Well, I didn't expect that, damnit!

[Redshoesandtheblues]

Trying to get organized early this year for you know what... happens every year on the 25th of the last month.

I asked my sis what she would like......
And I got the suggestion that I buy an emergency bag and contents for a hospital grab and go scenario.

I get a list of what it needs to contain.

Apparently, her and her friend had been talking about the practicalities of living alone, so best to be prepared.

I get that. But its hardly a nice gift is it?
Or am I not 'getting it'?

If she usually wears earrings or a chain, perhaps a small box to put them in would be helpful as well, perhaps a decorative pillbox might do. I know when I've been to hospital, that didn't occur to me until I was already on the way, & then I was worried about losing them.

Also, money. In notes or coins that have recently changed (i.e. not a £20 note as they aee due to be withdrawn relatively soon). No idea what your budget is, BTW.

Phone charger! If you don't know what phone she uses or it's liable to change, put a selection of leads in, micro-USB, type-C and iPhone should cover it. And headphones.

Maybe a book of short stories. Puzzle books? You'll know what keeps her entertained.

Hairbrush/comb whichever she uses. Knickers might be a bit personal, not sure how close you are but they'd be useful.

I'd actually love a gift request like this, I am so sad, haha! The thought of having to make a list and get all the things and organise them.

I should have been a PA or something.

Good shout on phone charger. And trinket box, she always wears jewellery.
And money....just to buy something off trolley or shop.

Some plastic bags (or an eco alternative if she'd prefer) that she can put her worn clothes in so they're not mixed in with clean ones.

I did suggest i just gave her the money and she did it herself, as she would know what she wanted or liked.

She refused. Said she wanted it from me.
Talk about pressure!!

Extra long phone charger
In ear headphones
Coin purse with change in it

Pen and notebook, coin purse, lense cloth.

Nail scissors.

Having another think, and whilst not necessarily essential I would like:

Hand sanitizer (I got given a personalised one)
Hand cream
Wipes
Lip balm
Water bottle
Cordial (she can swop and change this herself, depending on how long it sits unused, same for biscuits etc?)
Coin purse (she can add the money herself)
Tissues
Wrap, might be easier than a dressing gown
Dry shampoo
Head scarf in case she needs to hide greasy hair
Fresh knickers
Torch

God, I could go on!

I have to do clothes too?

Torch?

Oh, a manicure kit. I hate breaking my nails!!

I thought hospital, not mine shaft!!

Nottobesoldseparately you carry on.....you are my sis in so many ways!!

Haha, I said it wasn't necessary.
I have a thing for a good torch, think it's because I walk the dog in the dark and go camping!!

And, I wouldn't pack clothes, just stick some fresh knickers in as they are likely to be forgotten in a rush!

Her nails and hair are important. So good call....

It depends on your budget but I'd say she should put changes of clothes in but if you can afford it a pack of warm socks and spare knockers would be good. A dressing gown would be good to take to hospital but again, depends on budget.

The suggestion above for cordial is good - you can get little tiny ones that are super strong, you just squirt a dash in. I'll be putting them in my labour bag this time around.

My budget does not stretch to spare knockers PurplePuffin

Spare knockers, yes very important 🤣

Tweezers - with a tag attached saying "in case of coma please pluck my chin"

Phone charger with an extra long lead - so she can use her phone when it's charging without contortions.

Ear plugs - most important of all!
Sleep mask - se I don't most important
Comfortable headphones
Comfy things to wear in bed not necessarily Pjs. More lounge wear - comfy yoga pants and long and short sleeve tops. No buttons! If you are ill enough to be i hospital buttons can be too much
Slippers line shoes that can be pulled on but have proper grippy soles - again stays in hospital mean you are often unsteady on your feet do these are very helpful.

Sweets - lots of them, whatever her favourites are. Ones you can suck for an energy boost if you are feeling crap and can't manage food or are NBM
Lavender or similar relaxing spray
Phone data top up card - hospital Wifi can be a bit hit and miss
Nice family photo
Lip balm - carmex in the small yellow tins is the best by miles
Toothpaste and brush
Face wipes

Veteran of emergency admissions that turn into weeks.

I would add to the essential list:
Headphones and/or earplugs. I found it hard to sleep when I was in hospital a few years ago purely due to noise
Reading material - maybe a couple of books by her favourite author
If she likes puzzles, maybe a jumbo edition with a variety, eg wordsearch, sudoku, crosswords, etc

What an interesting present!
My suggestions are:

Earplugs and eye mask
Toothbrush and mini toothpaste
Small packs of food seasoning (mayo, brown / red sauce / salt etc.) as hospital food is dire
Books
A charger bank for her phone. They hold around 4 charges so she wouldn't have to keep plugging and unplugging her phone.
A good night cream so her skin doesn't dry out in the hospital air.