It’s not easy watching someone you care about suffer. You want to help, but you don’t always want to just send over a card or flowers. It can feel impersonal and generic, and maybe you want to make your loved one feel extra special. The good news is that there are a few tried-and-true get-well gifts that might actually help someone feel better. This guide walks you through what those are and how best to send them along.
Chicken soup, chicken pot pie, or a lasagna might feel cliche, but they’re classic traditional get-well gifts for a reason. They’re packed with healing nutrients like garlic, onions, veggies, tomatoes, and protein. Plus, they’re comfort foods for most people, which can serve as reminders of a childhood free of worries and filled with love. Nourishing meals have a few things in common: they’re warm, they’re rich, and they’re packed with filling, nutrient-dense ingredients.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be one of those three options. To really make an impact with your get well care package, you want to make it specific to your loved one. Maybe you want to honor their culture and heritage — for example, if your friend or family member is from a Hispanic background, you might make an enchilada casserole that you know they love. And you don’t have to cook it yourself. Look for meal delivery services that specialize in your loved one’s favorite foods.
As much as Americans joke about how they love coffee and don’t care for tea, herbal blends still manage to find their way into many homes. Tea is one of the most healing gifts you can give someone who’s not feeling well because of the many benefits that come with it. Making tea is usually ritualistic, involving selecting, steeping, adding sweeteners and creams, and waiting for the tea to cool down. This process is soothing long before the tea ever even hits your loved one’s lips.
Then, you add up all the health advantages of various teas, and this gift is a winner. Chamomile is good for the heart, digestion, and the immune system. Lavender is anti-inflammatory, good for sleep, and relieves anxiety. Mint improves oral health, is good for your brain, and is rich in antioxidants. The list goes on and on. Send your loved one a basket of a variety of loose healing teas, a French press for steeping, and a little pot of honey. They’re sure to feel better just opening the gift.
Far too many people still don’t understand the value of a good soak. Warm baths can be healing beyond measure, and when you add in the properties included in bath bombs and bath salts, you’ve got a genuinely healthy gift. A nice long bath with some light music and candles on the side can soothe sore muscles, moisturize skin, and help your loved one relax. If you have a friend who can’t seem to get over an illness or bout of sadness or stress, a bath care package could be just the push they need.
Of course, not all bath bombs, salts, and candles are made alike. Be sure to buy only products made with all-natural ingredients, so you don’t end up doing more harm than good. Some bath products can irritate skin, and some candles can cause headaches. Research organic, healing brands that promote health and relaxation. Then, you can create a basket with your loved one’s favorite scents and colors to encourage them to hop in the tub.
Quite often, people can’t seem to heal or feel better because they can’t manage to rest and relax. Like with the example above, in which some people won’t jump in the bath for some aromatherapy, many will argue they’re too busy to rest. A recent study showed that, for example, women tend to suffer fewer acute illnesses, but they get more chronic conditions and stay sicker for longer. This seeming contradiction is likely because women aren’t always great at taking care of themselves.
You can help your female loved one, or anyone, really, by sending along a self-care basket filled with items that encourage rest and relaxation. This could include an essential oil diffuser, soft socks, a cozy blanket, and soothing lotions. Include a card with the package that details how much you care about your loved one, and how much you want them to take care of themselves. Taking time to heal is, after all, a big part of actual healing.
Finally, part of taking that time to heal is sitting with the feelings, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. If you have a friend or family member who’s resistant to discussing what’s going on with them, they may be struggling to get better for precisely that reason. You’ve likely heard the expression, “you’ve got to feel it to heal it.” Many people who push away or push down their pain find themselves taking much longer to get better.
You can help your loved one feel their feelings, whether they’re physical or emotional, by sending along a care package with meditation items. This could include a wellness journal to help them work through their feelings. It might also include a book on meditation, a yoga mat, some yoga pants, or a soothing playlist for their headphones. The more you can encourage your loved one to allow the negative stuff to pass through, the more likely they are to feel better sooner.
In the end, as someone who loves a person in suffering, your best approach is to model and have compassion. Model healing behavior by engaging in all the healing rituals yourself: drink the teas, eat the comfort foods, meditate, and so on. From there, ask your loved one which aspects of healing speak to them the loudest. Then, you’ll know the right get-well care package to deliver to their doorstep. As a bonus, you can even offer to do a little cooking or yoga with them. Good times with loved ones are always healing.