A BASKET OF COMFORT

Being sick is no fun...aches, pains, sneezes, fever....all you want is to be comforted and feel better. There's nothing like a homemade gift basket packed with amenities to lift the spirits of a convalescing loved one.
Here are some great ideas for a "Get Well" homemade gift basket. As you know, baskets are wonderful containers, but I also like to deviate from the norm. Instead of a basket you could use a VINTAGE MEDIC BAG and fill it with:
Herbal tea
Packets of instant soup; or if the person lives close to you, you could make some homemade chicken soup and put it in a quart canning jar. (Don't forget to tie a cute ribbon around the lid of the jar.)

Soup mug
Lavender aromatherapy microwaveable heat wrap (these are great...they smell so good and are very soothing!)
Box of soft tissues
Comfy socks....a must have!

A small bed side vaporizer (these work wonders!)

Soothing sinus and eye gel mask
Assortment of over the counter medications

Homemade loaf of banana bread

Jars of assorted jams or jellies

Crossword book or other puzzle books and a pencil

If you are using a the medic bag, fill the bottom of the bag with a filler material. You could use crumpled up brown packing paper or craft paper so that the items will be visible at the top of the bag. On top of the brown paper, you can use a more decorative filler like shred or colorful tissue paper. Assemble the items and wrap the whole bag in cello wrap if you'd like. (See my "Gift Basket Supplies" entry further down in this blog for tips and how-to's.) You have to see this MEDIC BAG. If I were sick, I'd love to receive this "Get Well Gift Basket"!.....Hint hint to all my family and friends.....

Like I said, you could use a basket instead, or perhaps a large soup mug to put some items in. Just get creative and your homemade "Get Well" gift basket will bring a smile to someone's face!

Another occasion where someone will need comfort is when they lose a loved one. It is often very difficult to find words to express your sympathies adequately, but perhaps you could provide a homemade gift basket of thoughtful items to provide some small measure of comfort during a difficult time.

Keep in mind that during the bereavement period, there are likely to be a lot of visitors to the home, so it might be nice to provide some things that guests could help themselves to.

SOME IDEAS FOR A "Sympathy Gift Basket" MIGHT INCLUDE:

Variety of herbal teas

Home baked quick breads or coffee cake

Packets of flavored coffee

Crackers and cheeses or cheese spreads

Variety of jams or jellies

Jam spreaders

Fruit

A book or poem on loss of a loved one

A gift certificate for a massage or to have nails done. Sometimes when grieving, people don't make time to pamper themselves. A gift certificate to a spa or salon could be the perfect little pick-me-up...and perhaps provide a brief respite from grief.

Your Sympathy Gift Basket will be much appreciated, especially when homemade with love.