The world is in the grip of a pandemic, the likes of which has not been seen for over a hundred years. While surviving lockdown to avoid covid-19 is a difficult situation for all of us, those worse affected are those people over the age of 70.
Government advice directing seniors not to leave their homes amid fears that their weaker immune systems will not be able to fight off coronavirus. As a result, there are tens of thousands of older people who are in desperate need of assistance in the form of food packages and other essentials. If you want to do your bit to help out vulnerable people in your community, it could be a great time to send them a gift basket or hamper containing all the things that will make a prolonged stay indoors over the next few months a bit more bearable.
Here are some great gift ideas for gift baskets that you might consider sending to those in need in your neighborhood.
Food Essentials Basket
The obvious first place to focus your attention is to make sure that the person for whom you are buying has the essential foodstuffs to get through this difficult period. Your first consideration should be non-perishable foods. Tinned vegetables, legumes and fish will last for ages and will help a person out of a tough corner if things start to get tough. Stables such as rice, pasta and other cereals are also a necessity. If you have any space left, fill it with a few select fresh fruits and vegetables that will provide a burst of vitamin C to help a person keep healthy.
Medicine and Vitamins Hamper
Another great idea to help an elderly person through the lockdown is to send them a basket full of basic medicines and a choice of vitamin supplements. Things like paracetamol, antacids and cold medicines are items that you should pick up from the grocery stall to fill your hamper. You could also buy some high-quality multivitamin tablets, Echinacea drops and electrolyte sports drinks to put in the basket. If you can, get in touch with the person and ask about how they are feeling and if they are on any prescribed medicine which you could pick up from the pharmacy in their stead.
Household Supplies Basket
One thing that people who are trapped indoors will quickly run out of is basic household supplies. As you probably know, locating toilet roll is no easy task at the moment, but if you can get your hands on some, consider buying an extra pack to donate to those in need. Other items that you should buy include toothpaste, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer gel and sterilized wet wipes. Basic household cleaning products, like floor cleaner, kitchen cleaner and washing-up liquid should also figure highly in your considerations.
Entertainment Hamper
If you are confident that the person you want to help out is in possession of all the essential things they will need to survive for the next few weeks, you should maybe consider gifting them something to combat the boredom of isolation. We should remember than many old people are not tech-savvy and might not have the luxury of being connected to the internet or know how to access video streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. A thoughtful idea would be to collect up any old CDs, DVDs and books that you think might help kill a few hours and send them over in a nicely presented basket.
Gourmet Box
Finally, for elderly people who saw this crisis coming and went out of their way to stock up on all the items mentioned above in advance, the best gift basket you can buy is one which is full of treats and gourmet foods. Smoked salmon, cheeses and wines, high-quality balsamic vinegar, virgin olive oil, fragrant teas and dark chocolate are the kinds of treats that help lift the spirits and mark time intervals throughout the long days. If you want to save time and you live near Sydney gift hampers are available for delivery online containing a range of luxury items that will spice up the life of whoever you choose to send it to.
Helping others less fortunate than yourself in times of crisis is the essence of community spirit. If you are looking to do something considerate for an elderly person living near you, sending one of the gift baskets or hampers mentioned above is a great place to start. But remember – there is little point in buying hampers 2-5 if the person for whom you are buying does not have enough to eat!
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