Give the recuperating something to look forward to, such as a pair of tickets to a cultural or sporting event scheduled after his expected recovery.

After checking on dietary restrictions, fill a small cooler or picnic basket with the patient's favorite goodies and "smuggle" it into his or her room.

If the patient has a healthy appetite (and, again, with doctor's approval), arrange for a meal to be delivered from his favorite restaurant.

A wicker bed tray—its side pockets filled with hair and grooming supplies—makes a nice gift to a bed-resting friend or neighbor.

Hand-held video games for kids of all ages are great gifts for the bed-bound (just don't expect kids—of any age—to put down the games after recovery).

For those that enjoy them, a collection of crossword puzzles, math problems, or brainteasers can be a fun gift for the bedridden. A deck of playing cards and instructions for solitaire games might also be appreciated.

To a child confined to bed, give a Magna Doodle, Etch-a-Sketch, Lights Alive, candy kaleidoscope kit, or another creative activity.

Give a project box filled with paper, scissors, markers, glue, tape, stickers, and buttons to occupy a hospitalized or bed-resting child.

A book about origami and a generous supply of paper would please an older child.  

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Have any get-well gift ideas you'd like to share?