Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you still not gotten a present for your Valentine? Fear not! Here are a few ideas for easy, personal gifts that take into consideration the special needs of cancer patients.
Bake a healthy treat to share with your Valentine.
What makes a tasty dessert even better? If it also packs a nutritious punch! Here are few delicious and tasty recipes to make for your Valentine:
- The secret ingredient? Nutrient-rich beets!
- Popsicles are a perfect choice if your loved one is experiencing sore mouth or difficulty swallowing as a side effect of cancer treatment.
Send a balloon bouquet, instead of flowers.
Instead of flowers, consider sending your loved one a balloon bouquet instead. Cancer patients in treatment can be sensitive to smells and odors. A balloon bouquet can be a fun, festive alternative! If your loved one is in the hospital, he or she may not be able to receive flowers as a health precaution. If you’d still like to send flowers to a hospital, call first to check if it’s okay.
Put together a self-care basket.
Cancer patients deserve a little relaxation. Put together a basket that includes everything your loved one needs for a comfortable night at home. Here are some ideas:
- Thick socks or pajama set
- DVD of your favorite romantic movie
- Your favorite novel or a magazine
- Favorite snacks
- Nail polish in red or pink for Valentine’s Day
- Unscented lotions or hand creams
- Candle
- Stuffed animal
Cook a romantic dinner at home.
If your Valentine is not up for a night out because of fatigue or a suppressed immune system, prepare a romantic (and healthy) dinner at home instead.
Light candles and put on background music to set a romantic mood. You can even dress up to make a good impression.
Start off dinner with a Baby Greens Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette. For the main course, how about Stuffed Chicken Breasts with a side of Roasted Brussels Sprouts? Finish the meal with one of the sweet Valentine’s Day treats listed earlier.
Make a DIY Valentine card.
Nothing can replace an old-fashioned, handmade Valentine. Get creative and use construction paper, magazines, photographs, glitter, buttons, or anything you have on hand to decorate your card. Take some time to come up with a heartfelt message to go inside. It’s the perfect way to say, “I love you.”
