25 Get Well Soon Gifts to Lift a Loved One's Spirit

1. Meal Delivery Service Gift Card

It can be challenging to cook a healthy, delicious meal when you're sick or recovering. A meal delivery service gift card, or ordering meals from a service like Meal Village, gives them the time to rest. They can choose the food they want and still eat well without lifting a finger.

2. Cozy Pajamas

Whether a friend just had surgery or is battling the flu, there's something about a cozy PJ set that feels like a big, warm hug. Pick their favorite color or a fun pattern to brighten their spirits as they stay cozy on the couch. Shorts or pants, pull-over or button-down, there are a lot of styles to choose from, too. Gift them the set that they're likely to get mileage out of long after they're feeling better.

3. A Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket is a tool as much as it's a way to stay warm. Typically weighing 10, 15, or 20 pounds, weighted blankets provide gentle pressure that may trigger the nervous system to enter a restful state. If you want to go the extra mile, pair it with a book for some extra entertainment as they relax.

4. A Soft Robe

Like pajamas, a plush, fluffy robe envelops your loved one in warmth and happiness during recovery. A robe lets them stay covered without restrictive clothing and adds an extra layer if they're experiencing chills. Pair the robe with some fuzzy slippers or socks for extra love from head to toe.

5. Epsom Salt

An Epsom salt soak can help relieve sore, achy muscles and pain. These salt bags contain essential oils like lavender and sweet orange, aromas that promote relaxation, ease stress, and can turn an ordinary bathroom into a spa experience. Pair these bath salts with a face mask, so your loved one can feel as if they're at a spa while they recover.

Related: low salt meals

6. Shower Steamers

Aromatherapy shower steamers contain essential oils like eucalyptus that can help clear up your congested friend's senses and help them unwind. All they need to do is take a tablet out and place it in the corner of their shower out of the direct water flow. A couple minutes under the heat, and your friend will feel like they're in their own steam room.

7. Tiger Balm Ointment

If you have a family member or friend dealing with a lot of aches and pains, send them a jar of Tiger Balm ointment. This healing cream has been around for more than 100 years, and for good reason. It's packed with concentrated oils that can help ease discomfort without staining clothes. One jar of this ointment can help get them back on their feet in no time.

8. Acupuncture Mat and Pillow Set

This lightweight, portable mat is designed to stimulate blood circulation and can increase endorphins, all without leaving the house for an acupuncture appointment. For friends and family who appreciate alternative therapies as part of their healing, this may be a welcome gift.

9. Neck and Back Massager

A neck and back massager isn't just for those with chronic pain or people who work out a lot. All that laying around while resting brings along sore and stiff muscles, too. An electric deep tissue massager offers various control settings (and even heat) for your friend to adjust the speed and add heat. This way, they can enjoy a quality massage from the comfort of their own home.

10. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

If your loved one is feeling run down or is dealing with a lot of stress, give them this relaxation pillow spray. All they need to do is spray the fine mist over their pillows before crawling in bed. The aromas may help them unwind and drift off to sleep.

11. Migraine Relief Cap

Migraine caps may be a great fit for those who suffer from this painful condition. The cap is made from a stretchy gel material that can be worn over their eyes, blocking out any light. Make sure they place the cap in the freezer before wearing it to provide the utmost comfort.

12. Ice Roller

When ill, you might wake up with painful congestion and groggy eyes. If that's the case for your friend, they might benefit from an ice roller. These small gadgets can reduce redness in the face and overall puffiness. It can also help relieve headaches, making it a great overall healing gift.

13. A Face Mask

Skincare is still an essential part of an everyday routine, even when they're feeling down. Gifting your friend or family member a set of face masks brings a little joy and some much-needed skin rejuvenation.

14. Fruit Bouquet

Who wouldn't love to receive an edible bouquet? This fruit bouquet is bright, colorful, and filled with nutritious snacks that are as delicious to eat as they are room-brightening.

