10+ Helpful Gifts for Cancer Patients
Looking for good gifts for a cancer patient? Start here.
No one plans for a cancer diagnosis, yet it affects so many of us. According to The National Cancer Institute, over 1.8 million people in the United States were diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2020. With so many people affected, it’s likely that you have a friend, family member, or loved one with the disease.
After hearing those three words, “I have cancer,” you immediately go into support-mode researching the best things to say, gifts to give, and care packages to put together. These gift ideas for cancer patients will help ease them in their recovery and show that you’ve taken the time to understand what they’re going through and how you can support them in a meaningful way, because trust us, no patient needs another pink ribbon bracelet. Read on to check out our favorite gifts.
Comfortable Clothing for Cancer Patients
1. AnaOno Miena Robe with Drain Management Belt
What it is: Those diagnosed with breast cancer will most likely undergo a mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three. Help your loved one ease into their recovery with a comfortable and functional loungewear piece, a robe. The Miena Robe with Drain Management Belt offers larger arm holes than traditional robes making it simpler for those recovering from a mastectomy to dress themselves. There’s also an inner belt with two detachable pouches that can be used for post-mastectomy drain management. This is a great gift for anyone recovering from any type of surgery.
Why it’s loved: “I bought this robe for my daughter-in-law who just had a double mastectomy in Montreal. She is thrilled with the drain management bags because they take the weight off the incisions and the drain bags. The hospital said they had never seen these before and found this to be a great idea.” - Pam
Buy it: $79 at AnaOno
2. AnaOno Gift Card
What it is: Undergoing cancer treatments is difficult physically and emotionally. Cancer survivors and thrivers will need new bras after surgery and treatment. Give them the gift of choice with an AnaOno gift card. With a gift card, they’ll be able to choose the style and fit that’s right for them. This is so much more than a gift card. You’re giving your loved one the gift of beauty, confidence, and empowerment.
Why it’s loved: “Thank you! My friend loved her purchase!” - Lisa F.
Buy it: Starting at $25 at AnaOno
3. Hope Scarves
What it is: Founded by Lara McGregor, Hope Scarves encourages people facing all types of cancer by sending out scarves and stories of hope, shared by thousands of courageous survivors. Their mission extends to support research as well and a portion of every dollar raised funds metastatic breast cancer research. Through connection & collaboration, Hope Scarves is changing the way people experience cancer.
Why it’s loved: “A Hope Scarf is like no other scarf. It is magic.” – Sara, Hope Scarf Recipient
Buy it: Request a scarf or make a donation at Hope Scarves
4. Notes to Self Socks
What it is: Spending days in the hospital and countless hours in cancer treatment is taxing. Make your loved one feel comfortable with a pair of socks that spread positivity. These “I am Beautiful” socks can serve as a reminder that you’re thinking of them and show them that they are beautiful regardless of their diagnosis.
Why it’s loved: “Love these socks. I feel special when I wear them!” - Vicky S.
Buy it: $14.99 at Notes to Self
5. StyleEsteem
What it is: When Sonya Keshwani lost her hair to chemo, she created the stylish and comfortable head wraps she wanted to wear but couldn’t find in stores. Those designs inspired her to create StyleEsteem Wardrobe, a place where women like her could shop for head wraps the same way the shop for clothes – by season and occasion. Each turban has an inspiring name and is so fashionable you will want to wear them throughout treatment and beyond. The one-size-fits most styles are great for your baldie and for accommodating your hair as it grows back. StyleEsteem also has a blog to support your hair journey, before, during and after treatment.
Why it’s loved: “When I wear my headwrap I feel like I am my fashionable self again, dressing for the season and having fun with my look.” - Danielle S.
Buy it: $29+ at StyleEsteem. Use code ANAONO20 at checkout for 20% off your order.
Safe Cosmetics for People with Cancer
6. Salty Girl Beauty
What it is: Salty Girl Beauty was founded by Sarah Kelly and her sister Leah Robert in 2015. After a breast cancer diagnosis and while going through chemo, Sarah lost all of her hair. When this happened, she felt like she lost her beauty and confidence. She discovered the power that beautiful scarves and lipsticks had in helping her rediscover her groove, confidence and saltiness. Thus, the idea of SaltyGirl Beauty was born. Salty Girl Beauty offers a subscription box gift basket that makes the perfect gift for the beauty buff in your life. Made from clean, organic ingredients, this self-care box is packed with their best-selling bath salts, body scrubs, soaps and signature bath-bombs (which you can only get in this box!)
