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The festive season is fast approaching, meaning Christmas is right around the corner. It’s a time of year that so many of us look forward to, for the food, festivities and spending time with loved ones. However, Christmas may look a lot different for those spending their Christmas in the hospital. So here’s a list of gifts for hospital patients that will help them get through the Christmas period.
What can & can’t you bring to a hospital?
Before going out and buying gifts for hospital patients, it’s important to know what’s allowed.
Hospitals have guidelines and a duty of care to all of their patients, meaning some gifts might not be appropriate.
The guidelines can vary depending on the patient, department or hospital, so it’s important to check everything out in advance.
Here are a few things to remember when buying gifts for hospital patients.
Food
If you want to gift your loved one with food or drink, there are a few things you should check:
Can they eat/ drink, do they have allergies, or are following a diet plan?
Someone who may have had surgery, for example, may need to fast prior to or following their surgery.
Or, they may be on a diet plan because of treatment. It’s also worth asking if they have any allergies to avoid any mishaps.
It’s also worth asking the hospital or ward if there are certain foods or drinks that aren’t allowed in the hospital.
Fruit
Fruits are another thing that you have to be careful of as they may not be allowed in certain departments or areas of hospitals, for instance, where patients are having chemotherapy or cancer treatments.
This is as certain fruit such as Seville oranges and grapefruit can affect cancer treatments not to work as well.
So, be sure to speak with your loved one or their care provider before bringing them any fruit.
Plants and Flowers
This is probably one of the most common gifts that people bring for people in hospital.
However, those with hay-fever, allergies, asthma or respiratory illnesses may be sensitive to them, so it’s best to avoid them where possible.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR HOSPITAL PATIENTS
Okay, now that you’re aware of what gifts aren’t appropriate, let’s get into some great gift ideas that are, and will bring your loved one some Christmas cheer.
If they can’t spend Christmas at home, bring Christmas to them!
COMFORTING GIFTS
Hospitals are pretty basic and aren’t always the most comfortable, so here are a few gifts that will help provide the person you’re gifting with a little extra comfort.
1 – Personalised Blanket // 2 – Cashmere Scarf // 3 – Organic Bamboo Pajamas // 4 – The White Company Suede Mule Slippers // 5 – Anthropologie Knit Lounge Set // 6 – Blissy Silk Sleep Mask // 7 – Amara Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle // 8 – Bedfolk Luxury Pillow // 9 – The White Company Ribbed Hydrocotton Robe // 10 – Sleep Club Pillow Spray Gift Set
Gifts for entertainment & to pass time
Spending time in the hospital is far from fun. If you want to help your friend or family member pass time and stay entertained, here are a few gift ideas.
1 – Gaming Gift Cards // 2 – Kindle // 3 – Prime Video Subscription // 4 – Audible Membership // 5 – Nintendo Switch // 6 – Apple AirPods // 7 – Multi Charging Cable // 8 – Swear Word Coloring Book // 9 – Mini Magnetic Board Games
BEAUTY & WELLNESS GIFT IDEAS
Gifts for hospital patients don’t always have to be boring or medical related.
Just because someone is in hospital, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to look after themselves or feel beautiful.
So here are some lovely beauty and wellness gifts ideal for hospital patients.
1- Calming Lavender Trio // 2- Weleda Skin Food Body & Lip Set // 3 – La Mer The Lip Balm // 4 – Aromatherapy Associates AM to PM Collection Essential Oils // 5 – NEOM Organics Real Luxury Travel Scented Candle // 6 – OUAI Hair Refresh Kit // 7 – Aveda Travel Size Rosemary Mint & Brush set // 8 – Lily England Rose Gold Luxury Hair Brush Set // 9 – Margaret Dabbs Luxury Manicure and Pedicure Set // 10 – The Ordinary The Daily Set
THOUGHTFUL GIFT IDEAS
Aside from keeping your loved ones entertained and beautified, here are some really thoughtful gift ideas that will make their hospital stay a little more bearable.
1 – Book, Tablet & IPad Stand // 2 – Neck Reading Light // 3 – Helping Hand Item Reacher // 4 – Gownies Patient Hospital Gown // 5 – Moderne Home Decor Personalized Coffee Tumbler // 6 – Hulyah Personalized Daisy Name Necklace // 7 – PERSNL Personalised Duffle Bag // 8 – Sorry You Feel Like Shit // 9 – Luxury Afternoon Tea Gift Hamper // 10 – Lotus Biscoff Hamper //
MONEY CAN’T BUY GIFTS
Decorate their room
Aside from buying your friend or family member really nice gifts, you can also bring even more holiday cheer to them.
How about decorating their hospital room or area with some cute fairy lights, mini Christmas tree and banners.
It could be just what they need to cheer them up during their hospital stay. Of course, be sure to get permission from the hospital staff beforehand.
Gift basket
If there’s one thing the hospital isn’t, it is homely. Instead, they’re cold, dreary and, of course, clinical.
Bring some of your loved one’s home comforts that will help them feel a little more comfortable during their stay.
Pack a basket full of their favourite snacks, family pictures and any other items that remind them of home.
Video message
Spending time in the hospital is never easy, but during Christmas, it can be even more difficult for hospital patients.
It’s the time of year when most are spending time with their friends and family and having lots of festive fun.
So how about rounding up your loved ones’ favourite people and recording a nice video message, with some kind words and well wishes.
Look after their kids or pets
If your loved one has kids or pets, they may be worried about having to leave them. If possible, offer a helping hand whilst they’re away from home.
Whether it’s picking up their kids from school, preparing packed lunches or walking their dog,
Household Chores & Errands
As well as offering a helping hand with childcare and looking after pets, you can also help with household chores and maintenance.
Such as watering plants, dusting, changing the sheets, running errands or throwing away expired food in the fridge.
You can offer your help during and after their hospital stay. Which would be really helpful if they have just had surgery and need to limit their activity.
That way, once they’re released from hospital, they won’t have to worry about anything but recovering or getting back into the swing of their day-to-day life.
Pick them up when leaving hospital
If you’ve had to spend time in hospital, the last thing you want to do is worry about how you’re getting home when you’re released.
Ask your loved one if they have made any arrangements for their release.
If you can offer to pick them up or arrange transport to get them home safely and comfortably.
JUST BE THERE !
I know this guide is all about splashing the cash and buying the best gifts for hospital patients. However, the most important gift is missing!
Guess what it is… Still guessing?… Okay, I’ll tell you.
It’s your support!
Fancy gifts and treats are great, but nothing beats feeling supported and spending quality time with people you love.
At a time of year when your loved one may want nothing more than to be around their family and friends, having a great support system is priceless.
Be their shoulder to lean on and a person they can rely on.
Whether it’s visiting them often, bringing them Christmas dinner or scheduling regular face time calls during their hospital stay.
Do whatever you can to let them know they’re supported, appreciated and missed.
Okay, that’s all for now. I hope you found these ideas useful and could find the perfect gift for someone who’ll be spending time in the hospital during the holiday period.
Leave a comment below and let me know what gift you’d add to the list.
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