A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

100 Get Well Wishes: Simple Messages to Show You Care

Whether you want to go with something funny, serious, loving or empathetic, these perfectly crafted get well wishes will show your support when someone is hurting

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Relax, recuperate and know I'm here for you, whatever you need!
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The perfect get well messages

Friends get injured. Coworkers call out sick. Parents need surgery. Grandparents receive a serious diagnosis. Whether your loved one’s condition is temporary or chronic, expected or a surprise, minor or major, sending them get well wishes is a guaranteed way to bring a much-needed smile to their face.

Doing a small act of kindness shows that you care and are thinking about them. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to find the right words, especially when someone is hurting. Do you go for humor? Sympathy? Love? It totally depends on the person and your relationship with them. To help you figure out exactly what to write in a get well card, we rounded up the best get well wishes for every person in your life.

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To help you heal, I'm sending you all my love and support—and cookies!
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Get well wishes for friends

  1. Get well soon, or I’ll be forced to come over and watch movies with you all day.

  2. I’m so sorry you’re not well. I miss you, and I hope you feel better quickly.

  3. To help you heal, I’m sending you all my love and support—and cookies!

  4. You know what makes everything better? Moms. OK, I’m not your mom, but I am your best friend and that’s almost as good.

  5. I’m sure you’ll make a speedy recovery. The flu will get tired of you soon.

  6. Game night isn’t as fun without you. Get better soon so I can beat you in Settlers of Cataan again.

  7. Love you, and hope you’re up to hanging out again soon.

  8. You get snacks, a fun robe and a dark, quiet room. Don’t think of it as a hospital stay—think of it as a spa day.

  9. Get well soon, my friend!

  10. Sending you love, hugs and hot tea!

  11. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you, and I hope you heal as fast as possible.

  12. Relax, recuperate and know I’m here for you, whatever you need.

  13. Are you really hurt, or did you just want all the yummy hospital food? Kidding! I hope you come home soon.

  14. I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well. How can I help?

  15. Here’s to resting now for a full recovery later.

  16. As soon as you’re feeling up to it, I’d love to take you out for coffee.

  17. Laughter is the best medicine, so I’ve already got 700 hilarious memes locked and loaded to send you.

  18. It may be a long road to recovery, but we’re here with you every step of the way.

  19. I really want you to feel better, so I scrapped the list of 200 karaoke songs I had prepared to sing to you. You’re welcome.

  20. Being sick is no fun, so get better and back to having fun with me soon!

Attach your get well card to a bouquet of flowers or your friend’s favorite treat for the perfect touch.

I've got everything covered at home so you can focus all your energy on healing.
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Get well wishes for spouses

  1. I hurt when you are hurting. Know I’m here for you.

  2. Here’s to doing all our favorite things together again soon.

  3. Kick this bug fast so I can kiss you on the lips again.

  4. Praying that you feel my love and support while you heal.

  5. Hugs, drugs or the Netflix password. Just say the word and I’m there!

  6. Whether we’re talking, laughing, working or just sitting quietly while you recover, the only thing that matters to me is that we’re together.

  7. Hoping you get back to your funny, smart, amazing self soon!

  8. When I said “in sickness and in health,” I meant both—with all my heart.

  9. I’m keeping your side of the bed warm for you. Can’t wait for you to be back home with me!

  10. Get well soon, my love.

  11. Whether we’re spooning in our bed or a hospital bed, I don’t care as long as I get to cuddle with you.

  12. I’ve got everything covered at home so you can focus all your energy on healing.

  13. I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well, my darling.

  14. Healing takes time, so take all the time you need.

  15. Your health is my top priority, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help you feel better (even cleaning the toilets).

  16. I know this is tough, but we’ll get through it together.

  17. I promise to care for you and love you—for as long as it takes you to get better.

  18. This will be over soon, and before you know it, we’ll be back to arguing over what to make for dinner.

  19. Thinking about you and loving you today as you recover.

  20. All my love for you as you recover.

You’ll also find great romantic inspiration in these love messages.

Here's hoping this illness passes as quickly as your middle school emo phase!
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Get well wishes for siblings

  1. I’ve seen you do some pretty superhuman things, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you heal at lightning speed.

  2. Being sick is no fun. I hope you feel better soon.

  3. If you wanted flowers, you could have just said so—you didn’t have to get sick!

  4. Sending healthy, healing, happy vibes your way.

  5. I made you a get well cake. But I ate it. You can lick the frosting bowl, though, just like old times!

  6. M T W Th F Sa Su. Circle the day you want me to bring you dinner. You can circle more than one day. You cannot circle zero days.

  7. I care about you and want you to feel better.

  8. Hugs and kisses to help you feel better! [Attached to a big bag of Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses]

  9. Hang in there—you’re getting better every day.

  10. Feel better quickly so I can get back to teasing you (and not feel bad about it).

  11. I told you not to eat the green berries! You never listen to me.

  12. Today is the first day of your recovery. May every day get better from here.

  13. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known—you’ll get through this like a champ.

  14. Here’s hoping this illness passes as quickly as your middle school emo phase!

  15. Know that I’m right here beside your bed … and I won’t draw on your face with marker when you fall asleep this time.

  16. You’re the most stubborn person I know, so you’ll definitely beat this disease!

  17. Wishing you the speediest of speedy recoveries.

  18. Feel better soon, bro/sis. And don’t worry—I’ll help you come up with a way cooler story about how you got injured!

  19. I can’t wait to see you again, so get better quickly.

  20. Know this: You are not alone. You’ve got all of us here to love and help you.

Your get well messages will be even more powerful when paired with one of these hope quotes.

