Top 14 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Hospital Patients, Recommended by Nurses

The term 'fake' is crucial here: Real flowers are almost always prohibited in intensive care units, as one nurse pointed out, meaning they often end up being returned to the reception desk to wither away, unseen by your loved one. Instead, choose an artificial arrangement, even if the patient isn’t in the ICU. Real flowers may require care that the patient isn’t well enough to provide, and hospital staff aren’t responsible for tending to them. A faux bouquet, on the other hand, effortlessly adds a touch of cheer to the room.

While real flowers might be off-limits in hospitals, a soft blanket is always a welcome alternative. Hospitals do provide their own blankets, which you might assume are specially sterilized and mandatory...but consulting with your loved one’s care team will likely reveal that they’re perfectly fine with you bringing a clean, plush blanket to enhance the patient’s comfort.

“Comfortable clothing is always a great addition,” noted one doctor, since “patients spend the majority of their time in hospital gowns.” When selecting lounge wear for your loved one, ensure it’s loose, stretchy, or easy to adjust, allowing medical staff to perform their duties without any hindrance from complicated outfits.

Hospital stays often come unexpectedly, leaving little time to pack necessities. Providing a few phone chargers can be a lifesaver, as patients can’t easily run out to a store like Walgreens to buy their own. Ensure the chargers are extra-long, as accessible outlets near the bed might be scarce. This small gesture can help your loved one stay connected with you and find entertainment during their stay.

While it’s obvious that books are a great gift for someone confined to a small room, don’t overlook the accessories they might need to enjoy them. Essentials like reading glasses, headphones, or hearing aid accessories can be more practical than books or movies. (While everyone thinks of entertainment, they often forget the tools required to fully experience it.) If you’re unsure what’s needed, consult the patient’s family or care team for guidance.

Nurses strongly recommend this: While hospitals provide many basic care items, a hairbrush is typically not one of them. Consider bringing your loved one a brush, along with hair ties, headbands, or even a towel wrap for their hair.

While gift cards might seem like an odd choice in this context—after all, your loved one can’t exactly go out to use them or order items to their hospital room—think beyond the obvious. Gift cards for platforms like Amazon Prime or iTunes allow them to rent or purchase movies, e-books, or other digital entertainment that can be instantly accessed on their devices. This approach is often better than choosing a specific book or movie for them, as it gives them a sense of autonomy in an otherwise highly structured environment.

While you might be tempted to bring a variety of food to replace the bland hospital meals, proceed with caution. Your friend could be on a restricted diet, or their treatment area might prohibit certain items like fruit (e.g., in a cancer treatment center). Instead of guessing, consult their care team or opt for something less likely to cause issues. Nurses often suggest hard candies as a safe and thoughtful choice.

Hospital gift shops typically stock two main items: teddy-bear-and-balloon bundles and crossword puzzle books. While puzzles are indeed recommended by hospital staff, they’re likely already on your radar—and on the list of everyone else planning to bring a gift. Enhance the utility of those puzzle books by including a quality pen and a lap desk. The small swivel table provided with the hospital bed may not offer enough stability for writing and is often cluttered with medications or food. A dedicated lap desk for entertainment purposes is ideal and can even be used after they leave the hospital.

For those who prefer practical gifts, this is a fantastic option: Hospital patients often move between rooms based on their care needs, and they likely didn’t pack cloth bags to carry the gifts and belongings they’ve collected. These bags are also perfect for transporting everything home once their stay is over. To make the gift more thoughtful, consider adding something special inside, like a card or a magazine, so it doesn’t come across as overly mundane.

Organizers also fit into the 'boring but practical' category, but they’re worth including alongside more exciting gifts. Hospital patients often have a lot of paperwork to manage. While not as fun as fuzzy socks or a bag of hard candy, providing tools to keep their documents organized is a thoughtful gesture during a stressful time.

Slippers aren’t just about comfort—they also help ensure safety when walking around. Hospitals are clean, slippery environments where good grip is crucial. While grippy socks are often provided, they can be uncomfortable. A pair of slippers with excellent traction combines style and practicality.

Hospitals are bustling with bright lights and noisy equipment, making it challenging to sleep. An eye mask and ear plugs can significantly improve your loved one’s ability to rest.

Whether your loved one is fully mobile or recovering from surgery, a grabber tool can be incredibly useful. It eliminates the need to get up for items just out of reach, making life easier for both the patient and their care team. This practical gift is a thoughtful way to reduce unnecessary strain.