The Girlfriend’s Guide on Putting Together a Care Package for a Sick Boyfriend

Having a sick boyfriend is not any fun. Especially, if you have a loveable, but high maintenance sick boyfriend who asks you to feel his forehead/take his temperature every few minutes. Regardless of whether or not you live with your boyfriend, putting together a sick day care package will be a great gift for while you’re away at work or safely staying home to not catch his disease. Here a few fun suggestions that will help your boyfriend survive his sickness. 

The Essentials

These are basic health care necessities your boyfriend might need to heal himself up. 

The meds

Everyone who’s feeling a little under the weather might benefit from taking some OTC meds to help manage these symptoms. Depending on your boyfriend’s symptoms you might need to get different things. Here a few friendly suggestions on what kind of meds might be helpful for certain symptoms. 

• Allergy medicine- a zyrtec or claritin could do wonders for the 6.1 million of the children population and 20 million of the adult population affected by garden variety outdoor allergies.
• Nasal spray- another thing good for allergies and sinus congestion.
• Tylenol or Ibuprofen- which is good for headaches, muscle aches, and reducing symptoms of fevers.
• Tums- for acid indigestion and heartburn.
• Imodium- for when things are little backed up.

Extra medical supplies

A few medical supplies and other related goods are great to have on key to keeping recovery. Here a few ideas of what to put in your care package for your sick boyfriend. 

• Vicks VapoRub- it’s good for breaking up congestion in the chest and help minimize coughing. 
• IcyHots- great for back pain and sore backs.
• Ice Packs- Great for helping break fevers or reduce headaches and migraines.
• Tissues- because it’s not easy being sneezy.
• Cough drops- just avoid the cherry flavor.
• Heating pads- for sore muscles. 

The foods and drinks

Food is the staple of any care package. Everyone loves food, it’s linked to the will to live. So when your boyfriend is sick make sure you get him healthy foods that will help his immune system fight back. 

Soup

Soup is the hearest of meals good for colds, flus, and fevers alike. This timeless feel better classic is a way to ensure your boyfriend will have at least one meal while he is recovering. Make sure you get ingredients that won’t up the stomach like seafood. Try to keep it to more simple flavors like a loaded potato, chicken noodle, or even tomato soup. This childhood classic will take meal prep off the table leaving time for your SO to get your much needed rest. Throw in some crackers too to elevate the meal.

Anything in the BRAT diet + Fruits

Brat is recommended for those feeling a little nauseous. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast! These foods are picked because the easy to eat and generally don’t have any strong flavors that would upset a stomach. Stuffing any one of these sick day staples into your care package will be a great idea. 

Something that sort of goes along with the BRAT diet is a healthy dose of fruits. Fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Cranberries
• Blackberries
• Pomegranate seeds
• Avocados

Spicy foods

This suggestion is better for a common cold or some hectic allergies rather than anything presenting nausea/upset stomach symptoms. Spicy foods, if your boyfriend can handle them, are good for clearing out congestion. This will also bring a little flavor to what is generally a time of milder food intake. 

Drinks

Fluids are a great gift for anyone feeling under the weather as long as they are the right kinds of fluids. Here a few good drinks to put in your care package for a sick boyfriend. 

• Gatorade- To help replenish electrolytes you’re losing.
• Juices- Orange juice of course has good vitamin C, but if your boyfriend is not a friend try getting him something like apple juice or cranberry juice!
• Hot tea- certain teas are good for clearing up congestion. Fun note if you send some honey to put in it’s great for helping clear up illnesses. 
• Ginger Ale/Sprite- Good for the upset stomach.
• Kombucha- there are many claims of what Kombucha has for health benefits, it depends on the blend you get and how your brand brews. So this one might need a little research!
• Kefir Water- It tastes like flavored water, but better tasting. Although the drink itself is relatively close to Kombocha itself in how it’s made.
• Water- The good ol fashion H2O. Sometimes it’s nice just to have a cold drink sent to you. Staying hydrated is a big key to recovery. 

The Comfort

Being sick is an all around rough time. Try filling up your care package for a sick boyfriend with a few comfort items to help make it through the day. 

Blankets + Pillow

Blankets are a universal comfort! Whether you get a light throw or sturdy quilt it will be a nice touch to cover up in a fresh blanket. Besides even if he doesn’t use it, it’ll be a gift to yourself later when you get chilly in his apartment. Bonus points if you get a heated blanket or a weighted blanket for additional comfort. Also a few extra pillows never hurt either. Especially if he ends up laying out on the couch. 

Get Well Soon Teddy Bear

A perfect addition to your care package for a sick boyfriend is the iconic Get Well Soon Teddy Bear! Nothing says,”I love you” like a teddy bear. They are cute and romantic. Teddy can be there for hugs when you are not. Cute, sweet, and to the point! Add a card for the lil bear to hold as a thoughtful addition to your gift. Sometimes a little bit of cheeseness can go a long way. 

Slippers

Slippers keep those tootsies warm. He will trudge around in these soft slippers and think of you. Or at least his feet won’t touch the cold floor. If you want to extra quirky with it order yourself a matching pair. Then it’ll be less obvious if you choose to slip his on for a little bit when you can't find your own!

The Entertainment

While TV and video games are a great way to pass the sick days away, it’s nice to have a little variety of activity to your day. Consider getting your boyfriend something simple that will help pass the time until he’s feeling all better!

Crosswords and Word Searches 

A great way to pass the time and stimulate the brain is doing some mental activities. Since you don’t want to do anything physically challenging while sick it’s best to stick to simple activities. Crosswords are classic. But, be warned your boyfriend might end up asking for a 10 letter word that starts with a C that means bravery or the ability to do something you're afraid to do. Although if it comes up, the answer might be courage. If crosswords might not be his cup of tea try crosswords. The same great word fun, but just in a slightly different format. 

Books

Try putting a book in your care package for a sick boyfriend. Pick out a book from a genre he likes and sneak it on it there. This might give much needed screen break on sick days. If your Boo is too tired to read, try getting him a download to an audio book! That way he can lay down, close his eyes, and let the story wash over him.

Adult Coloring Books

Another entertaining stuffer to go into your care package for your sick boyfriend are adult coloring books. Studies suggest that coloring reduces stress, boosts mental health, and promotes creativity. With a wide variety of options you can certainly fit something to fit your boyfriends interests from Harry Potter to DC there is a little something for everyone. 

Ways to show a little care with your care package

When your SO is sick of course they need all the help they can get. Here a few tips for how to bring a little extra care to your care package.

1. Bring him a home cooked meal

Cooking is no feat, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. Try  delivering a hot fresh dinner. If you can make a favorite meal or something that might leave a little leftovers. Perhaps cooking is not your forte, make an attempt at baking or ordering a premade meal for your friend or loved one.  

2. Take care of him for a bit

If you have the time, help set aside a few hours to be there for him while he’s stuck at home. Just getting him a fresh ice pack, some extra water, and fluffing up his pillows can go a long way. Some light chat, some shows, and even a few feel better kisses. Although keep in mind you do risk getting sick, but since you helped him recover he might be more inclined to return the favor.

3. Write him a love letter

Nothing like a little token of affection to lift your boyfriend’s spirits. Sending a cute text just doesn’t have the same thoughtful touch as a handwritten note. Plus it’s a great way to elevate your care package.

Remember these are just a few ideas for your sick boyfriend care packages you know him best! Any care package will be a great way to show your love for him.