10 Thoughtful Gifts for the Sick, the Infirm or the Shut-In

Almost everyone has a sick, infirm or shut-in acquaintance. They may be a friend, a relative, a neighbor or a co-worker. Perhaps they are confined to a hospital, a nursing home or even their own home for some length of time. When we visit, we enjoy surprising them with something tangible to let them know we are concerned about them. Such tokens can brighten their day and help them maintain a positive outlook.

As you decide on a gift, consider four things. First, think about the personality of the specific person and what they may need or enjoy. Second, respect their dietary and other health restrictions. Third, make sure the tone of your gift is appropriate in light of the seriousness of their illness or infirmity. And fourth, have fun and be creative!

Here are 10 thoughtful and unique gifts that will bring a smile to the face of anyone facing illness or infirmity.

Stuffed animals. You may find this hard to believe, but one of the most memorable gifts you can give to a person coping with illness or a shut-in is a cheerful stuffed animal. This is especially true for older ones. They absolutely beam when they take a silly or cuddly stuffed animal out of a colorful gift bag. People are particularly delighted by stuffed animals that make a sound, sing a song or do a little dance. Stuffed animals make wonderful gifts because they do not wilt and die like flowers or spoil like fruit. They are a good choice for those who are hospitalized because they: (1) become a conversation piece; and (2) are lighter in weight and much easier to take home than heavy flowers or plants. Buy them when you see them on sale so they will be on hand when you need them.

Magazines. A magazine or an assortment of magazines can be a welcome gift. You can choose magazines on a variety of subjects or focus on a topic or hobby that is of special interest to your friend. A subscription to a magazine makes a thoughtful, recurring gift. They are particularly nice for anyone recovering over an extended period of time. Each time a new issue arrives, it is a tangible reminder that you are concerned about them. There are magazines to fit every interest: golf, boating, walking, finance, cooking, healthy living, computers, music, and television. You are sure to find magazines on a subject that will be appreciated by your shut-in.

Linens. Coping with an illness or recovering from an injury or surgical procedure typically results in the use of more linen. Linens such as cheerful and luxurious face cloths, towels, pillow cases or sheets are much appreciated. Put them in a gift basket with a colorful bow for a thoughtful and practical gift.

Scrapbook kit. Art supply, craft and scrapbook supply stores abound. They have a wide assortment of scrapbook kits for special occasions or to preserve a family's history. These kits contain the book, the interior sheets to be used and various embellishments. Materials for making scrapbooks are also available in dollar stores and discount stores. Present your close friend or relative with an assortment of pictures and mementos, a scrapbook kit and lots of embellishments so they can create a unique and precious scrapbook.

Audio books. Remember when you were young and your parents read to you before you went to sleep? Well, audio books can create that same warm, sleep-inducing comfort for those experiencing illness. Audio books make a terrific gift for those who may not be able to concentrate on reading words on a page. Books on Cd's or cassettes are available in a wide array of genres and topics such as: the Bible, mystery, humor, best sellers, science fiction and classic literature. There are also audio tapes that preserve the wonderful radio shows that were popular before the invention of television. Older ones love receiving and listening to classic radio show tapes because they remind them of simpler, happier times. Be creative and you are sure to find an audio book on a subject your shut-in will enjoy.

Lingerie and bed wear. Anyone coping with an extended illness or hospitalization wears an increased amount of lingerie or bed wear. Bed jackets make a considerate gift. They are robe-like garments that stop at the waist. When worn in bed they do not get tangled around the wearer's legs. Comfy slippers, fleece garments and robes that are easy to put on and take off are also greatly appreciated.

Luxurious soap. The wonderful fragrance of a perfumed soap, shower gel, bath salts, bubble bath or talcum powder can boost the spirits of men and women alike. Put bar soap in a colorful soap dish wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon or raffia. A gift of fragrance will be most appreciated when you select a fragrance you know the person enjoys. When making a gift of fragrance: (1) be wary of bath oil because it can be slippery; and (2) make sure your friend has no sensitivities or allergies that would make this type of gift unwelcome.

Bedside caddy. Linen and department stores carry a selection of colorful bedside caddies. Bedside caddies are fabric pockets that can be attached to the side of the bed by tucking them between the mattress and box spring. These caddies provide convenient bedside storage for items like tissues, eyeglasses, television viewers' guides and remote controls.

Goodie jars. Goodie jars make tasty gifts. Fill them with anything your friend's dietary restrictions allow like hard candies, chocolates, dried fruits, sugarless candies, trail mix or nuts. Create a goodie jar with layers of all the dry ingredients needed to make soup, cookies, dip or fudge and put the recipe on the container. Unique and inexpensive jars in every shape and size imaginable can be purchased at discount stores, resale shops and garage sales. Buy them ahead of time so you will have them on hand when you need them. Use creative embellishments like colorful ribbons, bows, raffia and foil to make them special.

Gift certificates. Gift certificates make wonderful gifts because the recipient can use them to buy something they really want or need. Consider a gift certificate to their favorite drug store or discount store. These certificates can be used to defray the cost of prescriptions, medical equipment and other health-related items. Gift certificates are also available for a manicure, a pedicure, a visit to a hair stylist, a dinner or carry-out from their favorite restaurant, a massage, a spa day or a visit with a podiatrist. Gift certificates make a particularly nice present from a group of friends or co-workers so the cost of a more expensive item can be shared by multiple people. Use your imagination and give your friend a gift certificate for something they can really use and appreciate.

Unfortunately, almost everyone has a sick, infirm or shut-in friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker. A hospital, a nursing home or their own home may be their place of recovery or confinement for an extended period of time. Surprise them with a thoughtful gift to let them know you care. Consider your friend's needs and interests as well as their dietary and health restrictions. Make sure the tone of your gift is appropriate in light of the seriousness of their condition. Be creative and have fun choosing a gift that will brighten their day and help them maintain a positive attitude. When you do this, you will find that you enjoy giving your gift as much as your friend enjoys receiving it.