The most important thing about cancer is that no one should have to go it alone.
Part of being there for someone is to help provide for the things they need—and anticipate the things they never knew they wanted!
We curated a list of gifts for cancer patients, with advice from staff who have walked with family members through cancer. We have lovingly selected each one to bring comfort, healing, and even the medicine of laughter.
“Make Time to Play” Checkers Game
Listen—chemo is a warrior. It saves lives every day.
But chemo can also be painful and slow. Show up at your friend’s door on chemo day with this gift and the offer to beat them at checkers while you sit together through the day.
Danika Faux Fur Slippers
What’s better than a luxuriously plush slipper to slide into at the end of a hard day’s work?
But trust us, it’s even better after a day of doctor’s visits and cold hospital halls. These vegan slippers are the softest we’ve ever tried and one of our top gifts for cancer patients.
MorisMos Giant Teddy Bear
Speaking of big, soft, snuggly things, we absolutely adore this giant teddy bear. Enormous, incredibly floppy, and huggable as heck, this big guy makes a terrific companion.
You can hold him, hug him, sleep with him, and he comes in six different colors.
“Maybe Swearing Will Help” Adult Coloring Book
This adult coloring book can provide hours of entertainment and a snarky voice to vent your frustration. Because seriously, swearing helps.
With artwork like a cactus saying, “Don’t be a prick,” this little book will help pass the hours in treatment.
Reliefband Classic Anti-Nausea Wristband
This gift isn’t magic, but it might be the next best thing!
This anti-nausea wristband, formulated to combat morning sickness, uses a pulse pattern to stimulate your median nerve between your brain and stomach. It lasts up to 150 hours before needing a recharge and seriously reduces nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Radiation Relief Cream
Radiation is a life-saver, but it can leave you with some burns and sensitive skin.
Oncologists formulated this radiation relief cream with non-GMO medicinal ingredients. It’ll help itchiness, redness, and pain and is a must-have for a cancer toolkit.
CanPlan Cancer Planner
No matter what comes your way, having a planner can help to focus the days. The very act of planning can be transformational, after all.
This Cancer Planner is a day planner designed to help people take control of their cancer journey. It will help patients track their health with support based on scientific research in positive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral therapy.
Warrior Greeting Card and Charm for Men
Having a hard time finding a gift for the man in your life? Look no farther than this deeply touching gift for the guy in your life who is fighting a war against cancer.
A meaningful card with a “Warrior” poem accompanies a spear necklace to remind him he is truly a warrior and you are with him.
Dammit Doll Stress Reliever
What can I say—the gift speaks for itself!
These stress-relieving dolls include a smirky poem about how to use them. When you just can’t take it anymore, grab it by the legs and smack it against something, yelling “DAMMIT!”
Give your friend a laugh and a destresser.
“A Year of Positive Thinking” Book
Studies have shown that positive thinking can decrease stress and improve overall health.
No cancer survivor should feel guilty about any negative thoughts or fears, which are totally natural. But this book may help them refocus on hope.
The book includes guides for journaling and psychology-based exercises to practice resilience.
Rejuvenating CBD Balm
There’s a reason why CBD is all the rage. This CBD-infused lip balm by Pete’s Naturals works overtime to soothe and moisturize chapped lips.
CBD has natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which help seal in moisture and fight free radicals that damage skin cells.
Give the gift of stress-free self-care.
Plush Marl Crew Socks
What did we say about soft, cozy things for people fighting cancer? They’re the best!
These gorgeously colorful, plush socks will keep feet warm and spirits lifted. As a four-pack, this gift is ideal for the long chemo hours or recovery days at home—a hug for their feet.
Tea Drop Sampler
Tea is an ancient medicinal practice that we now know can help with diabetes, heart disease—and yes, cancer.
But let’s be honest: Tea is kind of a hassle. These ingenious tea drops—shaped like flowers, hearts, and squares—take all the work out of tea. Simply drop it into hot water, stir, and you’re done.
Get your loved one this sampler with 25 organic flavors, and send them to tea therapy.
Soothing Aromatherapy Massage Balls
What if we told you that you could bring an aromatherapy massage home? These essential-oil infused massage balls are super portable and perfect for self-massage.
A large mint-infused ball is great for deep pressure, while stress-relieving peppermint and pink grapefruit give a soft touch. This gift is the ideal option for treatment days or recovery at home.
Essential Oil Shower Steamers
Give the gift of peace, quiet, and aromatherapy. These natural essential-oil shower steamers turn a bathroom into an aromatherapy dream.
For people undergoing cancer treatment, these moments away from all the stress are priceless.
Blissful Bath Gift Set
Have you noticed a theme yet? We’re giving you all the goods to create an at-home spa experience for your loved one.
This Blissful Bath Gifts Set includes a soothing rice-and-coconut-milk bath bomb, hand cream, and a candle. Buy this set by itself or with one of the spa-themed items above.
Very Big Hug Throw
It can be hard to be separated from our loved ones—particularly when they’re going through a tough time. If you can’t be there in person, send a hug in the mail instead.
This “very big hug throw” is made of plush, soft cotton. Best of all, if you can visit, its large dimensions make it big enough for two!
“F*** Cancer” Socks
Sometimes you just have to toss everything and yell, “F*** cancer!” These cheeky, comic-book-themed socks give the middle finger to cancer.
They’ll also give your friend a much-needed laugh.
This gift is ideal for a superhero fan or just someone who needs a reminder that they are, in fact, a superhero.
Oversized Fleece “Wearable Blanket” Hoodie
We want to crawl inside this and never come back out. This hoodie is more than just an item of clothing. It’s a refuge.
This incredibly soft blanket hoodie has a knee-length and ankle-length option and up to nine colors to choose from.
Huggable Sloth Cooling & Heating Pad
What’s better than pain relief? Pain relief that looks like an adorable sloth-buddy, that’s what.
This “huggable” stuffed animal sloth is a heating and cooling pad. This little companion can help ease pain and cool irritated skin while delivering a sense of comfort and closeness.
“Bed of Nails” Acupressure Strap
Studies have shown that acupressure can relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms from cancer treatment.
This at-home acupressure strap attaches to any part of the body that needs some TLC. A perfect gift for a friend who loves traditional or holistic medicine.
“Cosmic Gold” Turmeric Latte Powder
Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help with cancer treatment as chronic inflammation may be one of cancer’s causes.
Give this nutrient-packed gift in the form of an adaptogenic latte powder with a note that says “Treat Yourself!”
Infrared Amethyst Crystal Heat Mat
If you want to go big with your gift, this is the one for you. This amethyst crystal heat mat delivers targeted pain relief to exhausted muscles and joints.
Amethyst is gentle on the body and is the best stone for relaxation and comfort. This mat will help draw out toxins while relieving pain.
While it’s the most expensive item on our list, it’s well worth the investment.
Tips for Finding the Right Gift for Cancer Patients
We’ll leave with a few common dos and don’ts for getting gifts for cancer patients.
Do
- Ask them what they are craving and what they need.
- Support caregivers and other family members. They may need some pampering, too.
- Consider gift cards for services like home cleaning and meal delivery.
Don’t
- Don’t buy “Get Well Soon” cards. The cancer journey is often long and arduous, and it doesn’t help to make light of that burden.
- Don’t buy flowers or gifts with strong smells unless you’ve checked your loved one doesn’t have any allergies or aversions.
- Don’t use a gift as an excuse not to be there for your friend in other ways.