Maybe check out the recommendations on Goodreads for 13 year old girls. In fact, she might enjoy reading a book and participating in the online forum discussion about it - assuming her parents are o.k. with that.

Not to make you worry needlessly, but a family member had some serious spinal surgery at the age of 17. He basically slept through the next few weeks, and when feeling well enough, tried to catch up with schoolwork. Other than that, make sure they have a few tv series lined up.

How about a kindle fire and prime subscription? That buys her lots of free streaming movie and audiobooks (There is an audible crossover).

Get her an audible subscription. That way she can listen to books even if she's not yet up to physically holding a book and reading.

Anonymous wrote:Will she need to stay on her back or can she be propped up?

Great ideas! Thank you.

Not sure if she has to be on her back. She is having spinal surgery so I know she has to stay in one position and she can't lift anything, but not sure of the position.

To be clear, I am a friend's mom and will not be in the house to teach her so it is more about gifts than teaching her a new skill. Thank you for all of your help!

Definitely reading. Try books on tape too, if she wants something to listen to while she is knitting or crocheting! (Those sound fun.)

Does she like Sudoku or ken ken? Those are fun, too.

Will she need to stay on her back or can she be propped up?

Anonymous wrote:Maybe teach her to knit? If she enjoys it, it can be very relaxing.

Crocheting is easier and she can make Amigurumi. So many free patterns out there.

Video games, and blogging.

When my kid has been to sick to go out (although not on bedrest), he was lonely for kids his age, and appreciated things like online gaming that allowed him to connect with peers.

Counted cross stitch.

There are some beautiful Christmas stocking patterns that would make great gifts next winter.

YouTube, nail polish, finger knitting, grown up coloring books...as long as she doesn't have to be on her back there should be plenty of options

Sudoku or O'Ekaki puzzle books.

Coursera courses--they are free, and there are classes like music theory and music history (even groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones).

Foreign language practice cds.

Rubix Cube--use youtube videos to learn how to solve it.

Write. Start a blog. Great courses.

Maybe teach her to knit? If she enjoys it, it can be very relaxing.

And we want to get some fun things for her to do. She needs to be able to do it while lying in bed. Up for good books, activities, anything that will keep the boredom away. I only have younger children so I am having trouble generating ideas.

Help!