Not feeling well sucks. But needing to take extended time off from work because of an illness is the worst of all suckage. Whether it’s your cousin who’s having surgery or a coworker who just found out she has an unpronounceable medical condition, they definitely will need a pick-me-up.
So we put together this list of our top 25 unique get-well gifts to give a close family member, a dear friend, or a colleague to whom you’re close enough to not gossip about her love life. You’re welcome.
This charmed necklace features a playful unicorn quote -- “Being a person is too difficult. Time to be a Unicorn” -- and four gemstones associated with positive energy. Delicate and lovely for your female ailing friend.
This four pound fortune cookie is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Dipped in all kinds of chocolate, this cookie holds a personalized fortune for your friend measures a foot long.
You’ve probably seen the hashtag #CancerSucks somewhere along your travels. This candle in the scent of your choice includes the hashtag and another personal message such as “Be Strong and Courageous.” Give the gift that’s the light in the dark of some tough times for your friend.
Do you have a friend who has (unfortunately) just been through surgery for breast cancer? This 10 ounce mug with an image of two door knockers could help to ease the severity of the situation, even if it’s just slightly.
Has your pal just had dental work or his tonsils removed? Or maybe she’s just in a funk about being so sick right now. Send over this engraved pint-sized ice cream bucket made to slow the melting process and a smile is sure to ensue.
Maybe your friend is ill but not sick enough to stop working. If he’s working from home, this handmade phrase will remind him that he’s got it all under control and things will be back to normal soon.
Nothing makes a cold or flu feel better than a hot bowl of soup. And with every spoonful of liquidy goodness, your friend will read the phrase “Feel Better Spoon”. Each one is a vintage item dating from somewhere between the 1940’s and 1960’s.
Though slightly on the religious side, this gift is really funny. This 20 ounce water bottle has the following humor printed on its aluminum exterior: “Fight like you’re the third monkey trying to get on Noah’s ark.” Inspiration + a giggle = the perfect gift.
This “Get Well Crap” tote bag full of get well crap is great for the father, brother, or uncle in your life whose health needs a little pick-me-up. Included in the bag are a velvet throw, Burt’s Bees creams, and ginger snap cookies.
Let’s not forget the little ones in this list. Mrs. Fields has a “Feel Better Bear” dressed as a doctor to comfort the younger members of your family. Oh, and he comes with six cookies. Yum.
If your dear one is going to find it difficult to travel to the store to buy necessities or treat themselves to a new pair of shoes for the foreseeable future, consider buying them an Amazon Prime Membership. This allows him or her to get their desirables with free two-day shipping.
If you’re a spaz in the kitchen, you know how tough it is to cook with all body parts working. Imagine having a broken bone, a chronic illness -- or worse -- and trying to just shop for ingredients. A healthy, pre-prepared meal would be more than appreciated by your ailing family member.
There’s only so many books and magazines you can read while lying in bed. Give the gift of thousands of original TV shows and movies on Netflix to help entertain your loved one during a prolonged illness.
Trips back and forth to the doctor’s office can get costly when it comes to transportation. If your family member drives, consider buying them a gift card at their nearest gas station. If they prefer public transportation, grab them an unlimited pass for the longest duration of time available.
We own one of these, and seriously -- it feels amazing even without an illness. They are known to help with anxiety, and they provide the gentle sensation of being held to encourage deep, healthy, restful sleep.
Your not-feeling-so-well family member will probably be doing a lot of sleeping, so a personalized inspirational pillow sounds like part of the cure. The embroidered design includes the person’s name, a list of qualities to inspire, and a get well message.
Remember the last time you had the flu? What did your house look like after you recouped? Probably worse than a nightmare. So, why not give a loved one the joy of not having to scrub the bathroom tiles? Consider hiring a house-cleaner for the day to spruce up the place a bit.
An aching body will hinder anyone from fully recuperating. These handmade bags are a great and pleasantly smelling alternative to a hot water bottle. Pop it in the microwave and voila.
Advertised as being for pregnant women, these body pillows can help ease aches and pains for men and non-pregnant women alike. The Snoogle takes the place of multiple pillows to help support hips, back, and neck.
In case the ailing one is a mom, sister, or aunt, here’s the female version of the previous gift. This tote includes a pashmina wrap, Lipton chicken soup mix, and organic peppermint tea.
This jar comes with pre-filled-out “well wishes” in tiny envelopes. Your recipient can open them one at a time or all at once for an outpouring of love and support. If you want to get your office friends in on the gift, consider DIY-ing one and having everyone write their own wish.
Yeah, flowers can be cliche, but sometimes they’re just what the doctor ordered. (We know -- that phrase is cliche too.) This gorgeous yellow bouquet comes in a sweet smiley-face yellow mug and is the perfect reminder that sunshine is on its way.
For your non-lactose free friend, these four pints of cleverly titled ice cream from Harry & David should make recovery super quick. Flavors are Chocolate Cure All, Speedy Recovery Rx, Feel Better Bites, and Get Well Soon Scoops.
A sweet gift for the colleague you don’t know well but want to get well quickly! Includes a succulent in a 2.5 inch pot, a 4 ounce lavender candle with matches, a 4 ounce handmade bar of goat milk soap, and a card with a personal greeting from you.
For the Rice Krispy Treat lover, this gift is definitely going to inspire a smile (unless, of course, the patient just endured some awful mouth surgery -- then think again on this one!). Flavors include cookies & cream, M&M, s'mores, birthday cake, chocolate caramel pretzel, and peanut butter.
We hope we’ve inspired you with some gift ideas for someone who needs a smile. Don’t forget the best gift you could give -- pick up the phone and call the person. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’ll mean the most.