It is that time of year when many people are recovering from colds, flus and other viruses. I know when I am sick, there is such a comfort in a friend delivering a meal, sending a snack, tea, or even a homemade remedy.
When we moved to Chicago, our entire family came down with COVID at the same time. It was miserable and lonely. But . . . not only did some of my dear friends in Texas pitch in to buy several delivered meals for us, so many of our new friends in Chicago also pitched in to help. Even though I felt terrible, receiving their help was a huge part of slowly making our home in this new city.
I was inspired by my friends to make a list of 7 cozy and comforting items to include in a get well soon care package, and if you read until the end, you will also get a few over-the-top suggestions that will knock someone’s socks off.
7 Essentials for a Care Package for a Sick Friend
1. Tea
Ah, tea! It is a cup of comfort. My daughters know that whenever they are sick, I will start their day with some manzanilla or chamomile tea. My daughters enjoy other flavors as well, like mint, Darjeeling, and cinnamon.
One of the reasons tea is so necessary when recovering from sickness is that it contains antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation. This is especially comforting for an inflamed throat. The warmth of the tea can increase blood flow to the inflamed area and aid in recovery. The steam from the tea helps loosen up congestion too!
One of my daughters’ favorites is a blend from Traditional Medicinals- chamomile and lavender go so well together, and the herbs aid in relaxation.
Another tea that one of my daughters asks for by name is turmeric; THIS brand of turmeric from Amazon looks wonderful, especially if you are into loose teas.
2. Soup
A couple of friends sent soup to our home when we were sick, and I enjoyed eating their versions of comfort. One friend made a hearty minestrone, and another made a creamy and veggie packed gnocchi. Both were incredibly rich and full of sensory comforts. It was so wonderful to not have to prepare a meal and just kick back and get well. They each included some bread to round out the meal.
If you don’t cook, you can always purchase a bowl from a local restaurant! A sweet neighbor bought me some soup from a nearby eatery, and not only was it a great break, but it also introduced me to a place we hadn’t eaten at before.
3. Handwritten Note or Homemade Card
I have a dear friend from Texas who makes and mails me homemade cards when I am down or sick. She uses watercolors to create simple flowery scenes on a small piece of cardstock. It is so thoughtful and loving, that it soothes me just to spend time dwelling in the thought of our friendship.
Of course, if you are not artsy, a lovely handwritten note is just as special. I love looking through my local TJ Maxx or Marshalls for packs of blank cards to keep handy for such an occasion.
4. Good Honey
Honey is such a sweet and soothing natural comfort when you are sick. Added to tea, the warmth can coat a rough throat and help you relax. I highly recommend buying local honey, not only because it is great to support local businesses, but consuming local honey that has been created by local bees and plants may help people overcome allergies from these same plants!
Honey has a wealth of antioxidants, one which is a kind of vitamin C as well!
Amazon does have some great options as well if you do want to venture out or if you don’t have any local honey options in your home town. THIS manuka option has excellent reviews!
5. Healthy + Quick Breakfast
I strongly believe that a care package for a sick friend should include a quick meal or snack. It is incredibly thoughtful to take some of the load off of them, even if it covering a small breakfast. A healthy option is granola or muesli with yogurt, kefir, and fresh fruit. The honey that I recommend could also be part of the breakfast as well!
I found THESE amazing muesli options on Amazon from Seven Sundays. The 4-count has a great variety and can be a small something to look forward to when someone is recovering at home.
6. Candles
Earlier this year, I had a terrible virus that required weeks of rest. Every night, my husband would prepare the bed for me to turn in early, and he would light a candle to set a cozy atmosphere and help me relax. When I am sick, I can often stress about the pile of work that I am not able to get done- housework, paperwork, parenting, etc. Looking at piled up laundry is not relaxing at all! A candle’s soft light can help me relax and the soothing scents can help me pretend that my house is clean and fresh even if I’m too sick to sweep for a week!
I found some wonderful options on Amazon. I adore THESE because of the amber jars, simple labels and straightforward scents.
7. Body Scrub
While on the topic of relaxation while sick, I had a friend from Texas send me a wonderful body scrub that she bought at a local farmer’s market. It was comforting to have a bit of luxury in the shower while I wasn’t feeling great. I found THIS similar salt scrub on Amazon that has a coconut and vanilla base with wonderful reviews!
Over-the-Top Extras
1. Gift Card
A gift card takes the work out of things for everyone and allows your sick friend to make a choice about what they need. I had several friends send us gift cards for restaurants that helped fill those meal times without me stepping foot in a kitchen!
2. Throw or Shawl
I had some lovely graduate students stop by my home and gift me a wonderful shawl while I was recovering from an illness that prevented me from meeting the last couple of weeks of the semester. It was so special and felt as if they gave me a big hug!
A new cozy blanket can be soothing and a keepsake of special people who took the time to care for you when you are ill.
There are plenty of places to pick up a good throw, but if you’re already shopping online, THIS option from Amazon is beautiful and comes in so many color options. I adore the one above in “artichoke”.
3. Slippers or Pajamas
Now this is truly over-the-top! Maybe you’re making the care package for your mom or special friend that means so much, and maybe what they are facing is particularly difficult. Whatever the case, a set of new pajamas or slippers is a great option to show them that you’re thinking of them.
THESE cotton pajama sets come in a variety of colors and look easy and relaxed!
And THESE slippers on Amazon are very similar to our family’s favorite L.L. Bean slipper, but at a much reduced price. The style of these slippers is wonderfully warm and cozy.
Of course, this care package can come from a group, too! This can help offset the cost of some of these goodies. I hope this list inspires you to think about big and small ways to reach out to someone when they are feeling down and out!