15 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients

Table of Content

• Gifts For Cancer Patients: Entertainment During Treatment
• Practical Gifts
• People Share The Most Thoughtful Gifts They Received During Breast Cancer Treatment
• Warm, Stylish Head Coverings
• Warrior Strong Woman Gift Pink Morse Code Bracelet Warrior Bracelet Warrior Gift Get Well Soon Be Strong You Got This

“Following chemo, my body was incredibly sore, fatigued, and achy,” she shares. “Bath bombs with epsom salt or lavender helped tremendously to relax my body and mind.” Mannion says she enjoyed the gift so much that she gives them to her friends who are currently undergoing chemotherapy. Staying comfortable during treatments is key, Mastrippolito says.

Several clinical trials, though, have suggested that essential oils might help cancer patients deal with sleep, nausea, and anxiety. It’s usually recommended that patients sleep on their backs while recovering from breast cancer surgery, which can be surprisingly awkward for someone who isn’t used to it. These gifts are totally unimaginative but always welcome, and make a great choice if you care about someone but don’t know her well enough to get a personalized gift. Here are a few items to consider putting in a gift basket for someone getting ready to start chemo or radiation. Some of the things would make good virtual gifts if you need to send something from afar.

Gifts For Cancer Patients: Entertainment During Treatment

A trip to the spa can be just the relaxing experience your loved one needs. You can relieve their stress with a simple yet thoughtful gift. Whether you take them out for a mani-pedi, a massage, or a facial—they're sure to leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. You can also give them a gift card for an in-home massage service likeZeel orSoothe, which allow them to book an appointment for the massage therapist to come to them at a scheduled time. "Towards the end of my treatment, when the cold cap feels even colder because you inevitably have less hair, electric blankets are invaluable," Montejo says, noting that she borrowed a few during her treatment. They also can come in handy for stomach pains, as well asmuscle and joint aches, which plenty of people get during chemo, she says.

Their robe, in particular, is beautiful, feminine and a great gift for someone to enjoy not only at the hospital but at home. If there's a special breast cancer patient in your life with chemo ahead, consider gifting a pair of therapeutic gloves—to use with their healthcare provider's approval, of course. But the reality is that about one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. And if and when a diagnosis comes, there are some things that can make the shock just a teeny bit better. We asked people for the tangible items, experiential gifts, and even the actions that money can't buy that meant the most to them during their treatment process and their recovery. “One of the most helpful gifts I received was a box of Omaha steaks,” Mastrippolito tells SELF.

Practical Gifts

You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance. Fueling my body with healthy food was a priority for me and smoothies always seemed to hit the spot. I could get a lot of nutrients jam packed into one little drink and it was a way to combat any nausea early on in my treatments.

Having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer also raises a woman’s risk. "Write sealed letters or cards they can open on the hardest days." Dena recommends getting them something from the Chemo Hair and Skin Collection, which offers products that are toxin-free and specifically designed for people going through treatment. The Daniel Field Suite Body Lotion is an especially good choice to soothe dry or sensitive skin. "One of my most memorable Christmas gifts from my family was from my sister-in-law," Chelsey says. "She got me a large, soft, squishy blanket with elephants on it. It was the absolute best and you better believe I used that blanket until it was completely worn through."

People Share The Most Thoughtful Gifts They Received During Breast Cancer Treatment

A small step next to the bed can make it easier to climb in and out of bed during this stiff, uncomfortable time. Some patients have their underarm lymph nodes removed during surgery, and these long elastic sleeves are famously soothing for these awkwardly-placed wounds. The coolness of a quality, medical-grade cold pack soothes offering pain relief, while reducing swelling. Young kids are a handful, and they don’t stop being a handful just because Mom is recovering from surgery.

Whether that was one from Real Simple, where I could immerse myself in pretty kitchens and recipes, or a fashion magazine like Vogue, dreaming of feeling “normal” again, any fun magazine was a highlight for me. My LifePlanner™ was my security blanket throughout this whole ordeal, helping me navigate my seemingly endless appointments, surgeries, physical therapies, and treatments. I’m so incredibly grateful to have this part of my life behind me. Hearing the words, “I’m afraid you have breast cancer,” was surreal. In one instant life as I knew it ended, and I realized life would never be the same. My heart began to race, my head began to spin, and I immediately thought of my two young boys who could be left without a mother.

There is no credible research showing a link between wearing, or not wearing, a bra and developing breast cancer. It has been claimed that underwire bras cause breast cancer by obstructing the lymph flow, however, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Gift your loved one some entertainment during treatment or long hospital stays. Cancer patients with life insurance policies can enter agreements with third-party buyers to sell their life insurance policy in return for a lump-sum payment .

A gift card to the spa for a facial or the salon for a manicure can be just as nice. And when you’re not visiting in person, pick up the phone and give your loved one a call. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you?

I knew he would feel the warmth for the rest of the day, which made me feel that warmth in turn. It made me cry because it was so thoughtful, practical, and very much took some “to-dos” off my list of things to find. This one may be a no brainer, but I loved taking a pair of soft socks to the hospital on treatment days. Again, anything that made the experience feel a little less cold and institutional was just good for my psyche. Not everyone will feel up to cooking while going through treatment, but a family member or friend might cook for them, and the cookbook can be helpful after cancer treatment is done.

Cleaning for a Reason Provides free housecleaning for women undergoing cancer treatment. And when youre not visiting in person, pick up the phone and give your loved one a call. Hearing the voices of people they care about can be an incredible source of comfort and entertainment.

A meal service, gift card to their favorite restaurant, or homecooked meal will take away the burden of having to grocery shop and cook. UberEats, Postmates, or your local food delivery service is a godsend for those going through treatment and recovering from surgery. Give a gift certificate or send food straight to their door. Sun Basket and Blue Apron are good options for meal-delivery services as well . Another idea for in-towners is organizing a meal train, a free meal calendar set up amongst family or friends who are close by.

A personal robe could allow people with breast cancer to feel just a bit more like themselves during treatment. Something pretty, soft, and in a fun pattern is a small way for them to feel like themselves during their hospital stay. For Kate Catlin Payne, of Raleigh, North Carolina, the most thoughtful gift was an ear.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients

Gift cards are a great way to give your loved one the gift of entertainment. Going through cancer treatment can feel isolating and having the support of regular visitors is the best way to combat that. Having something positive to look forward to is a great motivator for cancer patients to get through treatment. You can plan something to anticipate, or keep them reminded of a goal they have.