20 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients
Doctors highlight products that help empower and support anyone on their path to recovery — plus survivors share real ways to show you care.
Expert consulted: Meera Ravindranathan, M.D.Jonathan Leventhal, M.D.
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Finding a meaningful, gratifying gift for someone who is undergoing cancer treatment, or is recently in remission, can feel like a monumental task. Whether you've been personally impacted by cancer — or are working to support a loved one touched by the disease for the very first time — there can be many pitfalls in relying on an item wrapped in a neat bow to show how much you care. To select a gift that actually will empower or enrich someone's life at any point on their road to recovery, you'll need to think outside the box.
Ultimately, the best way to select a gift is to consider the type and stage of cancer your loved one is currently being treated for — and be cognizant of any limitations, as your good intentions can become inadvertently insensitive with a symptom-triggering gift. Assuming that all cancer patients are one and the same is a common mistake; you should do well to ask about which specific challenges are affecting the person in question, advises Meera Ravindranathan, M.D., a medical director with Iris by OncoHealth, an oncology-specific telehealth provider. Undergoing cancer treatment involves a significant amount of physical setbacks and changes, as well as emotional challenges, that can make some gifts upsetting if they aren't fully inclusive.
Some of the best gifts are those that help give someone with cancer time back in their day — and many successful gifts are not tangible items, but services that can make everyday life that much easier for loved ones in hard times. "Given that energy can be low when having treatment, which needs to be conserved for important things in life — like spending time with family and friends — all practical help can be useful," says Dorothy Keefe, M.D., a cancer medicine professor at the University of Adelaide and chief medical officer for Entrinsic BioScience.
To highlight gift ideas that may help alleviate more common cancer treatment symptoms, we've curated a suite of products and services that work to empower cancer patients, with specific categorical guidance from a panel of leading oncologists, cancer specialists and survivors. The bulk of products highlighted here have been individually vetted by our Lab pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute through formal reviews and hands-on testing — you'll find they make for great gift ideas that can support cancer patients through symptoms, or make common challenges easier in the long run.
While most cosmetic products can provide a challenge for cancer patients, those that are designed to be gentle, restorative and rehydrating in nature can be quite useful. "As a dermatologist who works at a cancer center, I see many patients in treatment who develop painful or itchy rashes involving the skin, hair and nails," says Jonathan Leventhal, M.D., the director of the Onco-Dermatology program at the Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. He adds that the most thoughtful gifts can work to remedy this common side effect, namely gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers that can ease inflamed skin.
A soothing option for facial skin as well as your décolletage, Kiehl's hydrating face cream is the overall winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab tests in 2023. The easy glide-on product increased overall hydration by upwards of 50% in as little as six hours, per Lab tests. Our panel of testers also overwhelmingly noted that the cream leaves skin feeling replenished and smooth without tacky, sticky residue. Made with a base that includes glycerin and squalene, Kiehl's product is crucially free of added fragrances and is engineered for sensitive skin.
A gentle cleanser designed for sensitive skin can help keep a patient's complexion even during the stressful trials of treatment, Dr. Leventhal says. The best cleansers can help remove build-up, crud or debris that accumulate on the face, as well as wash away makeup, dirt and excess oil that contributes to clogged pores and acne breakouts. And unlike soap, which can mess with the pH balance and overall quality of delicate facial skin, a well-made cleanser is free of harsh sulfates.
Noted by testers as well as Lab pros for its luxe lather, SkinCeuticals' gentle cleanser has earned top marks from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab in its latest category tests. Free of added scents and synthetic dyes, this cleanser easily washes away skin-surface impurities and excess oil, and acts as an effective makeup remover that is far from astringent. With near-perfect review scores from a panel of testers, SkinCeuticals' cleanser doesn't leave behind residues on drying skin and was celebrated for its "refreshing texture."
Many cancer patients work to update their wardrobes while they are in treatment for a myriad of reasons, including easier access to certain areas of their body as well as responding to changes in shape or size. But Dr. Leventhal says a majority of patients appreciate soft clothing that won't irritate any medical sites or inflamed skin, and so they pivot to loose-fitting silhouettes rather than skintight options. Buying a whole new set of clothes can be overwhelming, though, and some cancer patients may be vocal about their need for new clothes.
With a feel that's likened to cashmere, Alo's lightweight pullover ranked high for softness and a generous, comprehensive fit on consumer tests within the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. And as Alo maintains a similar build and style in multiple different cuts (including full-zip hoodies and 1/2 pullover zips) the brand's cozy, comfy everyday staples can make for a great gift for clinic visits.
