The holiday season may not look like what you’re used to following a cancer diagnosis, but it can still be a meaningful time to reflect, rest, and connect with the people you care about most. If loved ones are asking how they can support you or what they can gift you this year, sharing this thoughtful list can help spark ideas and make the season feel a little easier.
These 10 gift suggestions focus on comfort, practicality, and emotional support.
1) An electric blanket
Treatment centers can often be chilly and an electric blanket can be especially helpful for patients who often feel cold during treatment or recovery. It offers comfort on tougher days and makes rest a little cozier.
2) Cozy clothes
Soft, loose-fitting clothes like fuzzy socks with grips, and slippers, sweatpants, help patients stay comfortable during long appointments or days at home. Avoiding metal clasps ensures the clothing is easy to wear during scans and other appointments.
3) A broad-spectrum sunscreen
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against irritation and UV damage. It’s a practical gift that supports daily self-care.
4) Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers
Cancer treatments can also leave the skin dry and sensitive, so fragrance-free lotions or cream can be another thoughtful gift . Opt for something like Aveeno, VaniCream, or Calendula cream. These moisturizers nourish without irritation, helping skin feel more comfortable.
Always consult your healthcare team before using any new skincare products during treatment.
5) Streaming or audiobook subscription
Entertainment can make hours spent resting or waiting in clinics feel shorter and more manageable. A subscription provides a much-needed mental escape, whether through movies, shows, or captivating audiobooks.
6) Restaurant or food delivery gift card
On days when cooking feels overwhelming, having meals delivered can be a big relief. A gift card for a favorite restaurant or a meal delivery service makes it easy to enjoy nourishing, comforting food without the stress of preparation. It’s a practical way to show care, help maintain energy, and free up time for rest.
7) A selection of books
Books, whether uplifting, informative, or simply engaging, offer comfort and distraction during long rest periods. They can also be a source of inspiration and emotional support.
8) Quality sleep mask
Up to 50% of people with cancer experience sleep issues. A good eye mask can help create a better sleeping environment for better rest. This steam sleep mask blocks out most light while providing soothing relief for dry eyes, which can be a side effect of some chemotherapies and targeted therapies.
9) Humidifier
Dry air can worsen treatment-related discomfort, especially skin irritation or dry sinuses. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping patients breathe easier and feel more comfortable at home.
10) Air purifier
Recent research shows that 46% of the population live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Air pollution can increase the risk for many conditions and an air purifier can be especially helpful to people with cancer to support easier breathing while improving overall air quality.
Don’t forget the most valuable gifts often come in the form of support and presence. Quality time, a listening ear, running errands, or help getting to and from appointments can mean more than a wrapped present. Whether big or small, thoughtful gestures like these can ease the burden of treatment and make a significant difference.
As always, consult with your medical provider for any specific questions about your own health. For general cancer-related queries, connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
