Get-Well Gifts for Kids

Children suffering from an illness have a difficult time staying still and getting the rest they need to recover. Whether they are in bed at the hospital or at home, children desire nothing but to be healthy and able to play again. A thoughtful get-well gift will go a long way toward improving the child's outlook on her situation. Choose simple items children can use while sick.

Puzzles

• Puzzles make ideal gifts for sick children. If the child has a tray for his bed, he can work on the puzzle easily when he is not napping or resting. Puzzles entertain children quietly, and siblings, parents and visitors can all help figure out the pieces. Select an age-appropriate puzzle, but don't make it too easy, as it should provide a challenging diversion. Other puzzles sick children may enjoy include word searches, crossword puzzles, mazes, riddles and word scrambles. Consider giving the child a book of word puzzles along with a selection of colored pens or pencils.

Electronics

• If the sick child must remain quiet and inactive, movies and DVDs provide engaging entertainment that requires no physical activity. Check whether the child has a special favorite character such as "Dora the Explorer" or "The Cat in the Hat." Learning movies such as "Baby Einstein" are appropriate for extremely young children. Disney movies are often a hit with children as well. Also, consider purchasing a season of the child's favorite television show instead. Television episodes do not require quite the attention span a movie does -- a plus for sick children who need to sleep often. More-expensive gifts may include a handheld game system such as a Gameboy or Nintendo DS, which the child can easily play in bed. Include one or two games for the child to play.

Playing Cards

• Playing cards make a great gift for sick children, and you can often find colorful or character-themed packages. The child can use playing cards alone, one-on-one or with groups such as family and friends. Cards are engaging, and learning new games is both fun and challenging. A bed tray will allow the sick child to play card games in bed. You can also select an age-appropriate card game that is simple to learn and play. Popular children's card games include Crazy 8s, Go Fish, Old Maid, Uno and Apples to Apples Jr.

Gift Baskets

• A sick child will enjoy a get-well-soon gift basket. While many baskets are available for purchase, you can also easily create your own. Consider assembling or purchasing a themed gift basket, such as Spiderman, Disney princesses, Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh. Include a variety of activities for the child, such as puzzle and coloring books, markers, crayons, riddle books, card and board games, stickers and notebooks. If the child can eat, include a few special treats such as candy or popcorn -- but check with her parents first. You can also never go wrong with a new stuffed animal for children to cuddle and take comfort from.