I am a huge fan of gift guides and make the perfect target for social media influencers. Over the last few months, I’ve felt inundated with things I’ve been made to want versus need. And with colon cancer awareness month quickly approaching, I thought it would be helpful to share a gift guide that may do some good.
This list has been curated with a lot of love and a lot of experience – as I sadly lost both my mom and sister to colon cancer in 2021. And one question my family often received is “how can we help?” – because it’s hard to know how to show you care and it can be equally uncomfortable to ask.
It's a gift guide you wish you didn’t need, but will be happy to have…just in case.
Practical
Let’s start with things they may need. This is a collection of the items that may help to manage the multitude of systems brought on by treatments and the major shift in day to day life.
Patagonia Sling Bag: This bag perfectly fits at-home treatment devices, like the chemo “pump,” and helps store the device without getting in the way of the day to day
Seat-Belt Port Protector and Support Pillow: This makes driving more comfortable for an already tender area – our favorite is from 7StitchesBoutique on Etsy, but if you’re crafty, sewing patterns are available online
Water Bottle + Liquid IV: Hydration becomes more essential than ever – having a water bottle with a secure top, like Owala or Yeti, makes staying hydrated easier with easing toting around
Biotene Mouth Wash: Helps with dry mouth
Battery-Operated Heating Pad: Treat the aches and pains with easy transport anywhere
Disposable Vomit Bags: I wish I had a better name for this, but when nausea hits, they’ll be happy to have this
Aquaphor Lotion + Lip Protector: For dry skin and lips
TummyPops: A sweet way to treat nausea – and they’re easy to pack in whatever bag is their go-to
Queasy Drops: Ironically, not necessarily for naseau. These are a great option to treat dry mouth that comes along with some chemo treatments
Nike Dri-Fit Quarter Zip: Because it’s light and airy, this allows for easy port access during treatments - I recommend sizing up for a looser fit
MiraLAX Individual Packets: None of this is sexy, but it’s another fan favorite when constipation kicks in
Custom Binder: Organization but make it cute – there’s going to be a lot of paperwork, medical records, notes, you name it – and with the constant rotation of doctors, they’ll want one place to store it all
Food Delivery Gift Cards: Cooking can be a huge burden when you’re not feeling well – gift cards for delivery allow flexibility and relief when cooking isn’t manageable
Cozy
Experiencing cancer treatment, can make you feel like you’re constantly living with the flu. They’ll be fatigued, achy, chilly, and nauseous – along with a litany of other terrible symptoms. The symptoms may not always go away, but there are some things that may help make them more comfortable.
Hats, Gloves, and Hand Warmers: To keep the chills at bay – but the hat is also great for hair loss too
Button-Up Pajamas: A very cozy way to show up to chemo, or manage at home treatments, with easy port access
Silk Pillow Case: For a cozy and cool sleep that’s also gentle on their hair
Socks: There is no such thing as too many socks – especially very soft and warm socks – like Ugg or Barefoot Dreams
Slippers: But make sure they have a solid bottom and back – with neuropathy or mobility issues, this will be important
Blanket: A lightweight, snuggly blanket for both at home and at treatment
Personalized Bag: A giant, personalized tote, to fit all the things they’ll need to bring to treatment – my favorite is from FarHillsCottonCo on Etsy, which offers custom embroidery
Headphones: Especially quality, noise canceling headphones for treatment days
Self-Warming Eye, Hand, and Foot Masks: Luxury meets warmth
Kindle: If you can splurge, a Kindle is a great way to pass the time during treatment or on low-energy days
Microwavable Heating Pad: I love this Origins one with essential oils
Free or Low-Cost Options
Supporting a loved one with cancer, doesn’t always have to come at a cost. There are plenty of free or low-cost ways to show your support.
Most of all, remember, this is a marathon. Your loved one won’t just need your support in the beginning, they will need you for weeks if not months, or potentially longer. And low-cost options are a great way to sustain your support over long periods of time through acts of service.
Childcare: Offer childcare and/or carpool services – even better if you provide your availability to choose from
Pet Care: Volunteer to feed, walk, play, or watch any furry friends – this is especially helpful during treatment, hospitalizations, or when they’re just not feeling great
Housekeeping: Either secure a cleaning service OR offer to help yourself (or with friends) to regularly clean-up around the house – this helps reduce their mental load
Organization: There is a lot of paperwork, schedules, and medical supplies that go along with a cancer diagnosis – offer to spend a day getting organized to help make their day to day easier
Laundry: Pop by 1x a week to pick-up dirty laundry and take it home (to keep the noise to a minimum) and return folded and ready to be put away
Meals: Meal-prep breakfast, lunch, or dinner, help pre-prepare kid’s lunches, or stat a meal train with friends to regularly deliver home cooked meals – this is a huge help to the whole family
Treatment: Work with the family to secure a date that you can carpool or attend treatment to offer some company
Entertainment: Share your favorite books and shows – there’s a lot of time to pass during treatment and while recuperating
A Special Touch
If you’re looking for something more personal, I’m including a few favorites below.
Custom Bracelets: You can find a wide range of options on Etsy – but I’ve loved custom bracelets from Little Words Project – this is something you can order with friends, family, and the community to show your support
Oak + Luna Necklace: Create a meaningful gift with their spouse, kids, or pets’ initials
If you’ve had a loved one with cancer, I’d love to hear what other products or acts of service have worked well. Comment below!
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