Care Package for Father in Law... Ideas Needed.

I had a customer a few years ago who had the same spinal cord injury as Christoper Reeve - only, he was able to walk after a few weeks and resume normal life.

We got him a boredom basket with all kinds of magazines and other things to help take his time away. A magazine can only be read so many times, as well as movies. Perhaps a deck of cards to help entertain him. Depending on how much you want to spend, you could even invest in one of the small personal lap tops (usually ~$300) so he could have internet access, watch shows on Hulu, etc. That's on the high-end, of course, and would be way out of our budget.

My husband loves the DuPont registry (high end car magazine) and can read that for days. Does he have any favorite authors? You could go to the library and get some books if you don't want to purchase them.

The bell is funny - I went through 5 months of chemo, and the stress of being the primary caregiver can be overwhelming - while a bell may be a good idea initially, it may backfire in the end if they don't have the right sense of humor (like others mentioned).

I'd also try to put something together for her to help take the stress away. If you're close and can even offer to come over and help with laundry, dishes, dusting, whatever - even be there to tend to him should she need to get out and get groceries, etc.

In the end, it's the little things that really make the biggest difference. It's really nice that you're wanting to help him out.

Very thoughtful! What about a CD with his favorite music or some upbeat music when he gets a little down. What about some chapstick? Does he have any favorite snacks? get some single serving sizes that he can keep near by. Does he have a laptop computer or can you arrange for him to borrow one while he is recuperating? He could play all kinds of games on that. A communication device might be a good idea--but I don't know about the bell, mostly because you really can't hear one too far away. What about a set of walkie talkies. Your MIL could carry one in her pocket and be able to hear what he had to say. Then if he wanted water, she could just bring him water. If he rang a bell, she would have to see what he wanted and then go get it and bring it back. Lots of extra steps!

It sounds like you have been given some great ideas. Hmm..how about a book on tape? These can be borrowed from the library and you can choose whatever you think he might like. He could listen to these while playing solitare, etc.

Also, I know this isn't just for him, but making a couple items for a meal or two, would sure be appreciated. It wouldn't have to be a fancy meal, but rather when you are making something for your family...you could double the recipe and make a bit for them. (soups, etc.) This would help give your MIL a break. :)

Whatever you do...it will be appreciated!

Love the Bell idea, but only if they are the jokey jokey type. If not, I would skip it.

What about a classic car model thing that he can put together. If he likes games, about some books of games if he likes Sudoku or crossword puzzles.

That's so sweet of you to set that up for him. The car model idea is great. My husband is a car nut and he loves those things. As far as magazines- Grassroots Motorsports, Car and Driver, Motortrend are the ones my husband subscribes to and reads cover to cover.

Crosswords, suduko, etc. They also have those little electronic card game things- I think they have them in the kids play section at Walmart or Target.

I hope he gets well soon!

I have bought inexpensive handheld games like "Connect 4", "Black Jack", etc at places like Walmart and Target. Even mind puzzles like Rubix Cube. The dollar stores have puzzles books like word search and sudoko. I also think crayons or colored pencils with paper is fun for doodling. How about a joke or some type of humorous book. Laughter is the best medicine:-) Depending how much you want to spend (I have seen them at Bed Bath and Beyond for 19.99) a cushioned lap desk is handy. I bought one for myself online at CBD and love it! -use it all the time. How very thoughtful of you and I wish your father in law well.

I have a hand held "Deal or No Deal" game that my son, the game showaholic, plays all the time. I think it cost less than $5. What about a good old jigsaw puzzle? I would go to the toy dept at Target/Kmart or Toys R Us and see what they have that would look fun. There are all kinds of puzzle books in the magazine sections of stores. Is he artistic at all? How about sketch pad and pencils? Or go to Michael's and see what they might have in the way of craft stuff. I know he's a man, but keeping him busy is the goal. I do love the model idea. There are varied levels of models, if he is handy get him a really complex one. I bet he hasn't done a model since he was a kid.

You're a good DIL, I hope your FIL gets well soon.
S.