The 10 items your friend in hospital actually needs (and wants).

It’s time to stop bringing bouquets into hospital wards. It’s not helpful.

As tempting as it is to grab a bunch, sometimes flowers are the last thing a ward or your friend needs.

They can set off allergies in other patients, become difficult to transport home and take up valuable surface space.

In a recent Reddit thread, hospital staff, past patients and their visitors shared their recommendations of the items people in hospital actually want – and they are far more useful than a few gerberas in purple plastic. Here are the top 10.

1. Condiments.

Bringing yummy and interesting condiments to an ill friend can spice up the often bland selection of food you'll find in a hospital. Dabbing a bit of a fancy mustard on a plain cheese sandwich, sloshing a bit of soy on some steamed vegetables or even just a good scrape of peanut butter can turn any meal into something enjoyable.

It's important to remember to check with medical staff whether the patient has any dietary requirements that could restrict your offerings. Also ensure the item you're bringing doesn't require refrigeration so the patient can store it easily.

2. Portable battery chargers. 

The ability to change a phone or tablet device without having to use a power point can be a great relief for patients who are bed-bound or struggling with mobility.

A battery pack can also save a loved one the bother and stress of asking somebody else to do a task they'd probably rather do themselves.

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3. A good quality pillow.

There is something almost transformative about sleeping on a comfortable bed. While you can't swap out the provided mattress for some memory foam magic, you can offer a pint-sized pillow replacement.

Pair the gifted pillow with a soft, pretty or even silly pillowcase for great effect.

4. Ear plugs and eye masks.

The fluorescent glare of hospital lights may have become a little softer in recent years but sleeping in a partially lit room can still be difficult. Gifting a good quality eye mask can offer some much needed rest to tired patients.

Ear plugs are much the same but can be used during daylight and visiting hours.

5. A soft toy .

They may not seem like the most obvious gift for an adult but a soft toy can perk up patients separated from their pets at home.

"When I was hit by a car, my manager at a cat shelter where I volunteered sent me a little stuffed cat. I had a cat at home, who I was separated from for a month, and though I felt kind of silly petting it at first, that little stuffed animal got me through some really depressing nights," shared one user.

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6. Audio books and podcasts.

Audio books and podcasts are great for patients who love to read but are struggling to do so in their condition.

"Looking at screens or reading made me feel sick. I don't know what I would have done if I did not have my phone loaded with audio books and earphones," one past patient wrote on Reddit.

Audio books can be gifted through iTunes and other online media libraries before being loaded onto a mobile or tablet device.

7. A deck of cards.

It may sound old school but a deck of cards can still prove a fun way to pass a few hours. Cards are an easy way to interact with the person you're visiting without too much mental or physical strain.

8. Moisturiser.

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The constant washing of hands can leave a patient with dry and uncomfortable skin. Gifting a nice moisturiser is helpful and a little bit special too.

9. Slippers.

A pair of non-slip slippers make moving around a ward much easier for a patient. While some also suggested socks, hospital staff warn that they can be dangerous on slippery ward floors.

10. A home-cooked meal.

A sandwich with all the trimmings or a meal that can be enjoyed cold can give patients a small sense of normality and a taste of home. It's a thoughtful gesture that will mean a lot - just check the patient isn't restrained by certain dietary requirements before bringing in food.

Do you have any tips for what to bring somebody in hospital? Share them below.

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