Helpful holiday gifts for cancer patients on your list

Even with the best of intentions in mind, choosing a gift for a loved one with Cancer is a delicate matter. When deciding what to buy for friends and loved ones undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to not only think about your treatment plan, but also find ways to help motivate and encourage them for months to come.

One great way to approach buying gifts for someone with cancer is to look at typical gifts people give and try to find alternative opportunities. For example, many people receive candy or treat them as gifts, but for loved ones who are in therapy, it may be best to buy gift cards for lunch or dinner, or even send a home-cooked meal. Instead of tangible gifts, a person with Cancer can enjoy music, cooking, or art lessons. Not only does this give them a chance to learn, but it can also help them relax and help them stop thinking about cancer. Gifts that provide a field trip or vacation are other helpful ways to support both the patient and their family. These trips can motivate them to break out of their usual surroundings, help increase positivity, and lift their spirits.

Our Gift List

For more ideas, our Mind-Body team put together a list, and double-check, of some inspiring gift options for cancer patients:

Movie or theater tickets: Whether it’s a funny movie or even a comedy club, people battling cancer need to laugh and forget about cancer for a while.

Gift Certificates for Massage: This can provide soothing relief to tight muscles, and even a basic sense of touch can heal. Even better, turn it into a gift certificate for two and let your loved one make an appointment.

Blank Diaries: Experts have long established the relationship between creative expression and health. Emotional or expressive writing can aid the healing process and provide patients with a judgment-free outlet to record their thoughts and experiences throughout the journey.

Aromatherapy : Aromatherapy can provide patients with a natural way to deal with stress, pain, depression, and other side effects of treatment. Scented candles, massage oils, and body creams (particularly with a lavender scent) can provide much-needed relaxation and improve patients’ quality of life.

Yoga DVD: The benefits of yoga in its various forms can help cancer patients relax and de-stress. Some cancer patients may not be able to attend a yoga studio, so yoga DVDs can give them the opportunity to exercise in the comfort of their own home. All cancer patients should seek a doctor’s approval before practicing yoga.

For the millions of Americans who are diagnosed with cancer each year, there are millions of families and loved ones trying to find ways to calm them down during the holidays. So give your gift list a little more thought this year and bring more happiness to the cancer patients close to you.