To ask for present ideas for 9 year old girl in hospital for months

[cultkid]

Hello someone I know is poorly in hospital and a child. They are there long term and really struggling. They are washed by their mother using a bed bath type set up. I want to send her some lovely children's soap. Can I send a children's fun body wash for a bed bath, or no?
I can't find out online. Don't want to ask the parent. She is very busy. Her child is so so sick.

I want to get the girl some bits. She is 9 years old. Asleep a lot. Very delicate atm,

Pyjamas for a nine year old? What do girls like at that age?

Any present ideas?

I thought about a writing set gel pens but idk if she has the energy? I loved stuff like that SO much when I was 9. Would send stamps in as well she they can be posted

Thank you

What a lovely thing to do! I would get something from lush - make sure it's suitable for sensitive skin. Anything from Smiggle goes down well - they do nice kits with gel pens/pencils etc in it.

That is so sweet of you.I'm not sure about the sending soap idea in because you dont know if it
might irritate her skin etc.Girls at that age like their pens and nice books,arts and crafts too.You mentioned that she sleeps a lot,so something that wouldn't drain her energy,maybe a nice blanket or pillow.

How about some cosy slipper socks? Pjs are fab or an over sized snuggly jumper ?

Does she have the energy to read or listen to audio stories? Has she got a tablet? You could buy audio books if someone sets up Audible for her.

How about some lovely small zip up or button up bags (almost like make up bags) to keep her bits and pieces in ie the sort of thing you'd buy from etsy? You could buy lip balm, hand cream, a tiny bottle of perfume spray..

Again, depending on her energy levels, bracelet making craft kits. The Works and Hobbycraft are great.

This may be above budget but a kindle. Suitable for someone with very little energy. Amazon have some deals on for Black Friday.
Otherwise I would say a new cuddly toy, jellycat or similar. Even if it's her 'hospital toy' it might keep her company while she's in.
I will keep the little girl and her mum in my thoughts and pray for her recovery.

I know it's not a 'fancy' brand but I saw a squishy soap, soap chalk, shower jelly in ASDA in bright and sparkly colours just in the normal bath section.

Would perhaps a sticker book be a good option? Or a scratch art type? Might take less energy than holding colouring pencils...

X

The brand Djeco do some lovely craft kits, some colouring but also stamping, sewing etc. I have given them as gifts for people in hospital as they can be kept neat in their box and are very beautiful. I also think the audio book idea is great. Best wishes.

My friend's 10 year old loves Smiggle bags, notebooks and novelty pens.

How about something a bit different like a fashion paper doll?
My DD has something similar at that age for travelling. Kept her happy for hours!

www.amazon.co.uk/Color-Coloring-Dollys-Friends-Originals/dp/B0851L9S9T/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&quartzVehicle=121-1650&keywords=paper+dress+up+dolls&replacementKeywords=paper+dress+dolls&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1605920279&sr=8-19

Things like smuggle always goes down well. They do scented pencils too.

A PJ case type zip up pillow. These little cases are nice from.the works to keep arty things in. Also not sure if you approach Linus project for a handmade quilt for her to make her space feel more homely?

www.theworks.co.uk/p/storage-boxes/watercolour-floral-storage-suitcases-set-of-3/5052089263680.html

projectlinusuk.org.uk

For the quilt

If you would like to think about a teddy bear, from Jellycat to Me2U, to artist bears then https://onemorebear.co.uk have a massive range. If you do wish to order then pop them a private Facebook msg and mention Steve passed on their information and they may knock a few quid off.

Thank you for looking out for this little girl. Always upsets me as I was deathly ill with meningitis and septicaemia around Christmas very young. So yes, my sincere , heart-felt thanks.

Explain the situation to them in the message too, obvs!

