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Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses medications to stop fast-growing cancer cells. Doctors can administer chemo by mouth, topically, injection, or intravenous (IV) infusion.
Going through chemotherapy can be hard mentally and physically. A person may spend hours at a time getting chemo treatments, which can also be a significant anxiety source. The
If you have a loved one receiving chemotherapy, showing them you care and are supporting them through their journey can be very meaningful. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top gifts for chemo patients.
We chose our comfort gifts to include a variety of price points, ranging from less than $15 to around $100 so you have lots of options. Each item chosen was intended to promote relaxation and self-care with minimal time, effort, or energy required on the part of the recipient.
We’ve reflected a range of price points using the following guide:
- $ = under $15
- $$ = $15–$30
- $$$ = over $30
Pick one or several — your loved one will appreciate your thoughtfulness when you purchase these gifts.
Price: $$
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells — but also hair follicles. For this reason, hair loss is often a side effect of treatment. We chose this hat from Chemo Beanies (there are lots of cute options and styles on their site). The founder of this business is a breast cancer survivor, so she created the beanies as a stylish and practical way to keep the head warm.
Price: $$$
Cold sensitivity is a common chemotherapy side effect. This means a person can feel very cold sometimes almost immediately after they start getting their chemotherapy infusion. If you have a loved one that enjoys high-tech gadgets, consider this unisex heated vest. The vest has an app-adjustable heated technology, but is also lightweight enough to be worn under other clothing. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s suggestions, however. The vest runs small, so order a size up.
Price: $
Journaling is a way to relieve stress and reflect on feelings and emotions. Choosing a journal that focuses on mindfulness is an excellent option for a loved one undergoing chemotherapy. This journal specifically includes inspirational quotes, self-care checklists, and an anxiety tracker to help your loved one regulate emotions whenever possible. Include this journal with a beautiful pen for a thoughtful gift.
Price: $$
Instead of flowers, why not give a plant that’s beautiful, yet low maintenance? This Hoya heart plant from The Sill only requires watering every 2 to 3 weeks. Its whimsical heart shape conveys how you are thinking of your loved one.
Price: $
Adult coloring books are a stress-relieving way to pass time and create something beautiful. While there are lots to choose from, this “Splendid Cities: Color Your Way to Calm” coloring book takes your loved one on a world tour of beautiful coloring options. Don’t forget to include some colored pencils or markers as part of your gifts.
Price: $$
Having a warm blanket to take to chemo treatments makes for a thoughtful and useful gift. We like this Vremi electric blanket because it has multiple settings, an automatic shutoff, and is washable.
Price: $$$
Snacks, magazines, a blanket, and more — there are a lot of things to pack when it comes to going to a chemotherapy treatment. Make sure your loved one has a bag that helps them carry everything they need thanks to this tote bag from Lands’ End.
You can personalize the bag with their name or a meaningful word such as “hope.” While the bag is available in sizes ranging from small to extra large, choosing a larger-sized bag allows your loved one to carry all their necessities.
Price: $$
Snacks are a must-have for longer chemo treatments (or just any time, really). This collection of healthy snacks contains 30 packages of granola bars, fig bars, trail mix, and nuts for delicious and nutritious snacking options.
Price: $$
The Shashibo Shape Shifting Box is a modern take on the Rubik’s cube. The small box is easy to pack, and can be shifted into more than 70 different shapes. These fidget puzzle boxes are intended to bring stress relief, which is perfect for a loved one undergoing chemo treatments.
Price: $$$
Subscription boxes are gifts that keep on giving — for 3 up to 12 months a year. While there are lots of options on the market, TheraBox is a great option for someone undergoing chemotherapy. This box includes items like teas, lotions, aromatherapy, bath salts, candles, and more and is intended to promote happiness, encourage self-care, and reduce stress.
Chemotherapy treatments can be a stressful and fearful time for a loved one. Letting them know you’re thinking of them and supporting them with a gift (large or small) can be a meaningful reminder. Whatever the gift, it’s truly the thought that counts.