An overnight hospital stay is never fun. So a long stay feels like torture! Get a list of the gifts men actually want when stuck in the hospital, and make their day.
Nobody likes to be stuck in the hospital. But, if that’s the place for healing, that’s the place to stay.
That said, it’s boring to be in the hospital. The days are long with nothing to do.
As a nurse, I’ve taken care of a lot of men in the hospital over my career and so I’ve seen some great (and not so great) gift ideas. And, just recently, my brother spent over a month in the hospital.
Here is a list of some of the best ideas I’ve seen – gifts men actually want when stuck in the hospital!
I hope you find something useful! And, to help you remember them, I’ve created a list you can print for free!
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Connection
Hands down, hospital visits or video and phone calls come at the top of the list. Loneliness is a common complaint by people – even men – who have to spend time in the hospital.
Spend just a few minutes visiting in person or talking on the phone with your male friend. It’s a great way to show him you care.
Or, a short visit with his pet is sure to be a hit! A dog is a man’s best friend, right?
And, he doesn’t have to be a family member or close friend. A quick, informal visit with a coworker or neighbor is a priceless gift.
Text and private social media messages are also appreciated, but visits and phone calls are definitely more meaningful.
FOOD! Gifts Men Actually Want When Stuck in Hospital
I think we can all agree that hospital food is no good. It just doesn’t taste good at all. But, do you know what does taste good?
Steak (#paidlink). One of the most popular (but not the most frequent) gifts I’ve seen is a steak dinner. Have one delivered, or send them an Uber gift card in a sweet or funny card.
Better yet, bring a hot, juicy steak dinner along with a baked potato loaded with butter and sour cream, soup or veggies (for good measure). And if you really want to show the love, bring a blooming onion too! (#paidlink)
(Psst! Be sure to check ahead for diet restrictions!)
Another great product is a gift of snacks – I like the Crave Box (#paidlink). These are such a cute and fun idea, and there are a variety of boxes to match different cravings. Filled with 50 salty and sweet snacks, there’s always something good to snack on! And it’s not too expensive!
If you are short on time, headed to the hospital, and don’t have time to pre-order something, run into the closet grocery store and grab a candy bar bouquet. Always a hit – I promise!
Of course, a supply of his favorite coffee (#paidlink) might be the smallest gift that packs the biggest punch!
Floral bouquets are also a great gift. It’s fun to watch men receive flower bouquets (#paidlink). The man in your life wouldn’t probably suggest it to you as a gift to buy, but trust me, it brings a smile to a man’s face just like it does for a woman.
Entertainment
It’s no secret being in a hospital or care facility is boring. So bring something for your male friend to do to fill the time.
Something simple and surprisingly well-received by men is a set of colored pencils and coloring books (#paidlinks). Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by long-term patients, so a calming activity is a good idea.
Just the thought of dealing with the insurance company can create anxiety.
Again, it won’t necessarily be something asked for, but it will be something he’ll use to keep his mind busy. Perhaps choose a more exciting gift and throw these in as a side gift that he can appreciate later.
If the man you are visiting is a close friend or family member and you want to splurge a little, an iPad and 30-day free trial of a Prime membership (#paidlinks) are definitely included as gifts men actually want when stuck in the hospital.
Unlimited apps and free movie access are going to be game-changers for them!
Clothing – More Gifts Men Actually Want When Stuck in the Hospital
So this may not be exactly what you’re thinking of right now. While official sports team gear or brand name clothes might be what your friend likes to wear, it’s not the best gift right now.
Ever try eating while sitting in a bed or reclined chair?
No, the clothing men appreciate during a long stay are basics that are stretchy, soft and comfortable (and easy to put on or take off).
Especially helpful if a patient is doing therapy, non-skid socks (#paidlink) are a priceless gift during recovery. It helps by keeping his feet warm and prevents his feet from sliding while walking around.
Pocket t-shirts (#paidlink) are helpful as well. First, it’s not a hospital gown! And, second, a little pocket is handy if he has little items to keep track of while navigating medical equipment while he walks.
Underwear (#paidlink). Enough said.
Finally, not really clothing, but a bag with a zipper (#paidlink) is a helpful and convenient way to keep things together, close by, and safe while stuck in a small hospital room.
In closing, having to stay in the hospital or facility for a long time is never fun or pleasant. But there are certainly some affordable gifts that you can give to make that stay more enjoyable – or at least bearable.
And don’t forget, as I said at the beginning of this post, an in-person visit is the most priceless gift of all.
In fact, I recommend you start with that!
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