What goes into a stress relief care package for someone at work?
April 26, 2012 7:01 AM Subscribe
What should I include in a "stress relief care package" to be delivered to my stressed and overworked girlfriend at work?
My girlfriend is swamped at work and having to work overtime and it's stressing her out. Her co-workers are in the same situation; there's too much to do, not enough people to do it, and management is clueless in several Dilbert-y ways.
I want to do what I can to alleviate a bit of the stress, short of actually hiring minions for her to get the job done, so I'm planning to deliver a "stress relief care package." So far I've thought of putting assorted candy and snacks in a basket (enough for her and her co-workers to share), but it seems like there ought to be other, more creative stuff that could go in there, and I am drawing a blank.
If you were her or one of her co-workers, what sorts of things would you like? I know probably first on the list would be some extra workers to help get things done, but I'm not sure they would fit in the basket....
My girlfriend is swamped at work and having to work overtime and it's stressing her out. Her co-workers are in the same situation; there's too much to do, not enough people to do it, and management is clueless in several Dilbert-y ways.
I want to do what I can to alleviate a bit of the stress, short of actually hiring minions for her to get the job done, so I'm planning to deliver a "stress relief care package." So far I've thought of putting assorted candy and snacks in a basket (enough for her and her co-workers to share), but it seems like there ought to be other, more creative stuff that could go in there, and I am drawing a blank.
If you were her or one of her co-workers, what sorts of things would you like? I know probably first on the list would be some extra workers to help get things done, but I'm not sure they would fit in the basket....
Best answer: Suggestions primarily for your girlfriend but:
Some kind of 'voucher' whereby you volunteer to do xyz chores she would normally have to do after work so she knows she doesn't have to worry about them when she gets home late.
Make sure the snacks include a good few healthy options, that will allow them to sustain their energy when they are working late and lunch was a very long time ago.
Voucher for a massage or a day out with you or some such to give her something to look forward to.
posted by koahiatamadl at 7:14 AM on April 26, 2012
Some kind of 'voucher' whereby you volunteer to do xyz chores she would normally have to do after work so she knows she doesn't have to worry about them when she gets home late.
Make sure the snacks include a good few healthy options, that will allow them to sustain their energy when they are working late and lunch was a very long time ago.
Voucher for a massage or a day out with you or some such to give her something to look forward to.
posted by koahiatamadl at 7:14 AM on April 26, 2012
bubble wrap!
posted by batmonkey at 7:19 AM on April 26, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by batmonkey at 7:19 AM on April 26, 2012 [6 favorites]
Best answer: Make sure there's something specifically in there for her. Special and only for her. Even if it's just a note or card. Can you make or pick up lunch for her on the way? Maybe one of her favorite things to eat.
posted by royalsong at 7:22 AM on April 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by royalsong at 7:22 AM on April 26, 2012 [2 favorites]
If this overtime has involved lots of delivery pizza dinners, then bringing them some delicious, healthy food would probably be very much appreciated. Something that can be eaten with hands and nibbled on at a desk if people can't take time to have a proper meal. Like sushi rolls from a great local place or really delicious sandwiches.
As for snacks that are delicious but healthy, unsalted almonds are great. Or a mix of peanuts and m&ms.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 7:33 AM on April 26, 2012
As for snacks that are delicious but healthy, unsalted almonds are great. Or a mix of peanuts and m&ms.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 7:33 AM on April 26, 2012
One of those neck message pillows, like the airplane neck pillows except it has "shiatsu" things inside and you plug it in. Or just the back massage thing that lies on top of your chair. Or one of the foot massage things that you put your feet on top of.
posted by thebazilist at 7:35 AM on April 26, 2012
posted by thebazilist at 7:35 AM on April 26, 2012
Here's a previous, similiar question.
Nthing healthy snacks.
One of those over-the-neck massagers might be greatly appreciated.
A gel eyepack that she can keep in the work fridge and use from time to time during a break.
posted by yawper at 7:39 AM on April 26, 2012
Nthing healthy snacks.