I have been a mother of a child in this situation - a little older. Despite being ill kids are surprisingly up for things so arts and crafts are good. Nice soft PJ's always welcome. Lots of little bits to open are good to add.interest to the day. Foot treatment s especially appreciated. Someone sent us glitter tattoos - messy but brighten her day considerably. Someone caring about my child meant loads by the way x

I would steer clear of fancy "smellies" high chance of not only irritation but clashes with treatment/meds

Cotton or linen pj's are usually best. Short dressing gowns can be useful too - bear in mind with pj's and dressing gowns short or loose arms to allow for siting of drips and monitors etc. I'd also err towards darker colours as lighter ones show all the stains - blood, meds, iodine etc

Manageable crafts - colouring, stitching, paper crafts etc no glitter please that can be problematic

TONS of writing/drawing paper is usually very welcome.

Puzzle books, deck of cards, hand held games (don't have to be "computer" there are loads of hand held puzzles, water "floating" games, hand held pinball etc)

Activity wise look for things that can be "picked up and put down" according to energy and concentration levels.

So kind of you to do this good luck on finding the right gift

Yes loose glitter I meant not good. Glittery stickers and "tattoos" are usually ok but you might need to check with parents

My DD spent a lot of time in hospital around the age of 9 and 10.

Loads of pyjamas are appreciated, especially since washing facilities are limited. Shorts and T-shirt types are good, no need for anything except normal fabrics. I know underwear is not a usual present but ask mum if it would be helpful since there will be the same problem with access to washing machines.

You could look at pyjama fairies. My DD was on dialysis and had loads of tubes and managed with normal clothes but these might also be fun and helpful for a child who cannot get of bed to get changed.

Comfy clothes, leggings and t-shirts etc. My DD went to hospital school for two hours a day and the kids wore normal clothes.

Nice smellies are appreciated, Lush will have snow fairy right now which is lovely for little girls. They also have shower jellies and soap putties which are nice.

If energy is lacking then films/ TV shows would be welcome, ask parents what format they would like.

My DD loved her origami book, jewellery making set and other bits and pieces to keep her amused, it's obviously not going to be helpful for a very weak child though.

Ask mum what she might appreciate too. A box of cappuccino, hot chocolate or cup a soup sachets from the supermarket cost less than £2 but will be great if she has access to a kettle but no fresh milk. A copy of take a break and a pen for the puzzles is a way to stay entertained for a while and needs minimal concentration. Obviously the main concern is her child but it is also an expensive time and small things to take that pressure away would be appreciated.

She can read? Magazine subscriptions, books. To her taste obviously. Something that comes once a month or whatever.

Being in hospital long term is boring as fuck. Been there at a similar age but not for so long.

It was years ago but I enjoyed having music (Walkman- I'm old!). Also sweets and stuff were a sort of currency- taste of normality!

I wouldn’t get fancy foaming bath stuff is she is only having a bed bath.
Body lotion or nail varnish or hair accessories might be nice though?

When my ds was frequently hospitalised years ago, there was a girl around that age we often saw as she’d been in for months - we got her a jewellery making set. It was a wire bracelet with a clasp already on, then we chose a selection of beads for her to use.

Sticker book

There are also paint by numbers, but called sticker mosaics

Love a sticker book !

My DD is 9 and she likes using my shower gel and shampoo because it feels ‘grownup’. Maybe you could get her something in from Boots or Body Shop, perhaps something fruity?

Lip balm and hand cream set? Air con can be quite drying.

My DD is also really into listening to audiobooks on her kindle- Roald Dahl, Harry Potter etc.

Emoji stuff usually goes down well. You can get emoji pillows etc.

A nice (washable) cushion, some crafty activities? One of those subscription boxes that arrives regularly?

If the child already has a kindle / tablet or you were going to get one (don't know your budget) you can get goose arms, these can attach to the bed frame without leaving marks and hold the kindle/tablet in the righ position so she can watch TV / read a book etc, hands free. Amazon have some in the sale for around a £10.

A set of playing cards, and teach or send a book showing how to play solitaire and other one player games.