10 Heartfelt Gift Ideas for Someone Recovering from Surgery

Whether it's a minor or major procedure, having surgery can be stressful. And it’s not just the anxiety about going under to have the surgery done – the thought of being laid up for days or weeks after can be daunting, too. But during this season in your loved one’s life, they should be focused on one thing and one thing only: healing. And that’s where you come in.

We’ve gathered some of the best gifts out there to support someone who has just had surgery, from a routine wisdom tooth removal to a c-section bringing their baby into the world or any other type of procedure. The recovery process from any surgery can be challenging physically and emotionally, which is why a heartfelt gift can make a huge difference. It’s not just about doing something nice for them – it shows you care, helps lift their spirits, and ultimately, can help them along the road to recovery. 

In this article, we’ll be breaking down the best gift ideas for recovering from surgery our team has to offer, including:

• Practical gifts that will make them a little more comfortable while they heal
• Comforting gifts for when emotions are running a bit high
• Personal gifts that only require your time and attention

1. A Cozy, Personalized Blanket

When you’re recovering from surgery, comfort is key. There’s nothing quite like wrapping up in a soft, cozy blanket, especially one that’s been personalized just for you. Whether it’s hand-embroidered with their name, screen printed with a favorite quote, or something else that’s meaningful between the two of you, a personalized blanket is a warm and comforting reminder that they’re cared for.

It’ll come in handy in the hospital – it can get chilly in there! But they’ll also feel just a little bit better being able to wrap themselves up in a symbol of your love and concern as the convalesce at home. 

Pro Tip: Choose a blanket made from a material that’s soft and gentle on the skin, but won’t snag on any stitches or wound dressings they may have to manage post-op. 

2. A Recovery Care Package

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. A recovery care package filled with thoughtful little gifts they might want or need while they’re healing. Think about things you can easily scoop up a bunch of, like:

• Herbal teas - bonus points if there’s one particularly well-suited for their symptoms
• Soft socks to keep their toes cozy
• Nourishing snacks that strike a balance between comfort food and much-needed nutrition
• Personal products like lip balm, hand cream, and sheet masks
• Books, puzzles, or even puzzle books to keep them entertained.

The beauty of a care package is that it’s completely customizable. You can completely tailor it to them, making it as personal and thoughtful as possible. Plus, receiving a box full of little surprises is sure to brighten their day.

Pro Tip: If they’re on any dietary restrictions, be sure to choose snacks that fit within those guidelines. And if you’re unsure what they might like, consider adding a gift card to a favorite store or an online streaming service so they can pick something out for themselves!

3. A Comfy Set of PJs or Loungewear

After surgery, comfort isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A set of comfortable pajamas or lounging clothes can make all the difference when they’re spending lots of time resting and recuperating. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo that won’t irritate sensitive skin or surgical sites.

A matching loungewear set not only feels great but can also help them feel a bit more put-together, even when they’re resting at home. It’s a way of saying, “I want you to feel as comfortable and cared for as possible during this tough time.”

Pro Tip: Consider loungewear with easy-to-use features like button-down tops or loose-fitting bottoms, which can be especially helpful if they’re dealing with limited mobility or bandages after their procedure.

4. Entertainment Subscriptions

Keep them from getting too bored while they recuperate with a subscription to their favorite streaming or gaming service.

Recovery often means a lot of sitting around resting, which can quickly lead to boredom. That’s where an entertainment subscription comes in handy. Whether it’s a streaming service like Paramount+ or Hulu, an online gaming platform like the Nintendo eShop or Playstation Plus, a subscription to an audiobook platform like Nook or Audible, or even a digital magazine subscription will give them something to do during all of that downtown.

This gift lets them binge-watch a new series, clear some titles from their TBR, explore an immersive video game world like Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (seriously, so good) or catch up on the latest celebrity news and gossip. No matter what, it will keep them occupied and their mind off of recovery for a while, which, honestly, is sometimes the best medicine.

Pro Tip: If you know their favorite genre or interests, tailor the subscription to that. For example, if they love cooking, a subscription to a cooking channel or a food magazine could be just the thing to lift their spirits.

5. A Meal Delivery Service

Cooking is often the last thing someone feels like doing when they’re recovering from surgery. That’s why meal trains are such a popular way to support someone going through a medical procedure.  But if you don’t live close or fancy yourself much of a chef, you can still make this part of their recovery a bit easier.

