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and space than may be ideal. A simple, inexpensive, vase (not all vases make their way home) with a few cheerful flowers takes up less space, requires little care, and can be kept right on the sliding tray-table.

Depending on whether the gift recipient has special dietary restrictions (or is advised against eating anything other than a planned diet), food or a special drink can be a welcome (and inexpensive) thing to bring. A coffee from the patient's favorite coffee shop, or the person's favorite shake, can brighten his day. Hospitals are known for having bad coffee, and the hospitals I've encountered (as a patient or visitor) have served tea in unbreakable mugs that retain the smell of coffee from previous uses. If there is a way for the patient to heat water, disposable "hot" cups with covers, a box of high-quality (or their preferred brand of) tea bags, and even bottled water may be particularly appreciated.

Provided the individual is allowed to snack, individually wrapped snacks like cheese crackers, wheat crackers, or any snack that will curb hunger between scheduled meals, can be nice. Well washed, dried, and wrapped fruit usually makes a good gift. It may be more helpful if you include a knife, corer, and a few paper plates. Small, individual, servings of diced fruit, pudding, or custards can make an easy treat. Disposable spoons prove useful with these kinds of snacks.

Patients who complain of hospital food may appreciate a home-made version of their favorite meal, packed in a disposable, covered, dish with a bow on the cover. A tall, filled, Thermos bottle may be right for patients who have trouble getting their favorite hot beverage throughout the day or evening.

Being cold can be an issue for hospital patients, as well as for many people who are home but not able to be up and moving around. Hospital patients may appreciate a warm robe or slippers. At home patients may appreciate the same, or else a nice throw or pretty blanket or comforter.

Pretty under shirts (for both men and women) can add a layer of warmth.

Even for patients for whom being cold isn't the problem, gifts of an extra robe, slippers, or sleep wear can be appreciated when the hospital stay is a long one.

People who are, or will be, confined (in the hospital or at home) for a long stretch of time may appreciate gifts that will help them "be in touch with the world". This could be as simple an inexpensive radio with head set or ear buds (not everyone likes ear

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