Jordan Ellis
When a loved one is in the hospital, it can be challenging to know what to bring them. Gifts can help lift their spirits and relieve boredom, but it's important to consider what they might need or want, as well as any hospital rules and restrictions. Flowers and food are common gifts, but they may not be allowed in certain wards, and the patient may be on a restricted diet. Instead, consider bringing comfortable clothing, books, puzzles, games, or tech. Practical gifts like personal care items or a comfort box with family photos, quotes, and treats can also brighten their stay. Alternatively, you could offer to help with any tasks or simply spend time with them, providing much-needed companionship and social interaction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food and drinks | Only bring food and drinks if the patient is not on a restricted diet. Bring food for family members sitting with the patient. |
| Entertainment | Books, magazines, crossword puzzles, handheld games, colouring books, audiobooks, podcasts, comics, balloons, flowers, stuffed toys, etc. |
| Comfort items | Blankets, pillows, warm socks, chocolates, family pictures, quotes, playlists, etc. |
| Practical items | Reusable shopping bags, binders or expanding files, chargers, cables, etc. |
| Help with chores | Catching up on the patient's laundry, mowing the lawn, picking up mail, watering plants, fetching groceries, etc. |
| Time | Spending quality time with the patient is one of the best gifts. |
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What You'll Learn
Food and drink
When bringing food and drink to someone in the hospital, it is important to check with the nurse, doctor, or dietitian beforehand. The patient may be at risk of infection or have dietary restrictions. It is also important to only bring enough food that can be eaten in one sitting to avoid leftovers, which can be unsafe and unappetizing. Here are some food and drink ideas that are suitable for a hospital visit:
Non-Perishable Items
If you are unable to bring fresh food, non-perishable items are a good alternative. Canned fish, such as tuna or salmon, are nutritious options. Other non-perishable items include processed cheese, hard salami, crackers, and canned soups or beans.
Fresh Produce
Whole fruits that are easy to eat and require no cutting or packaging, such as bananas and apples, are good options. Fresh fruit salads or whole fruit cups are also convenient and provide a quick energy boost. For vegetables, consider carrots, which can be paired with hummus or other dips.
Snacks
Snack bars, granola bars, and trail mixes are easy to carry and provide concentrated protein and energy. Homemade cookies, beef jerky, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, and even some chocolate or candy can also be included for a special treat.
Meals
Sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, and salads are all portable and can be easily eaten by the patient. Consider using whole grain bread or wraps to reduce gluten intake. If the patient has no dietary restrictions, adding some protein such as chicken or tuna to these meals can be a good way to make them more substantial.
Drinks
Water should always be the primary drink provided to ensure the patient stays hydrated. In addition, juice or milk can be brought for extra nutrition.
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Comfort items
Entertainment and Distraction
Boredom can be a common issue for patients in the hospital, so consider bringing items that can help distract and entertain them. This can include books, magazines, crossword puzzles, colouring books, or their favourite comics. If they enjoy listening to stories, consider downloading audiobooks or podcasts on their smartphone or tablet. For those who enjoy games, handheld games, a deck of cards, or small stuffed animals can be good options. Additionally, you can bring their laptop or tablet so they can watch movies, stream TV shows, or listen to music.
Personal Care Items
Sometimes, people forget to bring certain personal care items or assume that the hospital will provide everything they need. So, it can be helpful to bring items such as their favourite calming lotion, soothing lip balm, or other toiletries they may need during their stay.
Bringing items that can enhance their comfort during their stay is always a good idea. Consider a nice warm blanket, a soft pillow, or a pair of warm socks with grips on the bottom to prevent slipping. Small lamps, such as lava lamps or Himalayan salt lamps, can provide a soothing glow to the room. Essential oil diffusers can also create a calming atmosphere, but be mindful of other patients who may be sensitive to scents.
Familiar Surroundings and Memories
Being in a hospital can be an emotional experience, so bringing a sense of familiarity can be comforting. Consider creating a comfort box with family pictures, their favourite quotes, playlists, or their favourite chocolates. Alternatively, you can bring a photo board or collage with pictures of their loved ones and fond memories.
Remember, it's important to bring items that are appropriate and do not interfere with your loved one's recovery or medical care. Always check with the hospital and your loved one to ensure that any gifts are suitable and permitted.
