Tessa Quinn
When visiting a friend or relative in the hospital, it can be hard to know what to bring. While gifts can lift the patient's spirits and relieve boredom, it's important to bring something appropriate that won't interfere with their recovery. Flowers and food are common gifts, but they're not always allowed, and the patient may be on a restricted diet. Instead, consider bringing something to help pass the time, like a book, magazine, or board game. Something to make the patient more comfortable, such as a soft blanket, pillow, or warm socks, can also be a good option. Other ideas include an extension cord, charging cables, or a tablet. If you're unsure, a simple card is a nice gesture, and don't forget that your time is also a valuable gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gifts that lift spirits and relieve boredom | Board games, books, magazines, audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, crossword puzzles, coloring books, handheld games |
| Gifts that help with comfort | Blankets, pillows, fuzzy socks, comfortable clothing, slippers, lip balm, lotion, soft toilet paper, tissues, high-quality toiletries |
| Gifts that help with organization | Binder, expanding file, comfort boxes |
| Gifts that help with entertainment | Tablets, e-readers, laptops, chargers, charging cords, extension cords, power strips |
| Gifts that are edible | Favorite treats, non-perishable snacks, granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, homemade meals, restaurant meals, candy |
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Food and drink
It is also important to consider the practicality of the food and drinks you bring. Choose foods that do not need to be eaten immediately and can be stored away or brought home. The food should not require refrigeration and should not be crumbly or easily spilled. Additionally, meals that can be frozen and eaten later, such as soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, and Mexican dishes, are ideal. This way, the patient can enjoy the food at their own pace and not feel pressured to eat it all at once.
Snack baskets are also a great option. They can include items such as granola bars, fresh and canned fruit, crackers, homemade cookies, beef jerky, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, juice, and even some chocolate or candy. These snacks can be easily carried to the hospital and are perfect for when patients and visitors need a quick bite.
If you are unsure about what to bring, you can always ask the patient or their family if they have any specific requests or dietary restrictions. This way, you can ensure that your gift of food and drinks is not only thoughtful but also helpful and appropriate for their needs.
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Comfort items
Clothing and Bedding
Soft, comfortable clothing can make a hospital stay more pleasant. Consider bringing some easy-to-wear pyjamas or a robe. Slippers are also a good idea, as they can make your loved one feel more comfortable and cosy. Hospitals can often feel chilly, so a soft, warm blanket is another thoughtful gift. Just be mindful of any intravenous (IV) drips, surgical drains, or electrocardiogram (ECG) cables that may limit what they can wear.
Toiletries
The hospital environment can be very dry, so lip balm and hydrating lotion can help keep skin moisturised. You could also bring their favourite brand of shampoo or soap to make the sterile environment feel more personal and refreshing.
Food
Food is a great way to bring comfort, but it is important to check with the hospital and your loved one first. They may be on a restricted diet, and their appetite may have changed. If possible, bring their favourite treats, especially non-perishable snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, or nuts. A homemade meal can also be a comforting taste of home.
Entertainment
Boredom can be a challenge for hospital patients. Books, magazines, crossword puzzles, colouring books, or a favourite magazine can help pass the time. If your loved one enjoys games, consider bringing a chess or backgammon set and playing with them.
Devices and Accessories
Tablets, e-readers, or laptops can provide access to books, movies, and games. Bringing an extension cord or portable charger can also be incredibly useful to keep devices charged and ensure your loved one can stay connected with friends and family.
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Entertainment
Games and Activities
Board games, cards, and puzzles can provide a fun distraction and a sense of mental stimulation for patients. They can also be a great way to spend quality time with a loved one during their hospital stay. If your friend has a special interest, like chess or backgammon, bring a board game and play with them. Alternatively, opt for a compact board game, crossword book, or puzzle that they can work on independently. For patients with limited mobility, an arts and crafts kit can offer a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment.
Books and Audiobooks
Books can provide an excellent escape from the hospital environment, helping patients pass the time and even aiding sleep. Choose a light and entertaining read that matches their interests. If holding a physical book is a challenge, consider gifting an audiobook service subscription, such as Audible, or a gift certificate for ebooks or audiobooks.
