Staying at a hospital is not fun. It can get very lonely, and going through treatment can be stressful, daunting, and draining. If you have a loved one in the hospital, giving them a gift can lighten up their spirits and help them through recovery. But what are good gifts for someone in the hospital?
Hospital Gift Ideas for Your Friend or Family Member
During a short or long stay, a special gift can make your loved one feel more at home.
Think about what they like and items that will help them get through the day.
1. Books and Magazines
Books and magazines are great ways to overcome the boredom of sitting in a hospital bed all day. They’re also therapeutic. Try to include:
- New books from their favorite genre or writer
- Sudoku or crossword puzzle books
- The latest issue of their favorite magazine
- Coloring books with colored pencils
2. Games and Puzzles
Bring games and puzzles, and spend time with your loved one! It will lift their mood and help them focus on something other than medication and treatment. They can also bond with other patients through games.
Look for games that don’t take up much space, such as a deck of cards or Jenga.
3. Minky Blankets
Minky blankets are a great hospital gift idea, especially for longer stays. Made with 100% polyester fabric, these blankets are incredibly soft and comforting.
Hospital bedding may not be the best quality, so a Minky blanket can help your loved one relax and get a good night’s sleep. There are various designs available for people of all ages.
4. Their Favorite Food
Hospital food has a poor reputation. If the hospital allows you to bring outside food and the doctor permits it, deliver a home-cooked meal or their favorite takeout. Candy and a drink of their choice are also good options.
5. Flowers and Plants
Flowers and plants lighten up a room. They also offer lovely, natural scents that will help your loved one feel better. For a longer stay, orchids and succulents are beautiful plants that will last for some time and keep them company.
6. Music Playlist
Music heals the soul. Create a music playlist for someone using the genres and/or artists they admire. This shows you put some thought into what they like. Plus, it will keep them entertained and in better spirits throughout their stay.
7. Scalp Massager
Light, portable scalp massagers promote relaxation and relieve stress. They’ll help your loved one wind down amid all their treatments. They can also use a scalp massager on their knee joints, ankles, and elbows.
8. Warm Socks and Slippers
Warm socks and slippers are comforting in chilly hospitals full of hard floors. A patient can wear the socks in bed and walk around comfortably in memory foam slippers.
9. Long Phone Chargers
This is a practical gift your friend or family member will appreciate. With a long phone charger, they won’t have to get out of their bed or sit in an awkward position to use their phone. You can find six-foot and 10-foot chargers on Amazon.
10. Quality Time
Taking time to sit and chat is a great gift. Since hospital stays can feel very isolating, scheduling quality time with your loved one will show you care and are thinking about them. Just check with them first to find out the best time to visit.
While deciding on what to bring someone in the hospital, consider these special items. It’s important that whatever you get your loved one, it’s a gift that reflects their interests and personality. Giving them a gift will help them know that they are in your thoughts.
Browse Sweet Hospital Gift Ideas
We’re proud to offer incredibly soft and comforting blankets, which are handmade locally by over 300 stay-at-home moms and grandmothers. Sew Sweet is committed to providing quality material in our products. Learn more by checking out Sew Sweet’s Minky blankets for people of all ages.