I like a special care package for finals. I make my own Chex mix, as I mentioned above, and I add lots of nuts and reduce the butter--protein. I also make Rice Crispie Treats--some nutrition there. They like the dried appples I make in my dehydrator, and I also make carmel corn--with just a little carmeling so it is not so cloyingly sweet. I throw in granola bars, cocoa and fancy coffee mixes, and pop top cans of single serving fruit. For one son's birthday, I had seen a huge box of squirt guns for sale at the end of the summer for 25 cents each. I sent a box of 20 of them when he was in the dorms. They soaked him when he arrived home after class on his birthday. We have a family recipe for birthday cake, and they all prefer it not iced. It is a from scratch, very moist chocolate cake that I make in an angel food cake pan, wrap in layers of Saran Wrap and mail successfully. Once I sent my daughter the paperback book of the Rules book--on dating. They all had fun reading it. I pack off the extra Halloween candy too. I have tjhrown in a huge sack of almonds from Costco for snacks too. My kids do not have weight problems; otherwise I might avoid mailing some of the mentioned sweets.

A soft pillow say about 16x16,no bigger.I found this very useful as I had to make many runs to the bathroom,if you know what I mean.I kept this in the bathroom on top of the hamper so I could lay my head down while I was in there. My stomach cramped something awful and i'd break out in a sweat that you could mop up.Dh always had to bring me a washcloth,to wipe the sweat,and wash my face with cool water.. Going with the above suggestions,i'd also recommend those pads that they use in the hospital to put on her favorite chair in case she has the same symptoms that I did. Peppermint tea,lots of bottled water,and some flavorings to go in them.The wal mart brands of flavoring are very good and don't have any artificial sweetners. Word puzzles were my favorite as I couldn't concentrate long enough to read a book.My puzzles were on my kindle. As someone else said some cute soft hats,especially for wearing to bed as your head gets pretty cold if all your hair falls out. Those little bootie sock were also wonderful,at least for me,because when my feet got cold,i was cold all over.I've picked up many colors of these at the 99 cent store. Since al my sisters and the biggest part of my family is 3000 miles away,phone calls were nice,with the understanding that some days I may not feel up to talking,and they understood,so dh would tell them how it was going and they were all very understanding. There are some beautiful "thinking of you cards out there,my favorite by far were the ones from "The learning Tree,or leaning tree,can't remember which.That also comes with the chemo,can't remember. Wishing your sister brighter days ahead,and a full recovery.Seems like forever when you are going thru it,but goes quickly when you look back on it.At least that is how it's been for me,it's been 5 blessed years since my scare,surgery,chemo etc. God Bless her and her family as she deals with this.It's all doable.A good attitude takes you along way as well. Never give up!! Kathi,5 years and counting.

Many times hospitals will be very accommodating as far as feeding family members so check with them and see. They might not know that they might be able to eat there. When some friends' daughters were in the hospital after an accident the hospital gave them vouchers to use in the cafeteria. Presumably they don't want to be searching for coffee shops around the area. Beverages are easy to get in a hospital. Food might not be as big a concern as you might think so check on it to be sure. If it's a problem then some healthy snacks, some fruit (cut fresh fruit is healthy and refreshing), maybe some apples, pears, oranges, etc, trail mix, sandwiches that don't require refrigeration. Normally there's a microwave available but check on it, since it varies and if there is, then that opens a new array of soups, casseroles or the like. Since they're not moving around a lot, other than pacing, lighter foods might be preferable and put seasonings on the side. If they're stressed, heavy seasonings could upset them. Things like muffins and sweet breads are a great idea. The other item is boredom and distraction. What do they like to do? Crossword puzzles, word search, etc. Offer to get some library books for them or if you have books that interest them they could borrow them. Kudos to you for your kindness. Hope they learn about their son. And here's hoping he changes for the better. Maybe this will help change him. Just remember, you can't change him. I'm sure they appreciate all your support.

I agree that hummingbird cake may not be the best choice because of the moisture as well as the icing. The tubs of icing are not the same, but for this purpose, probably your best bet. Perhaps you could put some of those moisture absorbing packets in the box to keep the cake from getting too moist and spoiling. I haven't tried that, but it might help it not arrive moldy. Before I read that you had a specific cake in mind, I was going to tell you that I have shipped Texas Sheet Cake baked in a foil pan. It has always arrived well (priority mail here -- not abroad) and been enjoyed. It was my son's away from home birthday cake -- for both sons in different years, IIRC. It is another cake that is better after a day or two and the fudgy frosting helps lock it in. If in doubt, I use a little less milk, a little more powdered sugar or cook it a minute longer to make sure it sets well. I know he will enjoy whatever you send and I hope it arrives in god shape so it is even better.