Help..Fun Ideas For Kids After Surgery Needed:) (teens, games, girl)

[ylisa7]

OK...I need ideas please Two of my nieces will be going on for surgery in December. I don't think my DH and I will be close by when they go so we are sending them gifts. One girl is 15 and the other one is 20. We will get them each an I-Tunes card, and where do I buy those, lol?, each a Taylor Swift Tee shirt which they want, and I want to make a "Fun Box" for each of them. You know..little things to cheer them up...I was thinking of things like:

Those funny socks with the toes
Funky ear muffs
Mad Libs
Puzzle Books
Rubik's cube
Comics
Silly Putty
Joke Books
Candy Rings, necklaces, bracelets
Maybe a craft for them to work on
Books???
Magazines


I know they are older but I wanted to cheer them up and give them something to laugh and smile about. They will be in the hospital for a week and recover at home for another 2-3 weeks.

So any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. I don't have kids of my own that age so I have no idea what would be fun besides electronics.

Thanks

[Mattie]

I would take the money you were looking to spend on the trinket stuff, and instead buy a couple of DVDs of popular movies, books, and magazines. ITunes gift cards can be bought anywhere, even the checkout at the grocery store.

I realize you are trying to go for the "fun" factor, but those items seem awfully young for the ages of your nieces. Maybe throw in some nail polish and a manicure set.

[BirdieBelle]

I agree those items, especially the Silly Putty, crafts and candy necklaces, are for much younger children. The puzzle books/MadLibs might be Ok.

I assume they have phones. The iTunes gift cards are an excellent idea for that, and my kids that are are always losing their earbuds. An extra set is a nice treat so they can listen to music quietly.

Do they like any girly magazines like InStyle, People etc.? Those are kind of fun if you're stuck in bed.

[no kudzu]

Sudoku is popular with all ages.
I agree that the silly putting and candy trinkets would not be appreciated. I can just see them now rolling their eyes at some of that stuff
teens love gossip mags like People, some of the British mags, a popular paperback novel, hand lotions, chap stick, dvds

joke books, comics, ear muffs---I don't think so.

[hypocore]

One thing to consider is what kind of surgery it is they will be having....if it is anything to do with mouth/throat/stomach then many foods may not be a good idea. Special ice cream or pudding could be a nice treat if so. Otherwise snack baskets are great, and something they can share if they choose. Their favorite fruit, chips, candy, crackers and so on.

If it is something that will keep them from moving off the bed or couch easily, then maybe a fun tote that can hold magazines and books or whatever they want to keep right at hand. Or a bed tray/lap board. If they don't have a portable DVD player or laptop at their disposal, then a movie may not be a good idea.

If it is something that will prevent lots of visitors, then it will need to be something they can enjoy alone. Depending on what they like....puzzles, magazines, books, handheld games (20 questions anyone?) deck of cards, etc.

If they will be having lots of visitors, then consider something they might enjoy with their friends. For whatever reason fake mustaches are the rage here and gives my 14 yr old and her friends hours of entertainment. Minute to win it type games, cookies and the stuff to decorate them or bead making kits as examples.

Another thing to consider is things for their comfort if they just won't feel up to doing much at all....snuggie or blanket, fuzzy socks, bed rest pillow, soft pj's. Maybe in favorite theme.

So, mainly I'm saying think about what they will be able to do after the surgery and match your gifts to that as well as what they like.

[ylisa7]

Thanks all.

OK...I guess the fun stuff is out. Boy kids today are boring, lol. Even I would like fluffy socks and mad libs. Then again I was also outside playing hopscotch with my granddaughter this summer

I didn't think the stuff would be necessary too young since they want Taylor Swift Tees

I will stick with puzzle books and the I-tunes gift card.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Magazines, chap stick, some candy bars and other little snacks (because hospital food is not that great)

The funny toe socks would be a good idea, my 23 year old sister still likes those so I don't think 20 is too old for them. They have those at Target.

A couple of Santa hats might be nice if they'll be in the hospital near Christmastime...cover up bed head and look cute and seasonal at the same time.

[BirdieBelle]

I still think the Mad Libs are a great idea, and it's something they could do if they're recuperating together.

You're a nice aunt!

[cassy1]

Suduko is very popular, all ages love it and it is a good way for them to pass the time in bed. DVD's, CD's, magazines, cute socks (even the ones with the toes), candy bars. Find out if they read, a book is always a great gift.

[Honeycrisp]

Walmart and Target usually have Christmas socks for girls/ladies - Old Navy (and prob. many other places) sell fleece headbands that stretch and cover the ears if the weather is cold (not as confining as a hat) - Im partial to chapstick which has been mentioned (seasonal peppermint. apple cider or choc. flavors, if you can find them) - magazines are always good too - they probably have decks of cards they can play games w/ or online - maybe bring them a pizza into the hospital if their diet isnt restricted (or give Pizza Hut or Papa John's gift cards, if they exist)