Visiting someone in the hospital

My granny had to be in the hospital last week so I wanted to take her some things to make her stay a little nicer. I'm hoping to make my own stay a little nicer in a few weeks, too, so any ideas are welcome! This is what I came up with.

The rooms themselves are always so sterile, it's nice to have some little luxuries around.

• A nice pillowcase
• colorful placemats for the bed tray
• a small vase with flowers for the tray (large arrangements are wonderful, but too big to go next to your plate)
• a subtle room or linen spray
• maybe even a personal cd player with a cd of soothing sounds (my granny and I both love thunderstorm sounds)

Snack food is a good option, just keep in mind any dietary restrictions the patient might have. But even when the patient can't snack, the family members staying with them might appreciate a quick bite they can grab without leaving the room...

• fresh fruit or veggies that won't be messy - grapes, baby carrots, or strawberries don't even leave a peel - in a resealable container
• chocolate!
• granola or cereal bars
• cookies and a small jar of peanut butter (and a plastic knife)

Pampering products usually lift a person's spirits.

• lotions (unscented unless you're pretty sure the patient will love the scent)
• chapstick
• super fluffy socks

Entertainment...there's only so much tv a person can watch!

• playing cards (and offer to play a game while you visit)
• beautiful magazines that don't require any deep thought
• crossword puzzle books or even coloring books and crayons (not just for kids!)

And the thing I appreciate the most in hospital is good company!