Gift For A Sick 9-Year-Old

[LadyCG]

Hi, what can I get for a 9-year-old boy who is in hospital? I don't know the child personally but he's the grandson of a close colleague and friend who was rushed into hospital with suspected sepsis.

I think £20 to £30 is probably the max I'd want to spend. Obviously I don't want the gift to be too personal because I've never met him.

[Caran]

What about a book?

[jourdain2]

Bit difficult as we don't know how mobile etc. he is. Books would probably be safest, or a drawing book, pencils & colours? Best I can do.

[LadyCG]

I did think about a book / colouring book. Thanks ladies.

Sepsis has been ruled out by the way and his temp is under control but he's being investigated by the Cardiology Team now for a murmur.

I'm just thinking, my colleague is a car-booter (she buys some amazing things and sells her finds to collectors and makes a small fortune). Should I maybe give her some money in an envelope and let her find him something rare and unique or just buy him a bag of treats including colouring book, some chocolate, and other bits and bobs?

Any suggestions appreciated.

[jourdain2]

Thank goodness sepsis has been ruled out!
T.b.h. I wouldn't put extra weight on your colleague at the moment.
The other year I bought my (then 9 yrs.) granddaughter a creative writing kit. It was a couple of books giving ideas & stimulus and then a lovely book with pages split off for various stories under starter headings. That plus a scribbling-pad might be a good idea if he'll be in hospital for a while.

[Ellipsis]

Maybe a puzzle? Something like this perhaps

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Add the Guinness Book of Records option (on that page) if the puzzle is too cheap

[LadyCG]

She's back at work tomorrow, Jourdain, so she'll be car-booting as usual this weekend. She gets up at 4am the mad bat!

That idea sounds great though. Is there a particular one I should try to find?

[naomi24]

Nine year old boys like building Lego models.

[jno]

if this for while he's in hospital? If so I'd save the Lego for later; it's bad enough on the floor at home.

[roopower]

I think a gift bag is a great idea. A lot of nine year olds live dinosaurs, so maybe building set of dinosaur, a general interest book like a childrens encyclopedia type thing , he could like drawing not sure a lot of boys enjoy colouring in as such.

[Khandro]

My favourite things when I was 9, was a microscope (terrific present!) & Sherlock Holmes books. I had visions that I might grow up to be an ace-detective, but it was not to be. :0)

[mallyh]

i don't understand why you need to buy anything if you don't know him,but hope he gets well soon x

[Sqad]

I agree with mallyh.

Who do kids need presents at the slightest drop of a hat?

[naomi24]

jno, you empty the little construction sets onto a tray so it can even be done in bed. Little boys love building the Lego spaceships and all that sort of thing... or this fellow. He's about the price LCG wants to pay. I'm a bit reluctant to buy books for children I don't know well because I never know what they like.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[barry1010]

I agree with mallyh, too. It's a kind thought but unnecessary, just let your friend know you are willing to listen if she needs to talk about her worries.

[jno]

lol naomi, I think Lego's a great idea for a gift (if the boy likes that sort of thing), and I know it can be kept neat, but in real life this doesn't always happen. In your own home you can make what rules you like, but that's why I asked if the boy was going to be receiving the gift in hospital because I don't think it's fair to risk legofying someone else's floors.

[naomi24]

I can't see a problem but there's no point in arguing about it, jno. LCG asked for ideas. I've suggested one.

[Smowball]

I’d do a colouring book, some pens/pencils , maybe a comic and some sweets.

[Ken4155]

If you really must buy him something, why not ask your friend what her grandson is 'into'. Does he read? - and if so, what kind of books? - does he like jigsaws, puzzles, lego, board games, etc, etc, etc. Much better than having a 'stab in the dark', imho.

[tiggerblue10]

What about a gift card for Amazon or Waterstones etc., so he can choose what he wants. And maybe drop it to £10 or 15. I'm sure your friend will be appreciative whatever the amount and won't be expecting it.

[jno]

naomi, you haven't tested your full vocal range till you've stepped barefoot onto a Lego brick in the middle of the night :-)