Gift Baskets for Families with Hospitalized Children
The comforts of home are often lost in the hospital.
Many parents of childhood cancer patients thought that they were taking their child for a routine doctor’s appointment... and wound up going directly to the hospital for admission. Imagine their situation: having to spend days – often in a city some distance from their home – without even the basic needs, not to mention having to cope with the shock of a child diagnosed with cancer. In these situations, a gift basket can be a welcome necessity to families during these trying time.
Children’s Cancer Research Fund has compiled of list of items that most families would welcome as gifts, including:
Survival Items
- Tooth brushes and tooth paste
- Shampoo, soap, hand cream, and antibacterial hand gels
- Adult pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Washcloth, razor, and sanitary napkins
- Mints, gum, instant breakfast, calming herb tea, and ready mix hot chocolate
- Note cards, writing tablets, envelopes, stamps, several pens and journals
Special Touches
- Crayons, coloring books, drawing pads, stickers, books, and children’s small games
- Blanket, tee shirts, hats, slippers and soft socks
- Thermo mug for hot or cold drinks
- Prepaid phone cards or gift cards to local coffee shops, restaurants or retailers
- Cafeteria or parking vouchers
- Map of the local area around the hospital and list of nearby restaurants with delivery numbers
- lists of phone numbers, books, and web sites for support
In addition to gift baskets, books on tape or craft kits have been helpful for families to pass the time in the hospital.
All of these items may add up to quite a bit of money. However, local businesses are often willing to donate funds or materials for gift baskets, or provide vouchers for meals or other necessities to families with hospitalized children. Try to draw on the resources of your neighborhood, schools, or local community to maximize the potential of these inspiring gifts.
Note: Please check with your local hospital to ensure there are not restrictions on what is allowed at the hospital.
