Men are hard to shop for just as is, but when you want to take along something thoughtful and memorable for a man who is currently in the hospital the task seems especially arduous. If you are not feeling up to the challenge, worry not, I am going to give you plenty of options to choose from that will bring joy and comfort to the patient and also make you feel better.
No matter if it is your son, nephew, boyfriend, father, or friend he will appreciate the gesture and your gift. The list also includes some well-thought gifts for an elderly man in the hospital.
I have included gifts in different price ranges to fit every type of budget.
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Hospital Gifts for Men
Here are the best things to take for a man in hospital. Whether you are visiting a friend or family, these 25 creative hospital gifts would make him feel genuinely happy and loved. Some light hearted and exciting things as well that he would love to get while he recovers and beats boredom.
Gadgets for Men in Hospital
Yes, you can still take a gadget gift for the manly man even if he is stuck in the hospital. Here are some useful ideas to consider.
P.S: As you go through this list you will be pleased to find that most of these gadgets are not something that he can only enjoy during his stay in the hospital but even after he is discharged.
1. Adjustable Bed Table
This bed table functions as a laptop desk and the best part is that it is adjustable which is a great feature to have if he is going to use it on the bed. The legs fold effortlessly for easy storage.
Watching TV every waking minute of the day or staring into the small screen of his cell phone is never a good idea. And the generic side tables in the hospital are not big enough to hold anything but a food tray.
This tray is function and comfort that he will be thrilled to use even afterward.
2. Portable Neck Fan
He does not have the luxury to set his own room temperature at the moment, but this portable neck fan is a genius idea that will keep him feeling cool on days when he needs it.
The neck fan is lightweight and USB chargeable.
He can use this nifty gadget afterwards as well when he has fully recovered and enjoying life out and about.
3. Rechargeable Portable Book Light
This handsfree bendable reading light can be worn around the neck when he wants to read a book on nights when the sleep does not come easy and he is bored of watching TV.
It does not take much space at all and allows for six different brightness settings and blue light filter. Great for sensitive and aging eyes.
4. Personalized Magnetic Book Clip
Great for anyone who loves to read. The best things about this page marker/ book clip is that it can be personalized with his name along with an inspirational message.
Great for father, grandfather, husband, brother, etc.
Hard to believe something so durable costs under $5 and it will last him a long long time.
5. Back Scratcher
He will not have to struggle to get at that back itch again. This back scratcher has a long bendable arm that makes it easy to get to hard to reach areas.
It is also easy to scratch legs if he can’t bend too much. An inexpensive gift, but it is highly functional. He will enjoy it very much.
Suggested: The best Post-Surgery gift ideas that help with recovery.
Encouragement Gifts for Him
Anything that keeps his spirits up and encourages him is the best get well gift to take or send to the patient if you can’t visit in person. I have found some unique ideas that are exactly what he needs to get through this difficult time.
6. Soothing Stone
You probably have heard about the mental health benefits of having a soothing stone, if not, here is a crash course for you. Soothing stones are very therapeutic, and they help calm and soothe the mind.
They are also called worry stones.
These stones have a slight indentation in the center, so it is easier to move the thumb back and forth over them. The motion takes the mind off of the negative, especially a stone like this with an encouraging positive message engraved on it.
7. Phone Stand With A Purpose
This wooden phone stand looks elegant and it will be used a lot by the recipient.
No matter if he is elderly or young, everyone can benefit from a phone holder. The best part about this phone holder is the motivational faith based text engraved on it.
It will keep him thinking positive and maintaining his faith.
8. A Journal
Journaling can be very therapeutic. If you thought it was a women centric activity you would be wrong.
Especially during hard times in life it can benefit the individual to stay positive. Journals come in many forms addressing specific themes.
I find this self mastery journal for men a fantastic gift to take for a man currently recovering at a medical facility.
You can find other ones too focusing on mental health, wellness, etc.
