Care package for child having surgery?

[Anonymous]

I would like to mail a care package to a 6 yr old who is having surgery soon. He'll have to "take it easy" for a few weeks after the surgery so I am thinking Lego sets, board games for 1, DVDs - any other ideas?

I'd love to include something for his mom if anyone has an idea for that, too.

Last, the family is traveling for the surgery, and will stay at that hospital for 3 days post surgery. Should I send balloons or a stuffed animal to the hospital?

Much thanks for your thoughts in advance.

[Anonymous]

If you're willing to spend a little money, how about a cheap or kid-focused digital camera? It could spark a lifelong love of photography and help him express himself when he's going through a pretty hard thing.

[Anonymous]

send balloons! that will be very much appreciated...

also, for the care package: what about an art project: like painting a birdhouse? (i saw this in a toy store yesterday)

[Anonymous]

When our son had surgery some of the nicest things and most useful items where ones that didn't require too much energy. Our normally high energy kid just didn't have the patience or interest to do much of anything - even board games where half finished, painting didn't happen until the second week. BOOKS and videos were about all he could handle the first week. Even with that books didn't get as much interest as videos. Trust me we are not a family that spends much time in front of the tv but the poor little guy was so miserable that was about all he could handle. In terms of the hospital stay. He did receive balloons but to be honest he was so out of it I don't think he noticed, plus getting him and the balloons home were tough. I would say do something for the parents at that point and have some thing sent (balloons etc) to the home once they get home. As a mom the things I wanted or needed the most? Hugs, a little time to myself, dinner and some rest. I guess you are a distance so these might be hard to give but a letter or card goes a long way for helping out. I would suggest sending him something BEFORE the surgery (if he knows its happening). A stuffed animal, a game or something when he can enjoy it. My grandmother sent DS Curious George goes to the Hospital for us to read in preparation. She also sent him some candy (he gets it rarely so it was a real treat) and a toy truck.

[Anonymous]

If you know the hospital where they're going, it may be best to call and see what their policy is regarding items in rooms. Depending on the ward, they may not allow certain types of balloons (latex) or stuffed animals (germs). Also, if the parents are traveling, they probably don't want to pack extra things to come home. Why not have something waiting for him when he gets home? Maybe send a basket or treats ahead of time and this way it's there as soon as they get back? You may want to send along something for the parents as well. Maybe a giftcard that they can use during the hospital stay for a nearby restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:send balloons! that will be very much appreciated...

also, for the care package: what about an art project: like painting a birdhouse? (i saw this in a toy store yesterday)

Many hospitals don't allow balloons due to latex allergies.

[Anonymous]

You could have a meal delivered once a week for the first few weeks back, I also think videos would be a big hit. If the family doesn't already have it, and if they have a laptop, you might get a gift certificate for Netflix instant watch, so he can have his pick of all the kids shows/movies on there.

[Anonymous]

No latex ballons!!!! My child is frequently in the hospital and latex is all but banned.

[Anonymous]

You are SO nice! My DD had surgery last year. She was in the hospital overnight, and one friend sent a few balloons (mylar - from hospital gift shop) and a stuffed animal to the hospital. DD was still groggy after the anesthesia, but clung to that stuffed animal and held it constantly. These same friends also sent a balloon and a stuffed animal to DS, the little brother. He was so happy and touched that someone gave him something special while his sister was getting so much attention. These gifts meant a lot!

In your case, are they flying or driving for the surgery? Bringing balloons home would be hard, but as the boy will be in the hospital for three days, that is a lot of time during which he could enjoy them, even if he can't bring them home with him. I think there should be room in a suitcase for a stuffed animal, though if they are flying, I'd keep it small.

I think your other ideas for lego sets, board games are great. Books? When my nephew had surgery we sent him a DS, but his family is into electronic games and his recovery was very long. Not all families are, and I'm actually glad no one sent one to DD.

No one gave me any gifts, but I would have loved having meals delivered, if that is possible long distance.

[Aimee4]

When my DS was in the hospital, we didn't get any gifts. I was perfectly ok with that because we already had a lot of stuff that we needed to get back to the car. So I recommend waiting until they get home.
My son was also only in the mood for tv and books read to him for the first several days. Maybe you can buy a new release for them and include a gift receipt in case they have it already, or maybe a classic like Jungle Book.
It's really the thought that counts, no matter if its a card, a call, a stuffed animal, or little project to build.