Gift Ideas for the Sick and Hospitalized
So you are stuck in the hospital. You probably aren't in that motorized bed for a luxury vacation, so chances are you feel pretty rotten. The phone is ringing off the hook with well-wishers, who you suspect are more curious than caring. Five ministers have stopped by, eighteen nurses keep drawing your blood (there can't be much left!), and your family is making a McDonald's run while you eat the hospital's mystery meat. A nurse just handed you information on a living will as "Standard Procedure" and to make things worse, you haven't had a really good shower in three days.

Hospital stays are no fun for anyone, but gifts can sometimes make things a little better for a sick friend. Next time you have a loved one cooped up in the hospital, try to steer clear of the conventional gifts and bring something that is actually enjoyable.

Instead of a fragrant flower arrangement to make the room smell better, bring some nice soap or lotion to make your friend smell better.

Instead of balloons, bring breakfast. That is usually the worst meal of the day for hospital patients... those powdered eggs are disgusting.

Instead of a novel, bring some magazines with lots of pictures. Who wants to concentrate on long chapters when they are sick?

Instead of bringing crossword puzzles, bring a board game. Just stay away from Monopoly or any other game that takes hours.

Instead of store-bought card, bring along a hand-written letter. Other great gifts would be a fluffy pillow or cozy socks.

Try bringing along a calling card if the hospital only allows local calls. Maybe loan your friend your laptop computer to check email or surf the net. Computer games would be a good distraction too.

Another great gift would be to offer some help at your friend's home. Maybe you could stop by and feed the dog or water the flowers. You could bring her mail by the hospital along with any other needed items from home.

Whatever you do, let your sick loved one get some rest. There is not much worse than having to entertain a crowd of visitors while you are sick (and wearing a backless gown). Always remember that the hospital is not going to be a fun place no matter what you bring, so be sympathetic and compassionate with each visit. Lighten the mood with some humor and a hug and your friend will be so glad you cared enough to come for a visit.