Finding the perfect gift for a loved one who is bedridden or on bed rest due to pregnancy/ post-surgery seems arduous, but you are at the right place.
I have created a list of gift ideas that are practical, last longer than a bouquet of flowers, and convey your love and support for your loved ones. Also included are some light-hearted bedrest gifts for adults.
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Practical Gift Ideas for the Bedridden
Here are 39 gift ideas that promise to bring cheer to a bedridden man or a woman.
1. Healing Thoughts Blanket
Positive words can reinforce positive thoughts in the mind of the reader or the listener. A blanket like this will express your love and support for your loved one with the perfect assortment of meaningful words.
This soft healing thoughts blanket is just the gift that your loved one will love to snuggle up to on difficult days. They will cherish this blanket not just when they are bedridden, but for the years to come.
2. Back Rest Pillow
Sitting up on the bed puts a lot of pressure on the spine and stacking pillows in the back isn’t the same as proper back support. That is why a backrest pillow is a must-have item for anyone on the bedrest.
The pillow’s unique shape and microfiber cover make it the perfect soft cuddle companion. It even has a back pocket to hold books and magazines, and a side pocket to hold a TV remote, phone, glasses, etc.
An excellent idea for someone experiencing back pain.
3. Multipurpose Bed Tray
A multipurpose tray can be useful in so many ways- for serving food, a mini table to read books, and the best of all-a a laptop table.
It is not ideal to place the laptop on the lap while sitting on the bed as it can cause cervical problems and the heat from the laptop can burn or darken the skin on the thighs with repeated use
4. Flexible Tablet Stand
If they don’t work on their laptop much but enjoy spending time on their tablets, then they will enjoy this flexible tablet stand that will help prevent strain on their neck.
The stand fits any tablet and they can enjoy it sitting up or lying on their back.
5. Gallon Water Bottle
The gallon bottle will not just be a water bottle on their bedside but a gift that motivates and reminds them to get in a good amount of water every day as hydration is essential for staying healthy.
I also highly recommend checking out this bottle with health affirmations focused on manifesting a healthy mind and body.
6. Coffee Mug Warmer
For anyone who loves to sip their coffee slow all day long. They will not have to wait for someone to get them a refill when they have this mug warmer next to the bed.
This compact mug warmer comes with a beautiful stainless steel mug that holds heat much better than a ceramic mug.
All they need is a prepared pot of coffee and creamer next to them.
7. Foot Massager with Heat
A heated foot massager can help relieve pain in the swollen feet and also help increase the blood flow in the feet. This is an excellent gift for the elderly on bedrest.
The heat settings can be controlled via a remote. They would thank you for this amazing relaxation gift.
8. Washable Heated Pad
If their only worry is cold feet but they don’t care much for a foot massage, then check out this soft electric heated pad.
The heating function can be controlled via the remote that it comes with.
Much more affordable and easy to store than a massager. This pad can also be machine washed.
9. Weighted Blankets for Adults
Being in bed all day can sometimes make it difficult to fall asleep. If they are having trouble getting a good deep sleep because of anxiousness, etc., then a breathable cotton-weighted blanket might do wonders for them.
A weighted blanket has been shown to stimulate pressure points to release serotonin (the happy hormone) to relieve any stress and improve mood.
10. Additional Bedside Storage
A sturdy bedside storage caddy like this can help keep their surroundings clutter-free and organized. They can keep their magazines, books, tablet, earphones, phones, etc., out of sight, but well within their reach.
A clean space brings positivity and calmness as well.
11. Bedside Shelf
A bedside tray is another superb way to add some extra space that is easily accessible. This sturdy bamboo tray looks neat and does not require any tools for installation.
It can be easily attached to any bed without ruining the bed frame.
12. Hypoallergenic Body Pillow
The body pillow looks weird in shape, I agree, but works wonders for body support especially if someone is on pregnancy bed rest.
It is made of hypoallergenic material and comes with a washable cotton cover making it easier to maintain the pillow in the long run. Your loved one will thank you as soon as they open it!
13. Inspirational Wall Plaque
An inspirational wall plaque with strong positive words is a big mood booster for anyone not feeling their best.
Hang the wall plaque on the front wall of their room so they can look at it the moment they wake up and in times when they need to reaffirm.
14 Faith Based Gift
Not only for the elderly, but a fun faith-based gift can do wonders for a young soul as well. No matter if they are temporarily bedridden or for a long term small gifts like this Bible-based word search puzzle will bring them an abundance of emotional relief.
The puzzles are fun and easy and they will do an amazing job at reminding them never to lose hope and faith.
15. Light Exercise Equipment
Muscle weakness elongates recovery when someone has been on bed rest for even a few days.
