November 28th, 2016
TeamIHadCancer | Survivor: Breast Cancer Connect
Check out some thoughtful and practical gift ideas to send to a cancer patient this holiday season. These gifts will not only make their treatment easier but will also remind them how much they are loved.
See our most recent compilation of gift ideas and products for cancer patients during and after treatment.
When a loved one gets cancer, it's hard to find the right words to say, let alone the right things to give to them during this time. The gifts ideas below are all designed to make the cancer experience easier for everyone involved, no matter what type of cancer the patient is faced with.
Adult Coloring Books
What better way to unwind then to spend some time with one of our favorite childhood hobbies, but with an adult spin: an adult coloring book. Here are a few of our favorites:
Treatment Journals
Cancer isn't in any of our plans. But when it happens, it's very helpful to have something that lets us start planning for how to get rid of it. There are a few different products currently on the market that can help.
Both of these planners help you and your caregiver gain control over cancer and give you the ability to efficiently track your progress and to see just how your emotions, diet, exercise, expenses, medications, and symptoms change across periods. This documentation is also useful for spotting any adverse side effects and their potential causes.
Survivor Memoirs
Only other people have been through it will truly understand what a cancer diagnosis really means. Luckily, there are many survivors who have turned their experiences into honest, humorous and helpful books. From learning how to tell other people about a diagnosis, to deciding what lifestyle changes to make, these authors cover it all. Not only will these books distract your loved one from their treatment, but they will help them realize that they are not alone.
IHC Team Suggestions:
Audiobooks
If your loved one isn't up to reading a book (this may be the result of lights causing visual fatigue) the gift of an audiobook may be the perfect option.
GoodReads has provided a hearty list of The Best Audio Books Ever and we've listed a few of our favorite well-known titles, available in the Kindle store, here:
If you're not sure if your loved one would like audiobooks, consider suggesting that they try Amazon Kindle's Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial first.
Funny Movies or TV Shows
We all love a good movie or tv show, especially when we can binge it with our loved ones. Consider gifting your loved one a Netflix Subscription or putting one of the classic holiday films in their stocking this year. Here are our holiday suggestions:
Browse more holiday classics here.
Gifts That Help With Treatment & Recovery
Not everyone will want a cancer-related gift, but for those who are currently in the midst of treatment, giving them something that is practical and can really help with recovery - but that they wouldn't buy for themselves - may be exactly what they truly need. Here are a few great ideas:
Safer Cosmetics
May cosmetic products are ridden with parabens, phthalates, triclosam and many other dangerous chemicals that cancer fighters should stay away from. Surprise your loved one with healthier alternatives, such as:
Cookbooks
These cookbooks are written by IHadCancer community members who share tips and tricks for getting through treatment on a full stomach--or whatever you can get down that day. It is the perfect gift to help them use real food to fight cancer. It is filled with great recipes and health tips that are vital for any cancer fighter, survivor or supporter at any stage.
Click on the authors' profiles to see their recipes posted on IHadCancer.
Savor Health Gift Certificate
For those who are not up for cooking themselves, that's where Savor Health comes in. Not only may your loved one's energy level be lower than usual, but they also have new dietary restrictions and the effects of chemo may have altered their sense of taste. Savor Health aims to make the act of eating a healthy meal easy again. They provide nutritious, delicious meals that are fresh and customized to specific needs and tastes.
Purchase a gift certificate for your loved one and they will receive weekly shipments of nutritious, customized meals delivered to their door as well as nutrition information and guidance. Learn more or purchase now.
Occasional Cleaning Service
In the middle of a mortal battle the last thing you have energy for is cleaning the toilet. Fortunately, there are organizations who have identified this problem and are willing to lend a helpful mop. One of the leaders in this clean movement is Cleaning For a Reason , a nonprofit serving in the US and Canada who offers free house cleaning once a month for four consecutive months to women currently undergoing treatment.
Love and Time
When it comes down to it, the best gift is always free: give your loved one your love, time and attention. Spend a couple of hours watching a funny movie together, going for a walk, or simply sitting and enjoying each other's company.
It is never too late to give a thoughtful, caring and helpful gift to a cancer fighter. We have also compiled a list of products that are intended to help treat side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. You can find those items here: Gifts To Treat Side Effects. Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below.
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