Why it’s loved: “Love these bath salts. I love lavender and these bath salts add so much to a bath at the end of the day. It is not just the great smell but also the soft feeling it gives to my skin.” - Maureen B.
Buy it: $117 for a three month subscription at Salty Girl Beauty
7. Violets are Blue Skincare Facial Serum
What it is: Violets are Blue was created out of a personal need for skincare that is natural and safe for the body as well as the environment. After her breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, founder Cynthia, made it her mission to develop skincare that is safe and natural. This serum is perfect for treated, tired, dry, and/or mature skin. You'll find all natural ingredients including Evening Primrose, Argan, Rosehip oil, Jojoba, and a handful of essential oils such as Carrot Seed and Lavender in this easily absorbed, highly effective serum. Dry skin is one of the many side effects of cancer treatment and this serum is here to help. It can even be rubbed onto your lips to act as a base layer for your lip balm. Cynthia says, “This is the first product I ever created as I needed to address what was going on with my own skin. I needed something that soothed and hydrated as well as calmed redness and inflammation. This felt so nice on my skin not only in the moment of putting it on, but seeing results in the life of my skin come back was more than I could hope for. It's also great to use on your hair as it regrows (or to calm your scalp) your cuticles and lips.”
Why it’s loved: “I first began using this serum while I was going through chemo. I got this as a gift. I was having a terrible rash on my face as a side effect from chemo. This product helped my face so much. After chemo I am still using it. I love it.” - Susan H.
Buy it: $42 at Violets are Blue Skincare
8. Hymed Skincare
What it is: Hymed Skincare prides themselves on healing through hyaluronic hydration. This non-alkaline Gentle Skin Cleanser is the perfect gift for any cancer warrior in your life who is struggling with dry, sensitive skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and is completely free of toxic and inflammatory ingredients to soothe skin as you cleanse. Skin looks clear, soft and hydrated after use - a cancer patient’s dream!
Why it’s loved: “I have tried many products in my plastic and reconstructive surgery center for post-operative home care. I am most impressed with Hylunia/Hymed products because they accelerate the healing process and minimize the scarring. They are completely free of all ingredients that can cause inflammation and irritation. In my practice, a paraben free line is important to me and to my patients.” - Bart Rademaker, MD, Plastic Surgeon, Tampa, FL
Buy it: $32 at Hymed
Shop Hymed Gentle Skin Cleanser
9. Care + Wear PICC Line Cover
What it is: Care + Wear offers healthwear, medically accessible apparel and accessories that have been expertly developed with the highest standards of design, comfort and performance. For those going through chemotherapy, PICC lines are inserted to avoid the constant sticking and re-sticking from more commonly known IVs. PICC lines stay in longer and need to be monitored regularly to avoid infection. These ultra-soft, antimicrobial and moisture-wicking PICC line covers make it easier to securely protect the PICC line, while allowing for breathability, visibility and active monitoring of the insertion site. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles with lengths available in bicep and full arm options, so you can choose the color and size that suits your loved one’s style.
Why it’s loved: “Having something like this to cover my PICC line makes me feel more confident and comfortable in public with it. The window in it is great for making sure things are looking well under the dressing as well!” -M.S.
Buy it: $29.95 at Care + Wear
10. Ear Seed Acupressure Kit
What it is: According to a study by JAMA Oncology, acupressure can help improve sleep and relieve chronic fatigue experienced by those being treated for breast cancer. Traditional acupuncture can be expensive, which is why at-home acupressure has become more popular these days. These ear seeds are tiny beads placed on one of the ear's acupressure points to experience relief almost immediately. They are an easy and needle-free way to empower your loved one’s health and well-being.
Why it’s loved: “I was afraid at first that these would fall into my ears when I was sleeping but they stay on! Also, it's not just placebo, I really felt something the moment I applied them. They're unique, beautiful, and make a cool gift.” - Meghan H.
Buy it: $45 at wthn
Now it’s time to go shopping! Purchasing any one of these gifts for your loved one in treatment will go a long way. These gifts were designed to maximize their comfort and will let them know you’re thinking about them.
