Practical to Posh: The Best Holiday Gifts for Cancer Patients
The hunt for the ideal gift takes on new meaning when someone you care about has cancer. We have yet to see a “Gifts That Make Cancer Less Awful” catalog, so here’s the next best thing. We asked members of the METAvivor community living with metastatic breast cancer to share the most helpful, creative, loving or memorable gifts they had received. Here’s what they had to say…
The gift of a sparkling house
Listed as a favorite gift by nearly all our respondents, a clean home simply lifts the spirits. “I laid on the couch sick while the cleaning person worked,” recalled Mary M. “The house smelled clean, and it made me feel a little better.” Many cleaning services offer gift cards online, and some like Merry Maids even let you include a personal message. (Before you purchase, be sure to confirm that the company you’re choosing services the address of your loved one.)
A gift from the whole gang
Group gifts provide significant support with very reasonable time and financial commitments from family and friends, co-workers, neighbors, teams, moms groups or school communities. Elizabeth S.’s friends and relatives picked a chemo day each, chose a theme for that day’s gifts (like new socks or t-shirts) and attended the chemo session with her.
And while many of our respondents loved home cooked “meal train” meals, you may not live close enough to swing by with chicken marsala for four. To send meals and rides from anywhere in the country, Like Neighbors is the answer. Like Neighbors makes it easy for Barbara L.’s siblings in three different states — and other relatives and friends coast to coast — to chip in for meal deliveries and transportation from our partners Galley and RoundTrip.
Cozy gifts to warm hands, feet and hearts
Cathy D.’s favorite gift was a pair of pajamas, Teri H. stayed toasty under her electric blanket, and Joanne S. spoke of a “cozy, soft, fluffy throw with positive words printed all over it.” We love this cheerful “Life is tough, but so are you” blanket from Natural Life. Or, head over to Personalization Mall to customize a blanket with phrases or photos you choose. Robes, flannel sheets, slippers, gloves and soft scarves make great comfort gifts this time of year, too.
Gifts you can make
“I loved the hand-knit wool caps some of my friends made for me. The wool isn’t scratchy, keeps my head warm but not hot, and wicks away moisture,” said Deanna L.
Not a knitter? Set a “craft date” to create something special with your loved one. Choose a gingerbread house kit from this list of the 9 Best Gingerbread Kits of 2018, and spend an afternoon decorating it. Or pick up a couple of sweatshirts, fabric glue and variety of extra-tacky craft store adornments to create your very own ugly Christmas sweaters! Smiles guaranteed.
Gifts that alleviate symptoms and side effects
Anna S. loved fuzzy socks because her feet stay cold, while lip balms and earbuds help her through treatment days. “Hard candies are good, too,” she added, “because they help with nausea and nasty tastes from meds.”
A session with a licensed massage therapist experienced with cancer patients is also a wonderful gift. Per breastcancer.org, studies have demonstrated that massage can help cancer patients with anxiety, pain, fatigue and immune function. Before booking any type of physical treatment, however, please check with the patient’s surgeon or oncologist for guidance and recommendations.
Gifts they won’t get for themselves
When medical bills are piling up, even the smallest luxuries are out of reach. Lisa C. really appreciated a gift basket with nice lotions and a facial scrub. This Soufflé Body Crème Collection could be just the thing, for under $40. Want to go bigger? Surprise your loved one with a limo to make the ride to and from that final chemo treatment extra special.
Gifts that are free
Countless organizations exist solely to help patients navigate their diagnoses and treatment, and many of their services are completely free. Deanna L. raved about her make-up and training from LookGoodFeelBetter.org, which helps patients manage appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. While their workshops are specifically for women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or other forms of treatment, they have resources online for men and teens as well.
You can also give your loved one the gift of a Patient Mentor through 4thAngel.org. Paired as closely as possible with respect to diagnosis, gender and age, each mentor has traveled the same road as your loved one and can provide cancer support in a way no one else can.
Little gifts that mean a lot
Think of all the little day-to-day tasks that become impossible when you’re sick. Marsha R.’s friends swooped in to drop off groceries, do laundry, and help with pets and yard care. Consider asking a caregiver or close family member what help is needed, rather than asking the patient. And if you’re the caregiver, remember to give yourself some gifts this holiday season… and be sure to accept help, too.
Happy holidays from Like Neighbors!
