[AD] When someone you care about is unwell, or they’re recovering from a surgery, or injury, it’s nice to let them know that you’re always thinking of them. Even if you can’t visit the person every day in hospital, sending a get well soon gift and a card can remind a person in a bad place that they’re not alone, and they have people who care about them waiting to see them.
The only problem is, it can be difficult to determine what kind of get well soon gift is best. Do you stick with flowers, or go for something entirely different? Here are some tips to help you decide.
Consider the Individual – What’s going to make your friend feel best when they’ve been poorly? Are they the kind of person who would love a home-made batch of soup and cookies delivered to them, or would they prefer a jokey card and something funny to make them laugh? They say laughter is the best medicine, but it’s best to avoid anything that might come across in poor taste.
Just like you would with any gift, it’s important to keep context in mind. How old is the person? If they’re young, maybe they’d like something soft and cuddly to make them feel safe during this difficult time? If they’re a little older, they might like a pair of cosy slippers to wear while they’re in hospital. Sites like UKGifts can be a huge help in helping track down that perfect gift based on the person’s hobbies, interests or lifestyle.
Be Practical – One of the most important things you’ll need to consider when choosing a get well soon gift, is the nature of the ailment. If the person you’re gifting has been struggling with a flu where they can barely get any food down them, you probably shouldn’t send a basket of cupcakes. Think about whether the person in question can actually get use out of this present.
When someone isn’t feeling well, the first thing they’re going to want is an item that can make their lives easier. This could mean that you fill their freezer with meals so they don’t have to cook when they get home, or you get them an extra blanket so they can stay comfortable when they’re on a chilly ward. Consider practicality first.
Be Considerate – Before you send someone a bunch of flowers straight to their hospital room, think about whether they’re in a ward with other people who may be allergic. A lot of hospitals won’t allow people to keep flowers in an open ward where other people are staying right now. It might be better to wait until they get out of the hospital and take flowers to their home instead.
In the same way, think about how your gift might annoy other people around the hospital if that’s where the person is. A singing bear that doesn’t shut up might be funny at first, but when it’s keeping a bunch of unwell people awake all night, it starts to get a little more upsetting. Be considerate and think about everyone who might be affected by the gift.
Stick with Something Simple – If you’re not sure what your friend or loved one would want to make them feel better right now, it’s best to stick to the simple things. No-one can be unhappy with a bunch of flowers – no matter how cliché it might be. You can also think about putting some cash in a card, or giving them vouchers that they can use when they get out of the hospital, so they have something fun to look forward to. Try to avoid anything that’s too over the top if you’re uncertain.
People who feel unwell are generally more emotional, so you don’t want to give them anything that’s going to end up making them upset, instead of getting the smile that you’re hoping for. If all else fails, think about how you can make their life a little easier for them. Maybe your gift could be going and tidying their house, so they don’t have to do that when they feel better?
Ask if They Need Anything – Finally, ask them if there’s anything they really need to make this experience a little better. They might have a food that they particularly crave, or they might want some ear plugs so that they can sleep a little easier in a busy hospital. It might seem like cheating to ask for tips, but your friend or loved one will appreciate that you’re taking their needs into consideration.