Any Gift Ideas For Bed Ridden Friend?

[poochie]

I have a friend who will be having major surgery and will be bed ridden for weeks, then very little activity for months . She is having major surgery to her gall bladder, stomach, and other parts of her internals. I would like to give her a busy basket for those long boring days. Does anyone have any suggestions to what I can put into the basket. Maybe a little bell to call someone when she needs help. I thought maybe a couple of good romance novels, deck of cards. Food is definately out as she is unsure as to what she will be able to eat for awhile as this pertains to the acid reflux problems she had. So anyone out there with suggestions. I will have to put the basket together this weekend as I last see her on Monday, for surgery is on Tuesday and will take 6-8 hours

Also if everyone can keep her in their thoughts on Monday as she is quite nervous over her surgery.

 

[TLinden16]

Crossword puzzle books. Coloring books and crayons (nothing passes time like coloring--even for adults--great stress and boredom releiver). When my dad had surgery, we picked up a handheld video poker machine and a hand held slots machine, and those kept him occupied for hours.

Karen

 

[RobinMarie]

how about some coupons good for: one good friend to rent and return a video?

one good friend to go to the library and return?

I like the other ideas as well.

 

[minniecarousel]

Does she have a portable CD player? If so, get some CDs in oldies, classical, big band - or something that you think she'd like but maybe doesn't have. Word search books (large print are the best) Those hand-held poker games are great.

I'll keep her in my thoughts - wishing her well on her surgery.

 

[bumcat]

We did this for someone at work recently. We did books, puzzles, movies and also the little hand held games like poker, slot machines, etc. Walmart has them under 10.00

 

[chyam]

There are those little lap top tables, it's kinda like a pillow on one side and a flat surface on the other, I think people use them for writing letters etc. My brother had 2 for his kids to use in the car on long trips so they had a flat surface to color pictures on.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

So she can just relax and be read to.

 

[liznboys]

Magnadoodles are fun, even for adults! My mom just gave one to my stepdad for his birthday (as a gag), but he actually uses it to jot down things to remember!!

 

[2bemarried]

A stack of movies that she's been wanting to see.....plenty of books (The shopaholic series is pretty good).
Daily newspapers if she likes to keep up with the news.
A tvguide so that she'll know what's on tv.

All the other suggestions are great too.

 

[mommytotwo]

Does she sew or knit? If so you could get her a kit or for crocheting.

 

[huey duey & luey]

have someone come in and give her a manicure and pedicure
Tara

 

[poochie]

Originally posted by mommytotwo
Does she sew or knit? If so you could get her a kit or for crocheting.

No, that was one thing she was admandent about. No knitting, crocheting or needlepoint. She said she was not that old.
She is in her mid 40's.

 

[Micca]

DVD movies are hard to beat They can consume hours of time and you can take a break anytime you wish A Netflix membership would be fantastic

 

[ElizK]

My mom made what can be best described as an adult size bib for my grandmother and for my great-great aunt. It didn't tie around the neck, but reached from neck to past the waist.
She would set a lap desk with her food on her lap, and wouldn't mess up her clothes if she dripped from plate to mouth.

It was made of a towel on one size and pretty fabric on the other. One of them even had an eyelet border around it.

 

[Nutsy]

something practical here.................a nice bed jacket


there are some really good ideas here too........I like the stable table idea too...........that's the one with the pillow underneath..........that would be good for someone to use for writing, puzzles etc on

 

[arminnie]

I've had major abdominal surgery (most of the same areas - gall bladder and reflux) and I had some major complications. I think she will be bedridden far less time than you think. I totally expected to be bedridden and they have you up and walking right away after the most incredibly complicated surgeries.

I've had to be on liquid diets and then soft food after several surgeries and I will tell you that you get so sick of sweet food. Most of the ensure type drinks are sweet - as are shakes, jello, etc.

Home made soup - just the broth for at first and then pureed later was just wonderful for me. I also loved getting some homemade mashed potatoes when I had progressed to soft food.

Does she need someone to stay with her after she gets home or to give her rides to and from the hospital?

 

[Kallison]

Some nice toiletries - hand cream, etc.

writing paper and tablet and stamps

I LOVE trashy magazines - Star, US, People and In Touch or as I call it - Cheaple.