10 Gifts for Someone in the Hospital to Brighten Their Day

Hospitals are not exactly the most cheerful places to be. The stark white walls, the incessant beeping of medical equipment, and the lack of personal space can make even the most resilient person feel down. However, if you know someone who is in the hospital, you can help brighten their day by giving them a gift. Need a gift for mom in labor? Read our top gift ideas for moms here. Here are some of our favorite gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on the face of anyone in the hospital.

1. Hospital Grip Socks from Dr. Socko

Let's start with something that is both practical and comfortable: hospital grip socks from Dr. Socko. If you've ever been in the hospital, you know that the socks they provide are not exactly luxurious. They're usually scratchy, uncomfortable, and have a tendency to slip off your feet. That's why Dr. Socko has created the ultimate hospital sock as the perfect gift for hospital patients! These socks are soft, comfortable, and have grips on the bottom to help prevent slips and falls. Our signature "Stronger than a MuFKR" sock have been motivating gifts for someone in the hospital with cancer.  See why patients love hospital socks so much here.

2. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs

Another common problem for hospital patients is trying to sleep through the noise. Hospitals are busy places, and there's always someone coming and going, machines beeping, and TVs blaring. An eye mask and ear plugs can be a game-changer for someone who needs to catch some zzz's. The eye mask will block out any light that might be keeping them awake, while the ear plugs will muffle the sound of the hospital. Just make sure to get high-quality ear plugs that will actually block out noise, rather than just muffling it. Did you know that you can get eye masks and earplugs at Dr. Socko? Be sure to check them out!

3. Quality Time

One of the best gifts you can give someone in the hospital is your time. Hospitals can be lonely places, and having someone to talk to can make all the difference. If they're up for it, take them on a walk around the hospital or outside if possible. Spending time with your loved one can help distract them from their illness and make them feel less isolated.

4. Long Phone Chargers

If your loved one is like most people, their phone is probably their lifeline. They use it to stay in touch with family and friends, watch movies, and even order food. But the problem is, hospital rooms don't always have outlets in convenient places. That's why a long phone charger is a must-have for anyone in the hospital. Make sure to get a charger that is at least six feet long, so they can keep their phone close even if the outlet is across the room. You can find long phone chargers at most electronics stores or online.

5. Magazines or Books

Consider bringing your loved one some reading material. Hospitals can be boring places, and having a good book or magazine to read can help pass the time. Choose something light and entertaining, like a gossip magazine or a novel by their favorite author. You could also bring a puzzle book or a coloring book to help them pass the time. Just make sure to avoid anything that might be too heavy or depressing, as your loved one is likely already dealing with a lot of heavy emotions.

6. Warm Fleece Blanket 

Hospitals do offer warm blankets to patients, but why not bring them their own personal one? A soft and warm fleece blanket can make a big difference in making your friend or loved one's hospital stay feel a bit homier. Hospitals are also really cold! Whether it's a favorite color or pattern, or one that reminds them of home, a warm blanket can provide a sense of familiarity and help them feel more at ease. You can find fleece blankets at most home goods stores or online retailers like Amazon. Just make sure to choose one that is machine washable, as hospital environments can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

7. Comfy Pillow/Pillowcase

Hospitals often provide pillows, but they may not be as comfortable as the one someone is used to sleeping with at home. Bringing a favorite pillow from home can make a big difference in how they sleep and rest. A memory foam pillow or a body pillow can provide extra support and comfort. Otherwise a nice and soft pillowcase is a great gift too! A silk pillowcase can be a luxurious addition to their bedding. Not only is it soft and gentle on the skin, but it can also help reduce friction and minimize hair breakage while they sleep. It's a small indulgence that can make a big difference in how they feel.

8. Subscription Service 

Subscription services can make great gifts for someone in the hospital, especially if they're looking for something to pass the time or learn something new. Here are a few subscription services that could be perfect for someone in the hospital:

• ClassPass: ClassPass is a monthly subscription service that gives you access to a wide variety of fitness classes and workouts. With a ClassPass subscription, your friend or loved one can try out new types of exercise and stay active, even while in the hospital. They offer a variety of classes, from yoga to spinning to strength training, so there's something for everyone.

• Headspace: Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that can help reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. It's a great gift for someone in the hospital who may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed. The app offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep sounds to help them relax and recharge.

• MasterClass: MasterClass is an online platform that offers courses taught by experts in their fields. With a MasterClass subscription, your friend or loved one can learn from people like Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, and Martin Scorsese. It's a great way to pass the time and learn something new.

• Audible: Audible is a subscription service that gives you access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and original programming. It's a great gift for someone in the hospital who loves to read but may have trouble holding a physical book. They can listen to their favorite books and podcasts while resting in bed.

9. Board Game

It's important to remember that a hospital stay can be a lonely and isolating experience, and playing games with loved ones can be a great way to combat these feelings. Who says a hospital stay has to be boring? Bring on the games! Board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, Uno, and cards can provide some much-needed entertainment, mental stimulation, and a little friendly competition. And when you're stuck in a hospital room all day, a little fun and laughter can go a long way.

10. Discharge Care Package

Hospital stays can be tough, but transitioning back to everyday life after a hospital stay can be even tougher. That's why welcome home gifts for someone who has been in the hospital can be a great way to show your loved one that you care even after they've left. Fill it with things like comfy pajamas, easy-to-eat snacks, and their favorite magazines or books. You could even include a few crossword or sudoku puzzles to keep their mind sharp. And don't forget to include some cute and cozy socks – they might not be Dr. Socko, but they'll definitely add some extra comfort to their recovery. Whether it's dropped off at their home or rehab center, a thoughtful care package can help them feel loved and supported during a challenging time.

Well, we've covered a lot of ground when it comes to gifts for someone in the hospital. We've talked about everything from warm blankets to subscription services, from comfy socks to board games. But the truth is, the best gift you can give someone in the hospital is your time and attention. Sit with them, talk to them, play a game, share a laugh. Being in the hospital can be a lonely and isolating experience, so just being there can make a world of difference. And if you're feeling really brave, maybe bring in some homemade cookies or a silly card. After all, laughter is the best medicine, right? So, get creative, be thoughtful, and show your loved one in the hospital just how much you care.