10 Things to get Someone Recently Diagnosed with Cancer

I’ll start by saying this is from the perspective of a 28 year-old female. When I was diagnosed I had an outpouring of support and I appreciated every single gift that was given to me… AND there are only so many coloring books/craft sets a girl can handle. I’ve compiled a list of items that helped me through my cancer journey and would make great gifts for others going through something similar.

Note: Try to check with them, their family, or partner on if they already have any (or too many already!) of these items. In my opinion it’s better to check than to bombard them with more things they really don’t need.

1. Cash or gift cards

   Now this one is always appreciated. For food delivery: GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats are great options. It might not be considered personal to some, but it is extremely helpful and will be greatly appreciated. Amazon is also a great option.

2. Loungewear

   There is a lot of down time when undergoing treatments and a nice soft pair of pajamas can’t make it better but can make it bearable. Some great options:

   • Gap

   • Skims

   • Aerie

   • Target

3. Phone Accessories

   • Extra long charger cord

   • Fast phone charger

   • Battery pack

4. Cooler

   For long days at chemo is can be helpful to bring your own snacks.

   • Backpack cooler

   • Cooler tote

5. Shoes

   Shoes that can be easily slipped on and off.

   • NorthFace

   • Birkenstock

   • Pillow Slippers

6. Blanket

   • A personalized tie blanket can be thoughtful and comfortable. Go to your local fabric store and pick two patterns and follow this guide on how to make it.

   • The softest blanket on Amazon is here.

7. Skin Care

   Self care is so vital through a cancer journey, get them something to help establish a good routine and make them feel even a tiny bit better.

   • Origins

   • Everyday Oil - Baseline

8. Fidgets

   • Stress relief cube

   • Magnetic Clicker

   • Circular Fidget Toy

   • Fidget Slider

9. Cleaning Service - Hired or Yourself!

   It can be difficult to keep up with the house while undergoing treatments. Either gifting them a cleaning service gift card or, if you know them well enough, offering to come over and clean could be a great gift. If you yourself want to clean offer some dates/times and let them know what you plan to do (deep clean kitchen, deep clean bathroom, etc.).

10. Your time

    I know, I know, super cheesy but it’s worth adding to the list. Offer to bring dinner or snacks and stop over to just hang out. How soon after diagnosis, for how long, and what to do is largely dependent on your relationship with them but it’s a simple yet kind gesture. They might put it off initially but keep offering, no one should go through it alone. Just being there is a gift. Listen. Be present. Don’t offer advice or try to “fix” anything. Show your support by showing up.

This is not a fully comprehensive list, there are endless things that would be helpful, this is just a starting point to get the creative juices flowing. And truly, if you find a craft or coloring book that really speaks to you, get it! As long as what you give comes from the heart it will be appreciated.