Gift Dilemma--dad in hospital

[Kristilyn1]

Okay, this is probably longer than it needs to be. My dad is in the hospital in Florida, we are not close, haven't been close since he basically abandoned his family.....but that's not a story for today. Anyway, he is in a rehab facility for an unknown amount of time. We are currently in a kind of truce mode, where he will from time to time, send gifts for my kids or a little something for me and my husband. I am at a real dilemma as to what to send him for Christmas. He has multiple broken bones and prior to this, had high blood pressure and cholesterol so a food gift might not be appropriate, as I'm not sure what he can eat, which is the route we've typically gone in the past. I've also done restaurant gift certificates, but he ain't exactly able to get to one for the forseeable future. He's one of those guys who's always doing something, but doesn't really have a single hobby. Did I mention he also does not read? UGGGHH! Maybe there is someone out there that can help? Been in the same boat?

Kristi

[oceanjasper]

What about a framed family picture? Not sure how feasible that is considering how much time is left before Christmas, but you could take a candid shot and frame it up yourself. Sounds like it might be something nice for him to have while he is recovering in the hospital.

[Kathy B]

I don't really know anything about Netflix, but is it possible to get him a subscription that he can use to get new movies to watch while he is in the rehab facility? That would help pass the time, and he could pick movies that sound good to him (as opposed to you trying to figure out a few he might like and buying them).

[ClaraB]

Maybe a warm blanket (a polarfleece one), or a nice bathrobe to wear in the hospital?

[ErinM]

You can always call the hospital and ask to speak to the nurse who primarily takes care of him. She or he may have an idea!

[Chelle D]

How about some postage stamps and notecards or personalized stationary? That way he will have that available to write to you and your children.

Or you could go to somewhere like shutterfly and make a coffee mug or photo book for him of your children.

OR I've given people in the hospital/home bound people those small handheld video games -Tetris, Battleship, Yahtzee, etc and they always go over really well.

[aggie94]

A digital picture frame loaded up with pictures of you and your family? They also make keychain digital photo frames with less memory that are much cheaper, depending on what you are looking to spend.

[Kristilyn1]

A digital picture frame loaded up with pictures of you and your family? They also make keychain digital photo frames with less memory that are much cheaper, depending on what you are looking to spend.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think this one might be on to something. I send him pictures every now and then--but I know pictures of family are nice in the hospital......a digital frame would be something a little different at least.

Kristi

[lov2cook]

If I were you be artistic make a scrapbook and in it write what you want to say to him. Also include old pictures and present pictures for him to reminisce the times you had with each other.

[Freddy]

This is a boring suggestion, but how about sweatpants? My husband was in a rehab hospital for about 8 weeks (from a stroke), and wore sweatpants every day for therapy sessions. He had 5 or 6 pairs; so he could get dressed in the morning, and feel less like a patient.

Anything to brighten up his room (photos, etc.) would be appreciated. Music? A bood on CD (assuming he has access to a CD and/or music player.

[Kristilyn1]

If I were you be artistic make a scrapbook and in it write what you want to say to him. Also include old pictures and present pictures for him to reminisce the times you had with each other.

I know it's hard to make suggestions for someone else's father. If we were talking my stepfather, he would have loved any number of these suggestions. Not to single you out to tease...but this made me laugh.

If I said what I was really thinking to him, it would be a very interesting scrapbook...to say the least. Maybe I could include the multiple times he forgot my birthday growing up? Or the number of times I sat in front of my house waiting for him to pick me up.....and he didn't show up? Or the time he put all his assets in his new wife's name to shield them from my mother trying to get child support? LOL. On second thought, maybe I SHOULD do a scrapbook!!

Kristi

[Geo_nerd]

What about a cd player and an audiobook? He could get additional audiobooks from the library and many bookstores will let you rent them as well. Or, if he's computer savvy, an mp3 player with a subscription to audible.

[TKay]

Just wanted to mention that I got a digital photo frame at BB&B this year with a 20% discount and a manufacturer's rebate. So if you're going that route, you might consider shopping there. Also, I've seen the frames all over the place for a variety of prices. Target has them at a lower price (although I don't think they hold as many photos).
I think it's a great gift.