The nicest thing a friend brought me when I was in hospital for months was fresh fruit. The special thing was that my friend had prepared it, all chopped up in a Tupperware container with a little fork and napkin. Meant it could easily be put into ward fridge. Pineapple is good because it has an enzyme that cleans the mouth from all the horrible medication tastes. The fork was stainless steel, purloined from an airline, and a lovely change from plastic give aways.