A hospital stay is stressful for anyone, but it can be especially hard on a child too young to understand why they hurt or a teenager old enough to be concerned about their own mortality.
However, friends and family can help relieve the strain and boredom of a young person's time in the hospital in a variety of ways.
First, call a family member or a nurse on the child's ward to ask a few questions.
The questions to ask are:

Is the child ready for visitors?

What are visiting hours? Are some times better to visit than others?

Are there any limits to the child's mobility?

Are there any dietary restrictions?

Is there something in particular the child needs or would like to have?

The answers to these questions will tell you if the child is in a restricted access area, such as an intensive care unit, what times of the day the child feels best or is most alert, and if there are any limitations on how the child can play and what he or she can eat.
Armed with this information, the next step in creating a much-needed diversion from the hospital routine can be targeted by considering the child's age and interests.
Choosing the right gift In general, any gifts should be small (easy to put away or pack to take home), quiet (no clanging that might disturb other sick children) and inexpensive (so the parents do not worry about keeping track of an expensive new toy in addition to caring for their child).
Good at any age, and free, are messages from classmates, family and neighbors.
Most hospitals now host an online message service that allows people to send email to a patient.
The messages are usually printed out and delivered by hand, sometimes by volunteers who are trained to provide a friendly chat if the patient desires.
Be sure your message includes news about what is going on in the neighborhood, on the basketball team or in class.
Children enjoy hearing what is happening outside their hospital room.
Teenagers especially may feel isolated and out of touch with friends and school during long absences so a newsy letter helps.
You can also volunteer to collect well wishes from classmates, neighbors and teammates and deliver one giant card or poster to the room.
Consider age and hobbies When choosing gifts, be sure to consider what is appropriate for the child's age as well as their hobbies and after-school activities.
For instance, a set of small cars may be fun for a 5-year-old boy while a 15-year-old would probably prefer a selection of car magazines.
Music helps distract and sooth all ages.
A teenager with an iPod may appreciate some new tunes, while a toddler may enjoy a singing doll or a musical toy (just so long it is not a loud one).
A snack basket may provide a welcome relief from institutional food and much needed energy for busy parents, but be sure the patient is not on a restricted diet.
Other widely appreciated items include magazines, books, audio books, pajamas, art supplies and small craft projects.
Schedule a visit Depending on the patient, perhaps the best way to help a hospitalized child is to visit.
The friendly, familiar face of a neighbor can help a child pass the time, give parents a much-needed break, and distract the child from pain, loneliness and boredom.
A small group of the child's friends might bring in pizza and a game, especially if the patient is hospitalized during a holiday or their birthday.
Remember to tailor the gift, whether a gift of time or a toy, to the child's health restrictions and interests, and both the patient and parents will be grateful for your effort.