How to Make a Feel Better, Get Better, I Care About You Box
I have come up with something that I am really happy with; a “Feel Better, Get Better, I Care About You” Box. It’s a gift that is homemade and comes from the heart.
We all know someone who is going through something. Today, I am sharing a gift to give when you want someone to know that you care and that you are thinking of them.
I don’t know about you, but I become a little bit paralyzed when something happens to someone I care about. The big things, like a cancer diagnosis. A sick child, a loved one, or a parent. Covid. And the smaller but still difficult things, a job loss. A divorce. A betrayal.
I don’t know what the right thing to say or do is. I don’t want to be intrusive, but I want them to know I care about them and want them to get better I don’t want to do too much, or too little. What I have learned over the years, and I must say, I learned it the hard way, is that doing something, anything is better than doing nothing.
A Feel Better, Get Better Gift Box
I have come up with something that I am really happy with; a Feel Better, Get Better, I Care About You Box. It all started with a card I found. I loved the sentiment written on it, but the card was not very attractive, so I started writing the sentiment inside of pretty cards and sending or delivering them.
I also add a little note to let them know that I love and care about them, no need for a response. If they are not up for a call or visit, this takes the pressure off of them and relieves them of the obligatory thank-you note.
For friends nearby, I tuck the card into a box with a large container of my homemade, rustic chicken noodle soup, a stack of biscuits to dip into the soup, and an even larger stack of oatmeal raisin cookies. Good food, easily reheated feeds not only the body but the soul.
For friends far away, I found an amazing service called Spoonful of Comfort that sends care packages. You can order soup, biscuits, and cookies to be delivered with a personalized card. They have multiple soup options, chicken noodle (my favorite to send, nothing says get better, feel better more than chicken noodle soup), tomato basil, creamy corn, and potato chowder, harvest vegetable, poblano chicken chowder, and chicken and wild rice. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options.
There is something for everyone! They offer multiple different packages, a college care package, a new parent care package and a get better care package. This is my go-to for family and friends that live far away.
The card reads:
Things I don’t know:
Why bad things happen to good people
All you’re feeling right now
Exactly the right words to say
Things I do know:
You are cared about more than you realize
You will get through this
I am here for you, no matter what
For me, the sentiment on this card exactly sums up what I am feeling and the feeling that I am trying to convey.
If you would like to download the card to use, click the download below.
You can also add a cozy blanket and super squishy soft socks or a digital thermometer into the box.
As Maya Angelou says: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.
So why not give them a handmade get better gift?
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What to Include in the Care Package
You can decide what is best to include in your get better care package. For this box, I included Homemade Rustic Chicken Soup, Gluten-Free Dairy Biscuits, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
I recycled the box from an old Amazon shipping box and then I wrapped it in butcher paper.
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Next, I gathered some flowers from the yard and grabbed some twine, and wax paper for the box. Once the biscuits and cookies were done, I wrapped them in wax paper and tied the ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to include items that are easily managed and don’t take much attention. Soup is a great item because it is easily reheated. Use recipes that include well-known ingredients and that are not overly spicy. Be aware of dietary restrictions so that you deliver food that they can eat. The key is their comfort, not the gift of the package. Bread and cookies are always good to include. Who doesn’t love a cookie or bread as they are grab-and-go. Do not include anything that has complicated heating/cooking instructions. The food should be easy and comforting.
I loved making this recipe for Rustic Chicken Soup. It was delicious.
Rustic Chicken Noodle Soup
This rustic chicken soup is healthy, full of flavor and perfect as a get healthy gift.
Ingredients
- ¼ stick regular or plant based butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 celery ribs, chopped
- 12 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 package of pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- 8 oz cooked gluten free fettuccine noodles
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh italian parsley
- Optional: Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt butter in stock pot. Add chopped onion, garlic and celery and cook until soft. Add broth, potatoes, carrots, and oregano, cook through at a low boil. Once potatoes and carrots are softened, add the shredded chicken and cooked noodles. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour into container for delivery or serve! Add Italian parsley for garnish.
I also made the recipe for these Gluten-Free Biscuits.
