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'?

Ear plugs, lip balm, tissues!

Ive just ordered cath kidston bags from sale site. So, ive started!!

I think it came from conversation with best friend about how they live alone etc..

Tbh, we all should have a bag!!

She is very practical, but her best friend's husband dying brought it home to them both that they on their own and a grab and go bag would be useful.

I

I'm wondering if shes prompting me to do similar for myself.

Ive bought a couple bags to fit inside main bag and will work from there.

Luggage tags on cables great idea. I know how easy they can go missing!

I'll ask again about jammies or nightmares. I know i prefer the former.

I'll ask to write all relevant info in her own time and send me photos, so i can type them up and start folder.

Will do it gently though. She accuses me of being a bull at a gate when ive got my mind fixed on something.

I don't want to ruin present for her.

I have a bag like this! It is due to having to travel to take parents into hospital as an emergency on a few occasions, and having to stay overnight with them. It has become my routine bag to grab whenever I have to take anyone to hospital in an emergency!

So what I recommend having in a holdall or small rucksack:

In washbag

1. Travel Toothbrush
2. Travel Toothpaste
3. Shampoo/bodywash (hotel type/size)
4. Face washcloth and very small towel (handtowel size).
5. Hairbrush/comb
6. Antibacterial wipes small packet

In small pencil case
7) Tissues (travel packet)
8) Pen/paper (small notebook would work well)
9) USB power socket and Phone charger cable (preferably long cable)
10) Small amount of cash

In plastic bag (that can be then used for clothes that are removed.
11) Knickers x2 (and panty liners/incontinence pads as appropriate)
12) Socks x2
13) Big teeshirt that can double as nightdress (I often have a pair of joggers/leggings too)
14) Large Shawl/scalf for warmth/covering
15) Slippers/flipflops (in separate plastic bag)

None essentials but maybe nice extras:
16) Lipbalm
17) Battery power bank

18) Earphones / headphones

This type of bag for someone is a great idea if they want it!

I know it was mentioned a while ago, but lip balm is a great suggestion. I've spent time in hospital for asthma attacks/gallbladder removal and the air is so dry that my lips cracked every time.

Apple or Android app gift card if she (like me!) is a big phone or tablet user?

whoops forgot the deodorant on the washbag list!

Good call on phone gift card.
Shes never off it!

I decided to make myself up such a bag after a year when various people were rushed into hospital, and like your sis I'm alone. I must revisit it with some of the ideas here such as a tag, and phone charger. For one of the admissions I was actually looking after Dad and couldn't leave him, so unfortunately the hospital had to supply the necessities until I got a Dad sitter. Actually Mum would benefit from a bag like that but not sure about doing one without her wanting one.
Mind you my daughter said she'd just come up to see me via Matalan and Boots, which would be the easiest if she was at home, assuming they were open TBH, but if she was at work it would be easier for her to pop in and get the bag I've prepared
At my parents, to save packing, I have left toiletries, pyjamas, socks and knickers and slippers and a teeshirt, and a few bits that I need when up there, so if I'm called up in an emergency packing will be quicker.

Something else for the hospital bag perhaps is a list of names/numbers that she would like you to let know if she is likely to be in for a while, I visit the elderly through church, and we do worry a lot if someone just disappears, which hospital are they in, not so that they can be pestered, obviously, but if they do enjoy visits at home it's nice to be able to drop in occasionally. There have been a couple of occasions recently where it's taken time to find out where people are, and these particular people did wish that they'd had visits

robinsons do a mini squeezy thing of squash concentrate
better than a big bottle

Thanks for all the input.
Ive decided on an engraved trinket box that can be her personal gift, but easily slipped into bag to hold her earrings, rings and necklace.

Will start shopping for airport sized toiletries to add.
And srart putting away change and fivers for her small purse (also bought today).

Progress!!

Still no word on her preference of nightmare.

Nightwear!!!!

dont give the poor woman nightmares being in hosp would be bad enough

that was a bad auto correct!

How about this ‘Happy Thoughts’ jewellery/trinket box? I think it’s lovely.

estellabartlett.com/happy-thoughts-mini-jewellery-box-yellow-ebp3539.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqrb3-cfE5QIVBdTeCh0s6gBSEAQYCyABEgJ4HvD_BwE

pongopig she would think I'd lost my mind!
I dont mind adding obviously funny.....but not sure that hits the spot.
Its unusual though, I'll give you that.

I’d say as well as the 3m charging cable a plug with multiple USB ports. That way can charge both phone and I pad simultaneously.

Did someone say dry shampoo? Sorry if I missed it.

If enclosing a little notepad, in it write important phone numbers, just in case in a rush the phone gets left behind or the battery goes while in. That way the important names and numbers are still easily available.

(Also any allergies could be highlighted in it too.)

Definitely a proper notepad and pens. She writes letters! Old school!

Im so glad I asked, because I wouldn't have thought sso deeply about it. Or saw it as a positive gift.

I wore a selection of different vest tops with jeans / loose trousers under long loose cardi / jacket during the day, cotton nightie overnight - patients are encouraged to be up and dressed these days.
Slip on comfy shoes
Panty liners and tampons - men will not think of these.
Pants and socks
Toothbrush and paste
Shower gel that can double as shampoo - sports ones might do this
Deodorant
Books
Present for the staff when you leave

Bag will need to be smaller than hand luggage size, ideally.
I didn't feel need for dressing gown - long, loose cardi did double act.
Many hospitals have a basket of smellies that you can borrow from, towels will be provided, and many places give out a wet wipe with your food tray.
I hope your gift is not needed.

Thanks Bluetrews25 I think thats the heart of the matter. I couldn't bear thinking of her needing it.

It was like tempting fate?

But I realise she is being sensible and I'm being emotional. So I'm embracing her practicality, with the help of you lot, and try to find my own way of making it personal, not just functional.
Am tempted to slip in a fish slice and some lube!

Always a good idea.

My partner knows what to pack now, but iv normally got a bag packed already.

-Pj's x 2
-Slippers / flip flops (For going to the loo)
-Headphones (for the tv)

• Socks

-Small loose Change (Volunteers come round with sweets / papers etc)

• Pen. Puzzle book / magazine
• Hairbrush

-Toothbrush, toothpaste, Travel shampoo, travel conditioner , travel deodorant, travel body wash Dry shampoo, -Shaver (If she still shaves) -Mini scissors

In mine is just the very basics, cause in an emergency, in theory, ur not gonna worry about scissors, shampoo, headphones etc

Medication. Phone charger (Which i guess you couldnt do)