15. Coloring Book for Adults

Recovering from being sick or a procedure can get a bit boring after a while. Instead of spending hours watching TV, give your loved one a coloring book to pass the time. An adult coloring book contains detailed images of flowers, animals, and other scenery they can bring to life. There are plenty of themed coloring books for TV shows, cats and dogs, and so much more. Pair the book with some markers to make this a truly hassle-free gift.

16. A Book

Flipping through the pages of a great read gets your loved one away from the TV or helps them put their phone down after hours of endless scrolling. Especially if you know the genre or an author they like, a book is a thoughtful gift that can distract them from their discomfort.

17. A Puzzle

Your loved one might want to sit up and do a mind-stimulating activity. Puzzles fit the bill. They can help distract from discomfort, improve focus, and boost your loved one's mood - imagine how accomplished they'll feel when the last piece slides into place! If they aren't a puzzle wizard, aim for a 250 or 500-piece puzzle over a 1,000 or 2,000-piece behemoth. And similar to coloring books, you can get the recipient a themed puzzle that shows them something they love when the picture is complete.

18. An Activity Box

If you have a family member recovering from surgery, they're likely going to need to entertain themselves while staying in bed. If that's the case, create an activity box to send to them. This box can contain a whole range of activities to keep their mind occupied, from to a deck of cards and paint supplies to crossword puzzles to many of the items on this list, like coloring books. It's an infinitely-customizable option. To make the box even more heartfelt, add their favorite snacks or sweets for them to enjoy.

19. Flowers

Flowers are a classic day-brightening gift for a loved one recovering at home. A stunning arrangement filled with bright florals might just be the scenery they need to get back up on their feet. These arrangements make the perfect gift if you live far away, as you can order flowers for delivery pretty much anywhere.

Related: Personalized happy birthday wishes for your loved ones

20. Water Bottle

A giant bottle that holds several glasses of water keeps your friend or family member sitting still instead of getting up around the clock. They're easy to drink from bed, too, especially if they have a flip-top lid for sipping.

21. A Humidifier

Humidifiers can relieve discomfort from allergies, a cold, or the flu by adding moisture back into the air. This can help loosen mucus in your loved one's throat and nasal passages, enabling them to breathe easier.

22. Cold-Pressed Organic Juices

Is your loved one feeling under the weather? Give them immune-boosting juices that are packed with ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and fresh citrus.

23. A Relaxing Tea Kit

Drinking tea can provide numerous benefits depending on the blend you choose, like supporting quality sleep or the immune system. Giving your loved one a tea basket enables them to receive all these benefits. They can try out different blends for the moment. Add in a cute mug to create the perfect kit.

24. Soup Care Package

There's nothing a warm bowl of soup can't fix. Especially if your loved one is feeling down or under the weather, soup is easy to make and eat, and is packed with nutrients. Fill your care package up with a variety of options, such as classic chicken noodle or creamy potato. You can even pair the soup with some fresh sourdough bread or crackers to help ease their stomach. Don't want to cook? A meal delivery service fits the bill, too.

Related: Order thanksgiving dinner

25. Immune-Boosting Care Package

Help your friend get back on the right track with an immune-boosting care package. Like an activity box, you can cater your gift basket to their specific needs. This package can contain anything from electrolytes to medicine to healthy snacks. Whichever route you decide to go, they'll appreciate the time and effort spent on this thoughtful gift.

Send the gift of nutritious food with Meal Village

If your loved one is recovering in the Chicagoland area, Meal Village is your go-to partner for get well soon gifts. Our meal service delivers healthy, fresh, ready-to-go, heat-and-eat meals right to your doorstep. We offer more than 130 recipes each week that cater to a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences.

Each meal is made in Meal Village's Chicago kitchen the same day it's delivered, for a fresh take that isn't greasy delivery. All your friend needs to do is head online to view the weekly menu, then place an order either online or over the phone (or you can do it for them). It's that easy - and there are no commitments or subscriptions. Simple, nutritious, and appetizing meals are delivered right to their door so they can focus on recovery.