What to Put in a Get-Well Gift Basket: A Guide by Patient Type

Not sure what to bring when visiting someone in hospital? The right get-well basket depends on the patient's condition. Here is a guide from the RedRibbin team, based on deliveries to hospitals across Bangkok.

Get-well gifts by type of patient

After surgery — Patients often eat only small amounts. Soft, easy-to-eat fruit such as bananas, ripe papaya, seedless grapes and dragon fruit, plus nourishing drinks like bird's nest, chicken essence or milk, are good choices.
Cold or stomach upset — Practical items are appreciated: hand sanitiser spray, liquid soap, wet wipes and face masks.
Diabetes — Choose lower-sugar fruit such as pears, dragon fruit, green apples and berries, and unsweetened drinks.
New mothers — Nourishing drinks and fruit for recovery, or a new-baby gift set.
Thank-you for doctors and nurses — A fruit or snack basket that the whole team can share.

What to bring after surgery

Some patients are on restricted diets for the first days, so check with family or carers first. Pick items that keep well, such as bird's nest drinks, chicken essence and 100% juice, and avoid very sour, hard-skinned or strong-smelling fruit. Some hospitals do not allow flowers in critical-care rooms, so ask before sending.

Fruit and food to avoid

• Diabetes: very sweet fruit such as durian, longan, lychee and very ripe mango, and sugary drinks.
• High blood pressure or heart conditions: salty snacks and pickled fruit.
• Kidney conditions: high-potassium fruit such as bananas, oranges and cantaloupe may need limiting; check with the doctor.
• After surgery or stomach conditions: very sour fruit, hard skins, many seeds and fermented food.

This is gift guidance, not medical advice. Please check with the patient's doctor or family if unsure.

Tell us about the patient on LINE @redribbin and we will adjust the basket. See get-well baskets or our hospital delivery service to 50+ Bangkok hospitals, with 3-hour express delivery. Tel 065-996-1500