Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients - The DIS Discussion Forums

azdizzymom · 11-03-2009, 02:22 PM

What are some good gift ideas for cancer patients? I know one of the best ones is being there, listening to what THEY want to talk about and being supportive. My friend is getting read to go for treatment out of state and I would like to give her a gift but haven't had a close person have cancer. I searched online and saw the Chicken Soup book idea, the journal, etc. but thought maybe someone might have some unique ideas.

THANKS!

Pakey · 11-03-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azdizzymom

What are some good gift ideas for cancer patients? I know one of the best ones is being there, listening to what THEY want to talk about and being supportive. My friend is getting read to go for treatment out of state and I would like to give her a gift but haven't had a close person have cancer. I searched online and saw the Chicken Soup book idea, the journal, etc. but thought maybe someone might have some unique ideas.

THANKS!

When I was going through chemo, I was so sick that the only thing I really enjoyed was watching TV. My favorite thing was someone got me the entire DVD set of Sex and the City, which I had never seen. It was great. Lighthearted, short episodes, etc.

For me at least, most of the time I was too sick to read or write anything. Everybody handles treatment differently.

What your friend will remember most was your thoughtfulness, rather than the gift itself.

AKL_Megs · 11-03-2009, 02:29 PM

When my late stepFIL was sick in the hospital with cancer, he would brighten up if someone brought him a DVD!

(He had a TV and a DVD player in his room.) Walmart has bins with $5 DVD's.

Also HIGH up on his list were mixed CD's (something different to listen to), magazines, and hard candy (most get mouth sores with chemo).

If my late SFIL got a basket with a couple DVD's, a mixed CD, a few magazines and a bag of Jolly Ranchers, he would have been just so happy!

He also REALLY liked (if I remember correctly...) those little picture albums with funny pictures, or loving pictures, of those he cared about with him.

Briarmom · 11-03-2009, 02:30 PM

We just got gift cards to Blockbuster for someone battling cancer.

jx3smom · 11-03-2009, 02:33 PM

DVD's are a great idea. I've been going through chemo and am on a break because I had surgery and I never felt like reading or writing only watching tv while lying down.

disbridemimi · 11-03-2009, 03:00 PM

I would recommend calling the hospital and asking the nurses, they will have some great suggestions. I think chapstick, hard candies etc. Crossword puzzles, books and movies would be nice.

You can never have too much chapstick & lotion hosptials are very dry.

luvmarypoppins · 11-03-2009, 03:14 PM

This year I have gotten flowers,plants, meals cooked, gift certificates to restraunt, fruit baskets etc. I appreciate everything and everyones good thoughts etc. I like to get funny cards etc. I would have liked: a small fleece blanket. I live with that thing over me while I am napping, maybe some warm fuzzy socks, not slippers. In the hosp bed, the sheets get scratchy etc. The hard candy is good. I dont think I could concentrate on crosswords but maybe one of those word search books. I like the movie idea too. Something funny and lighthearted is always best. Magazines would be fun. Also maybe some warm pjs. I just wore the bottoms in the hosp sometimes because of the iv etc. Your friend will be blessed by your thoughtfulness.

honugirl · 11-03-2009, 03:23 PM

I never read when I was out of state, but I did watch a lot of TV. A gift subscription to netflix would be cool. That way they could pick their own movies. Probably want to do something easy and portable since she'll have to bring it home. The best thing I got was a fleece blanket. I take that thing with me every time I have to go somewhere for dr's appointments, treatments, etc. I like lighthearted stuff, Chicken Soup I never would have read 'cause it's just too heavy. Comedy is good.

Oh, books on CD are really good.

DVCLiz · 11-03-2009, 03:38 PM

When my friend was going to chemo I bought her a small pillow - the kind you buy for a new baby to decorate the crib. It had a pretty white cover and it was small and soft. She said it was great to take to chemo with her to tuck behind her head and later when she was resting at home she used it to support any area that was especially sore - under an arm, etc. I think it was very useful.

