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What to buy for parents with a child in hospital

8 replies

Helskitty · 01/11/2024 07:54

Hello all,

Our friends have their one year old in hospital, he is really, really poorly and we live on the other side of the country so there isn't a lot we can do to support them.

When we lost a baby some time ago, some friends of ours who live far away clubbed together and ordered a Tesco delivery with lots of bits for us, so we wouldn't have to go shopping or do much cooking, we really appreciated it at the time as we weren't up to doing much as we were so devastated.

We would like to do similar for our friends but worry that a Tesco order might not be ther right direction as I wouldn't know their food preferences, this is a friend of DH's who we haven't seen for around ten years but he speaks to daily via WhatsApp, and was his best man.

I looked at the Cook meals but they're quite a bit above our budget, I don't want to get them HelloFresh or anything where they might have to do a lot of cooking. I suggested to DH a voucher but her thinks that it's too impersonal.

They also have a seven year old, who is also unwell but not in hospital.

If anyone has any ideas, we would really appreciate it.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
UnravellingTheWorld · 01/11/2024 08:11

I'm currently in with my newborn. I would appreciate a constant supply of snacks - it's really difficult to find time/opportunities to get food because I want to be with him in the NICU. A voucher for a local takeaway might be the way forward if you don't know their preferences

Also have they got some hand lotion? You have to wash your hands ALL the time around sick babies and it's very drying

wishIwasonholiday10 · 01/11/2024 08:30

Deliveroo voucher might be useful for the parent staying with the child in hospital. Also nice snacks.

WonderingWanda · 01/11/2024 08:36

Vouchers for costa or Starbucks whichever is near to the hospital.

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LittleRedRidingHoody · 01/11/2024 08:48

WonderingWanda · 01/11/2024 08:36

Vouchers for costa or Starbucks whichever is near to the hospital.

This! When I have a family member in hospital, I always feel a twinge of guilt buying I nice drink for myself, but it's a lovely way to break up the day and have a little treat. A gift card specific to the hospital coffee shop would be much appreciated I'm sure!

Catsonskis · 01/11/2024 09:09

Came here to say food and drink vouchers too. Find out what coffee shop is on site and buy card for that, and delivery/just eat vouchers.

skkyelark · 01/11/2024 10:08

If the hospital has a small shop on site, consider that as well as the coffee shop (ours has a little M&S Simply Food and the WHSmith). Personally, I would have found a WHSmith card the most useful – I could have used on it on any of toiletries, a new book for me, new books for my child, snacks/drinks, colouring book/pencils, and so on.

UnravellingTheWorld · 01/11/2024 10:16

Oh, also a manual toothbrush and extra toothpaste. Never know if or when I'll be home or visiting hospital, so the ability to brush my teeth wherever I am without much planning is a huge bonus.

mindutopia · 01/11/2024 10:54

A little hamper with lovely easy to transport treats, tea, coffee, a special cuddly toy for their 7 year old.

I’ve been in hospital myself lately and I would have absolutely hated a Tesco delivery. It would have been one extra thing to sort and use up. Even when we had our 2nd baby, someone brought us soup. It sat in the fridge because I already had food and eventually went in the bin. But sometimes you just need little treats to keep you going. It’s not that they couldn’t buy them themselves, but it’s nice to be thought about. Ask in advance for any dietary needs. And just a thoughtful card to say you are thinking of them.

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