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As a cancer survivor, I often get asked for advice on what to buy someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. It’s such a wonderful question that it deserves its own permanent place here on the blog. So, I’ve compiled all my favourite gift ideas to make it easier for you to support someone going through cancer.
Whilst the suggestions below are based on my experience with chemotherapy, most of these cross over to other forms of treatment as well.
So, without further ado, let’s talk gifting.
Long Phone Charger Cable
A long phone charger cable is a must during cancer treatment. Chemotherapy days are long, between the waiting around and the treatments you find yourself on your phone a lot. However, most phone charger cables aren’t typically long enough to meet the hospital bed, so a long charger cable is very helpful.
Insulated Water Bottle or Glass Water Bottle
Again, hospital days are long and during treatment it’s especially important to stay hydrated. Insulated water bottles are helpful for keeping drinks cool, but if they’re undergoing chemotherapy I recommend a glass bottle instead. Many people undergoing chemotherapy develop a metallic taste in their mouth, or they develop a reaction that makes metal taste bad.
Heat Packs & Ice Packs
Heat packs and ice packs are such a great practical gift idea. Even if you think they may already have one, another will not go astray. I used heat packs and ice packs almost every day whilst battling side effects.
Thermometer
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are required to regularly check their temperature to prevent the spread of infection. And again, it’s a gift they won’t mind being doubled up on, as having a couple of thermometers comes in handy.
Blanket
A good quality blanket is so soothing during chemotherapy. I was gifted a beautiful blanket during chemotherapy and got so much use out of it (& still do). You could also gift someone a lightweight blanket that they could take to chemotherapy with them. Hospitals are always cold, and sometimes a jumper or hoodie can get in the way of infusion lines.
Pillows
You spend a lot time in bed after treatments, so a good quality pillow is always welcomed. Another idea is a backrest pillow to make sitting up in bed a little more comfortable. Even a neck pillow for long periods of sitting down during treatment would be helpful.
Bed Tray
A bed tray is the perfect accompaniment to a bed-ridden day. It’s so handy to be able to have food, drink or even a laptop at arms reach when moving around is difficult.
Streaming Subscription
The other perfect accompaniment to a bed-ridden day? A streaming subscription.
During side effect days, there are very few things you can do aside from watch tv. Being able to provide a subscription to a streaming platform whilst they’re undergoing treatment is a thoughtful idea.
Headphones
Headphones are particularly useful during chemotherapy treatments, so they can watch videos on their phones or laptop.
Journal
A journal can be a therapeutic tool for people to express their emotions during treatment. It can also be useful for recording daily symptoms to help them keep track and manage future side effects better.
Pyjamas
With all that time in bed, a soft pair of pyjamas is always a thoughtful gift. I was gifted a pair of beautiful bamboo pyjamas and I have gotten so much use out them. When it comes to PJ’s, I recommend going for breathable fabrics (e.g. bamboo or cotton), as treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation therapy) can cause hot flashes. Also, if they’re in between sizes, I recommend sizing up, as tight clothing can be uncomfortable when you’re experiencing stomach pains.
Loungewear
As a cancer patient you can never have too many cute and comfy clothes. I recommend sizing up to avoid any restrictions on the body.
Slippers & Socks
Your skin can become very sensitive during chemotherapy, so a soft pair of socks or slippers come in very handy.
Moisturiser
Treatments and hospital environments dry out your skin, so a good quality, basic, unfragranced moisturiser is essential. You can either gift them a larger body moisturiser for home, or a smaller one that they can take to hospital visits. I recommend brands such as Cerave, Avene, La Roche Posay, Aveeno and MooGoo. This MooGoo Oncology Care Pack is a wonderful idea.
I also recommend La Roche Posay Thermal Water for a cooling effect for anyone going through radiation.
Lip Balms
I never went anywhere without my lip balm throughout treatment. I also recommend choosing stick/tube lip balms rather than tubs to help prevent risk of infection.
Eye Mask
An eye mask is not only a lovely gift idea, but it can be helpful for sleeping throughout the day.
Hair Loss Gifts
Hair loss can be a sensitive and tricky topic during treatments, so I would probably only approach this area if you know the person well. Besides, not everyone experiences hair loss and everyone handles hair loss differently.
If their treatments are expected to cause hair loss, beanies can be a helpful gift. Something you don’t tend to think about is that your head can get cold, especially whilst sleeping. I recommend opting for soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo.
If you know that they’re wanting to buy a wig, being able to put a bit of money towards it is incredibly helpful. Human hair wigs typically cost around upwards of $1000, whilst synthetic wigs cost $100-$500.
Puzzles, Books & Colouring Books
Puzzles (including puzzle books), books and adult colouring books are great for keeping the mind busy and maintaining cognitive function throughout treatments. Some other ideas include paint-by-numbers and cross-stitching.
Large Tote Bag
There’s typically a lot of things to pack for treatment, so a large tote bag is always a wonderful idea. And if they are an in-patient (e.g. stay overnight at the hospital for treatments), an overnight bag or a toiletries bag could be useful.
Cleaning Services
It can be hard to keep up with cleaning when you’re battling side effects, especially fatigue. This may be particularly useful for someone who may not have a lot of support around them, or for someone who has a lot of responsibilities.
Acts of Service
I also want to share some alternative ways in which you can help support someone and show your love.
- Give them a lift to and from their treatment. You can’t drive after treatments, so this is incredibly helpful.
- Offer to sit with them during their treatment.
- Help them cook or drop off some meals (there may be certain foods they can’t eat during treatment, so I recommend checking first).
- Offer to tidy their house.
- Spend time with them, even if that just includes watching movies all day. However, I also recommend checking whether they’re neutropenic, as they may need to remain isolated.
- Go to appointments with them and take notes. In the beginning, appointments can be incredibly overwhelming and it can help to have someone there who is able to take in and record important information.
- If they have children, offer to do school pick-ups or mind their children for a few hours.
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I hope this post has given you some inspiration for gift ideas! A gesture, no matter how small, can truly brighten their day. I shed many happy tears each time I received a gift. To have people thinking of you and cheering you on during such a difficult time is a beautiful thing.
For more cancer-related posts, you can check out my diagnosis story and my tips for life after cancer.
Chanté x