9. Inspirational Socks
These adorable socks will keep him feeling like a Rockstar on days when he is not feeling his best. The positivity socks will affirm to him what he needs to hear every single day.
The socks have ‘I am Strong’ printed on the toe area so he can read it anytime he looks at his feet which is pretty much all the time if he is stuck with just lying on the bed all the time.
There are other variations of text on these socks that are also worth checking out. One of the best things to take for an elderly man in the medical facility.
10. Stamped Spoon
He will have a big smile on his face every time he uses this spoon. Since words have a profound effect on our subconscious mind this engraved spoon full of positivity will make an excellent gift for him.
Every time he eats with this spoon, he will feel his strength develop.
It is perfect for every type of guy regardless of age, young or elderly, he will love this unique get-well gift.
Speaking of elderly patients, check out these practical nursing home gifts for elderly parents or grandparents.
11. Keepsake Wallet Card
Recovery takes a long time, and it doesn’t end when a patient is discharged from the hospital. This personalized keepsake motivational card will remind him of his strength on days when he feels like giving up.
He can keep the card by his side and carry it in his wallet later on.
12. Inspirational Pocket Cards
A faith based gift he can keep by his side at all times can be a mental strength booster he might actually need.
A thoughtful gift if he is undergoing a lengthy treatment, going in for a surgery or battling with a long recovery.
These scripture cards are so inexpensive. It is a digital download that you can print at home or at a printing shop. Gift it in a box or a thick envelope.
He can use a scripture card each day to meditate and ponder. Will keep his thoughts from drifting into rumination and negativity.
13. Healing Candle
Another Christian gift that will keep is faith growing stronger. He can’t light a candle but the smell of it and the message on the candle will keep him in good spirits.
I love the message on this candle . It is made of non toxic soy and has a cotton wick.
He can always light the candle once he is back in the comfort of his home.
Boredom Buster Gifts
Laughing is the best medicine. So, help him beat the boredom and speed healing with some lighthearted gifts that will keep him entertained and feeling lively.
14. Healing Through Humor Jokes
A nice gift for someone going through recovery this hilarious book is full of jokes. If you are longing to see him smile and laugh you should definitely get him this book.
Another funny book I would like to mention here is the ‘Man Walks into A Bar’. The book has over 6000 jokes, one-liners, etc., that will have him rolling with laughter (not literally, of course).
15. Engaging Read
The greatest book of useless information is exactly what the name suggests. It is packed full of facts and silly statistics no one needs to know, but it will prevent boredom alright.
Did you know paper can be made out of asparagus or there is a place in Maryland called Monkey’s brow?
Now he has the opportunity to learn about all these useless facts that he can entertain his friends with once he is out.
The book will be a great companion to him during his stay and the perfect conversation starter for his coffee table later.
16. Beer Bottle Dispenser
Bet you never thought you will find a beer gift to take for the guy in the nursing home or hospital.
A light hearted gift if you are a man going to meet a male friend in the hospital and wondering what to take for him.
You and the recipient will be pleasantly surprised to see this creative beer bottle dispenser. It comes filled with soap but you can easily swap that for sanitizer so he can keep it next to his bed.
17. Beer Bottle Candle
He will probably do a double-take before he realizes you didn’t actually bring him something you are not supposed to. The beer bottle candle by his side will remind him of all the good days at home, make him smile, and keep him feeling hopeful about the future.
He can light it when he is back in the comfort of his home. Which is one more reason why he would want to get better fast and leave?
Gifts like these are perfect for a friend you are wanting to cheer up.
Also check out: Funny get well soon gifts that will keep the recipient laughing for days.
18. Motivational Stress Balls
The whole environment of the hospital and the slow recovery can be so stressful. Stress-relieving balls are the perfect way to divert attention, keep muscles strong, and feel the relief when he can’t go out into nature for a relaxing walk.
I chose the ones with some lighthearted quotes on them to keep him motivated.
Suggested: 31 Thoughtful Arthritis Gifts Elderly Will Appreciate
Comfort Gifts for Hospital
Here are some ideas that will bring him loads of comfort.
