Cancer Remission Party: Bring a Gift?

[Laugh O. Grams]

We’ve been invited to a “Ring the Bell” cancer remission party for a friend’s daughter. Amazing, yes, but we’re now wondering what the etiquette is for bringing a gift. Leaning toward making a donation in her name to the children’s’ hospital where she was treated, but don’t want to bring something to call attention to it if gift giving is atypical at these celebrations. Anyone ever attend one of these parties? Would love to hear your experience of what’s expected of party guests

 

[CdnCarrie]

How old is the child?

If younger child maybe just a fun small summer toy?

 

[ronandannette]

I've never personally been invited to one, but I can't think of many better things to celebrate - Yay!! I think the donation is a lovely gesture but probably one that wouldn't excite a younger child much, although Mom and Dad might be very touched. Maybe add a gift card to an ice cream parlor or some other fun place for just a little something special. Congratulations and best wishes to everyone involved.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Amen Ronandanette! God has beyond graced me with a loved one in remission. Absolutely celebrate and live thankfully with joy each day. God Bless the family involved, Laugh O Grams. Thank you for kindly wanting to celebrate with them.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

How old is the child?

If younger child maybe just a fun small summer toy?

She’s a senior in high school. Been an emotional couple of years for the family, so could not be more thrilled for them now

 

[LoveDaisy]

I had an I kicked cancers a** party when I was in remission for 10 years. The invite said not to bring a gift I just wanted to celebrate the milestone with those I loved. I am guessing they didn’t address gifts in the invite? I got a lot of cards. A few had a note that a donation was made in my name. A few people brought flowers or plants. I would not have expected a gift even if the invite didn’t address it.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Leaning toward making a donation in her name to the children’s’ hospital where she was treated,

That’s what I would do as the ultimate giveback.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Depending on the age maybe a gift card in a nice card to iTunes kinda thing.
We always put just bring your presence no presents.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thank you for sharing the story, miracles do happen every day.

I would bring planted flowers that come from a bulb so the family can plant them in the yard or keep in the container. These would come back every year, Iris are in full bloom right now so it might be a nice reminder to celebrate right now.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I never heard of one, but what a great idea! A donation in her name would be totally appropriate.

 

[anniemae]

I think a donation is a great idea. Given her age, I would also get her a Starbucks gift card. Teens love Starbucks. What a wonderful celebration for the young lady and her family!

 

[MamaMermaid]

Amazon gift card for her, bottle of alcohol for mom and dad.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I had an I kicked cancers a** party when I was in remission for 10 years. The invite said not to bring a gift I just wanted to celebrate the milestone with those I loved. I am guessing they didn’t address gifts in the invite? I got a lot of cards. A few had a note that a donation was made in my name. A few people brought flowers or plants. I would not have expected a gift even if the invite didn’t address it.

That's awesome, & thanks all for the responses! No, there's no indication on the invite on whether or not gifts are expected. Our thinking was, we wouldn't want the other guests to feel a certain way if we showed up with something & they didn't. They're good friends, & we're over the moon for the family, so we want to get it right. I think we'll go with our first instinct & make the donation in her name. We can put a note & the receipt in a card so its a bit more discreet than bringing in a wrapped present of some sort. She's headed to University of Michigan in the fall, so they'll be having a grad party this summer & we can spoil her directly then Of course, if anyone else has been to one of these parties has a better idea, I'm all ears. We've still got a couple weeks before the festivities so we're not pressed for time

 

[Nancyg56]

That's awesome, & thanks all for the responses! No, there's no indication on the invite on whether or not gifts are expected. Our thinking was, we wouldn't want the other guests to feel a certain way if we showed up with something & they didn't. They're good friends, & we're over the moon for the family, so we want to get it right. I think we'll go with our first instinct & make the donation in her name. We can put a note & the receipt in a card so its a bit more discreet than bringing in a wrapped present of some sort. She's headed to University of Michigan in the fall, so they'll be having a grad party this summer & we can spoil her directly then Of course, if anyone else has been to one of these parties has a better idea, I'm all ears. We've still got a couple weeks before the festivities so we're not pressed for time

I would add a gift card for her. I am all for donations to celebrate, but while that is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the result of the treatment, the teen is the person who endured this. She can be celebrated, and if the invitation lent no guidance, I am willing to bet that her parents are okay with that.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I would add a gift card for her. I am all for donations to celebrate, but while that is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the result of the treatment, the teen is the person who endured this. She can be celebrated, and if the invitation lent no guidance, I am willing to bet that her parents are okay with that.

Great point. We'll do that for sure

 

[Nancyg56]

Great point. We'll do that for sure

I aslo wanted to add that I do not think there is a wrong decision. She already knows you love her and support her. I'm sure you have shown her in every way possible through her journey, so do whatever makes you comfortable. I just would not worry about other guests. they wil do what they want.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I think a nice gift would be a self-care basket. Perhaps she would like some items from Bath and Body Works so she could pamper herself. A teen might also like a Sephora gift card.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I'm all for the donation, but I think something for her would be nice as well.

Last month, during prom season, the big cancer hospital here posted photos of their annual prom for their teen patients. It got me thinking about all of the things that teens with cancer miss out on during their treatment. While a gift card is definitely the safest gift and might be where you put the bulk of your spending for her, a goody bag of sorts (like candies and little cheap things from places like H&M or Temu...Bath & Bodyworks is another good one) might be a nice touch.

 

[_19disnA]

Never heard of one either. But if I was the one sending out invites to what is a non-traditional function, I would indicate 'no gift expected' or something similar to avoid confusion. Seems to me that organizing any sort of party the host needs to consider the obvious questions those invited might have. A gift card is something anyone can use or a donation to an appropriate charity makes sense and wouldn't be a large/bulky wrapped gift that would avoid any awkwardness for those attending. I doubt there is any sort of norm regarding a gift for this type of function.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I think a donation is a great idea. Given her age, I would also get her a Starbucks gift card. Teens love Starbucks. What a wonderful celebration for the young lady and her family!

This is exactly what I was thinking too.