Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients

[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!

 

[Pakey]

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]

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]

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

 

[jx3smom]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[azdizzymom]

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]

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.