As an aside, it is something tangible for my friend's daughter to remember her mother by. A small pillow or a lap throw would be my suggestions.

pearlieq · 11-03-2009, 03:54 PM

Gift certificates for household cleaning/help and restaurants that deliver. Netflix is a great suggestion since the person or their family doesn't have to go out to enjoy.

Hard candies and light magazines are also great!

FireDancer · 11-03-2009, 04:13 PM

One of my friends is a big Mickey Mouse fan and a survivor. For her anniversary I got her this (some assembly required):

azdizzymom · 11-03-2009, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I think I will do a basket with a blanket or soft pj's, soft socks and a movie or two and throw in some good lotion (but unscented stuff).

You guys had wonderful ideas...will keep all those undergoing treatment in prayers. Thank you all again!

honugirl · 11-03-2009, 04:34 PM

If your friend is a Disney fan at all, Walmart has some very cute furry PJ pants with Disney characters on them right now. I just got magenta colored ones with black Mickey heads. They are very comfortable! I also got blue ones with Chip and Dale on them.

You can get a fleece blanket, then get one of those sharpie laundry markers and have people write inspirational stuff on it or a little note or something. That way she can "bring" her friends and family along with her that can't make the trip to see her. I think that would be kind of cool.

11-03-2009, 02:22 PM	#1
azdizzymom Earning My Ears Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 69	Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients What are some good gift ideas for cancer patients? I know one of the best ones is being there, listening to what THEY want to talk about and being supportive. My friend is getting read to go for treatment out of state and I would like to give her a gift but haven't had a close person have cancer. I searched online and saw the Chicken Soup book idea, the journal, etc. but thought maybe someone might have some unique ideas. THANKS!

11-03-2009, 02:29 PM	#3
AKL_Megs I'd Rather Be At AKL!!! I feel exposed if I'm not covered Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 2,743	When my late stepFIL was sick in the hospital with cancer, he would brighten up if someone brought him a DVD! (He had a TV and a DVD player in his room.) Walmart has bins with $5 DVD's. Also HIGH up on his list were mixed CD's (something different to listen to), magazines, and hard candy (most get mouth sores with chemo). If my late SFIL got a basket with a couple DVD's, a mixed CD, a few magazines and a bag of Jolly Ranchers, he would have been just so happy! He also REALLY liked (if I remember correctly...) those little picture albums with funny pictures, or loving pictures, of those he cared about with him. __________________ -DH -Me

11-03-2009, 02:30 PM	#4
Briarmom Bessie Robindale Larry's been done. Laird is refreshing! I always thought it was my farsighted left eye that did me in Knows about bone folders Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Crappiest Place on Earth Posts: 12,905	We just got gift cards to Blockbuster for someone battling cancer. __________________

11-03-2009, 03:23 PM	#8
honugirl The veggie hating, hot Texas doctor loving CLUELESS needy sexy unicorn. Darn tootin'! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,814	I never read when I was out of state, but I did watch a lot of TV. A gift subscription to netflix would be cool. That way they could pick their own movies. Probably want to do something easy and portable since she'll have to bring it home. The best thing I got was a fleece blanket. I take that thing with me every time I have to go somewhere for dr's appointments, treatments, etc. I like lighthearted stuff, Chicken Soup I never would have read 'cause it's just too heavy. Comedy is good. Oh, books on CD are really good. __________________

11-03-2009, 03:54 PM	#10
pearlieq They can sit & spin Imagine my shock when my cat slipped me the tongue I've never been all that worried about getting cooties I don't need chewy chunks Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montgomery, IL Posts: 7,628	Gift certificates for household cleaning/help and restaurants that deliver. Netflix is a great suggestion since the person or their family doesn't have to go out to enjoy. Hard candies and light magazines are also great! __________________ Coming Up: BLT/GF - Feb 2010 Happy Memories: AKV - 4/09, Dolphin - 4/09, BWV - 5/08, POFQ - 12/07, WL - 2/03, 10/07, POP! - 5/07, DLR/GC - 11/06, OKW - 5/05, 12/05, 1/07, YC - 12/04, DCL - 9/04, 5/06, 10/07, 1/10, CR - 9/04, AKL - 7/04 & 3/06, DLR/PP - 4/04, Poly - 1/04, 10/09, Swan - 12/03, BC - 2/03, CSR - 10/01, ASMu - 5/01 (Honeymoon!)& 5/02 "Chicago attacked the weather with bare arms and Saints QB Drew Brees with naked aggression. They knocked him down, sacked him, beat him, pounded him and caused a fumble, an interception, a safety and probably post-traumatic stress disorder. " - Dan Wetzel

