Get Well From Surgery Gift Baskets

When someone arrives home from the hospital following an operation, they may be stuck in bed for several days or weeks. For most people, finding ways to pass the time while they are cooped up can be a challenge. If you know someone about to go into the hospital, how about putting together get well from surgery gift baskets? All it takes is a little creativity and time to put together or purchase the perfect basket. Here are a few things to consider:

What are their hobbies?

If you know a crafter, you might want to offer small craft kits that can be laid out on the bed for easy working. Cross stitch or crochet supplies are good ideas that take time to complete.

If you know someone who enjoys sewing, give fabric squares in a variety of colors and patterns for a small quilting project. Be sure to include a miniature sewing kit with thread, needles, thimbles, and other necessary items.

Model airplane and model automobile kits work well for men or boys, especially if you know, for example, a certain muscle car or sports car they have always wanted.

What kind of surgery are they having?

If they are having heart surgery, why not encourage future healthy eating by purchasing cookbooks filled with heart-healthy recipes. Another great idea is signing them up for a fruit of the month club so that fresh fruit is always handy. If you include snacks in your basket, make sure they are low in sodium and fats.

If they are having cosmetic surgery, they will surely welcome the best quality sunscreens with a high SPF, anti-aging lotions, creams, and gels, or makeup specially formulated to cover new scars from plastic surgery.

Patients undergoing back or knee surgery will have problems in the beginning with mobility. Many great tools are available for helping them do the necessary daily tasks. Dressing sticks aid in putting on shirts or jackets, shoehorns help in getting shoes off and on when bending is difficult, and "grabbers" help pick things up from the floor that they might otherwise be unable to reach.

How long is their recovery time?

If the surgery is a minor one, and they will recover quickly, think short-term. Fashion or sports magazines can be read fairly quickly. Crossword puzzles or other games can be fun while confined up to bed. A mug with a funny get well saying might give them a chuckle with their morning coffee.

If the patient will be in recovery for some time, you might think about ways to help them do the things they cannot do. Offer to mow the lawn, water the flowers and plants, do the laundry, cook, take care of pets, and run errands. As you can see, the list of thoughtful things you can include in your gift basket is limited only by your imagination.