Written By Reina Beach | Co-Founder of Hello Brave
When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it's hard not to feel helpless. The sense of powerlessness can be overwhelming, and often, the only thing we know how to do is give. Giving makes us feel like we’re doing something, anything, to help. And while it may seem like a small gesture, these gifts can provide a much-needed reprieve from the harrowing daily life of cancer treatment. They let the child and their family know that people are thinking of them, supporting them, and lifting them up during this incredibly difficult time.
When my son Elliott was going through his cancer treatment, the most helpful gifts we received were often simple but thoughtful. Food, whether it came in the form of a meal or a gift card, was invaluable. The best part about these gifts was that they required no decision-making on our part. It didn't matter what the food was—just that it was there. When you're in the middle of such a challenging experience, making decisions that aren't medically necessary becomes nearly impossible.
Another very simple but incredibly thoughtful gift was the mail Elliott received. He loved getting mail, and when his school and a classmate's mom caught wind of this, they invited everyone they knew to send Elliott mail. He received postcards, notes, and cards from everyone at his school and stacks of mail from people around the world. These notes of support, encouragement, or just a funny joke to make him smile became a treasured part of his day. We have all the mail he received in a special box—a keepsake and a visual representation of all the love and support he received during his cancer journey.
With that in mind, here is a list of thoughtful gift ideas for a child with cancer. Each one aims to bring joy and show love, making a significant impact through small, meaningful gestures.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, Hello Brave will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Food/Gift Cards: Providing meals or gift cards to local restaurants can be incredibly helpful and reduce the burden of meal planning.
Cards: A heartfelt card can brighten a day. Regularly sending cards can show ongoing support.
PICC Line Sleeve: Mighty Well makes thoughtfully designed sleeves that protect the PICC line and make it more comfortable.
Books: Books can be a great escape and provide comfort. Choose uplifting or entertaining titles and consider sending an age-appropriate activity book (Slumberkins Imagine A Rainbow The Dot Method Brain Games Feel Better Box Would You Rather - Book for Kids)
Fidget Toys: Fidget toys can help keep a child’s mind occupied during long treatments or hospital stays (Sensory Fidget Toy Pack Fidget Dodecagon)
Audiobook Subscription: Services like Audible can provide entertainment and distraction during long hospital stays or treatments. Bonus: you can close your eyes and be distracted.
Handheld Gaming Device: Devices like a Nintendo Switch Lite or an iPad can provide hours of entertainment, especially while bedridden.
Water Bottle: A fun, durable water bottle encourages hydration, which is especially important during treatment. My son found a metal bottle with a plastic straw to be best for him (Ello Beacon Bottle)
Lip Balm: Treatments can dry out lips, so having a good lip balm on hand is very helpful (Aquaphor Lip Repair)
Slippers: Cozy, non-slip slippers can make walking around the hospital more comfortable (Mixin Slippers)
Supportive Shirts: Shirts with uplifting messages or personalized designs can add a bit of fun and whimsy to an otherwise dreary day at the hospital.
Sheets for the Hospital: Soft, colorful sheets can make a sterile hospital bed feel more like home. Twin-sized sheets fit well on hospital beds and cotton sheets are more breathable (Kids Bedsheets)
Custom Pillow Case: A personalized pillowcase can bring comfort and a sense of home to a hospital stay (Pillow Case)
Soft Throw Blanket: Treatment can cause changes in body temperature, so having a fun and soft blanket available can provide warmth and comfort when it's needed (The Company Story Plush Throw)
Hospital Room Decor: Items like posters, fairy lights, or personalized decorations can make a hospital room feel warmer and more personal, especially if a child is in the hospital over a holiday. Keep in mind some things are not permitted in hospital rooms, such as flowers and candles (String Lights Personalized Pennant Heart Garland Star Garland)
Essential Oil Diffuser: Scented items or essential oil diffusers can help mask the hospital smells and provide a comforting scent (Oil Diffuser)
Hospital Bag: A dedicated bag for the hospital is essential. A large tote or medium duffle bag can make frequent trips to the hospital more manageable (HawLander Kids Duffle)
Collapsible Wagon: A wagon can help transport the child to and from the hospital more easily, along with their belongings (Radio Flyer Folding Wagon)
Each of these gifts is chosen with the intention of easing the burden, bringing comfort, and showing love. It's the small, thoughtful gestures that often have the biggest impact. By giving with intention, you brighten their day and offer comfort in the most meaningful ways.
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