A hospital room is such a dreary place (even when celebrating the birth of a new baby) and it helps so much to have something cheery in the drab surroundings.   But ordering flowers and paying delivery charges from a florist costs too much for our budget.

When someone is staying in the hospital (and I am able) I like to buy flowers from the grocery store (about $4) and put them in a vase from the dollar store ($1) and take them to the hospital.  As I often can't get out to run those errands (and some people prefer not to have visitors while in the hospital) I have found that calling the hospital gift shop can be a surprisingly affordable alternative.  Hospitals don't charge for delivery and you can order a bouquet of fun balloons (around $3 each)  to be sent to the patient's room.  Isn't that great?  Just $3 can brighten someone's day and let them know you are thinking about them during their hospital stay!

Some hospitals have "Email a Patient" on their websites and they will print out an email note and put it in a decorated envelope to give to the patient.