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Entertainment
When planning to visit a friend or family member in the hospital, it is important to bring something that will lift their spirits and relieve boredom. Here are some thoughtful gifts to entertain your loved one during their recovery:
Streaming services
A subscription to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus can be a great source of entertainment. This allows your loved one to stream movies and shows during their hospital stay.
Books and magazines
Books can offer an escape from the hospital environment and provide entertainment. Choose a light read that matches your loved one's interests. Magazines can also be a great option, providing a change of pace from books.
Games and puzzles
Puzzles, crossword books, or compact board games can help keep your loved one mentally stimulated and engaged. If they have a special interest, like chess or backgammon, bring a board game and play with them.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Headphones are a great way to block out hospital noises and provide a sense of privacy. Your loved one can listen to music, audiobooks, or watch movies without disturbing their roommates.
Arts and crafts
Arts and craft kits can offer a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment, especially if your loved one's mobility is limited. Opt for kits that are less messy and easy to manage.
Streaming devices
If your loved one enjoys streaming content, consider bringing a laptop or tablet. These devices can be used to play games, stream movies, listen to audiobooks, or connect with family and friends.
Comfort items
A cozy blanket, comfortable clothing, or a favourite pillow can make a hospital stay more bearable. These items can provide comfort, warmth, and a sense of familiarity.
Remember to personalize your gifts based on your loved one's interests, hobbies, and needs. Always check with the hospital and your loved one's family to ensure your gifts are appropriate and permitted.
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Gifts for after they're discharged
If you want to give a gift to someone who has been in the hospital, but you're not sure what to bring to the hospital itself, why not consider a gift for when they're discharged? This could be a post-hospital care package, including common everyday items to save them a trip to the store when they get home. You could also include a meal or a restaurant gift card to make returning home easier and less stressful.
If your loved one is dealing with the emotional aftermath of their hospital stay, a comfort box could be a thoughtful gift. You could bring an empty shoebox and supplies to decorate it together, then fill it with items like family photos, favourite quotes, playlists, and chocolate.
If you're looking for more practical gifts, a reusable shopping bag is a good idea, as well as an easy way to organise all the paperwork that comes with a hospital stay, such as a binder or expanding file. Warm socks are also a good gift, especially if they have grips on the bottom.
You could also help with tasks that might have been neglected while your loved one was in the hospital, such as catching up on laundry, mowing the lawn, picking up mail, or fetching groceries.
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Practical help
If your loved one is in the hospital, there are many ways you can help them practically. Firstly, it is important to remember that your time is often the most valuable gift you can give. Spending time with your loved one in the hospital shows that you care, and signals your willingness to listen and support them.
You can also help with practical tasks outside of the hospital, such as catching up on their laundry, mowing the lawn, collecting mail, watering plants, or fetching groceries. These tasks will help your loved one focus on their recovery without worrying about everyday chores.
Another practical way to help is to bring items that will make their hospital stay more comfortable. This could include warm blankets, socks, or pillows. You could also bring entertainment to help pass the time, such as books, magazines, crossword puzzles, or a laptop or tablet to play games, stream movies, or listen to audiobooks.
If your loved one is facing a lengthy recovery, you could bring an empty shoebox and supplies to decorate it together, then fill it with items to comfort them, such as family photos, favourite quotes, playlists, or small treats like chocolate. Alternatively, you could organise a special visitor to brighten their day, such as a travelling musician, or bring a gift of individually wrapped treats to be opened on different days.
Finally, you can help by ensuring your loved one has everything they need for their recovery. This could include an easy way to organise important paperwork, such as a binder or expanding file, or personal care items they may have forgotten, such as calming lotion or lip balm.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to be aware of what the patient might need or want, as well as what is permitted under hospital rules. Some good options include:
- Comfortable clothing
- Books, magazines, or audiobooks
- Puzzles and games
- Personal care items
- Photos of friends, family, and pets
- Food (only with the hospital's permission)
The patient may be on a restricted diet, so it's important to check with the hospital before bringing any food or drink.
Yes, it's best to avoid anything that takes up too much space, such as large board games. It's also important to know when to leave and allow the patient to rest.
