A Sunshine Basket is a powerful tool to bring encouragement and hope to a courageous child facing intense medical challenges.  When a Sunshine Basket is personally delivered to a family member or friend it becomes a healing tool for both patient and family.

How does this happen?

The inspiraton for the Sunshine Basket comes from Ronda's third book in her Down On Friendly Acres series entitled, Hats Off to Heroes. Based on a true story, her mother gives a Sunshine Basket to the neighbor girl, who in reality, sustained severe injuries in an auto accident. Ronda's mother, Jean Friend, knew the importance of “sharing sunshine” to hurting families.  How did she do this?

Ronda's mother put together a Sunshine Basket that contained notes, small gifts and handmade items that were tailored specifically to the little girl injured in the car accident.  The Sunshine Basket contained enough items so that the neighbor girl had something to open everyday for 30 days.  The books/audiobooks - which are the core of the Sunshine Basket - will provide weeks and months of enjoyment, encouragement and family time.  Your personalization of the Sunshine Basket gives an immediate boost of caring, thoughtfulness, fun and encouragement for the first 30 days of treatment or recovery/rehabilitation.

30 Days of Smiles Resource Sheet

Suggested ideas and thoughts on personalizing your Sunshine Basket

Thoughts to consider:

It's essential to follow all hospital and patient-specific guidelines when choosing gifts. For example, many hospitals don't allow live flowers in rooms to reduce the chances of allergic reactions (also find out about perfumes or room fresheners). Your recipient may also be on a restricted dietary regimen. Check with hospital staff about giving electronic gadgets because they may interfere with equipment such as heart monitors. 

(Most of these items should be inexpensive, easy to make/find, and focused on the likes/dislikes and preferences of the patient based on your knowledge of them because you are either a family member or friend.) Please feel free to share your own creative ideas that were a blessing to your loved one.
 

• Handwritten notes/cards on fun stationery with themes they like
• Burn a music cd with some of their favorite music
• Toiletry items such as toothpaste, body lotion, lip gloss, etc
• Sports themed gifts of their favorite teams:t-shrits, caps, decals, stuffed mascots
• Clothing accesories: ball cap, scarfs, socks, small jewelry items, handmade tie-dye shirt
• Stuff toys - mini and inexpensive
• Snack items
• Holiday decor items (if appropriate time of year): mini desktop xmas trees; sno-globes;valentines; seasonal stuffed toys; removeable decals; room fresheners; Christmas tree ornaments preferably handmade)
• photo collages: thumbdrive for computer/ipad; photo scrapbooks; photoframes small
• Gift cards: itunes; restaurants; clothing stores; toys r us, etc
• homemade goodies to tantalize the taste buds (must include favorite cookies and popcorn balls!)
• coupon for a free in room neck, back or foot massage (contingent on medical staff approval)
• personalized travel size mirrors with one word affirmations
• Gag gifts - just a few to tickle the funnybone 
• Friendship bracelets
• S'mores Gift Box 
• Puzzle books
• Silk flowers