It can be difficult to know what to say and what to bring when a friend or family member is in hospital. Here are a few gift ideas and some helpful advice for visiting a sick friend.
Wait until they’re feeling better and in a regular room and then bring your gift.
Nothing brings cheer more than words of love from friends and family. Let everyone sign the card and chip in for a gift all-in-one with GroupTogether.
Flowers take up the limited space in the room, they die a little bit each day and are hard to transport home. Save the flowers being delivered to celebrate your friend’s homecoming.
Gifts that help fight boredom but don’t tax the brain are usually the most welcomed. Use GroupTogether to chip in for an iPad (from $300 for a mini). Check if the hospital has WiFi access. Otherwise, get one with cellular. If they already have one, chip in for a 12-month Netflix subscription or whichever platform they don't have.
Fill a basket with magazines, a novel, an inspirational book, hand lotion, nice lip balm, fun socks (feet often get cold when you’re ill), notecards, a journal, colourful pens, etc. Check out Pinterest boards for inspiration or walk the aisles of Kmart.
Ask about your friend’s hospital diet. Bring a favourite dish from a restaurant, a snack they’re craving, or something homemade. Consider a healthy option like dried fruit or a fruit basket for friends who are weight conscious.
Fresh PJs that are comfy and look nice – Peter Alexander for young people. Consider stylish slippers but make sure they aren’t slippery. A 100% cotton robe would make anyone feel valued and pampered. David Jones sells cotton robes like the one below.
Make a series of envelopes to open when they need some cheer. Inside each enclose something nice – a quote, a note, some memories you share, a photo, a gourmet-wrapped chocolate, unique tea bags, a drawing, a cartoon, or a prayer. Check out Pinterest for inspiration.
No time to make your own? Call a company to package and send it beautifully. Make sure it's a specialty pamper hamper though and take the extra time to write a heartfelt message.
Bring a gift and card from everyone
Brighten your friend's day with a gift and card from the whole gang. It's easy to organise a group gift with GroupTogether, and they'll love their card with messages from everyone.
Co-Founders, GroupTogether
Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!