What can I have delivered to a hospital? A guide to making someone's hospital stay better

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 36 million hospital stays occur each year in the U.S., many leaving patients feeling isolated and bored. To make a loved one's time in the hospital more comfortable, you can arrange for various items to be delivered, from entertainment to comfort essentials, but it is crucial to first understand the hospital's specific delivery rules.

Quick Summary

Several items can be delivered to a hospital patient, including personal care products, books, magazines, entertainment devices, and comfort items like blankets, provided you check the hospital's specific policies and the patient's medical condition first. Always confirm what is allowed and what is not, as restrictions can vary significantly by hospital unit.

Key Points

Check Hospital Policy: Always call the specific hospital and unit first to ask about delivery rules, as they vary widely for departments like ICUs or maternity wards.
Prioritize Comfort Items: Thoughtful, soft items like unscented lotions, lip balm, cozy socks, and extra-long phone chargers are often highly appreciated.
Entertainment is Key: Help pass the time with books, magazines, puzzle books, or an audiobook subscription and headphones to combat boredom.
Handle Food Deliveries with Caution: Only send food after confirming with the hospital and family that the patient has no dietary restrictions.
Avoid Prohibited Items: Never send live plants, strong-scented products, or anything too bulky for a small hospital room due to allergy and safety concerns.
Utilize Local Florists or Hospital Gift Shops: These services often have direct experience with hospital policies and can ensure items are delivered properly, unlike some national couriers.

Navigating Hospital Delivery Policies

Before sending anything to a hospital, your first and most important step is to call the hospital's main desk or patient information line to ask about their delivery policy. Hospital policies regarding deliveries vary widely depending on the department. For instance, intensive care units (ICUs) and other specialized care areas often have strict rules prohibiting items like flowers, plants, and certain foods due to infection control or patient allergy concerns. In contrast, a standard ward may have more lenient rules. Knowing the patient's full name, room number, and the hospital's specific unit will help clarify any restrictions.

Gift options to brighten a hospital stay

Choosing the right gift can make a significant difference in a patient’s morale. Consider their current health status and anticipated length of stay. Thoughtful, practical gifts are often the most appreciated.

Personal Care Items:

Soft tissues and toilet paper: Hospital supplies can be harsh. Quality, soft alternatives are a small comfort that can make a big impact.
Unscented lotion and lip balm: Hospital air is often dry, causing chapped skin and lips.
Dry shampoo: A great option for patients who cannot easily wash their hair.
Comfortable clothing: Pajamas, a cozy robe, or non-skid socks can help a patient feel more like themselves.

Entertainment & Comfort:

Books and magazines: A diversion from boredom. Consider a subscription to an audiobook service for patients who are not up to reading.
Crossword or puzzle books: Great for keeping the mind occupied.
Small, handheld games: A quiet way to pass the time.
Noise-canceling headphones: To block out hospital noise and allow for listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
A cozy blanket or pillow from home: A familiar item can provide significant comfort.

Food & Snacks (with caution):

Before ordering food, always confirm with the hospital and the patient's family about any dietary restrictions. Many patients are on specific diets due to their medical condition or upcoming procedures.
Gift baskets: Many companies offer gourmet food or spa-like gift baskets that can be delivered to hospitals.
Online meal delivery: Services like GrubHub and DoorDash can deliver food to a hospital, but again, check with the staff and patient first. Some hospitals even have their own patient-facing apps for ordering food from the hospital's cafeteria or approved partners.

Comparison of delivery services


Delivery Service	Pros	Cons	Best For
Local Florist	Knowledgeable about local hospital rules; delivers directly to patient room	Some hospital departments, like ICUs, do not allow flowers	Classic get-well-soon flowers (after confirming hospital policy)
Third-Party Meal App (DoorDash, etc.)	Wide variety of food options; convenient	May be restricted by hospital policies or patient's dietary needs; delivery staff might not know patient's room	Delivering a favorite meal or restaurant food (with permission)
Online Retailer (Amazon, etc.)	Fast, reliable delivery; vast selection of items like books, blankets, tech	May not deliver directly to a patient's room; may be left at a main reception desk	Comfort items, electronics, and books for longer stays
Hospital Gift Shop	Guaranteed to follow hospital rules; often delivers to patient's bedside; quick for last-minute gifts	Limited selection of items; sometimes pricier than outside services	Flowers (when allowed), balloons, snacks, and personal items

Important logistics for smooth delivery

To ensure your delivery gets to the right person without issues, follow these steps meticulously:

Call ahead and verify: Never assume a hospital will accept all deliveries. A quick phone call is the single most effective step.
Get the right information: Have the patient's full name and exact room number. In some cases, hospitals may only know the patient by their last name or an alias for privacy, so having their full name is crucial.
Provide clear instructions: When placing an order, include the patient's name, room number, and the hospital's full address. Note the department (e.g., Maternity Ward, Cardiology) as well.
Consider an alternative contact: If you can, provide the phone number of a family member who is there with the patient. This can be helpful if the delivery person has trouble locating the room.

What to avoid when sending deliveries

Some items are almost universally prohibited in hospitals for safety and health reasons. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to send.

Perishable foods: Unless you are absolutely sure of the patient's dietary restrictions and the hospital's policy, it is best to avoid sending food.
Live plants and strong-smelling flowers: For allergy and hygiene reasons, many units ban these items. Potted plants are also often restricted due to soil containing bacteria.
Scented products: Perfumes, heavily scented lotions, or candles can cause allergic reactions or discomfort for patients sensitive to smells.
Items that take up too much space: Hospital rooms are small and cluttered with equipment. Large floral arrangements, big care packages, or oversized stuffed animals can create hazards.
Valuables: Never send expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash. Items can easily be misplaced or stolen.

Conclusion: A little planning goes a long way

Sending a gift to someone in the hospital is a thoughtful gesture that can lift spirits and provide much-needed comfort. By taking a few simple steps, like confirming the hospital’s specific rules and choosing the right item, you can ensure your delivery is a success. Whether it's a cozy blanket or an audiobook, a small, well-chosen delivery can make a big difference in a patient's recovery journey.

For more detailed guidance, the U.S. National Library of Medicine provides comprehensive resources on patient care and hospital information, which can help inform your decision-making. For instance, MedlinePlus offers extensive information on various health topics that can give you a better understanding of potential patient needs and restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

For maternity patients, deliveries often include fresh flowers (check the specific hospital’s policy first), gift baskets for the new baby, cozy robes or slippers for the mother, and snacks (after confirming dietary needs). Small, non-perishable items are usually best.

Hospital food delivery rules are strict and vary by patient and unit. Always check with the patient’s family or a nurse first. Many patients are on restricted diets, and food from outside can interfere with medical treatments.

It is generally not advised to send flowers to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Most ICUs and other sensitive units prohibit live flowers and plants for infection control and allergy reasons. Always check the hospital's policy first.

Good options for bored patients include books, magazines, crossword puzzles, or an audiobook subscription. Noise-canceling headphones are also great for watching shows or listening to music without disturbing others.

Yes, but with caution. Confirm with the hospital beforehand that they accept such deliveries and provide the patient's full name, room number, and the hospital's address. Specify that the item should be delivered to the main reception or patient information desk.

Utilizing the hospital's gift shop is an excellent option. They are knowledgeable about hospital policies and can typically deliver directly to a patient's room, ensuring your gift complies with all rules and restrictions.

Both can be good, but a physical gift like a book or soft blanket can provide immediate comfort. A gift card, perhaps to a coffee shop or meal delivery service (used with caution), gives them choices for when they get home or if they can order food with permission.