Relaxation Gifts
 

I know this isn't travel related, but I could use some help. My brother is having major surgery in a couple of weeks and is just a wreck. I would like to send him some kind of relaxation gift basket with maybe a cd or 2 and other things that will help relax him. I did a google search and could not find anything. Does anyone know of an on-line company or store where I can order such a thing? Thanks.

hhmmmm, not sure what type of surgery, but what about some really comfy socks/slippers, family or photos of his favorite places and things...Chicken soup or other uplifting but "light" reading material...I bought this "make your own mobile" from Sam Flax where it hangs and you clip pictures or whatever you want on it and it moves around, very kinetic,I wonder if something like that would be appropriate, especially if he will be limited to laying still in recovery, etc he can look up and see something pleasant...best wishes to him.

Look at gaiam.com

You are a thoughtful sister! Last year I bought a CD by Krishna Das called Door of Faith and I just close my eyes and feel my blood pressure drop. I have no idea what he is saying (it's in Hindi, I believe), but it is the most relaxing thing I have ever heard. It's so soothing I imagine his is the voice of God. My sister made a copy to play while flying because she hates it, and the CD calms her down and my 80 year old mother plays it to relax.

You could also get bath products for the tub that contain Lavender and Chamomile. Doesn't sound very manly, I know. But, my big burly guy husband swears by it. Both, relieve muscle tension and offer aromatherapy impact as well.

Hi buckeyemom:

Have a look at the following link, there are some unique baskets designed especially for people who will be recovering from surgery. Check out the one named "Better Than Aspirin Relief Basket". I hope all goes well for your brother.

http://www.findgift.com/gift-ideas/pid-48058/

I had major surgery this past year, and the one thing that really kept me going during the long recovery were books. It kept my mind somewhat off of my pain and helped me be able to do something besides stare at the walls.
I also agree with the above post, you are certainly a very sweet and thoughtful sister.

sluggo, is that CD fairly widely available? For example, would I be likely to be able to find it at Borders? It sounds wonderful.

Hi CAPH52, if you're comfortable ordering on-line you can find the cd at amazon.com...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...960132-0400851

Hi, buckeyemom...from another Buckeye mom!

Check out this website: http://store.wellbaskets.com/index.html

Also, check out the Surgery & Healing CD at this website:
http://drweilsmarketplace.drugstore....BUY-PLST-0-CAT

You would probably want to send him the CD before his surgery since "This audio can be used in preparation for surgery, during surgery, and during post-surgical recovery to achieve more rapid healing, greater comfort and the maintenance of a positive mood and outlook. Research has consistently shown that mental preparation for surgery has many benefits, including less anxiety before surgery, less pain during and after surgery, less anesthesia during surgery and less medication after surgery, shorter hospital stays due to faster healing, and fewer complications and infections.

I hope all goes well!

Hi buckeyemom, just a thought for after your brother's operation.

Does he live in an area that has a video rental store. He probably does, they seem to be everywhere.

I know when I had an operation, rental movies, while I was recovering were wonderful. Kind of takes your mind off of the recovery.

Anyway, just a thought. Maybe (if it is workable) include in your gift basket a gift certificate for rental movies. The best to all of you.

Gosh these are great ideas. I facilitate a support group and am getting some really good ideas for things to do after surgery. We usually send food, but these ideas are even better.

Sorry--posted too soon--meant to wirh your brother well, Buckeyemom.

gyaaahhh...that was "WISH" him well.

Any more good ideas out there?

baymakelly, I too sometimes think "oh gads" why didn't I click the "Preview" button first, LOL.

IMHO food after an operation is not something most people really want unless it is something really easy to eat. Homemade soup or whatever. People seem to not have a big appetite after having surgery, although they sure need to eat.

IMHO what is appreciated is one visit a day, at the most for 30 minutes. Or if they are into reading books or magazines (if you know their taste in reading). And again, DVD's, assuming that they have a DVD player.

Another big help is someone trustworthy to do to errands. The grocery store, the bank, paying bills with just the patient signing the check, some laundry, perhaps some light housework.

Recovering from surgery is a tiresome job. One tends to worry about "what is not getting done", so again if there are a few trustworthy people that can take over some of the chores it is a blessing.

And anything in the way of entertainment helps get the patients mind, at least for a bit, off of their pain and weariness.

Sometimes just having a "quiet soul" with them for an hour is wonderful.

I sure was blessed with people like that.

Thanks, dcespedes. I'd rather buy it "in person" if I can find it. But am glad to know it's available at Amazon just in case.

I don't know if the surgery will have your brother incapacitated, but a friend of mine had back surgery several weeks ago and I bought her a breakfast in bed tray. It's good for not only meals but can be handy for other things as well. I also got her a pretty bedside glass water carafe.

love
roxy

turn_it_on, that is a fantastic gift for someone recovering from surgery! Good for you, I would have never thought of that.

Didn't I see somewhere that Blockbuster is starting a mail order video program?? You could get a gift cert. and then he could pick flicks when he's feeling up to it without ever leaving the house. Someone could then just pop them in the mailbox when he's finished...

I got a basket from some friends not too long ago and it had tons of good stuff in it--some magazines (great b/c my attention span was short) a trashy novel, nice lotions and some silly stuff to make me smile. I think they might have put it together themselves. It was really thoughtful and whatever you do, I'm sure your brother will appreciate it!

Another idea, send lots of silly cards throughout his recovery--not necessarily Get Well type but just cute ones. That way getting mail will mean more than just bills!

Thanks for all your suggestions. He is having neurosurgery for a tumor and I am not sure if his eyesight will be up to reading and watching videos. I do like the relaxation cd ideas.