ALT-1 Gifts for People in the Hospital
Most people have known someone that has, at one point, been in the hospital. You might have found this article because you currently know someone in the hospital and are looking to buy them something in an effort to show your affection and let them know they're on your mind. Hopefully this article will make your job that much easier.
First, it's important to keep in mind that these people are in a hospital bed for all or most of the day. The best gifts will be those that help kill the boredom in those monotonous hours (and they'll love your gift no matter what, but don't you want to relieve their boredom as well?).
Photos and Photo Albums
For family, a cool idea would be to let them create a photo album from your own photos. Most people have boxes upon boxes of family photos that never get sorted or put into an album. Wouldn't it be nice for Grandma, after her knee surgery, if you spent the day sifting through old photos with her, letting her pick her favorites and keep them in her very own album? Then not only did you contribute your company, making a memory through the gift, but you also gave her a present she'll cherish forever, which can eventually be turned into a family heirloom. There are also several ways to personalize the album itself to the person in the hospital. Aremoosetheir favorite animal? Are theybeachy? And if their stay is going to be a lengthy one (and you have time to wait for the personalization), you can orderthiselegant album and put their favorite quote on the front. With this gift, even after the day is over, they an sit and look at their new collection of photos.
Books and Magazines
For all situations, books are appropriate. People of all ages love books from all different authors, and what better way to pass the time than to throw yourself into a good book? Magazines are included here, but be aware that they might have already gotten their hands on hospital magazines, so be sure to personalize your selection specifically for their taste. For kids, tryHighlights. For teens, tryOfficial Xbox Magazine,Alternative Press, orSeventeen. For adults, there's more of a variety, includingMen's Journal,Redbook, andNational Geographic. Also, most people like a good puzzle book, whether it be of logic puzzles, crosswords, word searches, oranything else! And who doesn't love a good coloring book? Don't forget the crayons!*
Crafts
If none of these work, you should consider picking up a craft kit of some sort for the patient. There are tons of variety in these kits, frombracelet makingtopainting by numbers, and everything in between. Just take in consideration that the craft needs to be able to be done in the confines of the patient's hospital bed. For children,this kitcontains several kid-friendly projects. And if the patient already has a hobby, such as crocheting or knitting, go grab them some yarn and their favorite needles or hooks! Crocheting and knitting are both very cathartic, and take most of your attention, so either would help time pass quickly. Or get them a kit to learn how toknitorcrochet!
Don't stress too much over whether the patient will like your gift, though. They'll appreciate the thought more than anything.
- Links provided for magazines are for example purposes only. You can buy an issue at your local Walmart or Family Dollar as opposed to a subscription from Amazon.
