sdeaaz

I have a friend going out of state for an extended surgery. I would like to put together a little bag with fun goodies that will help him pass the time... other than books, playing cards, mag.... any suggestions... thanks.

Tartan

The bag my mother appreciated the most was a small one I made with 2 straps with buttons the fastened onto the bed rail. I fastened it on the outside so the rail could still be put up and down but it contained the things she used most at hand. Her pen and cross word puzzle book, a pack of Kleenex, a few candles etc.

RST

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.

miriam

for fun how about a brain game book
magazine from a favorite hobby or activity
do hospitals have DVD players?
Maybe she means candies.

jitkaau

One of the things might be to also make a bag in which he can keep all of his medications, however, a sudoku puzzle book and pen, large print crossword puzzle book, pen, logic puzzles. Some puzzles such as Hanoi Tower can be bought cheaply - don't forget a good book. All the best.

coopah

How about a small package of Wet Wipes or something similar...and yes to the lip balm. The other suggestions were good...candies okay if the patient is not diabetic, breath mints or breath spray, a picture of loved ones.
Edited to add: write small notes of comfort in the magazines or books...nothing too personal unless they're on sticky notes that can be removed.

Barb in Louisiana

I love the idea of the bag being able to be fastened to the rail. With all of us having cellphones & chargers these days, it is amazing how hard it is to keep up with that in a hospital room. I am going to have to make one of those for our hospital stays. You are getting good ideas. When I am in the hospital, I appreciate different things. I like the old-fashioned wraps that cover your eyes so you can sleep when there's daylight out there. They are hard to find, especially the ones with the molded out area, so your eyelashes don't hit the cloth in the front. I use Vaseline on my lips and always need to take some with me. A new, cheap, pillow (think Walmart for 3 or 4 dollars) that will feel comfortable and an inexpensive colored pillow case to differentiate between the hospital ones & yours so you can take it home. I love to do puzzles - Sudoku, crosswords, word games but some people don't. A small notebook to make notes in, along with a pencil or pen that can be attached to the book.

I wish I had more ideas, but it is just hard to think of things that are mobile, small (and I know most of mine weren't), and something that people will like. I love the idea of the encouraging notes scattered about in the books. Post it notes would be really good. I would really appreciate that. If you can, have different people write and sign them. Some of them could be promissory notes. ie, will mow your yard while you are gone, will check your mail, will walk the dog when you get home....you get the idea.

tessagin

Also make sure a couple extra pens in a zippered pouch. Maybe a hand craft like some light needle work also. Got a friend of mine a little spool knitting kit and a couple balls of yarn. Anything they're interested in.

miriam

stocking stuffer stuff???

pal

a magnifying glass, emery boards, the pencils with the extra lead, a good book, a difficult crossword book and an easy large print crossword book.