Uplifting Post-Surgery Gifts
Whether you're the one having surgery or it's a friend or family member, having surgery is tough! It's not only physically challenging, but mentally challenging. While it would be amazing to always have friends and family nearby, sometimes that's not possible. When that's not possible, a thoughtful gift can be one of the best things to keep a friend feeling loved.
Through all of my experiences, these were the items that meant most to me; here's a list that I hope can inspire others!
A Note: After I had my most recent surgery, I really didn't feel like having visitors. I was sad and tired. If your friend feels this way, don't push them. Though I know I would have been happy if my friends showed up, I couldn't handle it at the time. If this is the case for you and your friend, consider contacting one of their family members to give them the gift you prepared, or leaving it at their door.
#1 A GIFT CARD TO THEIR FAVORITE RESTAURANT (ESPECIALLY ONE THAT DELIVERS!)
Though they may not by ready to get out and about and go eat, they'll still be hungry! Well... I was... ;) Take a moment to think about their favorite food or restaurants and go for one of the following:
A gift card
Order takeout and bring it to them
A package of wrapped snacks they can eat at any time
Smitty's The Garage Burgers & Beer
#2 A SUPER SOFT BLANKET OR PILLOW
One of my top favorites - a blanket or pillow is an amazing post-surgery gift. Something practical AND adorable - a blanket can be used for years and years. They'll love to cuddle with it during their recovery. This is a pretty easy item to customize to your friend's preferences, whether they love bright and cheerful colors or warm, soft, dark tones.
Ear plugs are a great addition to this gift, as sometimes it is hard to fall asleep in an uncomfortable position, post-surgery.
A very sweet gift from my friends - stuffed animal, blanket... CHEESE of course
#3 INSPIRING NOTES OR ARTWORK
If you know this person loves to be positive and stay motivated, give them a boost! A personal note is an incredible gift. Whether you take inspiration from your personal experiences with your friend or you find related quotes online, they'll love it. After surgery, hearing some positive words may help.
“When you’re in a dark place, you sometimes tend to think you’ve been buried. Perhaps you’ve been planted.
Bloom.”
Beautiful artwork by Alyissa Letters (click the image!)
#4 HELP TAKE CARE OF THEIR PET
If I didn't have family right down the street, I would be SO stressed trying to figure out how to take care of my dog, Groves. If you have the means, offer to take care of their pet(s) for a certain amount of time.They'll be so relieved to know that Spot is taken care of and going on daily walks that they'll rest just a little bit easier.
If you have no idea how to care for a dog, cat, or pet - I highly recommend hiring Newman’s Dog Training. They do walking and pet sitting at a reasonable price, and on your schedule!
#5 FUN & COMFORTABLE CLOTHING
Fuzzy socks! They're cheap, cute and soft with a billion different patterns. Snag some at Target, on Amazon, or anywhere that sells shoes. My favorite socks are fuzzy and adorned with pizza. Ooh, pizza SLIPPERS, that would be cool… A girl can only dream.
Depending on the procedure, consider getting your friend a comfortable, loose fitting sweatshirt or pair of sweatpants. It may be hard for them to wear their normal wardrobe with their knee, arm, etc wrapped in bandages. I lived in my Fabletics hoodie and pajama shorts for weeks!
#6 GAMES, PUZZLES OR COLORING BOOKS
Keeping their hands busy can take their mind off of the boredom or stress that comes with post-surgery life. My all-time favorite gift I received was a handmade crossword puzzle from my friends. I am OBSESSED with crosswords and they used that to give me a priceless gift (literally). All of the answers were inside jokes or friend's names... it was hilarious. It really showed how much time they spent on it! It was incredible.
Though that was awesome, games and coloring books from the store are still BOMB choices! There are so many options right now. Personally, I purchased a coloring book from my friend Dori @dorithecreative!
Coloring a few days after surgery (see the wrap on my left knee?!)
#7 A LITERAL GIFT BASKET / BAG
When I was on crutches and couldn't carry anything around with me, it was much easier for me to say "Mom, can you bring my basket into the other room?" Instead of saying "Mom, I need A, B, X, Y, Z, can you bring all of that to the other room?" It allowed me to keep all of my goodies in one place, rifle around in there when I was looking for something fun to do, and honestly, keep the house just a tiny bit neater.
This idea of a basket can also be more focused, like a spa basket for easier bathing / showering, food basket, games basket, etc!
EXTRAS:
Theme your gift, like "you are my sunshine" with all yellow gifts, things that start with the first letter of their name, etc
Secretly ask friends to chip in for a larger group gift
In the end, you know your friend's personality best! I hope my guide was helpful :)
Have something you received from a friend after surgery, or in a similar situation? Let me know! I would love to read your comments.
