need idea for hospital bag
 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

stocking stuffer stuff???

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.

What will the peron be able to do?

I really like the idea of a bag that can be hung on the side rail. Sometimes it is so hard to reach the table or stand near the bed!!

An inexpensive small lamp and an extension cord. My MIL was in hospital for weeks and we shared staying with her. The small lamp was a wonderful idea. We could read by it, she could sleep and was just enough light for the nurses to check on her without turning on the bright lights in the room.
mechanical pencils, not regular pencils. Ther is no way to sharpen pencils.

thank you ladies so much... great ideas.... now to assemble.

A portable cd player with headphones. Maybe a cd of favorite music.

The package of wet wipes are a good idea or baby wipes. Baby wipes can be used to clean hands or face. Small, disposable toothbrushes with tooth paste already on them. Sometimes it is difficult to get up to brush teeth. Small mechanical pencil sharpener. Painters tape to put cards and well wishes on the wall or locker/closet door.
Warm socks, personal hand lotion, essential oils or candle (unlit) for scent. Travel size Febreeze, extra batteries,small amount of change for vending machine, nonperishable snacks.
The idea. Od a bag to hand on the side rail is wonderful---things are close at hand. Sometimes the overbred table or nightstand are out of reach. I also like the idea of a small clip on light. A small mirror comes in handy.
Sounds silly, but something soft and cuddly to rest a hand with an IV on, or to place just so in the small of the back, or sometimes as an extra something under the head.
Good luck to you both! You are a great friend.

small flashlight, small mirror, brush, comb, dry / no water needed shampoo, soft kleenex tissues

that shampoo is a must

Has anyone mentioned a small (lap-sized) quilt, for the foot of the bed? A bright splash of color can brighten the entire room.
The hosp. usually provides lotions and cleansers but not lip balm.
If the friend has longer hair, hair fasteners are a must.

Nice warm and regular socks are essential; that way he can control his comfort a little bit. If the hospital allows it, Neesie's suggestion of a lap quilt would be nice also. I would think wet wipes would be greatly appreciated.

how about a rice bag?

Lots of good ideas here. I make pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer, and they are nice to brighten the mood. Definitely lip balm and skin lotion, personal wet wipes. I use a small plastic carry all (like the large ones for cleaning supplies) that stays on my bed when I've been in the hospital. Great for toiletries, mints, reading glasses, notebook/pen to record meds, Dr visits, questions, etc. Warm socks are a must, best if they have gripper feet if he doesn't have slippers. A non-spill insulated water bottle is a wonderful thing. Soft foam earplugs are very useful for trying to rest.

what about a pencil sharpner or mechanical pencils. A small date book

meant to add a small hand towel with ties that would go around the neck. could be used as a bib or when applying after shave lotion