Finding the right gifts for a cancer patient means combining the practical with the personal.
Spending time together, too, might be all your friend or relative wants.
At other times, some essential material gifts can go a long way to helping them out.
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When considering your options, think about your loved one’s specific needs.
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Comfortable Clothes and Wraps
Comfort duringcancer treatmentis 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.
you’re able to 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.”
No studies on using aromatherapy in cancer patients have been published in peer-reviewed journals.
There are no scientific studies that linkpositivitywith improved survival for people with cancer.
However, researchhasshown that stress can negatively impact cancer growth.
Books and movies can be an excellent way to escape for a few hours.
You might even consider paying for a subscription to a streaming service, like Netflix.
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.
You may help your friend find a new author or genre.
Your friend may not want to feel obligated to add to an already long to-do list.
Audiobooks are also a great option for someone who feels fatigued.
An Audible subscription would allow them to download audiobooks directly to their phone to listen to at any time.
Warm, Stylish Head Coverings
Thinning hair and chemotherapy-relatedhair losscan 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; keep the focus on staying healthy and warm.
Let your friend know that head coverings are always optional.
Remember a few things before choosing this key in of gift, though.
Pick a restaurant with a large and varied menu.
Sometimes, a person’staste buds changeduring cancer treatment.
Old favorites can become subject to new allergies and sensitivities.
Cancer and its treatment can make food offputting.
This is becausenausea and vomitingare frequent symptoms of chemotherapy.
Your friend may not feel up to dining out.
People with cancer may also need to avoid public places due to a compromised immune system.
Another option is nearby restaurants that can deliver food to your friend’s door.
Your loved one will appreciate friends and neighbors bringing over hot meals from time to time.
For someone with cancer, though, it’s always good to have some choice.
Consider setting up a meal train with members of your community or social internet.
Online apps allow individuals to sign up for dinner or other meals that they then deliver.
Details about food allergies or preferences can be noted so that those signing up can prepare something appropriate.
Personal Care Items
Cancer can take a toll on your physical body.
Mouth sores and dry skin and lips are just some of the issues cancer patients face.
Some products to consider:
Take care with soaps, lotions, and spa gift sets.
Even most organic products may contain scents or irritants that your friend may not be able to tolerate.
In many cases, some or all of the proceeds go to cancer research.
These products are often designed using the campaign’s color (for example, pink for breast cancer).
Help With Daily Activities
Sometimes, a great gift isn’t material.
Your friend might need something you’ve got the option to do rather than buy.
Personalized IOUs can come in handy when your friend isnt feeling 100%.
Just be sure to make gift certificates specific.
This is more likely to result in the gift certificate going to waste.
Your friend may need help with certain things, but may not think or want to ask for it.
For example:
DIY Gift Baskets
Put a gift basket together.
Include things your friend might need during and after cancer treatment.
Some ideas:
Gift baskets may take a little more effort.
Still, a do-it-yourself gift is more thoughtful and may be more appreciated.
Donations to Support Research and Survivorship
Your friend may prefer not to receive gifts.
If so, consider supporting a cancer charity in your friend’s name.
Mostcancer research organizations, hospitals, and societies maintain charitable programs.
you’re free to make a one-time or monthly gift.
As a bonus, donations come with tax benefits.
This bang out of gift may require a little research.
Look at the institute’s year-end financial report.
It will tell you which areas of research it invests in.
It will also note how much of each dollar is spent on administrative costs.
These costs are often called the “facilities and administrative rate” or F&A.
Look for organizations devoted to specific cancers.
Many organizations devote a large percentage of their bottom line to supporting people with cancer and looking for cures.
One alternative might be to offer a gift certificate that would allow them to choose the most appropriate option.
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 or stress relief.
Some people don’t want any gifts or fuss.
National Cancer Institute.Aromatherapy with essential oils (PDQ)patient version.
National Cancer Institute.Psychological stress and cancer.
