To ask what's the best thing anyone's brought you in hospital?

[brotherhoodofspam]

Sorry it's not really an AIBU but I'm looking for some inspiration. I'm traveling across the country this morning to visit my Mum who had quite major orthopaedic surgery yesterday - going to be in hospital for quite a few days, and am trying to think what would be nice to bring her. So far have home made cards from DCs, and card from DH and I, planning to get her favourite magazine, maybe some nice hand cream, she's not feeling like eating so wondered about some cherries or similar to pick at but not sure if you're allowed to take food in these days. So I was wondering if the good people of Mumsnet could tell me what was the best thing someone's ever brought you when in hospital.

When I was in hospital my lovely friend went to m&s and bought loads of lovely fresh salads and fruit pots. It was just what I wanted.

When I was in hospital for 8 weeks on traction the best things were:

My cellular wool blanket which was light and warm to replace the hospital bedcovers which weighed a ton

My laptop which kept me sane.

Because hospital food was execrable and inedible, yummy food was always gratefully received.

Headphones are pretty useful for blocking out noise at night, of which there was a lot.

Eye patches if your DM likes to sleep in darkness.

Puzzle books if your DM likes that sort of thing - eg with crosswords

Favourite non-alcoholic drinks - a bottle of sparkling water is preferable to a jug of tap water sitting on your bedside table all day.

A spritzer of favourite perfume

Sweets/chocolates

A BIG tray of assorted doughnuts which we shared with other patients and nurses although I may have eaten one or two several myself

I'm not suggesting you take ALL of the above to your DM on one visit but a selection

My baby!

A Lego hospital!

Champagne and a KFC

Recent 2 night stay:
Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel - food was awful

Strawberries

Freshly picked Victoria plums

Adult colouring book and felt tip

Lemony zingy soap

Hand wipes. Talcum powder (may not be allowed). Own pillow?

Fully charged battery pack for my mobile and a spare charger. Both came in massively useful.

Mouthwash, wet wipes for my body and some for my face, sanitary hand gel and hand cream. Aloe Vera gel for my face. Clean underwear (and they laundered my festy old ones). Some cranberry juice (pre-chilled - it's my addiction) and their lovely company when I was in pain, cranky and frustrated. They were just so beautifully normal and didn't allow me to wallow. I've managed to repay this since, and it has cemented our friendship into the "chosen family" zone.

A pound of cheddar and half a cooked chicken. Had had 1st baby, was breastfeeding and was BLOODY STARVING!!!!!!!

Hospital food very nice (truly) bit just not enough of it, especially with No1 Son never coming ff my boobies.

After having my DC one of my oldest friends bought me some lovely goats cheese, crackers and prosecco - was so appreciated!

I love that friend so much.