Look for a service that offers healthy, balanced meals that cater to any dietary restrictions they might have without the hassle of cooking it themselves or sitting by their phone while someone does the grocery shopping. Whether it’s a week’s worth of dinners or a few special meals, this gift will not only nourish their body but also take a load off their mind.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Diet Direct specializes in post-bariatric meals, but they also have options for all sorts of other dietary needs like low carb, low sodium, and high fiber that might come in handy during recovery
• Home Chef has lots of no cooking, no mess options perfect for when they need to stay off their feet as much as possible
• Factor has dietician-approved, chef-prepared meals ready to heat and eat
• Some patients may be eligible for a meal delivery benefit through Humana providers

Pro Tip: If you are local and enjoy cooking, consider making homemade meals and delivering them yourself. There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal made with love to lift someone’s spirits :)

6. A Journal or Guided Wellness Planner

The emotional side of recovery is just as important as the physical, and sometimes the best way to process feelings is to write them down. A journal or guided wellness planner can be a super helpful gift, offering them a space to express their thoughts, track their progress, and set goals for their recovery… not to mention practical things like keeping tabs on when they last took their medications.

If they’re new to journaling, a guided wellness planner with prompts can help them get started, encouraging them to focus on the positive aspects of their recovery and what they’re grateful for. It’s a therapeutic way to keep their spirits up and stay motivated.

Pro Tip: Pair the journal with a set of beautiful pens or markers to make it more of an experience. You could even consider adding a few inspiring quotes or affirmations to encourage them along the way.

7. A Soothing Aromatherapy Diffuser

Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in promoting relaxation and healing. A soothing aromatherapy diffuser, along with a selection of calming essential oils, can create a peaceful, spa-like environment in their home. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are known for their calming and healing properties, helping to reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

Pro Tip: If they have pets or specific allergies, make sure to choose essential oils that are safe for their home. There are plenty of pet-friendly and hypoallergenic options available!

8. A Custom Playlist or Audiobook Collection

You might not think media like music and books are that important to healing, but the studies are in, and it turns out they can be much more than entertainment! Reading has shown a marked benefit for mental health, which is a key factor in healing emotionally from surgery. And music? Well music supports mental wellness, and studies have even shown its effectiveness in helping everyone from anxious kids to stroke survivors to post-op hysterectomy patients.

So it’s pretty powerful stuff!

Now think about how meaningful it would be to receive a gift of specifically curated recommendations, and we’ve got a real winner for possibly the best gift idea for recovering from surgery.

The best part about this gift? It really just requires your time. If you want to, you can text a Barnes & Noble gift card or buy a Spotify gift card to complete the gift, but you can also simply:

• Make a playlist (or even burn a mixtape!?) of their favorite songs, calming music to help them relax, or uplifting jams to pick up their spirits
• Buy them an audiobook series on their platform of choice
• Make a companion book for them to record their ratings + thoughts… and then hang out and go through them together to bust boredom
• Consider recording your own audiobook of their favorite story. Bonus points if you’re a mom, dad, or otherwise their caregiver, and it was their favorite book as a kid. This one’s a gift they will cherish forever.

9. A Heartfelt Letter or Card

Ordinarily our top suggestion would be to spend some quality time with your loved one, but since recovering from surgery can be physically tiring, this is the next best thing. Write them a letter or card that they can read (and reread) at their leisure while they’re healing… bonus points if it’s handwritten rather than typed!

In today’s digital world, there’s something extra special about receiving a handwritten note. It’s a tangible reminder that someone cares about them and is rooting for them as they go through this.

Pro Tip: Take your time writing the letter, and be as specific as possible. Share memories, express your admiration for their strength, and let them know how much they mean to you. And if you’re feeling creative, consider decorating the card with drawings, stickers, or photos to make it even more personal.

10. Gift Cards

Sometimes, the best gift is the one they can choose for themselves. A thoughtful gift card to their favorite store, restaurant, or online retailer can give them the flexibility to pick out something they truly want or need.

Whether it’s a gift card to a cozy bookstore, a favorite clothing brand, or a meal delivery service, this gift shows that you’re thinking of them while also giving them the freedom to make their own choices.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what type of gift card they’d appreciate most, a more general option like GiftYa Select. It lets them choose from thousands of brands in the GiftYa catalog so they’ll definitely get something they love. It’s a practical gift that still comes from the heart!

That’s it for our gift ideas for recovering from surgery. 

Supporting someone through their recovery from surgery is all about showing love, care, and understanding. The right gift can provide comfort, lift their spirits, and remind them that they’re not alone on their journey to healing. Whether it’s something cozy, practical, or deeply personal, these gift ideas are sure to make their day.

Not sure any of these are the right fit? Explore the whole GiftYa catalog for more ideas!