by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: May 15, 2012

If you have a friend or a loved one in the hospital and would like to take them a gift, but aren't quite sure what they might like, then take a few minutes to think about what you yourself would like to have if you were in the same situation.  Also, consider what types of things might make your friend more comfortable or what might make them smile.

First of all, the best gift you can give them is to be there with them.  Being sick is never fun, but having to stay in a hospital away from the comforts of your own home can make things more difficult.  It can be very comforting to someone who is ill just to have another person in the room to not only keep them company, but to also provide assistance in little ways.  A hospital can be a frightening place for some and just knowing that a familiar face is there to watch over them can be the very thing they need to relax, get some rest, and begin to recover.

If the patient enjoys music, then pick up an inexpensive MP3 player and download some of their favorite music.  You might also include music that is soft and soothing even if it isn't somthing that they would listen to regularly at home.  If the patient isn't familiar with modern electronics and you don't think they would use an MP3 player, then you might consider an inexpensive portable CD player that is easy to use.  Often, elderly patients enjoy classical or gospel music, especially when they aren't feeling well.

Often, people in the hospital have difficulty staying warm, even if the room is not cold.  This is sometimes due to poor circulation and the fact that while confined to a hospital they are not getting up and moving around very much.  A very nice gift that can be enjoyed even after they are well is a soft, plush bathrobe.  Hospital gowns are not very thick and most people don't feel comfortable having guests while they are wearing just a gown, so a bathrobe can also help them maintain a little dignity. 

Fresh flower arrangements are always bright and cheerful.  Live plants are nice too, but always take into consideration that while people are ill they don't always feel up to taking care of a plant.  It can also be very messy transporting a live plant home after a hospital stay as well. 

A fresh fruit basket can serve two purposes.  One, the bright colors of fruit are cheerful and decorative, but the fruit can also be eaten by the patient and the family members helping to

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