If their condition allows, a hand and finger exerciser is not too exhausting but it is good for strengthening hand and finger muscles.
It exercises the grip and the extension muscles, so it is better than stress balls. It is also good for arthritis patients.
Your gift will help maintain the strength of their muscles even as they lay on the bed all day.
Suggested: Want to buy a practical gift for someone suffering from arthritis but don’t know what to get for them? Check out this arthritis gift guide that will bring them relief and comfort.
16. Magnifying Lens with Light
A magnifying glass is another unusual, but extremely helpful, gift if they have trouble reading after the surgery- most commonly after eye surgery.
With a magnifying glass, they can continue to read books or magazines without eye strain and this one also has an inbuilt light so they can even read in the dark.
17. Personalized Blanket
A personalized blanket with pictures of family, friends, pets, etc., is a great way to make them feel positive and let them know how much they are loved by all!
18. Personalized Pillow
A personalized throw pillow with fun pictures of family and friends is something they will appreciate. The pillow can stay by their side and keep them smiling and feeling positive.
If you need some helpful gift ideas for the elderly then check out thoughtful gifts for the elderly that includes gifts you can take to a nursing home.
19. Office Bell
It might seem like an uncommon gift for someone on bed rest but be assured that your loved one will appreciate it!
When they depend on others to bring them just about anything and everything they want and help them out with the necessary things a bell, like this, can be very useful.
This is especially useful during times when they don’t have the energy required to call out loudly for help every time they need assistance.
It doesn’t take much space and is faster and more effective than calling out someone’s name or trying to reach them via cell phone.
Have A Loved One Who Is Recovering Post Surgery? Check Out these Post Surgery Gifts That Help With Recovery and they are so much better than flowers!
20. Pulse Massager
A pulse massager is another great option if they have aching muscles at different spots.
The pulse massager comes with 6 programs targeted towards body areas that commonly suffer from muscle stiffness and aches, 3 massage settings, and two channels to treat two areas simultaneously with a different setting.
21. Heat And Cold Flax Seed Pad
Sitting and lying on the bed while watching TV or reading a book strains the neck and shoulders.
A neck pillow will save them the discomfort but even better is a pad they can use for multiple body parts. It can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the refrigerator.
The extra-long pad is filled with flax seeds which is better option than most fillers. They hold both heat and cold for a longer time to provide maximum relief.
22. Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan Salt Lamps are believed to have many health benefits that make them a perfect gift for anyone who is recovering from an illness.
The light from the lamp is soothing to the eyes and this hand-carved Certified Himalayan Salt Lamp even comes with the option to dim the light.
23. Gift Cards
Imagine all the house chores that need attention while your loved one is on bed rest. Even if they have someone to take care of them it is never easy, plus it can drain out the caregiver.
A gift card for laundry services, house cleaning, etc., is what they need the most.
A restaurant voucher or food delivery gift card will also be appreciated since they can’t cook for themselves.
If your loved one is on bed rest before pregnancy, consider giving a department store gift card, toy store gift card, Babies”R”Us gift card, etc. They can’t go out and shop for baby essentials like others, but with your gift card, they can shop online and be ready for when the baby comes.
24. Coloring Books
Coloring books are more than just a way to kill time.
They are amazing at relieving stress, improving mental and intellectual health, and are almost therapeutic in nature. The time spent coloring takes the mind off negative issues and habits that are non-productive in nature.
There are some that specifically target a specific condition as well. The books have different types of patterns and designs that make them so engaging. You will be spoiled for choice!
Pick one or make a bundle that will keep them engaged for longer.
25. Books
Not all entertainment has to be just TV and online stuff.
Books are an incredible source of keeping boredom away. Ever seen someone so sucked into a novel they forget to drink and eat?
Pick some novels, self-help books, etc., for your loved ones to keep them intellectually busy. If they have a kindle, gift them some books online.
Audible books are also a great idea if they like to listen as they lay on the bed.
26. Activity Books
One of my favorite types of books is activity books that are full of puzzles, word scramble, spot the difference, and much more.
The funny one below is great for someone with a sense of humor, if not, there are still plenty of other activity books.
27. Relief For Their Eyes
I also suggest checking out this Bluetooth headphones eye mask if they have trouble falling asleep because of eye strain.
The ergonomically contoured eye mask hugs the eye area and also provides different levels of eye compression that can be adjusted according to the need.
The in-built Bluetooth earphones will allow them to listen to music or white noise without wearing additional headphones.
They can sleep peacefully at any time during the day or night without disturbing the person sleeping next to them.
28. Gratitude Journal
Are they going through a tough time emotionally? If yes, a gratitude journal is a great mental health gift.