Streaming Services and Devices
A streaming service subscription, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus, can provide hours of entertainment. If your loved one doesn't have a suitable device, consider lending them one to watch or listen to during their stay.
Music and Meditation
Music can be a great way to pass the time and improve a patient's mood. Consider gifting a music streaming subscription or a pair of comfortable headphones so they can listen without disturbing others. For patients who may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, a meditation and mindfulness app, such as Headspace, can be a thoughtful gift to help reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing.
Comfort and Relaxation
A hospital stay can be stressful, so gifts that promote comfort and relaxation can be valuable. Consider an eye mask and earplugs to help block out light and noise for better sleep. A cozy blanket, soft socks, or a comfortable pair of slippers can also make a hospital room feel more welcoming and homely.
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Personal care items
Toiletries are a good option, as they can make the sterile hospital environment feel more personal and refreshing. This could include a preferred brand of shampoo or soap, as well as lip balm and hydrating lotion to combat the dry hospital air.
You could also consider bringing soft, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off, such as a soft robe or pyjamas. It is important to keep in mind any physical limitations the recipient may have after surgery or medical treatment, such as intravenous (IV) drips or surgical drains, which may restrict their clothing options.
Other personal care items that can add comfort include soft blankets and pillows, especially if the hospital feels chilly and impersonal. Fuzzy, warm socks with grips on the bottom can also be a good option to keep their feet warm and provide some traction when walking around.
Additionally, you could bring high-quality tissues and toilet paper, which may seem like a small gesture but can make a big difference during a hospital stay.
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Practical items
When a loved one is in the hospital, it can be challenging to decide what to give them that is both thoughtful and practical. Here are some ideas for practical items that can make their stay more comfortable:
Clothing
Comfortable and practical clothing can make a hospital stay more bearable. Soft robes or pyjamas that are easy to put on and take off can be a great option. Consider something washable that won't get in the way of any medical equipment, such as intravenous (IV) drips or surgical drains.
Toiletries
A small bag of their favourite toiletries, such as a preferred brand of shampoo or soap, can make the sterile hospital environment feel more familiar and refreshing. Lip balm and moisturising lotion can be especially useful in the dry hospital air.
Blankets and Pillows
Hospitals can often feel chilly and impersonal. A soft, warm blanket or a small, comfortable pillow can help your loved one feel more at home. Fuzzy, warm socks with grips on the bottom can also be a good addition to keep their feet warm.
Organisational Tools
In the days and weeks following hospitalisation, your loved one may receive a lot of important paperwork. Help them stay organised by bringing a binder or expanding file. This can be a unique and thoughtful gift, providing an easy way to keep track of hospital documents and any follow-up care instructions during their recovery.
Charging Cords and Portable Chargers
Keeping devices charged is essential for staying connected with friends and family. A long charging cord or a portable charger can ensure your loved one can access their support network whenever they need to.
Remember to consider any physical limitations or restrictions your loved one may have, and always check with the hospital about any dietary or other restrictions before bringing gifts.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some thoughtful gifts to give someone in the hospital:
- A book or magazine
- Toiletries, such as lip balm, lotion, or their favourite brand of shampoo or soap
- Soft blankets or pillows
- Comfortable clothing
- Their favourite snacks or treats, checking in advance for any dietary restrictions
- A card
- Board games or puzzles
- An extension cord or portable charger
Yes, it's best to avoid giving gifts that may interfere with the recipient's recovery. Some common gifts like flowers and food are not allowed in every part of the hospital. Always check with the hospital before bringing food or drinks.
Spending time with your loved one, whether in person or virtually, can be a great way to support them. You can also offer to help with any tasks they may be unable to do, such as feeding their pets or cleaning their home.
A unique gift idea is a "comfort box" filled with items to help someone feel safe and comforted during a stressful time. Another idea is to give them an easy way to organize their paperwork, such as a binder or expanding file.
