25 Gift Ideas For Someone In The Hospital
Hey ya’ll! This blog post is inspired by some of our recent hospital stays. One thing I’ve learned is that people are so thoughtful and want to help, but it can be hard to know how. I was trying to count how many times Jadyn has been admitted to the hospital and I have honestly lost count. I think it’s somewhere between 8-10 and that’s not including all of the outpatient procedures. I say this because by now I’ve got some pretty good ideas of what someone really needs when they are staying at the hospital. Many of these items are practical and inexpensive but chances are they didn’t think to bring them, especially if they were in a rush. Other things are comforting or a fun way to pass the time if you would rather go that route. So this is for you to keep in your back pocket for the next time someone you love lands in the hospital and you are looking for something to give them.
for kids
Nonslip cozy socks: These have grippers on the bottom to keep them from slipping.
Weighted stuffed animal: Helps soothe anxiety. It is also lavender scented and can be warmed in the microwave.
Headphones: Headphones can help them tune out whatever stressful situation is happening and instead focus on a tablet or iPad.
An encouraging note: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has a free service called a SmileGram where you can type a letter and they will hand deliver it to the patient’s room.
Magnetic tiles: We actually first learned about these in a children’s hospital. These are great for all ages and can be cleansed easily.
Lap tray: This would be great for a child to use when they are stuck in a hospital bed.
Toy doctor kit: Pretend play can be very therapeutic.
Detangler spray: They are usually fighting some major bed head,
Card games: This one is only $5 and covers all the classic card games for kids,
Glow in the dark painting activity: This looks like a fun way to pass time.
No mess writing tablet: I personally think this is a better choice than having to keep track of a box of crayons but that’s just me.
Sensory toys: These can decrease anxiety and help with stress relief for only $8
for the care taker
Most of these would also be good for teens and adult patients.
Starbucks gift card: When in doubt Starbucks is the best choice,
Extra long phone charger: This would be so helpful to reach an iPad or phone in a hospital bed.
Dry shampoo: Hospital showers aren’t too appealing so this helps them avoid it.
Emergen-C: Keep that immune system strong.
Word Bracelet: Personalize it with initials or something meaingful!
A meal for the family: There is a lot of eating out happening so it’s always nice to have a meal provided every now and then.
Cozy Blanket: This Amazon blanket is so soft and tends to be everyone’s favorite.
Daily Devotional: A little daily encouragement.
Not Today Satan Sweatshirt: Some days you just gotta tell him who’s boss.
Dark Chocolate: Because chocolate makes everything better.
A good pillow: This on is less than $20 with great reviews, (This is also coming from someone who has a giraffe neck and will catch a crick at the thought of using a thin hospital pillow.)
Ear plugs: We joke that staying in a hospital is like paying for a really terrible nights sleep at a five star hotel. Ear plugs help tune out the beeping machines and nurses coming in and out of the room during the night.
A clean home: Speaking from experience here. Someone had our house cleaned during one of our hospital stays and it was so nice to come home to. We were able to rest rather than worry about loads of laundry and unmopped floors.
Hope this is helpful!
xo,
Anna