When someone you care about is unwell, you want them to know you are thinking of them, but figuring out what is appropriate can feel awkward. Too cheerful feels tone-deaf; too sombre makes it worse. This guide covers what to send someone recovering at home or in hospital in Kenya, and what to write when the right words will not come.
Are flowers appropriate for someone who is unwell?
Usually, yes. Fresh flowers brighten a room and are a universal signal that someone is loved. A few practical notes:
- Check hospital policy first. Some wards, particularly ICU and HDU, restrict flowers for hygiene reasons. Call ahead or ask a family member.
- Choose low-fragrance blooms. Strong scents can be overwhelming for someone on medication. Gerberas, tulips and light roses work better than heavily fragrant lilies.
- Send a vase arrangement, not loose stems. Nobody recovering in a hospital bed wants to hunt for a vase. Arrangements that arrive ready to display are the considerate choice.
Beyond flowers: get well gift ideas
- Care packages: a soft blanket, herbal tea, biscuits and a good book or puzzle. Comfort is the theme. Browse our thinking of you gifts for ready-made options.
- Fruit and snacks: practical and always appreciated, especially for longer hospital stays where the food gets repetitive. See snacks and treats.
- Tea and warmth: for someone recovering at home, a chai and chill set turns rest days into something closer to self-care.
- Something to pass the time: recovery is boring. A novel, puzzle book or light game from our fun and hobbies range is often the most-used gift of all.
What to write in a get well soon card
The card matters more than the gift here. A few approaches that always work:
- Keep it warm and simple: "Thinking of you every day. Rest well, we need you back on your feet."
- Offer something specific: "I am dropping off dinner on Thursday. No arguments." Specific offers beat "let me know if you need anything" every time.
- Add lightness only if it fits your relationship: humour heals, but read the room. Save the jokes for your friend with a broken ankle, not a serious diagnosis.
- For serious illness: do not force positivity. "I love you and I am here, whatever you need" is enough.
Pair your gift with a get well soon card, and if you are stuck, our guide on writing gift messages that mean something can help.
Delivery to hospitals in Nairobi
We deliver get well flowers and gifts to homes and hospitals across Nairobi, including Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan, MP Shah, Karen Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital, subject to each hospital's visitor and delivery policies. Include the patient's full name, ward and bed number where possible, plus a phone number for a family member. Same-day delivery is available for orders placed before the afternoon cut-off.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not know which ward they are in?
Provide a family member's phone number at checkout and our delivery team will coordinate directly.
Is it better to send to the hospital or wait until they are home?
If the stay is short, deliver home; arriving to flowers is a lovely welcome back. For longer stays, hospital delivery brightens the room when it is needed most.
Can I send get well gifts from abroad?
Yes. Order and pay online from anywhere and we deliver in Kenya. Read our guide on sending flowers to Kenya from abroad.
When someone is unwell, showing up matters more than getting it perfect. Start with our thinking of you collection and let them know they are not alone.