19. Organic Dehydrated Fruit
Donuts and candy are not exactly the kind of treats you want to take for a patient. But if you are looking for a healthy treat for him that will satisfied his taste buds then organic dehydrated fruit sans additional added sugar is a delightful snack to take along.
It is a good idea to take some extras so he can have them by his bedside for snacking.
20. Mattress Topper
The fastest way to recover is restful sleep and good nutrition. Speaking of which, hospital beds are not always the comfiest.
If he has been having issues adjusting to the bed, then this cooling memory foam topper that contours to body curves is what will bring him a lot of comfort.
A foam topper like this also provides good support which is essential for someone spending the majority of their day on bed.
21. Bed Caddy
A clean environment no matter where you are always helps with sleep quality and inner peace, both of which are important for a recovering patient. This bedside caddy is big enough to store all his gadgets, a book or two, personal use items, etc.
The caddy does not require some special kind of installation. It is the perfect gift for him if he can bend over enough, without issues, to reach the caddy.
Check out these helpful bed rest gift ideas for someone that is bedridden.
22. Get Well Gift
A get well gift that is delicious and funny.
A silly gift that will put a huge smile on his face. The custom chocolate cookie will make a great gift on its own or can be kept in a care package.
Men of all ages, young and old, will crack up when they open the gift.
23. Hospital Care Package for A Guy
Do not think that guys don’t appreciate a well-thought care package. In fact, everybody loves em! For guys, you just have to be a bit more sporty…sort of… and pick things that are a combination of comfort and fun.
I would start with the basics like hand sanitizer (I bet you saw the beer bottle idea above… so much fun), some hand wipes that he can use to wipe his hands and face to freshen up a bit without getting up from the bed, pair of socks, and I would highly recommend including packages of organic dried fruit that is NOT doused in sugar.
If he does not have any food restrictions surprise him with an unexpected tasty treat like these flavored flavored jellybeans… that includes flavors like Soda Pop Shoppe, Cold Stone Ice Cream- mind-boggling, I KNOW.
They are made with clean ingredients which is really hard to find in regular stores.
24. Sentimental Blanket
He is probably missing family and friends more than anything at this moment.
If you would like to take to the hospital something that will soothe him and make him feel loved then check out this personalized quilt. You can personalize this with pictures of all his favorite people, pets, etc.
It will make him feel enormously loved. He will wrapped in love and hugs every time he uses the blanket.
I suggest a quilt, even though it is a bit expensive but it is not something that will land in trash after a couple of uses. You can also find blankets in similar styles.
25. Customized Hug Pillows
An adorable idea he will absolutely love.
Get him a customized pillow like this pet pillow or family custom pillow that he can hug and snuggle anytime he is missing them.
I like this idea especially if he has pets that he cannot be with at the moment.
Worst Gifts for Men in Hospital
I usually do not include a section like this in my guides, but I felt compelled here since me and my husband both have endured long hospital stays personally. So, if you were wondering what type of gifts you should not take to the hospital then here are some suggestions.
Bouquets & Teddy Bears
While flower bouquet and teddy bears look cute, they are not that inexpensive, and for the money spent the recipient does not get much value.
Before you spend a good $30-$50 on a bouquet or a soft toy, I recommend buying a gift from this list that will last longer and prove useful even after the stay is over.
New Pajamas
It is not a complete NO NO but do hear me out. Most people with extended hospital stays do not care much about a “new” set of pajamas.
If he is not restricted to wearing only hospital gowns he would feel just as thrilled to wear his own that give him a feeling of being at home.
Balloons
Most people think of bringing balloons to the hospital as a celebratory gesture when the patient has just come out of surgery, etc. But they hardly provide any sort of relief to the patient and also create a lot of waste.
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I hope you enjoyed these hospital friendly gift ideas for the man in your life that needs some TLC at the moment. These gifts are perfect whether he is staying long term or short term since most of these items he can use at home too.