Gluten Free Biscuits
The gluten Free Biscuits are thick and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Gluten Free (Better Batter/1 for 1) flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 stick butter (cold)
- 1-¼ cup coconut milk (full fat)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking sheet.
Stir together the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar in a bowl or food processor with paddle attachment. Add cold butter 1 tablespoon at a time until worked through and the texture is crumbly. Once all butter is combined, add the milk slowly until cohesive.
Place dough onto a work surface that is lightly floured. Pat the dough into a rectangle roughly 3/4 ‘ thick. Cut the dough into thirds and stack the three pieces of dough. Roll lightly with a rolling pin until ¾” thickness. Repeat cutting and stacking the dough. Cut the dough into circles with a cookie cutter or glass jar. Place the biscuits bottom side up (the bottom is smoother) and place on prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the biscuits with coconut milk ad bake for 20-26 minutes.
You can use all-purpose flour, unsalted butter and whole milk, I just made mine gluten-free.
Oatmeal Raisin cookies are a great remedy and a wonderful feel-good treat. These are easy to make and very tasty. You could also make Sugar Cookies.
Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
The oatmeal raisin cookies are very soft and so good!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (I used plant based butter)
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (I used organic coconut pal, sugar)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1-½ cups gluten-free Flour (I used Better Batter)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1-½ tsp ground cinnamon (for dough)
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon for raisins
- 1 cup of water for raisins
Instructions
Before you start the dough, place the 1 cup of water in a small sauce pan. Add the 1 tsp of cinnamon to the water, stir until mixed (it will seem like it is floating on the top of the water) and then turn on heat. Add 1 cup of raisins and bring to boil. The raisins will plump as they cook. Once the water is boiling, turn off heat and let cool. Once cooled, drain the raisins from the cinnamon water. The raisins will have absorbed a good amount of the cinnamon water and will be very fat and plump!
Use either a hand mixer or if using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment. Cream softened butter and sugars until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (except oats) together (flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt). When dry ingredients are combined, add to wet ingredients. Mix on low until combined together. Slowly add the oats and finally raisins. The dough will be very sticky and heavy. Chill the dough for ½ to 1 hour (this prevents spreading while baking).
While dough is chilling, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheets.
Once dough is chilled, use an ice cream scoop to scoop the dough and then roll into balls approximately golf ball size. Dough is really sticky, I recommend wearing gloves for this part. Place balls onto parchment paper or silicone mats about 2 inches apart from each other (cookies will spread).
Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned. The centers will be soft (this means they are perfectly done!). Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Cookies will crumble if you try to move them while they are hot right out of the oven. Once the cookies have cooled on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, move them to the wire rack.
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This is my favorite post.
Thank you!🌸
I make aprons fun and easy and I have been sending to friends with a Bee 🐝 button sewn on the pocket.
Bee Happy!
I have received the sweetest messages back from them, saying thank you, for thinking of me you made my day.
I love your idea so much Andrea! What a creative and thoughtful idea! I am so happy that you enjoyed today’s post, thank you for reaching out and letting me know. Have a great weekend!
Wonderful idea Leslie – that’s so kind! I love this! I’ve never thought about wrapping an open box like that, but it’s beautiful. What a great thing that would be to get from a friend. Thanks for the inspiration and the recipes, and Happy Friday!
Thank you Barbara. Wrapping a box is so easy and who doesn’t have an Amazon box sitting around? 😂 Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
I LOVE this idea… Unfortunately I have too many friends with health issues and I want to give them a hug in a meaningful way. I will never forget coming home from the hospital and my sweet daughter-in-law (Michelle) had brought me the most wonderful pot of chicken soup. My heart was warmed and I don’t think she’ll ever understand what it meant to me.
You hit the nail on the head Sheryl! That feeling that you sweet daughter-in-law Michelle gave to you with a pot of chicken soup is exactly what my goal is with this box! Have a wonderful weekend!
A great idea and so comforting. I agree, you don’t want to be intrusive, but to let someone know you care and thinking of them. During this pandemic, when we are not visiting, what a great way to say miss you.
The pandemic has been a challenging time for sure and this box is such an easy way to reach out and create connection. Thank you for reaching out Gail. Have a great weekend!
