What do you do when a friend posts on Facebook that she has the flu? Or perhaps you hear through the grapevine that your neighbor has the stomach bug?
Since a 24-hour virus of some kind just passed through our house, I thought I’d take a moment to record what kind of items would be helpful to include in a simple care package.
Try…
- a box of Saltines
- a bottle of Sprite
- a pair of cozy slippers
- a cup of hot chicken noodle soup
- a set of new pajamas
- a DVD – preferably a light comedy or family film
- a bottle of chewable Vitamin C
- a meal for the rest of the family
Choose a few of the items listed above and put them in a basket or gift bag. If you are low on time or money, choose just one item and tie a simple “get well” note on it.
Since you want to stay well yourself (and your friend probably isn’t looking or feeling her finest), there’s no need to stop and chat. In fact, I recommend that you send a text or voicemail that simply says “Hi, Friend! I left something on your doorstep!”
What do you do when a friend is sick? What other items would you suggest for a “get well” care package?
Love your thoughtful list- especially the meal for the family & new Pjs. We also like to use 1/2 strength sports drink around here. I might throw that in your awesome sickie basket. Ooh- just thought of a new toothbrush too ;)
Gatorade (or a similar drink) is an excellent addition to the list. They’re great for hydration and tend to be easy on the stomach too.
This is a great list of things to keep on hand for little ones who might catch a cold this season, too!
Great ideas! Thanks.
My first thought was – stay far away so I don’t get it!!
I really liked your idea of the text – I can be of service and stay well!
I think Ginger Ale would be a welcome addition – though we always had Coke to settle our stomachs when I was a kid.
Thanks for the great ideas.
I love this! How thoughtful. Not that I am wishing any of my friends illness, but I am going to use this idea and my girls and I will put together a get-well care package!
Awww…I love this list and wish I would’ve thought to do it for you! Glad you are feeling better!
What a great list. My sister and her children have been plagued with the 24 hour stomach bug. I may have to make up a little gift basket for them and bring in down today. (She has 5 kids that are all sick!) I can’t even imagine what that must feel like. Her poor Husband is probably going batty trying to take care of them all.
I bet your sister and her family would be VERY grateful for your thoughtfulness. A DVD might be an awesome idea for them (especially if they don’t have cable/DVR/satellite). We just watched “Ramona and Beezus” a few days ago – it was super sweet + squeaky clean.
Great list! Those are all things that would be so appreciated by a sick friend.
I keep some homemade chicken stock, shredded chicken, and frozen egg noodles in the freezer so that I can whip up a pan of homemade chicken soup to deliver when someone is sick – I take it over hot and knock on the door or ring the doorbell or give them a quick call and leave – no need in sharing germs!
I love these other ideas as well.
ooh yummy – are the egg noodles pre-cooked and then frozen? This is a great idea!
This is so thoughtful! My 8 year old recently had a week long stomach bug that came with fever – really awful! I would add some cooked white rice to the list, too – if your friend/neighbor has a stomach bug. I’ve dropped off hot chicken soup and an assortment of drinks to friends with the flu or cold and it’s always much appreciated!
Cooked white rice is a wonderful addition to the list, Anne. “Bland” foods like that are the best when you have stomach troubles.
Awesome list – I would recommend switching out the Sprite for Ginger Ale – the flavor always makes my mouth feel fresher when I’m sick.
And maybe add some soothing throat drops or something (probably not needed for FLU!).
This is a great idea! I am so sorry you were down and out…hopefully it leaves your house completely SOON!
Oh no, I hope you guys weren’t sick over the holiday :(
We were! Each of us got it (“it” being a 24-hour bug of some kind)…no fun at all.