How to Ideas for Gifts for Cancer Survivors

Giving a gift to someone who has had cancer and survived can go far in helping her through the emotional healing process. When thinking of gifts, consider the person's overall health, current energy level, individual interests, personality and tastes. This will ensure that the gift you give fits nicely into her current situation.

Instructions

1. Think service gifts. When someone has gone through cancer treatments, it can take a while for his energy level to return to normal. He may also still be on medications that cause adverse symptoms and side effects. Service vouchers can make it easier and more comfortable for cancer survivors to ask for help. You can print up service vouchers on your computer or write them out by hand. Here are some service ideas that you can include on your vouchers: grocery shopping, prescription pickups, pet care, laundry service, meal preparations, lawn and garden care, babysitting, transporting the person's children to their activities, taking the person to doctor appointments, house cleaning, holiday shopping and gift wrapping.

2. Think relaxing, entertainment gifts. People who are getting over cancer will generally need to rest while their bodies get stronger and energy levels return to normal. Gifting the person with entertainment gifts that are relaxing can help pass the time while she recuperates. Ideas include magazines, DVDs, music CDs and portable music players, reading books, books on tape, puzzle books, stationery, envelopes and postage stamps and a certificate for an in-home massage or manicure.

3. Think sentimental gifts such as a personalized video that contains friends and family members talking to the person about cherished memories and offering well wishes for the future. Engraved jewelry that contains a meaningful message or symbol, photo albums and scrapbooks are other options, as is religious/inspirational type gifts that are in line with the person's personal faith.

4. Think food gifts. A person who has had cancer no doubt went through a time when he was unable to eat foods he likes. Food gifts given once that stage has passed are a nice touch. Ideas include subscriptions to fruit or cake-of-the-month clubs, gift cards to favorite restaurants, homemade items such as breads and preserves. You can also pack a healthy food gift basket containing items such as olive oil, nut butters, fresh fruit, whole wheat bread and herbal teas.

5. Think about skin gifts. Cancer survivors often have to deal with skin problems that are a direct result cancer treatments. Gifts that pamper the skin can go far in helping your cancer survivor feel good about her skin again. A nice gift basket that contains nonscented lotions, lip balms, powder, bath oils, mild soap, a certificate for a facial and a gift card at a cosmetic counter is sure to be a big hit.