Do you have a coworker who’s out sick with the cold or flu or recovering from a prolonged illness? If so, it’s natural to want to do something to help them feel better. Sending a message of love and support can be a great way to lift someone’s mood when they’re feeling sullen and isolated at home.
But when it comes right down to it, you may struggle to find the perfect gift to send your favorite work buddy. You want to send something that shows compassion but still remains professional and appropriate. Here are a few get-well-soon gift ideas to brighten the day of a coworker who’s out sick or recovering from an injury or illness.
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Get Well Care Package
A get well care package is a lot like a hug wrapped up in a box. You can fill it with all the comforting things you’d like to receive if you were sick. Some ideas include tissues, soothing tea packets, throat lozenges, and hand sanitizer. Comfort food is also an excellent addition to any care package. Soothing soup, satisfying rolls, and mouthwatering cookies are all delicious options that can warm the recipient’s heart while nourishing their body.
You can put together your own custom-made care package if you have the time. However, many people find it easier and more cost-effective to send a pre-assembled care package. Some companies also offer the option of including a customized note to make the gift feel even more personal.
Self-Care Bundle
When you’re sick, it often becomes difficult to keep up with your regular hygiene routine. Even simple tasks like showering or bathing might seem overwhelming when you have very little energy to spare. To help your coworker stay fresh, clean, and confident even while sick, consider sending them a self-care bundle.
A good self-care bundle should include items that make it easy and enjoyable to maintain good hygiene while sick. Ideas include:
- Scented body spray
- Bath tea
- Indulgent body scrubs
- Essential oils
- Hydrating face masks
- Scented candles
- Deep-tissue massager
- Aromatherapy shower steamers
These are just a few ideas for get-well gifts you can tuck into your coworker’s self-care bundle. Anything that can soothe, cleanse, and comfort is fair game.
Gift Cards
Gift cards make great gifts for practically anyone, especially those who already seem to have everything they want. Gift cards are nice to receive while sick because the recipient can save them for a time when they feel better.
Unless you know exactly what type of gift card your sick coworker would want, it’s generally best to go with popular options. Gift cards to Amazon, DoorDash, Starbucks, and Target are usually a safe bet.
Lighthearted Laughter
Have you ever heard the old expression, “Laughter is the best medicine”? If so, you probably thought it was just a nice anecdote with little truth behind it. However, research shows that laughter can, in fact, help the immune system function more effectively by boosting natural killer cell production. Those are the cells that target viruses and other invaders. So, if you want to help your coworker heal faster, consider sending gifts that will make them laugh.
Here are some funny gift ideas that can make anyone’s day brighter:
- An unusual blanket that looks like a burrito, taco, or something else unexpected
- A humorous board or card game
- A comedic book or magazine
- A funny pair of character slippers
- Custom photo socks
- A toilet golf set
A funny gift is usually best reserved for coworkers who are also good friends. Otherwise, your humorous intentions might not be well-received or understood.
Tumbler
Proper hydration is crucial for proper immune function. Unfortunately, it’s fairly common to get dehydrated while sick because of fluid loss. People who carry water around with them generally have an easier time staying hydrated than those who don’t. If you want to support your sick coworker and help them get better faster, consider gifting them a tumbler.
When shopping for a tumbler, look for one that’s made with stainless steel for maximum durability and temperature control. You should also select a tumbler with double-wall vacuum insulation. A leak-proof lid is another bonus feature that can help the recipient avoid embarrassing spills.
Teacup and Tea Packets
Herbal tea can be exceptionally soothing on the throat and body while sick. It can also help with hydration and immune function. If your coworker is struggling to recover from an illness, they might love to receive a teacup and tea packets as a gift.
Some of the best herbal teas for illness contain ginger, peppermint, chamomile, or elderberry. The type of tea you choose should be targeted to the particular illness your coworker has. For example, ginger is ideal for both stomach flu and the common cold. Peppermint and elderberry can work wonders for respiratory illnesses. Chamomile is a versatile ingredient that soothes and comforts the body and improves sleep quality for faster recovery times.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to figure out how to best support a coworker who’s out sick, especially if you don’t want to get sick yourself. Fortunately, there are plenty of great ways to show your love and support without showing up in person. Send one or more of these thoughtful gifts to let your coworker know you’re rooting for them and can’t wait to see them in the office again.
