A get well gift basket can be extremely varied and depends upon a person’s current illness. There are plenty of these baskets that are pre-made and available for sale, but they may primarily contain food. Obviously, such baskets may be inappropriate for people recovering from any type of abdominal surgery or the stomach flu. On the other hand, baskets loaded with certain types of food and extra items could be great for the sufferer of the common cold, respiratory flus or pneumonia. Thus the first rule in making a gift basket for another person is to consider the person’s illness.
Baskets that are food oriented can be great when encouraging people to eat healthy things again. For cold sufferers, chicken soup (either canned or homemade), a supply of cough drops in various flavors, fresh fruit, and a little bit of chocolate for coughs may all be good choices. Those creating the get well gift basket might also want to include some flowers that aren’t likely to enhance nasal irritation, a stuffed animal for kids, DVDs to keep people entertained, puzzle books, reading books, magazines, soft tissues, and any other things that could provide comfort to the sick person. Since these baskets are to encourage people to get well, consider adding a “when well” gift. A certificate for a massage or a trip to the movies may be incentive to recover sooner. More elaborate baskets could include soft cotton throws, slippers, tea, and a variety of other things.
When food should be avoided in a get well gift basket there are still plenty of choices available. Again, think about a “when well” gift like a gift certificate. Add anything else likely to contribute entertainment or a way to be comfortable. Movies, books, magazines, balloons, flowers, a soft bathrobe, silly or pretty slippers, and others can be included. Other things some people enjoy including are scented lotions or aromatherapy gifts, but be sure to choose scents that most people enjoy.
A gift basket for a sick kid can also focus on entertainment features, though a few snacks may be included depending upon the child’s condition. Coloring books and pens or crayons are excellent choices, as are sketchpads with colored or plain pencils. Kid’s magazines, special DVDS or videotapes, stuffed animals and comfy pajamas can be good choices too. If a child is in a hospital, chose pajamas that have a button or snap front opening, since these may be easier to use if a child has intravenous lines (IV lines). People who want to create pricey baskets could include handheld video game consoles and video games too, though these are expensive.
Any type of get well gift basket can be elaborate or simple. It’s also fine to simply bring a get well gift. Mylar balloons, a small stuffed animal, flowers, or a stack of magazines or puzzle books will do if there isn’t time to create a basket. For those who are more worried about time than money, there are premade commercial baskets which can be delivered to people in hospitals or at home, that can prove a source of delight and an inspiration to get well soon.
