Getting surgery can be terrifying, especially if it is your first time going through the process. Even minor surgeries can be nerve-wracking. If you have taken a trip to the operating room in the past, you probably remember how scary it was. But if you had a great group of people looking after you, it definitely made a huge difference during your recovery.  

If you have a friend or family member who is preparing for an operation, you can help ease their nerves with a pre-surgery care package. There are plenty of great gifts you can add to a pre-surgery care package, like snacks, pillows, moisturizer, or a heating pad. Your loved one will thank you for them as they prepare for their operation and when they move through the often long recovery process. Need help creating the perfect pre-surgery care package? Check out our top tips for assembling one now!

Best Gifts for a Pre-Surgery Care Package

Help your friend get ready both before and after their surgery with these thoughtful presents.

Looking for some gift ideas for a pre-surgery care package? We have tons of great ideas to help get the ball rolling. But before you start, you’ll want to decide whether you want to assemble your own custom care package or purchase a pre-made one. If you have the time to build a custom package, go for it! If not, don’t worry. You can also find a wide selection of pre-made packages that will help your friend get through their surgery.

Practical Gifts

Post-surgery recovery can be uncomfortable. Your friend may be dealing with sore muscles, dry skin, and nausea. These gifts can help them deal with these frustrating aches and pains:

• Heating pad to relieve muscle aches
• Throw blanket to keep them warm
• Moisturizer for comfort
• Lip balm for chapped lips
• Soft socks to make them feel cozy
• Scented candle to help them unwind and relax
• Stuffed animal to cuddle

Entertainment

Your friend will be stuck to their bed for a while, so help them stay entertained with these fun gifts:

• Coloring books
• Novels
• Card games
• Board games
• Magazines
  

These simple but fun gifts can help your loved one keep their mind off of their discomfort and make the recovery process feel much faster!

Pre and Post-Surgery Snacks

Snacks always make great gifts! Add some treats like:

• Popcorn
• Chocolate
• Fruits that are strong in antioxidants like grapes and blueberries
• Vegetables like carrots and broccoli
• Soup
• High-fiber foods like whole grains, which can be consumed 24 hours after surgery

Pre-Arranged Care Packages

Are you worried that you won’t be able to assemble a proper care package in time? Save time by sending them a pre-arranged care package!

The Favorite Home Snacks Care Package offers all of the essentials! Crackers, turkey jerky, ramen, and more delicious snacks are stored in this massive care package. Your friend will love snacking on these fun treats.

Help your friend on their road to recovery with the Comfy and Cozy Kit! There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup when you’re feeling down. This popular care package offers four different soup options: tortilla, split pea, noodle, and minestrone! A few pretzel bags, which are great for snacking on, are also included. Herbal and antibacterial products complete the package.

Does your friend have a real sweet tooth? Surprise them with some Get Well Soon Mini Rice Krispies Treats™. This 12-pack of assorted treats is decorated with cute “get well” soon designs and include different flavors like birthday cake, sugar cookie, and caramel sea salt.

Items to Avoid Packing

There are some items you will want to stay away from when assembling your care package.

Adding snacks to a care package is always a great idea! However, there are certain foods and drinks that you aren’t supposed to eat before or after surgery. Alcohol, for instance, should be avoided. Patients are supposed to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery. So you should probably abstain from including it in your pre-surgery care package.

Other items you want to avoid packing include:

• Peanuts
• Caffeinated tea or coffee
• Products containing soy
  

You can add fruits and vegetables to your pre-surgery care package. But just keep in mind that your friend won’t be able to eat high-fiber foods at least 24 hours prior to going under.  

Post-Surgery Care

Tips for going above and beyond for your friend.

Want to offer some extra support for your loved one after their surgery? There are numerous ways you can help them out while they recover. Maybe you can help out with chores and errands, such as cooking a meal or taking care of their pet. Or you can help distract them by playing card games or watching a movie together.

Simply being there for them can also make a huge difference. Many times, people just want to have someone they love by their side. Some people struggle with depression and withdrawal after undergoing surgery. Try to find time to visit your loved one after work or over the weekend just to hang out with them and lend a listening ear. Helping them keep a positive mindset both before and after their surgery has actually been shown to help improve their recovery!

Final Thoughts

No one enjoys getting surgery. Most people feel nervous about going under, whether it is due to a fear of the surgery not working or anxiety about finding themselves in an unfamiliar environment. Surprising your loved one with a pre-surgery care package can be incredibly helpful for both their preparation and recovery.

Are there any items that you think would work perfectly in a pre-surgery care package that we didn’t mention? Let us know!