One of those over-the-neck massagers might be greatly appreciated.
A gel eyepack that she can keep in the work fridge and use from time to time during a break.
posted by yawper at 7:39 AM on April 26, 2012
Healthy food all the way. At my workplace we all love chocolate and baked goods, but inevitably we end up half-jokingly cursing the people who send the cookie plates and the candy towers. When you're stressed and there's no other food around you end up eating way more of that crap than is reasonable or healthy and it just contributes to that awful over-worked, cubicle zombie feeling. If you want to send candy and sweets, try to balance it with some fresh fruit, fresh cut veggies and hummus, nuts, etc. Maybe even some real food, like a tray of assorted sandwiches.
posted by messica at 7:46 AM on April 26, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by messica at 7:46 AM on April 26, 2012 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Maybe throw a nice mug in with the tea, something that references an inside joke the two of you share or something that just looks lovely?
posted by blue_bicycle at 8:35 AM on April 26, 2012
posted by blue_bicycle at 8:35 AM on April 26, 2012
Best answer: Chamomile tea and chocolate. Maybe even "fancy" tea and a special mug, if your budget allows.
posted by salvia at 9:17 AM on April 26, 2012
posted by salvia at 9:17 AM on April 26, 2012
If I were one of her co-workers, I would like a bottle of vodka, some mixers, and a pack of cigarettes. Our PHB drives us to drink.
posted by Rob Rockets at 11:07 AM on April 26, 2012
posted by Rob Rockets at 11:07 AM on April 26, 2012
Best answer: Soothing hand cream that smells delicious (am thinking Aesop in particular - note there is a small tube not just a big bottle) that she can just take a minute or two out and luxuriate in a little "her time" in a busy day.
Natural almonds or some sort of healthy nut to munch on.
A tea cup or mug and assortment of tea/hot chocolate/chai/coffee pre-packaged mixes
Her ipod, etc filled with some new music or classics from the 80's/90's/teenage favourites
Face wipes and moisturiser so she can duck into the bathroom and refresh her face after a long day that will only get longer
posted by latch24 at 1:33 PM on April 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Natural almonds or some sort of healthy nut to munch on.
A tea cup or mug and assortment of tea/hot chocolate/chai/coffee pre-packaged mixes
Her ipod, etc filled with some new music or classics from the 80's/90's/teenage favourites
Face wipes and moisturiser so she can duck into the bathroom and refresh her face after a long day that will only get longer
posted by latch24 at 1:33 PM on April 26, 2012 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: These answers are all great. I marked a few representative ones as "best" but want to thank all of you for the great thoughts.
posted by greenmagnet at 2:28 PM on April 26, 2012
posted by greenmagnet at 2:28 PM on April 26, 2012
Best answer: It depends on your coworker and her age, but those of us in their 30s might remember those See & Know puzzle books with the invisible ink pens that revealed the answers. There was Tic-Tac-Toe, Battleship and other little logic-type games. My mom used to get them for us for road trips. I know I ran across one in a hobby shop a while back and got it for my nephew. The silliness and nostalgia and genuine fun are euphoria inducing. Under great stress, I would be tickled pink to get one of those.
posted by kitcat at 8:53 AM on April 27, 2012
posted by kitcat at 8:53 AM on April 27, 2012
Response by poster: I didn't see that last answer till I had already delivered the package, unfortunately, because I love it. I'll have to create a follow-up package later with some of the other ideas like that one, that I didn't have time to get into this one.
The whole mission was a great success...thanks again to all of you!
posted by greenmagnet at 1:12 PM on April 27, 2012
The whole mission was a great success...thanks again to all of you!
posted by greenmagnet at 1:12 PM on April 27, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
Those eye pillows that smell good
Koosh balls or stress balls or any squeezy things
A book of jokes or postcards of cute animals or something
Small toys or party favors
posted by xingcat at 7:03 AM on April 26, 2012 [1 favorite]