Are you looking for items to put into a gift bag, or ideas for a pattern of bag that would be useful?
During a lengthy, far from home hospital stay, consumable items are most useful-- needing to keep track of something and then bring it home can be a bit of a burden. That said, a nice pillow case can be a really lovely thing-- softer material than the hospital issue ones, and maybe more interesting and a touch of home without the bulk of a quilt or throw.
As for small items to put in a care bag -- lip balm, unscented lotion, maybe some stamps and postcards, an itunes or Amazon card, earbuds for listening to music or audio book, a nail clipper. Those are items that have been useful to our family in the 120+ days in-hospital we've had this year. I'd have to say that candles are an item to enjoy at home -- you've got O2 in hospital rooms, very sensitive smoke detectors, just not a place to burn candles.