It’s mid-January and the winter season is in full effect. What vision does that statement conjure up? Do you see a quiet snowfall against the painted twilight sky? Folks bundled in their chunky knit sweaters and wool stocking caps? Steaming mugs of hot cocoa in front of a gently crackling fire?

Or are there 10,000 tissues on the floor in front of you and a half-eaten bowl of chicken noodle soup (that you can’t taste because—ugh—sinuses) beside the bed?

As lovely as they are, the snowy months are also known as cold and flu season. And even though the common cold often just needs to run its course, it’s always nice to get just a little bit of pampering. Especially when it hurts just thinking about running to the store for another bottle of cough syrup.

Winter’s gray days can also bring on Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression. It can mean wrestling with mood swings, loss of energy and interest, excessive sleeping, and other not-fun symptoms. People with SAD can have a hard time getting motivated to do anything or see anyone.

Why not give a little something to help the healing process along? Below are a few of Think.Make.Share Managing Editor, Tobe Reed’s, favorite ways to cheer friends and family who find themselves under the weather or in need of some day brightening.

DIY WELLNESS GIFT BASKET

FOR WELLNESS

• Green tea
• Lemon
• Honey
• Throat lozenges
• Headache and sinus relief
• Tissues
• Chicken bouillon cubes

FOR PAMPERING

• Scented soap and hand cream (all that hand washing is taxing on the skin!)
• Bottle of nail polish
• Cozy slippers or warm socks
• Fragrant candle (for when they can smell again)

FOR MENTAL HEALTH

• List of current TV and movie favorites
• List of favorite books to download (or—even better—an actual book!)
• An adult coloring book and markers or pencils
• Playing cards
• Dark chocolates (for the healing properties, obviously)

And I still haven’t found anything better than a card to let someone know I care.

I used Hallmark tissue paper and twine to give the whole package a cohesive look. Attaching two brightly colored tassels to the basket itself gives it that special touch, and can be repurposed as a bookmark, or lamp or knob adornment.

What would you include in your wellness gift basket? Or what would you love to receive in one? Share your thoughts and photos on Facebook or tag us on Instagram @think.make.share.

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— Tobe R.