Gifts are a meaningful way to show someone you care. When a loved one has cancer, you may be unsure of what type of gift to get.
A well-intentioned gift can easily backfire. This is especially true if you don’t know what it’s like to live with cancer. For example, gifts that focus on how cancer has changed a person’s body are not ideal.
Your friend or loved one probably doesn’t expect you to know what it’s like to have cancer. After all, no one can truly understand the experience until they’ve been through it.
A good place to start is to ask. Ask about the things your friend might need or might like to have a break from.
Some people with cancer have a close friend or relative who acts as a spokesperson. You can also ask that person for a gift idea.
This article provides some suggestions for buying a gift for a friend or loved one with cancer.
Gifts of Comfort
Comfort during cancer treatment is often hard to come by. Treatment can involve sitting in hard plastic chairs and lying on uncomfortable exam tables. It may take place in cold clinics and hospital rooms that may not feel very homey.
Your friend may not feel up to leaving the house much. Excursions may be limited to doctor appointments or treatments. Because of this, cancer patients often cherish the comforts of home even more during this time.
Consider giving your friend some soft, cozy socks, slippers, pajamas, or robes. Sheepskin and chenille items are ideal. A warm, soft shawl or fleece blanket is the perfect way to wrap your friend in love and comfort. The fuzzier, the better!
Don’t worry about color or pattern. You can even choose a color or pattern that reflects your own tastes. This can serve as a reminder of your friendship during the long and often lonely days of cancer treatment.
Add a note that describes the meaning behind your gift. For example: “Here’s a little warmth for the times I can’t be with you.”
Gifts that Help Ease Stress
These scented products include pillows, eye masks, and even stuffed animals made with essential oils.
No studies on using aromatherapy in cancer patients have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Several clinical trials, though, have suggested that essential oils might help cancer patients deal with sleep, nausea, and anxiety.1
People with cancer are often told to keep a positive attitude. It’s much easier to give this advice than to put it into practice.
Gifts that Entertain
Activity levels wane during active cancer treatment. Cancer fatigue is common even for patients who aren’t currently undergoing treatment. Books and movies can be an excellent way to escape for a few hours.
A thriller, mystery, biography, or a laugh-out-loud comedy can be great entertainment. There are times, though, when your friend might want something more relevant.
Sometimes, people with cancer may not want to read, watch, or hear anything about cancer. If you don’t know what kinds of books or movies your friend is or is not interested in, consider sharing some favorites. You may help your friend find a new author or genre.
Gifts of Warmth and Style
Thinning hair and chemotherapy-related hair loss can make cold weather uncomfortable. Some people with cancer prefer not to wear hats or wigs, but cold temperatures can change that.
Warm hats, scarves, and bandanas can help keep your friend covered up in style. Don’t focus on appearance, though. Let your friend know that head coverings are always optional.
DIY Gift Baskets
Put a gift basket together. Include things your friend might need during and after cancer treatment. Some ideas:
- Magazines and journals
- Organic lip balms or aloe
- A squishy stress ball
- Cozy socks
- Candles
- Crackers or ginger candy
- Tea
- Favorite snacks
Summary
When a loved one has cancer, it can be hard to find the perfect gift. Consider gifts that provide comfort, like blankets and soft robes. Gifts that provide stress relief, like an aromatherapy pillow, will also be appreciated.
Consider books and movies to provide entertainment when your friend is feeling fatigued. Warm hats and scarves are also good choices if the weather is cold.
Take care when choosing food gifts. Favorite foods may change during cancer treatment. Consider gift certificates or a treat from a restaurant with a large menu.
If you want to treat your friend to a massage or spa treatment, think first about whether these treatments may cause pain and discomfort. Look for services that cater specifically to people with cancer.
Jewelry and keepsakes or a DIY gift basket are other thoughtful ways to treat your friend. You can also give your friend a “coupon” for help with a specific task, like housework or babysitting.
Finally, if your friend doesn’t want a personal gift, consider donating to a charity that supports cancer research.
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