What to bring a teenage guy at the hospital?
Whenever I hear of someone who is staying at the hospital, one of my first thoughts is, “What can I do or bring?” That thought is quickly followed by the desire to make sure that the gift being offered is actually helpful! During a recent conversation with a teen guy who has been walking through a difficult diagnosis, we had the chance to ask him about what he appreciated receiving during hospital stays or during recovery at home after a surgery. Included in the list below are some of his top items to bring a teenage guy staying at the hospital:
Games
Whether at the hospital or at home recovering, times of waiting are inevitable. Games like Monopoly Deal can help the time pass and give an opportunity to focus on sharing some lighter moments with friends and family.
A Bracelet
He received a leather bracelet that was stamped with a message of hope and serves as a daily reminder for him that he has community around him that supports him and a faith that gives him strength in the tough moments. If the teenager you know isn’t interested in bracelets, maybe there’s another clothing item or practical reminder of hope that might work as well.
A Movie
Particularly if you know that he has a specific interest in a genre, a movie can be a great choice to include in a care package for a teen guy. This list of inspirational sports movies is a great place to start.
Music
Music moves us in a powerful way, evoking memories and giving us a soundtrack for our days. An iTunes or amazon gift card is a great choice and allows the guy to choose from his style of music to add to his collection.
Personal letters
Nothing beats a personal note that encourages and lets the recipient know that they are cared for. Want to take it to the next level? Gather hand-written notes from a group of friends (maybe from a class, sports team, or church group) and send them in a bundle! This means the world in the middle of especially difficult seasons.
A Devotional
A devotional that provides hope and encouragement can be a powerful way to care for the emotional and spiritual needs of a teen who is walking through medical adversity. This was actually the top item mentioned by the teen we interviewed!
Whether you include one or all of the items above, know that sending something will speak volumes about your support and serve as reminder that a diagnosis isn’t everything, you are not alone, and your story matters. Let’s spread the hope of those truths!
Other practical posts you may enjoy include: