When a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer, you will want to do something to show that you care. A practical but personal gift makes a great present for any cancer survivor. Pick a theme for your gift or gifts and then add special touches to fit the style and personality of your loved one. Here are few ideas to get you thinking:
Reading Material
Cancer survivors going through treatment usually have a lot of time for reading between spending the day in the chemo chair or waiting at doctor’s appointments. Having something good to read can always make the time go faster.
- Gather up your favorite books and share them. Tuck encouraging messages into the pages. Discuss the books over coffee or frozen yogurt once your loved one finishes them.
- If your loved one is more into magazines, buy a few favorites off the newsstand, but also purchase a subscription a gift that keeps on giving.
- For the techie, purchase an e-reader and fill it up with some new and exciting titles. An e-reader is easy to carry to and from treatment. If your loved one already has an e-reader, buy a gift card or a subscription to an e-book lending service. (P.S. Amazon will make a donation to PearlPoint Cancer Support if you use Amazon Smile.)
Movies and Music
While going through treatment, your loved one may not feel up for activities that require a lot of energy. Movies, TV shows, and music offer a great way to stay entertained while still getting the rest a cancer patient’s body needs.
- Combine everything your loved one needs for a movie night a favorite movie, popcorn, and candy.
- Buy a subscription to Netflix or Hulu so your loved one can catch up on all the best shows. Binge watching a comedy or reality TV may be the best day to unwind after a scan or appointment.
- Create a Spotify playlist just for your cancer survivor. You can craft your list a few different ways. Maybe you want to make a relaxing list for treatment day. Or, maybe a list to cheer your survivor up is the way to go.
Snacks and Food
Cancer survivors, especially those in active treatment, need to make sure they are getting the fuel and nutrition their bodies need to fight.
- Create a snack pack containing crackers, fruit, nuts, protein bars, jerky, or any other portable snack. Buy a fun lunch tote to carry them all.
- If you’re an amateur chef, consider making full meals. Gather all your ingredients and head to our loved one’s house to prepare dinner. Just make sure to call ahead! The night before surgery the patient may not be allowed to eat, but the day before chemo treatment might be the perfect time to fuel up before side effects hit.
- Put together make-ahead-meals. For example, a casserole that can be frozen and reheated can save cancer survivors time and effort while ensuring that they still eat well.
Cancer Care Pack
Cancer treatment can mean full days at the treatment center or overnight stays in the hospital. Create a Cancer Care Pack for your loved one to take to the hospital or clinic.
- Start with a fun tote bag or back pack. Choose a matching water bottle. Cancer patients need to stay hydrated.
- Add care items such as unscented soap, wet wipes, or hand sanitizer. Aquaphor, Vaseline, or vitamin E oil soothes radiation-treated skin.
- Blankets, hats, and thick socks can keep your loved one warm in cold hospitals and treatment centers.
- Check out our Pinterest board for more ideas.
Another great way to show a cancer survivor you care is just by being there for him or her. Offer to go with your loved one to treatment or an appointment. Send encouraging cards, emails, or text messages. Stop by for a visit. How did you show the cancer survivor in your life that you care? If you are a cancer survivor, what’s the best gift you received while going through treatment? Let us know in the comments below!