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11-03-2009, 02:33 PM	#5
jx3smom Don't ask me to do dishes Looking forward to seeing Figment again I think I need some new shoes Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: ocean city, nj Posts: 4,435	DVD's are a great idea. I've been going through chemo and am on a break because I had surgery and I never felt like reading or writing only watching tv while lying down.

11-03-2009, 03:00 PM	#6
disbridemimi DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New England Posts: 538	I would recommend calling the hospital and asking the nurses, they will have some great suggestions. I think chapstick, hard candies etc. Crossword puzzles, books and movies would be nice. You can never have too much chapstick & lotion hosptials are very dry.

11-03-2009, 03:14 PM	#7
luvmarypoppins I am debating whether to put a new one back on his O.K. who is the sista here right now? ((Hug)) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 6,213	This year I have gotten flowers,plants, meals cooked, gift certificates to restraunt, fruit baskets etc. I appreciate everything and everyones good thoughts etc. I like to get funny cards etc. I would have liked: a small fleece blanket. I live with that thing over me while I am napping, maybe some warm fuzzy socks, not slippers. In the hosp bed, the sheets get scratchy etc. The hard candy is good. I dont think I could concentrate on crosswords but maybe one of those word search books. I like the movie idea too. Something funny and lighthearted is always best. Magazines would be fun. Also maybe some warm pjs. I just wore the bottoms in the hosp sometimes because of the iv etc. Your friend will be blessed by your thoughtfulness.

11-03-2009, 03:38 PM	#9
DVCLiz That's me - proud defender of the Mega roll click here to use the trolldar We saw "I pooted" and thought it was a "New York" thing! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 8,843	When my friend was going to chemo I bought her a small pillow - the kind you buy for a new baby to decorate the crib. It had a pretty white cover and it was small and soft. She said it was great to take to chemo with her to tuck behind her head and later when she was resting at home she used it to support any area that was especially sore - under an arm, etc. I think it was very useful. As an aside, it is something tangible for my friend's daughter to remember her mother by. A small pillow or a lap throw would be my suggestions.

11-03-2009, 04:13 PM	#11
FireDancer "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Suburban Cleveland, OH Posts: 3,658	One of my friends is a big Mickey Mouse fan and a survivor. For her anniversary I got her this (some assembly required): __________________ - Frank DIS Races: 2006 WDW Half Marathon - 1:42:37 2006 Disneyland Half Marathon - 1:32:04 2008 WDW Half Marathon - 1:34:07 Aiming for the WDW full in 2011

11-03-2009, 04:24 PM	#12
azdizzymom Earning My Ears Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 69	Thanks for the ideas. I think I will do a basket with a blanket or soft pj's, soft socks and a movie or two and throw in some good lotion (but unscented stuff). You guys had wonderful ideas...will keep all those undergoing treatment in prayers. Thank you all again!

11-03-2009, 04:34 PM	#13
honugirl The veggie hating, hot Texas doctor loving CLUELESS needy sexy unicorn. Darn tootin'! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,814	If your friend is a Disney fan at all, Walmart has some very cute furry PJ pants with Disney characters on them right now. I just got magenta colored ones with black Mickey heads. They are very comfortable! I also got blue ones with Chip and Dale on them. You can get a fleece blanket, then get one of those sharpie laundry markers and have people write inspirational stuff on it or a little note or something. That way she can "bring" her friends and family along with her that can't make the trip to see her. I think that would be kind of cool. __________________

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