September is “Get Better, Get Well Gifts” month at ButYouDontLookSick.com! Let us help you find that perfect gift!
Sometimes the best way to cheer someone up, who is not feeling well, is to help them forget about their illness for a short while and think of something else. I like board games because for a good hour you are thinking of winning a game and you are able to get distracted from whatever cold, medical environment you are in to think about the game you are playing. A little friendly competition brings out the spirited “fighter” in anyone and a few laughs can’t hurt either. For those of you, who are bored with the usual board games, check out some of these games that we had never heard of before! They are fun and will be more unique then Monopoly or dominoes!

1. The Gift Trap Game. At first glance I thought this game was going to be about commercialism and shopping, but I was so wrong! The whole theme of this game is gift giving and getting to know your family and friends. How well do you really know the people in your life? This game is a conversation-starter, by each person picking the gifts they would like to give and get. You learn so much about your friend’s favorite items, hobbies, collections or secret wants. Winning is about being as good at giving the right gift, as you are at being given gifts you most want. I love games that bring people together to learn about each other and build stronger friendships. Games that are strictly competition may be fun, but no one feels “closer” at the end. Games magazine voted this game Best Party Game for 2008. You can pick up Gift Trap at Barnes and Noble Stores, or online.
2. Table Topics. I love this! Even though this product is meant for a dinner party or other social situation, I think it is perfect for visiting someone who is sick. One of the worst parts about visiting someone who is sick or in the hospital is thinking of stuff to talk about, that isn’t depressing or about “being sick”! duh! This small, easy to give, carry or store game, has little cards with conversation starters on them. Some will make you think, like “Which are you most likely to be guilty of gluttony, lust, rage, jealousy, sloth, greed or pride?” Some questions might make you giggle like, “What was the worst hairstyle you ever had?” Either way you and your friends will be talking, passing time and making great memories. They have different themes like couples, girls night out and “right or wrong”. Check out the smaller to-go versions too.
3. What’s a Dame to Do? This hilarious game, is for women. mothers, daughters, friends, sisters, and in laws, who will all have fun and learn a bit about each other too! Score points by correctly guessing players’ reactions to “Dame Dilemmas.” (And laugh a lot while you’re at it!) Dame Dilemmas are questions like, “I just got the worst haircut of my life! What’s a dame to do?”. or “The toilet is overflowing at a friend’s dinner party, what’s a dame to do? Your own answers, as well as your friends will crack you up! Everyone gets questions and answer cards. This game is like 21 questions, especially written for women. It is such fun to try and guess what your friends and family would do in some pretty embarrassing situations. Please note that this game is for ages 17+ since some topics are for adults. Sells for $34 USD
4. New Wave™ Chess & Checkers is the world’s lightest and most tenacious game board. This is the perfect tiny game to travel with, or to use in a doctor’s waiting room to pass the time. It might be small, but it has all the function of a regular chess set. The inserted pieces can’t be blown away or shaken out! They move only when you want to move them. The 1 5/8” chess pieces stand up on the 8 ¾” square with a full 3-D effect. It comes with a carrying case and a pouch for the pieces. It is only $12 USD, so this is great for a stocking stuffer for the holidays. I personally love to bring a get well gift bag to friends, filled with games, magazines, etc and this game is so small and light it is great for the adult who likes chess or checkers who may be in the hospital. It will fit right on their nightstand, and still have room for everything else. Get yours at: paradoxyproducts.com
5. Scrabble. The other games listed above are new and will sure to be a hit since it will be a new experience. It is fun to play a brand new game and make new and different memories. But I must say that one of my favorite games and memories from when I was young and in the hospital are from my mother and I playing Scrabble together to pass the time. They have many travel editions, so it is easy to carry. It is a classic and basically everyone knows how to play already, so no reading rules and learning a whole new game. You can just set up the board and start playing. I also like that thinking of words kept my “brain working”. I didn’t think of it as therapy at the time because it was fun, but playing games like Scrabble kept my brain sharp, which is so important with certain medications and treatments.

The most important thing about visiting someone in the hospital is to cheer them up, and to let them know that you care. Don’t let being shy or being afraid of hospitals scare you into not visiting. If you bring a game with you it is a great distraction and conversation starter. It also serves as a great gift after you leave!
Reviews written by Christine Donato and the butyoudontlooksick.com staff, butyoudontlooksick.com ©