You always took care of me when I was sick—now it's my turn to take care of you.
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Get well wishes for parents and grandparents

  1. Get better soon or I’ll be forced to make you homemade chicken soup, and we all remember what happened the last time I tried that!

  2. Praying for your complete recovery.

  3. Thinking of you during this time and sending love.

  4. You always took care of me when I was sick—now it’s my turn to take care of you.

  5. Wishing you health and happiness in your recovery.

  6. I’m so sorry that you are hurting. I love you, and I’m here to help.

  7. I was heartbroken to hear about your diagnosis, and I am sending you all my love during treatment.

  8. While you’re feeling down, take strength in all of us who love you!

  9. Don’t feel like you have to be strong if you’re not feeling it. I’m here if you need to cry or vent.

  10. Just letting you know I’m thinking about you and would love to come see you as soon as you’re up for visitors.

  11. I hope this note lifts your spirits.

  12. Your strength in fighting this illness is an inspiration to all of us.

  13. I hope you know that you can ask me if you need help with anything.

  14. Take extra gentle care of yourself during this time.

  15. You are the sunshine for the whole family. I hope this cloud passes soon!

  16. You are so loved by so many, and we all want to help during this time.

  17. I’ve always admired your strength and courage, now more than ever.

  18. If hugs were medicine I would cure you 100 times!

  19. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So I brought you a giant basket of apples. And applesauce. And apple pie.

  20. You are strong and brave and good and true, and you’ll make it through this too.

These strength quotes are also a great way to share get well wishes after surgery.

It's not the same here without you. Looking forward to having you back.
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Get well wishes for co-workers

  1. So sorry to hear you have to use a sick day for an actual sickness.

  2. Take all the time you need to feel better, and know that we’re looking forward to seeing you when you get back.

  3. Wishing you all the best in your recovery.

  4. Feel better soon, and thanks for staying home so we don’t all get sick!

  5. Praying for a speedy return to health.

  6. All of us are thinking of you and wishing you the best as you recuperate.

  7. It’s not the same here without you. Looking forward to having you back.

  8. Get well soon, or we’re all buying stock in Kleenex.

  9. Don’t worry—we’ve got everything covered here, so you can focus on getting better.

  10. Miss you lots! Get well soon.

  11. Wishing you two great days for every sick one.

  12. Sending you healing vibes for your recovery.

  13. Hope you are resting comfortably and feel better soon.

  14. Praying for an easy and uneventful recovery.

  15. It’s not as fun around this place without you. I hope you feel better soon.

  16. Get well soon or I’ll have to do the project all by myself, and no one wants that.

  17. Drink plenty of OJ, and get lots of rest.

  18. I was bummed to hear you’re sick. I hope it passes quickly.

  19. Your stapler misses you—better get well soon. (OK, I miss you too.)

  20. Having you out sick has made all of us realize how much you really do here! Get well soon!

You can also include one of these uplifting quotes to add a little extra sunshine to your get well soon wishes.

Collage of four get well gifts
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A little something to make them smile even more

The get well wishes above will go a long way, but sometimes a little extra is, well, extra appreciated! From gorgeous flowers to delectable treats to cool care packages, here are a few things sure to make them feel all warm and fuzzy (in the best possible way).

  • FTD Fiesta Bouquet: The bright bursts of color in this picture-perfect arrangement will provide a serious dose of sunshine for the patient. Roses, gerbera daisies and carnations in an array of pinks and oranges bring the party to them, even when they can’t get out of bed.
  • Cheryl’s Cookies “Hang in There” Treats Pail: Cookies and koalas? Yes, please! It’s hard to know what to love more: the cute little koala-adorned bucket emblazoned with the perfect pun, or the yummy cookies it’s stuffed with.
  • Harry & David Get Well Ice Cream Assortment: Talk about the ultimate self-care gift! They’ll get four different gourmet pints, each swirled with goodies like praline pecans, chocolate chunks, toffee crunch and peanut butter cups. This is the one time it’s A-OK for them not to share!
  • Mrs. Fields Feel Better Bear: For kids who have broken a bone, bumped a head or have a more serious ailment, this adorable little bear will serve as an excellent snuggle buddy. Plus, he brings cookies with him!
  • Happy Box Store Custom Care Package: The perfect care package takes a ton of time to put together … or does it? Not if you buy a “Happy Box,” which you can fill with all sorts of spa products, foods, drinks and more. And by “more,” we mean fun things like a Golden Girls mug. Who wouldn’t love that?
  • Cozy Earth Women’s Bamboo Pajamas: If she needs to take it easy for a while, she should do it in style. These editor-beloved pajamas are so comfy, she’ll want to wear them all the time, even when she’s feeling back to herself.
  • Gift Box Love Co. Spa Box: Laughter is really the best medicine, as this little care package proves. It comes with body butter, matches and a candle that says, “I wish I could take your pain & give it to someone we both really hate.” If you think that will make them laugh, you’ll definitely want to share these dark jokes too.

One more very important tip: Don’t forget to follow up with them after the worst of their illness is over—or during a prolonged illness. These “thinking of you” messages will come in handy for those situations.

Charlotte Hilton Andersen
Charlotte is an award-winning journalist who covers etiquette, relationships, psychology, health and lifestyle. She has written more than 50 etiquette stories for Reader’s Digest, spearheading the site’s popular Polite Habits and Best Messages series. With a knack for capturing the essence of an interview subject, she also specializes in human-interest and “as told to” stories. In addition to Reader’s Digest and The Healthy, her work has been published in Shape, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, O Magazine, Fitness, Redbook, Seventeen, What to Expect When You're Expecting and more.