Get Well Ideas

Simple gifts to cheer them up

From the flu to depression to cancer, it's never easy when family or friends are dealing with illness. You want to be there for them, but you're not sure what to do. Here are some of our favorite ideas that prove a meaningful and uplifting gift doesn't have to be complicated. And they work for all ages.

Art therapy
Bundle up a few of your favorite supplies so they can doodle the day away, even if they're still in the hospital. When finished, their creations can be kept in a scrapbook or given to family members, friends or doctors as a thank-you.

• Crayons with a coloring book or construction paper
• Magazines, paper, scissors and glue stick to make collages
• Watercolors, watercolor paper and plastic cups (for holding the water)
  For a cool effect, sprinkle table salt over a wet painting. Once it's dry, gently brush the salt off with a clean hand.

Feed the body
Offer to bring over a meal or two. Remember to ask about any dietary restrictions or food allergies.

• Use throwaway dishes so they won't have to worry about washing or returning anything
• Bring a breakfast casserole that can be eaten any time of day
• Pick up a ready-to-eat roasted chicken with a premade salad
• Tuck a few gift cards for their favorite dining spots in a greeting card
• Order and pay for a pizza online to be delivered

Care for the caregiver
Caregivers will be grateful to have somebody else watching out for them, even after the illness has passed.

• Put together a package with current magazines, a deck of cards or word puzzles to help them escape for a while
• Offer to help with housework or lawn care
• A mani-pedi or massage will do wonders for stress relief—offer to give one yourself or round up a group to purchase a gift certificate
• Check on them after the illness has passed and they're trying to catch up on things

Any of these ideas can be carried out solo, but organizing a group of helpers will increase your encouraging power. In the end, you'll feel better knowing you made a difference in someone's life.