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Original poster

Well, I didn't expect that, damnit!

206 replies

Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 09:32

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

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'? Confused

OP posts:
quincejamplease · 30/10/2019 11:09

Cuddly toy!

getoutofthatgarden202 · 30/10/2019 11:13

Practical gifts are amazing! and at least she gets something she needs!

Practical gifts are the best TBH! (Am in my 30's and my Mum still gets me a pair of trainers most years and usually my winter coats - I'm saving for a house at the moment and don't really have much spare money so I am delighted to get these items as I would struggle to buy them for myself - but I do need them!! not very exciting but hey)

But yes you could get her something extra bits - what about a portable phone charger/battery pack - would be very useful!

Also maybe a book light for reading at night!

Shannith · 30/10/2019 11:13

Sleep mask is second most important of all and not whatever autocorrect decided it was

AwdBovril · 30/10/2019 11:16

Eye mask, yes. I use them in summer due to light coming in & waking me at 4:30 in the morning. I like the silk ones you can get online, with the adjustable elastic strap round the back. Pretty comfortable & they block about 95% of the light. And can be washed with regular soap in a hand basin, & dry easily on a radiator or in the sun (IME).

Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:21

I've just told her I will do it for her.
Her reply- I knew you would. And it makes me feel safe knowing you've done it.
Blush

OP posts:
QueenOfCatan · 30/10/2019 11:21

I love that idea and totally agree with the others that a few funny or nice things thrown in would be a great idea!

Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:22

I wouldn't have had half of these things on my list, if I hadn't asked!

OP posts:
Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:24

Its now a project in the right frame of mind.

Thank you.
But don't stop with suggestions!

OP posts:
Dirtyjellycat · 30/10/2019 11:25

Oh I love this thread, I want someone to do this for me now, and vice versa.

Can you summarise what you’re putting in so far so we can see if anything is missing? The thing I really needed in hospital was bobbles but obviously only relevant if she has long hair.

Zaphodsotherhead · 30/10/2019 11:27

I actually think this is a very good idea!

I live alone and got unexpectedly carted off to hospital for a week in the summer. Had to despatch DD3 and DS2 to my home to search out stuff for me, which necessitated them having to rake through clean laundry piled up in the bedroom and piles of books etc. I ended up with a very, ahem, eclectic selection of things!

A ready packed bag would be great!

I'd say wide necked and sleeved garments that will go on and off easily over a drip attachment, wide-legged trousers that will fit over possible operation sites. Special interest magazines, and lots of loose change.

saraclara · 30/10/2019 11:31

What a great idea for someone who really doesn't need or want more clutter! And it sounds really fun to put together.

Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:32

She only asked last night and I was Hmm.....she gave basic list but got so many ideas now, it no longer seems a chore, more a gift. And I know she will be surprised at what ive put in .....Ive ruled nothing out!
Im wondering whether to get stuff first now, then the bag!! Just to ensure there is room!

OP posts:
vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 30/10/2019 11:33

One of those squishy pillows for travel - pillows can be quite hard to come by on a ward.

hand fan, it can get hot and stuffy on a ward

cosy socks, it can get cold

cold flask for bedside water, it can be dry

vibrator, it can be boring

Nottobesoldseparately · 30/10/2019 11:35

What kind of bag are you going to get?

Do you want to do bags within bags?

So packing cubes with her bedclothes in.
A wash bag
A pencil case
Make up bag.....for the handcream, lip balm etc
So that it's all to hand in a neat and orderly way without stuff getting mixed up?

I think I'm going to do this for my PIL or at least suggest it as FIL has dementia and it's making my poor MIL incredibly ill now looking after him.

AintNobodyHereButUsChickens · 30/10/2019 11:36

Yes practical gifts all the way! My mum was given a very well stocked first aid kit once and she was thrilled Grin

I love the suggestion of a dismembered hand Grin

CustardySergeant · 30/10/2019 11:36

"Shes a great great grandmother!! Only mid 60s though."

Even the Queen who is 93 is only a great grandmother. How did she get to be a great great grandmother in her mid 60s? She is a grandmother to a grandparent then.

AGirlHasNoCake · 30/10/2019 11:36

I love this idea and I might steal it for my elderly aunty who lives in fear of going to hospital.

weymouthswanderingmermaid · 30/10/2019 11:36

Sorry I'm just flummoxed by her being a GREAT GREAT grandmother in her mid 60's?!!!

CustardySergeant · 30/10/2019 11:37

I should have added to my previous post that I think it's an excellent idea for a birthday present.

Nottobesoldseparately · 30/10/2019 11:37

Oh yes, a fan is a good idea.

Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:37

Im going to talk to her about sizes and material soon.
We will get there!
And thanks... couldn't have got my mind in right place without your help.

OP posts:
AnybodyWantAChip · 30/10/2019 11:39

Crikey - this is sounding expensive...

Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:42

Ah.Yes....her daughter gave birth to a daughter who gave birth to daughter herself.
So, yes great grandmother.

I accidentally added an extra great!! She will kill me!!

OP posts:
Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 30/10/2019 11:43

I've done this after a recent admission. I guessed that I would be kept in so packed a bag ready. I put in

Toiletry bag - toothpaste, travel toothbrush (comes in a case to keep clean), soap, travel size shower gel and shampoo, dry shampoo, hairbrush, flannel, deodorant.

Towel
PJ's
Dressing gown
Flip flops
Underwear
Tissues
Kindle (or books)
Phone charger
List of medications, phone numbers, GP name and address (maybe you could put in a small notebook so that she can fill this in)
Pens
Some money
Booked sweets
Squash
Headphones

Other bits and pieces were brought in as I needed them but this bag was plenty to be going along with.

Original poster
Redshoesandtheblues · 30/10/2019 11:43

Its because I'm a great great aunt?

OP posts: