16 Dec Holiday Gift Guide for AYA Cancer Patients at Every Stage

Holiday Gift Guide: Creative gifts for cancer patients at every stage 

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it’s normal to want to help but not always easy to know how. Thoughtful gifts can be a great way to show you care and make their tough days a little easier. While cozy blankets, beanies, lotions, and Chapstick are always appreciated, here are some additional gift ideas for every stage of their journey.

When First Diagnosed

Restaurant and meal-delivery gift cards

• Give them the chance to enjoy a delicious meal before treatment begins, allowing them to enjoy food without the challenges that may come later.

Soft and cozy cardigan or sweats

• Comfort items for long doctor visits

Jar of Joy

• Ask family and friends to contribute notes, memories, or uplifting quotes. Gather them in a jar so your loved one can pick one out on tough days for a little boost of encouragement and love.

Encouraging jewelry

• Bracelets with uplifting messages can remind them of your support. I love the Little Words Project to find these. My family and friends also had custom matching bracelets made and everyone wearing them made me feel so supported, loved, and encouraged!

Streaming service subscriptions

• Give them access to their favorite shows and movies.

 During Chemo Treatment

 Books or audiobooks

• A great distraction for long infusion appointments.

Games, puzzles, or activities

• Help them pass the time during appointments or rest days. Make sure you pick something you know they like! They aren’t going to start liking crosswords just because they have cancer now.

Silk eye mask and pillowcase

• Promote comfort and better sleep.

Air purifier

• Helps keep the air in their house fresh and clean.

House cleaning gift cards

• Take one chore off their plate.

 Extra-long phone charger cord

•  Keep devices powered from hospital beds or couches.

Face masks and self-care items

• Give them a little boost when they don’t feel like themselves.

Electrolyte packets

• Staying hydrated is crucial during treatment.

Noise-canceling headphones

• Perfect for relaxing or tuning out hospital noise during treatments.

During Radiation Treatment

Radioplex gel, Aquaphor, Aloe Vera, and vitamin E oil

• Soothe and protect irritated skin

Soft clothes or hats

• Look for items that are comfortable, easy to clean, and okay to toss if needed, as creams and oils used during treatment can leave stains.

Post-Treatment

Divi Hair Serum and Dime Eyelash Serum

• Support regrowth of hair and lashes with clean products.

Massage gift cards

• Help them relax and relieve tension, especially post-treatment when their body is recovering from the physical toll of cancer therapies.

Plan a memorable outing:

• Whether it’s a football game, a concert, or a weekend getaway, spend quality time together to celebrate being done with treatment!

The Most Important Gift

Beyond material gifts, don’t underestimate the power of simply being there. Cancer is isolating. People often want to help but don’t know what to do or say. (See blog on How to Effectively Communicate with a Cancer Patient). More than anything, any cancer patient just wants to be treated as normal as possible. So, it’s important to understand their limitations but to also take this time over the holidays visit, chat, play games, watch movies – just spend time together.

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