Gift for friend to help her through her baby's surgery?

[anelson81993]

Yes.... Another "What should I give?" thread.


One of my good friends has a baby having brain surgery at the end of the month. It's a pretty serious surgery and I want her to know that not only am I thinking of the baby, but her as well.

I thought about flowers, but think they are just extra junk for her to lug to hotel or home.

My next idea was a gift card to Starbucks or the like so that she can get her self a few drinks or meals during the hospital stay.

What would you get?

My mom went through 4 of my open heart surgeries before I turned 2, and 1 of my brother's. You're right about not sending flowers. Gift cards with a nice reminder to take care of herself would be a great idea. Also, the idea about texting her throughout the ordeal is a really good one. So was rolls of quarters for the vending machine. I'd send any/all of those.

It might be nice to send her a basket that also includes things that will distract her during the long hours of waiting room, but they might not get used at all. I don't know your friend--I know when my siblings and I were hospitalized when we were younger, my parents didn't want much of anything, but as we got older they started bringing books and the like. You'll probably know better than I would whether or not your friend would appreciate something like that.

I'd also suggest, if you go the basket route, including a little something for the baby, specifically something distracting. I know your primary goal was to let your friend know you were thinking of her--but I also know that some of my parents' most stressful times were during events that we had to be awake for. It's not easy getting, say, an IV into a baby, and babies don't tend to sit still for that kind of procedure (when I was very young, it got to the point that I'd freak out when anyone wearing white, even if it wasn't a lab coat, came anywhere near me, even if they weren't doctors, and it was a struggle for my parents to get me to stay still for anything involving a doctor). It doesn't have to be expensive--just something that might distract the baby for a minute or two while the doctors or nurses do what they have to do. If your friend is anything like my parents, she'll probably appreciate it.

 

[crz4mm2]

Gift basket with an age appropriate, quiet time toy for the baby and movies with snacks for the mom. That way she can pop a DVD in and watch while baby recovers.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Been There...Done That. We had a child in ICU for 3 months. It gets very expensive. No time or desire for anyone to cook, gas money, lost income etc.

Gift cards are the way to go. You could send a check but she might not even have time to cash it and she might feel obligated to put it towards bills when she really need to take care of herself a bit too.

I would check to see if the hospital has a gift card type thing for the cafeteria. She will eat a lot of meals from there and the food is not cheap. Food gift cards (goggle and find the closest places to the hospital, or to her home if the baby will not be in the hospital for too long), gas cards, visa cards or itune cards (a lot of sitting and waiting and having a few new down loads on her phone would be nice).

If money is not a huge issue and you are quite close, perhaps pay for someone to clean her house before the baby comes home. I am sure she has had no time and you really want a very clean house with a post surgery baby!

I would suggest daily text rather than calls. She can read and return them on her terms. Just one liners just as "thinking or praying for you", or "hoping for a good day for baby X".

You are being a good friend.

All great ideas! Our son was in the hospital for 4 months-these are excellent. Also, is the hospital nearby? Our son was in a hospital 1 1/2 hours away-would have loved gift cards for gas. Daily texting-how thoughtful!

 

[Arielle22]

Younger DD had several surgeries when she was a baby and I supported my sister through 3 months of my nephew in NICU.

Does your friend have an e-reader? If so maybe a gift card for book purchase. My sister read many books during my nephew's hospital stay.

I know I would have loved a gift card for a local restaurant or to have my parking paid. If there are

I believe how you present the gift cards changes how they are viewed. Given with a card with a thoughtful message would mean a lot as opposed to just mailing them without explanation.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Thanks everyone... While having a casual conversation about food places we miss(she just moved) she said there is a 7-11 by the hospital. She loves their drinks and croissants. I'll probably get her a decent one for there.

7-11 sounds silly... But she'll "get it" coming from me.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Since she will almost certainly be spending nights at the hospital, how about a comfortable pair of pants that can serve as pj bottoms? Actual flannel pj bottoms would also work as long as your friend would be comfortable walking the halls in them. I'd also include a soft pair of slippers, or comfortable slip-on shoes, since she is sure to be up and down all night.

 

[HelenePA]

Thanks everyone... While having a casual conversation about food places we miss(she just moved) she said there is a 7-11 by the hospital. She loves their drinks and croissants. I'll probably get her a decent one for there.

7-11 sounds silly... But she'll "get it" coming from me.

sounds perfect! I hope the baby does fine! Prayers to all of them.. its a very stressful time!