You’re amazing and this post is the best yet. I’ve only been following you for under 2 weeks and I look forward to your posts everyday.
Oh my gosh Kelly, thank you so much for reaching out. I am so glad that you are here and enjoying what I have to share. Hae a great weekend!
I love the idea and everything about this post !
I often include a box of tissues – “tear catchers “ when delivering a care package to someone.
No matter the situation – He catches our tears.
Thank you for sharing the thoughtful and stunning way to package a gift
The ideas are appreciated !
Oh my gosh, of course! Tear catchers is such a lovely idea 💗. Thank you for sharing! Have a great weekend!
Love this idea and am copying you including the recipes to make..you said what I want to say only better!!a sincere thank you.
Thank you Maxine. When I found the card, I loved the words and sentiment so much and am so happy that they resonate with you also. Have a wonderful weekend!
Timely, and thank you so much for addressing this “age-old” question of how to provide comfort and care for others we reach out to. There is such a great need for more caring and respect towards each other right now.
The “age old” question has certainly taken on a new meaning with the pandemic. Just being out of touch and not being able to see our friends and family can be softened with a box filled with comfort and love. Have a great weekend!
I have given something similar to friends over the years, sometimes with soup, or other easy to reheat entree, other times with breakfast muffins and tea. For someone convalescing I also add a magazine I think they might like, a “beach read” type book & some hand or body lotion. Plus a small bouquet of flowers they can put on their bedside table or next to their chair.
I have put mine in a decorative basket they can keep but love your idea of a decorated wrapped box. A basket was first given to me years ago when I was recovering from unexpected surgery, and I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of the giver, and so appreciative, that I have tried to “pay it forward” since then. Thanks for bringing this idea to many more people
AJ, thank you for reaching out and for sharing your thoughtful basket ideas. Sometimes hard times are a bit easier just because of a thoughtful gesture. Have a great weekend!
A lovely gift. You have captured my feelings so well. I dread being intrusive, but want to be caring. I have copied the verse for the future. (Ha Ha, another product for you to sell, these cards!)
Thank you for reaching out Jillian. You can download the card for free! Happy weekend to you!
What a wonderful idea! I love the simplicity and beauty of the packaging. How perfect that all the recipes you shared are gluten free. I will definitely use this idea in the future. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful gift!
Thank you Kim. I am happy that you enjoyed this post and that you will create you own! Happy weekend to you!
It warmed my heart to read this post and know there are good, caring people like you out there who want to give love and support to others without being intrusive. Such a kind and generous gift you created. You are very thoughtful.
What a lovely idea! This has been my favorite post. So needed! Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful thing to do! Thanks for the inspiration and recipes and your go-to source for friends far away!
Leslie this is such a great box to do! I have been a subscriber for year. but how do I download this sweet saying?
Thanks!
Do you use a homemade chicken broth or the ready made in tetra pack? The broth is always what keeps me from getting around to making home made chicken noodle soup. I love this idea and I can totally identify with wanting to do something but not knowing what to do. Soup and cookies is perfect!
This is such a cute idea!!
Inspired to send out some care packages to loved ones, just because! Love your blog 🙂
I’m new to your blog, & just love it. I have a family member that just lost her beloved husband to covid. I love the idea of the “feel better” box. Thank you!
Lori Moore
I am so glad that you are here Lori and thata you are enjoying what I have to share. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Hopefully, this box will help you both to feel a little better!
What a lovely, thoughtful way to reach out to others in need of comfort. Love the sentiment! How do I download it if I am already subscribed to your blog?? Thanks for sharing!
Hi Joyce, just fill out the form (you won’t be double subscribed). I’m so happy you enjoyed this post.
I love to take food to the ones in need of some love! I usually take a full blown meal but I LOVE this set up and appearance!
I want to try some gluten free biscuits and will try your recipe. I have a question about something in the print.
What does this mean? The 1 for 1 confused me. In the line- (Better Batter/1 for 1) flour
Thanks so much! I love your blog and even have a “One Hundred Year Old Home” posts on my Pinterest board to save your goodies!!