This guided journal will help them recognize and appreciate all the big and small things in life that bring them constant joy, all the people and things they are grateful for…
29. Hobby Gift
It is difficult to keep someone occupied when they are on bed rest and sometimes it is not possible to keep them company 24X7. This is where their hobbies play a big role.
A great hobby gift for someone on pregnancy bed rest is an adorable stuffed animal crochet kit perfect for a beginner so they can make something for the baby.
Be sure to pick a hobby gift they can enjoy while staying on the bed.
If you are not too aware of their hobbies, there are some other options that are a safe bet. A gift of crossword puzzles, riddles, picture puzzles, etc., are excellent ways to keep their mind active.
30. Funny Prescription Box
Since laughter is the best medicine, surprise them with the medicine they would love to eat! These get well soon cookie box will make them burst out into laughter.
I also found this affordable candy first aid kit box that is even more fun.
31. Laughing Pill
Studies have shown laughter truly is contagious and there are so many physical and mental benefits of laughing that this gift idea makes perfect sense.
The giggling plush happy pill bursts out in uncontrollable laughter when squeezed, guaranteed to make them laugh even when they are alone or feeling low.
P.S: If you need some gift ideas you can take along when visiting a child in the hospital- that does not include candy– then check out screen-free gift ideas for a sick child in the hospital
32. Creative Bible
Not your average Bible! As beautiful as the outside cover of the book is, the inside is even more enchanting.
This creative Bible includes blank space on the sides of the pages for journaling as well as detailed scripture illustrations and beautiful drawings to color as they ruminate over the meaning of the verses.
It is a unique experience that is stress-relieving and full of creativity.
The amazing reviews it has spoken volumes about its quality. Oh, and don’t forget to include some coloring pencils to go along with your gift.
33. Thumb Stone
Have they been too worried lately? If yes, an inspirational and soothing gift like a thumb stone (worry stone) can be helpful.
A worry stone is a thumb-sized stone with a slight indentation that can be rubbed between the index finger and thumb to relieve stress.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, and in a variety of metals and stones. I chose this metallic one since it will not lose its shape over time from the constant rubbing and neither will it break easily.
A worry stone like this with a comforting affirmation will help them relax mentally.
34. Snack Gift Basket
A snack gift basket is a tasty addition on top of their bedside table. If they spend time alone in the house, they don’t have to worry about preparing a mid-day snack for themselves
Check out this 100% GMO-free, organic, and natural snack subscription box. They have great deals on quality products and the products are always full size, unlike most subscription box companies out there.
35. Self-Care Gift Basket For Women
It is easy to ignore self-care when you are restricted to laying on the bed all day. Send them a self-care package if you can’t be there in person to help cheer them up.
Some fun things to add to the gift basket are good quality, natural & chemical-free items they would love to use or eat. You can also order a handmade self-care box online, like this one below.
P.S: If you need some gift ideas for a woman recently diagnosed with Cancer then check out some Encouraging Cancer Gifts for Women.
36. Self-Care Gift Basket for Man
Making a gift basket for a man can be tricky but with some self-care items and snacks, that are both tasty and healthy, you can create something he will be happy to get.
You can also order one like the one below. The basket is full of stuff that will make him feel like he got a big warm hug.
37. Streaming Subscription & Watchlist
And ultimately for those nights when all else fails and they are stuck in the bed wide awake at night- Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos just might be the sheep they need to count to fall asleep
Consider gifting a subscription if they don’t have one. If they do however have a subscription already, consider creating a list of binge-worthy movies, TV shows, and documentaries watchlists.
We have all been there when we want to binge-watch something but 40 mins in and we still can’t decide what to watch. A binge-watch list is just what we all wish someone had prepared for us then!
Suggested: If you have a caregiver in the family check out my post on thoughtful gift ideas for the family caregiver that will brighten their day. Great for male and female family caregivers.
38. Bed Sheet Set
Freshly washed linens are the best, and something even better than that is a new set of bedsheets and pillows!
Receiving something new makes everyone happy and receiving a new bedsheet and pillow set can brighten their spirits since they spend the most time on the bed.
Choose festive designs if it is Christmas or holiday gift.
39. Spend Quality Time with Them
Everybody loves food and good company, even someone on bed rest can appreciate an evening of tasty takeout and catching up, given they don’t have any dietary restrictions.
Drop by with their favorite take-out food and spend some quality time with them be it gossiping, playing cards, chess, etc.
Your time and company are the greatest gifts of them all, especially for the elderly that are on bed rest. However, if for some reason you can’t be there in person then hopefully this list has given you plenty of gift ideas that you can send to them.
Your gift will make them feel loved knowing you are thinking of them.
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I hope you found these gift ideas for someone on temporary or permanent bed rest helpful. The list includes things you could do and things you could buy for your loved one that is currently bedridden. And if you can offer both to your loved one, that is even better!
