If you have a hospitalized niece or nephew, or one who is on extended bed rest at home this holiday season, finding the perfect gift just got that much harder!  As a Savvy Auntie, you are undoubtedly determined to find the gift that is just right for your nieces and nephews, despite their setbacks this holiday season.  I have listed some tips below to help you think through the gift giving process this season if you find yourself in this situation.

Tips for Avoiding Disappointment

Be sure to think about the limitations of your nieces and nephews if they are sick or in the hospital.  You want to make sure to give them something that they can accomplish and enjoy. 

For example, if your niece has an IV placed in her writing hand, a journal and pen might not be the best gift.  Likewise, you might want to avoid arts and crafts type gifts if your niece or nephew has had arm surgery.  Keep in mind that you want to give a gift that your nieces and nephews can have mastery over to feel a sense of control and accomplishment during this uncertain and difficult time in their lives.

Take into consideration whether your nieces and nephews are able to leave bed.  Gifts that they can enjoy at bedside (or close to bed) are sure to be appreciated.  Toys for outdoor activities are probably not a good choice (leave the sleds and pogo sticks off the list this year!).  If they get something they can't use because of their current health situation, it might be frustrating and disappointing to them, as well as a reminder of what they cannot do.

Take their minds off of things

Look for gifts that are relaxing and help your nieces and nephews take their minds off of their current situation.  Some good examples include:

Movies, especially any new releases they may have missed while being hospitalized. Remember to bring a portable DVD player or laptop that plays DVDs if there is no such equipment at the hospital.

Ipod with your niece or nephew's favorite artists uploaded. You can also purchase TV episodes and movies off iTunes for them.

If they don't have an iPod - CDs and/or a portable CD players are a good alternative.

Craft or art project sets that can be done at bedside

magazines, books, or other reading material

Toys to play with on a bedside table (e.g: LEGO, board games, cards, etc.)

A laptop (this is a wonderful distraction to use at bedside).

Help them develop as they recover

Make sure the gift is not only age appropriate, but also developmentally appropriate.  This is important, as many children and teens have developmental setbacks when dealing with a major illness or hospitalization.  For example, children who are hospitalized for an extended amount of time may have setbacks in their reading levels.  If your gift is a book, make sure that your niece or nephew can enjoy reading it relatively easily.  You may want to run some gift ideas past your nieces' or nephews' parents to find out if they think the gift you have in mind is right for them.

Have fun making a thoughtful, informed gift choice for your nieces and nephews this holiday season!