a small item that perfectly suits the recipient is better than a big, showy gift that will be of little use.

Flowers
Though flowers and plants are the standard get well gifts, they are not always the best choice. Unless you know the person you are shopping for absolutely loves them, it might be better to spend your money on something a bit more personal. People often end up with an overabundance of flowers following an illness, injury or surgery. While they may be beautiful, they usually do little more than take up space. In addition, many people suffer from allergies. If the get well gift is going to someone who is sharing a room with another patient in a hospital or hospital setting, it is important to consider that the other person may suffer from allergies.

Food
When they are permitted, food treats are a better choice. Many gift companies now make “bouquets” out of cookies, cake pops and other treats. These are a nice way to surprise someone with something that looks pretty but will be enjoyed more than flowers. Other foods are also great choices. For someone who is recovering from an accident, illness or surgery but does not have dietary restrictions, consider preparing a favorite meal and delivering it. Whether they are at home or in the hospital, a good meal will surely be appreciated.

Entertainment
Boredom is a common complaint among people who are recovering from a variety of ailments. If you can provide a get well gift to help alleviate this, you will surely brighten the person's day and make time pass a little faster. Books, magazines, jigsaw puzzles, movies, video games, and puzzle books are all excellent choices. If you know the person enjoys crafts, supplies to work on simple projects may make excellent gifts. Just make sure that whatever you choose is not overly complicated and the recipient will be able to work on it comfortably.

Recovery Gift
A get well gift could also be something to help the patient along in his or her recovery. If the gift recipient is in pain from an accident or surgery, a heating pad or cold pack may be greatly appreciated. If they will be put on medication or have been started on a new medication, a nice pill box is a nice way to help them settle into a new routine.

Outings
If the person you are planning a gift for is recovering at home but is well enough to go places from time to time, consider taking him or her on some type of outing. Just getting out of the house can do wonders for a person's well-being. If they are well enough to do so, consider going out to lunch or even just going for a short ride around town. The fresh air and your company will be greatly appreciated. Just make sure not to try to force the person to do too much. When recovering from an illness or surgery, it is best to take things slowly.

Beautify
Shopping for someone who will be recovering in the hospital or a long-term care facility for an extended period of time can be more challenging. Remember that, in these cases, space is usually very limited. If you want to do something nice but do not want to fill the room with an abundance of unnecessary items, there are still ways to brighten the person's day. Women often get depressed when recovering over long periods of time because they feel unattractive because they are unable to take care of themselves. Most long-term care facilities and hospitals have on-site hair salons, and typically, you can purchase a gift certificate for a patient or resident of the facility. Providing a little pampering is a really good way to boost someone's morale. If hair styling is not available, pick up a pretty necklace or pair of earrings. For people who are spending an extensive amount of time in a hospital or other facility, even something as simple as a nice new pair of slippers or bathrobe will be greatly appreciated.

Remember that even when people are recovering from an illness or injury, they often feel alienated from simple things they enjoy like dressing nicely or having their hair done. If you can provide a way for them to enjoy these things, their day will be much brighter.

The Simple Things in Life
You do not have to spend a lot of money to make someone feel better. A colorful get well balloon or heartfelt card is perfectly acceptable. Quite often, people are happy just to have a bit of company. Whether they are at home or in the hospital, take time to stop by and visit. If visiting is not an option, take a few minutes out of your day to call or even write a letter. If they are at home, you can offer to help by cleaning the house, running errands or preparing a meal. These things cost very little, but they mean a lot to someone who is unable to do them themselves.

If you are still stuck when it comes to get well gift ideas, do not be afraid to ask. There might be something specific the person you are shopping for would really like to have that you might have never thought of yourself. The most important thing when choosing a good get well gift is to keep the recipient in mind. A simple, heartfelt gift that suits the person it is given to will always be better than a huge, flashy present the recipient doesn't even want. Take the time to choose the perfect gift, whether it be an item or simply the gift of helping out or stopping by for a visit. By doing so, you can make someone's day a lot brighter and make their recovery just a bit easier.