Best Gifts for Chemo Patients

Chemotherapy typically leaves patients exhausted and nauseous. Depending on the type of chemo, dosage and other factors, common side-effects can include hair loss, dry mouth, mouth sores, sensitivity to smells, food aversions, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite, sensitive skin and scalp, difficulty swallowing, cold spells and a depressed immune system.

It's not always practical to pay a visit, so one of the best ways you can show your support is by sending greeting cards. Artist Corrie Kuipers and Nene Adams have teamed up to create a range of cards especially for cancer patients (including pediatric patients). The images are upbeat and colorful; the messages positive and heartwarming.
Greeting Cards for Cancer Patients of All Ages
     
     

A gift basket or tote bag filled with practical (and sometimes luxurious) items will always be welcome. Below you'll find a list of items that will be particularly appreciated by anyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Apart from the gift of your time (volunteer to accompany the patient to the treatment center, or volunteer to clean the house, do grocery shopping, pick up prescriptions, run errands) filling a useful tote bag with thoughtful gifts will brighten anyone's day.

For more tips and ideas, visit
Cancer Touches Everyone - a blog updated daily.

Give a Tote Bag or Basket Filled With:
Can't find something on the list? Check below for links
Thick soft socks
Warm fleecy blanket
Knitted hat
Hypoallergenic, all-natural hand and body creams
All-natural soaps, shower gels and shampoos (fragrance free)
Gentle toothpaste (try Tom's brand, very good, also their mouthwash)
Colloidal oatmeal soap
All-natural healing lip balm
Mints, lemon drops and gum
Peppermint tea
Green tea
Ginger tea
Ginger capsules
Queasy Drops
A mug with an encouraging message
Packets of instant chicken noodle soup
Plain crackers, sugar cookies, low salt nuts, dried fruit
like figs, pineapple, cherries, blueberries
Healthy, all-natural, organic, preservative free treats like Yum Yum Snacks
Crystallized ginger
Gourmet peanut butter like PBLoco
Audio books
MP3 player or Ipod
Selection of notecards with pre-stamped envelopes
Prepaid phone calling or SMS gift card
Gift certificates for restaurants that deliver
Books or magazines they will enjoy or be inspired by (suggestions below)