Care package for a family with ill child.

[QueenOfAllBiscuitsandMuffins]

I've a friend whose daughter is very ill in hospital. I wouldn't say we were close, close but we have known each other a very long time (school) and we see each other with our families probably twice a year.
I would like to send them a little package maybe with some colouring in books/stickers/reading books or small stuff the daughter can do in hospital when she feels well enough but I would also like to send something for the parents. If we lived near enough I would just take around home made food they could bung in the freezer, as they are not near enough for that I wondered if sending them some COOK vouchers would be appropriate? I don't know if that is just weird? Any suggestions or advice would be welcome.

[Nocakeformeplease]

I think it's a lovely idea and I'm sure they'll really appreciate it. My son spent long periods in hospital during my his treatment and something like this would of come in really handy x

[nocoolnamesleft]

Does the hospital have a Costa (or other chain coffee shop)? Vouchers that could be used on drinks/snacks whilst they're there can be handy.

[nicknamehelp]

Lovely idea and as a mum of a dc who spends time in hospital know it would be v welcome. Ideas i appreciate are:
Nice shower gel
Decent hand cream (the hand gel u use really dries hands)
Books for dd and friend
Magazines
Chocolate
Lip balm
Coffee voucher

Other thing i appreciate is just a text. It can be v lonely

[QueenOfAllBiscuitsandMuffins]

I appreciate you all taking the time to reply and will be sending some things based on them.

[mrschatty]

I've also spent extended time in hospital dd has a cardio condition.
I'd have liked
-NICE microwave ready meals so I'm not spending a fortune on food
-cereal bars
-nice body lotion/shower gel
-small toy/magazine for baby/child to keep spirits up
-a nice mug for when I make a brew
It's worse when your admitted as an emergency (I've been there 2x) other than planned procedures/Inpatient stay etc as you either don't have anything or just grab stuff when you get to go home.
Like pp said it IS lonely. My dd is only 8m and it's been hard. Just a visit for an hour has really brightened me up.

[Jemimapuddleduk]

Not weird at all and I can tell you that it will be so, so appreciated. We had a long stint in hospital this year with ds age 1 who was having intense chemo for AML. We had amazing support from friends. Here are some ideas. A voucher for the m&s/whatever supermarket is based in the hospital grounds is v useful, colouring books for child and parent, handcream, Beroccas, nice fudge/sweets, eye mask for parent (very bright and noisy sleeping in the hospital), books for child. Someone did us a box of sunshine - package full of yellow things for us ds and dd. If you are close enough a home cooked microwaveable meal that can be heated up on the ward kitchen. You are being very thoughtful.

[Jemimapuddleduk]

Oh and a thermos/travel cup is invaluable as you can't take mugs to bedside.

[MothersGrim]

Yes a nice travel mug with a box of posh milk lattes. Find out what is on site at their hospital, ours has a Costa, Subway and M&S so any of those vouchers would be helpful.

Amazon sell reusable sticker books - Melissa and Doug ones and some wipe clean books that come with a pen, they can be a regular activity. A nice pair of pyjamas for child depending on medical condition, so loose nightie would allow for cables etc. Some nice travel products like shampoo, moisturiser and lip balm for parents.

You're very sweet.