8 y.o. In hospital - what to take?

[saltedcaramelhotchoc]

Visiting an eight year old boy in hospital for extended period later this week. I don't know him well (know the family). He's had lots of visitors and gifts. Struggling to know what to take as a present that wouldn't be an extra nuisance or he won't have lots of already. Does anyone have any suggestions? His mum is in with him so would also welcome suggestions of nice things to have in hospital. I am lucky enough to have only been in hospital to have my children and then was in and out as fast as possible, so am slightly clueless. TIA!

Nice handcream for the mum? Skin gets so dry with all the hand washing, hand gel etc.

I'm not sure if it would be suitable but when I first started chemo someone gave me a plastic game called Rush Hour. It's a logic puzzle. All the pieces are washable. There are various different versions, including a junior one. But that one says age 8 up.

Something like this perhaps: www.hobbycraft.co.uk/artfoil-silver-penguins/608428-1000

see if you can order him a pair of children's hospital pjs from pajama fairies where they make fun and funky hospital garments to help make the stay a little more pleasant... its a charity... a rather good onetoo.

Things that would have cheered up and kept my son occupied at that age were...

Sticker books...football/superhero ones especially
Rubix cube
Kids magazine's
Top trumps cards

Snacks and magazines for mum!

Thanks all- great ideas: thank you!

Flleece blanket or an extra pillow/ cushion - anything is better than hospital bedding!

What about a mini Lego set? I got my nephew one when he was in a while ago, kept him distracted for a while.

I was going to say similar to other posters - my 8 year old Dd had an extended time in hospital and used the following the most ; a nice plain pad of paper and special gel pens , magazines with something to do on the front (eg a Lego magazine that comes with a mini build) ; vaguely healthy treat snacks (like those real fruit gummies ) ; nice squash to have with her water ; a funky cushion shaped like a rainbow emoji.
We found the two hospitals she was in actually had fantastic resources for children - they had lots of books / toys / DVD’s and messy craft - but I guess that’s completely dependent on where he is.
As for me - my favourite present was plastic flip flops and tweezers but that’s because Dd was emergency admission and I couldn’t go home and pack myself - maybe ask if she’s missed any bits ?

Thanks everyone- the hospital was actually well equipped with toys and even X box but it's nice to be able to take things, too. Thank you!

Slippers!

Some Beano comics or magazines like How It Works could be good, or those complex dot to dot books, Marvel themed or similar.
For mum I'd say things like slipper socks, handwipes, facial wipes, moisturiser, magazine, notebook and pen, small shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, some mints.