I have a close friend who will be traveling from Iowa to Rochester, Mayo Clinic for a surgery. She will have a couple days of tests, lots of sit and wait and then surgery on 3rd day. I want to make her a box of goodies, cards, puzzle book, maybe a book, does anyone have any other ideas what I could put in the box for her and her husband, she is diabetic too, so sweets have to be limited... but want her to know I am thinking of her.... thanks for suggestions. Quilter 1234

Easy slip on slippers or no skid socks. A nice big thick towel if she will be in the hospital for a few days. Maybe a very small simple counted cross stitch like a bookmark. Something to keep her hands busy and mind off the surgery. An inspirational card.

nuts :-)

Magazines are always nice, depending on her tastes.

travel games that are easy and mindless
comic books, they're not just for kids

Card games, such as mille borne or just a deck of cards. Any hand held game or travel size game - go to a luggage store or Toy store. Does she paper piece (maybe a pincushion kit) or knit (crochet) - buy a kit from a shop or create your own.

Good wishes to her and her husband.

Puffs tissues, the hospital-issue tissues are thin and scratchy.
A container of moistened hand wipes or baby wipes 'cause sometimes for the first few days you can't get to the bathroom everytime you might want to wash your hands.
BTW, Dove sugar-free chocolates are delicious! Trust me, I usually turn my little button nose up at sugar-free confections but these are really good. Pricey, but good.
A small note pad and pencil. After anesthesia you just don't get it together for a few days and she may have occasion to want to jot down things she wants to remember or ask.
Penny

A small notebook, sticky notes, pen and/or pencil in a folder or bag. Also, an emory board, small (no odor) hand lotion, folding toothbrush, a travel tissue holder, wet wipes, and hand cleaner.
http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotes...lopetissue.htm

hand lotion & antibacterial gel, handkerchief, coins for snack/soda machine, mouth wash, chapstick, ear plugs, sleeping mask

hand lotion & antibacterial gel, handkerchief, coins for snack/soda machine, mouth wash, chapstick, ear plugs, sleeping mask

hand lotion & antibacterial gel, handkerchief, coins for snack/soda machine, mouth wash, chapstick, ear plugs, sleeping mask

Small hairbrush or comb. Lots of magazines. Small insirational and calming or funny saying book or write them in a notebook yourself and then she can use the rest for notes herself. Some scratch off lotto tickets??

Wow... you ladies are wonderful... I need to go shopping... I love all the ideas. Thank you. Quilter 1234

Also a calling card, incase they don't get cell reception in the hospital, to call to friends and family. A prayer quilt, if you have the time to throw one together, that way she can stay wrapped in love and prayers!

Go to walmart or dollar store and get the travel size of the lotions, mouthwash the give u toothbrush and paste on admission and Kleenex. make sure all this fits in a small bag so she's not lugging around a ton.

An envelop with small Amt of extra cash for hubby a phone card for him to use. Some guy magazines? Is he taking a laptop if so how about a cpl movies u have lieing around. He will have a lot of waiting time!!Ask hubby for suggestions for him
Good luck and God bless to them for a great outcome and safe trip!!

a paperback book, some snacks for hubby...he will need the energy to hold her hand....and she will love you all the more for taking care of him.

great though Tink... thank you all , so wonderful. Quilter 1234

I'm from Rochester and I know that she will spend alot of time at the clinic waiting for her appointments. I think everyone's ideas are good. Is she a quilter? If so there is a quilt shop on North Broadway just after the Silver Lake bridge and across from the Silver Lake shopping center (can't think of the name of the shopping center right now, they changed the name of the center). There is a shop in Stewartville on highway 63 South on the right hand side just as you come into the town and then there is one in Racine which is past Stewartville about 6 or 7 miles also on the right hand side of the road. There is also Apache Mall that has many stores just off highway 52 and highway 14 goes right in front of the entrance to the mall.

Don't forget a bottle of water.

Depends on the type of surgery. This may seem delicate,hope not to offend but really panties in a larger size are a luxury when you can't reach to pull up, when your body bloats after surgery etc. A soft gown to wear after the hospital gown is no longer required.
A pretty pillowcase.
A small pillow to protect body from seat belt and to use to sleep with, again depending upon the surgery.
Prayers for your dear friend. A prayer shawl would let her know others are praying. If you don't have time to whip one up call a local church, put her on prayer list & ask if they have a prayer shawl ministry.

How about a book or two to read? I ditto somebody's idea of chapstick. There are really fun flavors made for teenagers that she might enjoy....like Hershey's Kiss, Peppermint Patty, Jolly Rancher, that kind of thing.

Prayers for your friend.

her own pillow case-
my oldest daughter who has had 2 liver transplants + lots of other things has spent considerable time in hosp. always wants her own pillows/pillow cases and pjs: button up front and short sleeves to go over IV lines.

I like the pillowcase idea. You could make a themed one using Missouri Quilt Co.'s tutorial for the "tube case". They are quick and easy and you could do one in fabric that would be appropriate for her. Also maybe one of the neck thingies that people use on planes (you know, they wrap around your neck for comfort while sitting up) or even some audio books if she likes them. Bless you for what you are doing and prayers for her.

it is highly suggested to take clorox wipes to the hospital w/you. everything just doesn't get wiped down.It's suggested that you wipe down bedrails, phone, patient table, handles in bathroom! This will cut down on your chances of getting a staph infection(like mrsa) while at the hospital!My #1 gift, these days!

LIP BALM,,,, my lips always get dry in the hospital.

Books on tape or CD, with earphones, a special pillowcase, tablet to write questions and notes, change for the food machines for visitors, a small battery hand held fan for when she gets overheated in some of those hospital rooms, minty breath strips that melt on her tongue to freshen her dry mouth.

Lots of socks sugar free mints and a good inspirational book to have her read or be read to while waiting for surgery it really helps to take your mind off surgery and puts you in a good frame of mind and to remind you that he is in charge

Lots of socks sugar free mints and a good inspirational book to have her read or be read to while waiting for surgery it really helps to take your mind off surgery and puts you in a good frame of mind and to remind you that he is in charge

When my SIL goes she packs a bag. Puzzle,and crossword books, Crochet, Cards, a new lip stick, hand lotion and a lot of peanuts.

Put in a dated greeting card for each day she is to be there. A joke, inspirational saying, personal message, etc., will help cheer her and let her know you are thinking of her.
Judy