When someone close to you is undergoing cancer treatment, you may wonder how you can show your support. Gifts are a powerful way to let them know you care.
If you're unsure of what to get a cancer patient going through chemo, we have some great suggestions! Read on to discover some of the most thoughtful gifts for someone with cancer.
Gifts of Time
Chemotherapy often lasts between three and six months. Gifting your time during this period offers the patient something fun to look forward to along their treatment journey. Here are some gift ideas that require a small time investment.
1. Plan an Adventure
A short road trip provides a welcome distraction during cancer treatment. It allows the patient to focus on planning the best route, researching accommodation options and deciding the itinerary at the destination.
If treatment programs require the patient to stay close to home, there are several one-day adventures to consider. For example, a trip to the local park offers a nice change of scenery while allowing the patient to get some fresh air. Choosing locations nearby allows you to head home quickly if your loved one feels unwell.
2. Provide Company During Treatment
Chemo sessions vary in length — some are just a few minutes while others take hours. Accompanying a friend or family member at their appointment helps curb feelings of boredom.
Aside from spending the time chatting, you can take a book along and read it out loud or listen to a podcast. If you can make consecutive sessions, you may even consider watching a television series together. Knowing there is the next enthralling episode to look forward to can help minimize pretreatment anxiety.
3. Assist With Chores
Chemo treatments often dominate a fair amount of time for patients and their families. As a result, household chores seem to fall by the wayside.
One of the most meaningful gifts for male or female chemo patients and their families is taking on their chore list. Spending an hour or two washing dishes, doing laundry or tidying up helps make their home environment a cleaner and more inviting space to recover.
Spoils That Show Support
While there are no worst gifts for cancer patients, some physical gifts are not that useful. Your loved one may prefer financial contributions to help with their medical expenses or a homemade dinner to relieve the burden of cooking from their shoulders. Here are some practical ways to show your support.
1. Donations
The patient or their family may feel awkward receiving gifts. Donations to organizations that fund care, support or research for cancer patients offer an alternative way to assist cancer-affected families.
When you donate to organizations like Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, you help settle some of the ongoing medical bills not covered by insurance. Eliminating this financial burden helps patients and families focus on what matter matters most — restoring their health.
2. Motivational Books
Offering words of encouragement to cancer patients can come across as disingenuous unless you've walked a similar road. When words fail you, consider gifting the patient a motivational book.
Look for books that showcase other cancer survivor stories or detail other hardships and successes. If the patient is not a reader, consider locating the audio version of the book so they can listen on their way to treatments.
3. Home-Cooked Meals
A home-cooked meal is the epitome of love and support. Since chemotherapy can often disrupt a patient and their family's routine, having a prepared meal to look forward to can lessen the load.
Before shopping for ingredients, check in with the patient to find out their current likes and dislikes. You can then prepare a meal they are sure to enjoy.
Entertainment Treats
Between long chemo sessions and recovery days at home, the cancer treatment journey can be a lonely one. Ensure the patient has enough activities to keep them occupied with some entertainment gifts. Explore our top suggestions for gifts for male or female cancer patients.
1. Streaming Service Subscriptions
Chemotherapy can make children feel unwell and listless. Enabling them to watch a few episodes of their favorite series could be just what the doctor ordered.
Before gifting the child a subscription, chat with the parents to get their approval. This gives them the opportunity to set some healthy screentime boundaries with their child.
2. Quality Earbuds or Headphones
Cancer patients require quiet, calm environments to facilitate recovery. Gifting your loved one with a durable set of earbuds or headphones helps them listen to their favorite music, podcast or audiobook without disrupting other patients.
Ensure you get maximum value for your money by purchasing earbuds or headphones from a well-known brand. Your loved one is sure to cherish this gift long after their treatment concludes.
3. Coloring Books and Pencils
While watching a movie or listening to a book are enjoyable ways to pass the time, doing an activity with your hands offers additional benefits. For example, engaging in coloring or other crafts can boost your cognition and mood.
A coloring book and quality pencils make a great gift for those with an artistic flair. They can pull out the set while waiting to see the doctor, during treatments or while they are recovering at home.
Presents to Increase Comfort
There is one thing that a cancer patient will always welcome — gifts of comfort. Here are some gift suggestions to make the treatment journey a little easier.
1. Pajamas and Slippers
Children with cancer may experience extended hospital stays or require time to recover at home. Having fresh pajamas to change into at the start of each day helps increase feelings of comfort.
Look for pajamas in their favorite colors or choose a design featuring a superhero they admire. You can pair this gift with a warm pair of slippers or socks for added comfort.
2. Comfy Pillow
A good-quality pillow can greatly impact your quality of sleep. Choose a pillow type that offers the patient's desired firmness so they can get some shut-eye during their treatment journey.
You can personalize the gift by selecting a fabric cover in a design they like. Breathable fabrics like cotton help minimize night sweating and ensure a better night's rest.
3. Warm Scarves
A beautiful scarf fulfills its purpose as a neck warmer. It can also double as a knee rug, head wrap or mat to lay on the floor while playing. Gifting a patient this versatile item will allow them to use it however they want.
While it's always beneficial to consider the patient's color choices and style, colorful scarves can bring a bright element to the day. Lightweight fabrics will also add extra comfort.
Give the Gift of Support by Donating to Four Diamonds
Friends and family often feel helpless in the wake of a cancer prognosis, but gifts can help show your support. One way to touch the lives of many is a recurring gift to Four Diamonds.
With your support, we can fund childhood cancer research, facilitate quality care and support families with treatment bills that are not covered by insurance. Take the first step to making a positive change in the lives of cancer patients by initiating a fundraiser or donating today. We can accomplish greatness when we work together!
