What to Give Someone Facing Chemo: Practical and Uplifting Ideas

Chemotherapy is a vital treatment in the battle against cancer, but it often comes with physical and emotional challenges. Many people endure multiple sessions over weeks or even months, facing side effects like fatigue and nausea. If you're looking to bring comfort and support to someone going through chemo, here are some gift ideas to consider.

 

What to Give

Here are some thoughtful suggestions that can brighten their day and offer some comfort:

1. A Thoughtful Message Often, a simple message can mean more than any material gift. A heartfelt text, card, or note is a wonderful way to remind someone that you're thinking of them.
   You could even plan to message them on their treatment days, providing a little extra boost. A warm, supportive note can make a big difference for someone feeling worn out.

2. Drop-Off Meals Nutritious, ready-to-eat meals can be a lifesaver for someone feeling depleted after a treatment session. But before you start cooking, consider their dietary preferences and needs, as chemo can alter taste and smell.
   It’s a good idea to check in with them first to ask if they’d like a meal and offer a few meal options. Keep it simple and ready to eat so they don’t have to worry about prep work.

3. Restaurant Gift Cards If cooking isn’t your strong suit, a gift card to a favorite restaurant can provide a treat without the hassle of cooking.
   With a gift card, they can choose exactly what they’re craving, skip the cooking and cleanup, and enjoy a stress-free meal.

4. Soft Blanket Chemo often leaves people feeling extra sensitive to the cold, and a warm, cozy blanket can provide comfort.
   While treatment centers often have blankets, having their own special blanket is a gift of warmth and comfort. Choose something exceptionally soft and gentle for their sensitive skin.

5. Comfortable Lounge Wear Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes can make a world of difference during chemo sessions. A cozy hat, shawl, or even fuzzy socks can bring warmth and comfort.
   Consider hats that are soft and breathable to cover sensitive skin or hair loss. And a soft wrap or shawl is like a cozy blanket they can easily wear during treatment.

6. Travel Pillow Chemo sessions can be long, and a comfortable travel pillow can help them catch some rest.
   A small, portable pillow designed for neck support can be a wonderful companion, offering comfort and reducing strain during naps.

7. Non-Metal Water Bottle Staying hydrated is essential, but metal water bottles can leave a metallic taste, which is common for chemo patients.
   Opt for a plastic, glass, or ceramic water bottle instead, helping them stay refreshed without that metallic aftertaste.

8. Eco-Friendly Utensils A set of non-metal utensils, like bamboo or wooden cutlery, can help them avoid any metallic taste during meals.
   Wooden or bamboo utensils make for an eco-friendly and taste-neutral alternative, enhancing their dining experience without the discomfort.

9. Thank You Cards A set of thank-you cards can help them show appreciation to those who have supported them.
   You might even include stamps, making it easy for them to send a heartfelt message to friends, family, or caregivers.

10. Port Pillow For those with a chemo port, a small cushion called a port pillow can make seatbelt use more comfortable.

This small pillow wraps around the seatbelt, easing pressure on the chest and making car rides far more comfortable.

1. Chemo Shirt A chemo or “port” shirt with zippers near the top can make treatments much easier. These shirts allow easy access to the port without needing to stretch or remove clothing.

This thoughtful gift is ideal for someone close to you, as it requires knowing their size and style preferences.

1. Puzzle or Coloring Books Activities like coloring, crossword puzzles, or word searches can provide relaxation and help pass the time during treatments.

Adult coloring books or puzzle books are a great way to keep the mind engaged and relieve stress.

1. Journal A journal can offer a private space to record thoughts, keep track of symptoms, or note questions for healthcare providers.

A simple notebook or guided journal could be a source of comfort and organization throughout their treatment.

1. Fragrance-Free Skincare Products Chemotherapy can lead to dry and sensitive skin, so mild, fragrance-free skincare products are a thoughtful gift.

Look for products specifically designed for sensitive skin, free from strong scents and harsh chemicals, to help keep their skin feeling soft and cared for.

1. Non-Messy Snacks Convenient, easy-to-eat snacks like protein bars or dried fruit are ideal for treatment days.

Hard candies, like ginger or lemon flavors, can help manage nausea, while other treats provide a little energy boost.

 

What to Avoid

1. Unannounced Visits While it’s natural to want to check in on a friend, it’s often best to ask ahead of time. Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and leave patients exhausted, making unexpected visits less ideal.
   Give them the freedom to decline visits if they're not feeling up to it without taking it personally.

 

The Thought Matters Most

At the end of the day, the gesture of showing you care is what matters most. Even the simplest gift can brighten their day. Take some time to think about their needs and preferences. Thoughtful gifts, no matter how small, show support and understanding, which is often the greatest gift of all.