"V-neck shirts and easily removed, full-zip sweaters were necessary for chemo days so that my port could be accessed easily," adds Bethany Hart, 37, a small cell cervical cancer survivor and peer mentor working with Iris by OncoHealth.
A blanket that feels like a warm hug can help one stay warm during treatment sessions and hospital stays — and when you take the initiative to personalize it, it's a reminder that they're loved. "I got a few that were personalized, and they were really sweet. They always made me feel loved anytime I took it out," Hart tells us. "A good reminder that I wasn't alone."
There are plenty of warm, stylish throws that you can purchase and personalize yourself — including travel-friendly options that pack up well for storage in the car. But Good Housekeeping's home editors have featured this fashion-forward option from Baublebar as a best pick, which incorporates fully customized monograms and full names into their popular knitted throws, no DIY necessary. There are a myriad of design schemes and customization options available that help keep your loved one warm in a special, unique way.
Keeping the body properly hydrated has never been more important for those who are actively treating cancer. Lowell Anthony, M.D., FACP, division chief of medical oncology at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center, says family and friends can help loved ones by actively encouraging more water intake throughout the day. "A commonly overlooked need during cancer treatment is hydration, as cancer patients have their appetite and taste altered with treatment, which can lead to dehydration," says Dr. Anthony, who works with the team at Enterade, a dietary product designed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with cancer treatment. "Fatigue, muscle aches and confusion can originate from dehydration, which can seriously impact quality of life throughout treatment."
Owala's best-selling FreeSip model makes use of a design that seamlessly incorporates a straw into the bottle, which can make drinking water less of a physical challenge. Our reviews of the FreeSip indicate that this car and travel-friendly bottle can be sipped from or tilted back with ease; the bottle's lid mechanism is extremely easy to open with a one-push release of a latch, but remains secure when not in use. Owala's insulated water bottle products are frequently featured in guides published by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
The clear profile of the Tritan model will encourage loved ones to add in mix-ins when appropriate, too. "You have to drink so much water while going through treatment, you quickly start to hate it," says Hart. "Having a water bottle that lets you put fruit in for flavoring was helpful."
For those unfamiliar with cancer treatment, there's a reason why you may see patients depicted in movies and television enjoying popsicles or ice-cold treats during treatment. Mouth sores — which are referred to as mucositis — are common for those receiving any form of chemotherapy, and ice-cold foods may reduce the likelihood of them developing, per materials published by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "Treats that are soft and non-spicy may be helpful," says Dr. Leventhal, who treats many patients undergoing chemotherapy in his own dermatological clinic. "Chilled foods and fluids such as popsicles, ice chips, frozen yogurt or ice cream can be a nice treat for those with mucositis."
Since store-bought popsicles and ice cream can very easily contain quite a bit of added sugar, which isn't in line with most patients' nutritional needs, providing the means to make DIY pops at home can be a great help. These molds haven't undergone formal testing in the GH Institute, but Good Housekeeping health editors have reviewed them in their kitchens and find they are space-saving and extremely easy to clean (dishwasher safe!). This set comes with reusable popsicle sticks that easily bind to fruit, milks and yogurt, among other favorites, for delicious popsicles that can be enjoyed at home.
Hot flashes are extremely common for many cancer patients undergoing treatment; they may occur at night in the form of night sweats, or at staggered periods throughout the day. These spells can last anywhere from a few minutes to more prolonged episodes during the night, which can keep loved ones awake as they begin to sweat or revert to bone-racking chills.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab scored Lusomé's ultra-comfortable pajama set as a top performer in managing sweat associated with hot flashes. The brand's proprietary fabric wicks sweat with ease and helps keep women cool and comfortable, especially at night when full bedding is a must. The brand designs its clothing with cancer patients in mind: Founder Lara Smith was inspired to create more inclusive sleepwear as she worked to support her sister, who received clinical treatment for breast cancer and faced similar challenges at night.
Cooking is one of the most common challenges for someone in the depths of cancer treatment, especially for those who live alone. "Given that energy can be low when having treatment and needs to be conserved for the important things in life that bring joy, practical help can be so useful," Dr. Keefe says. "Meals that address gentle, non-spicy flavor profiles are key, especially for people experiencing gastrointestinal issues associated with treatment."
Fresh N Lean can help patients select organic, premade meals that incorporate fresh ingredients with special nods to certain dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free options. These meals — which can be chosen at your loved one's discretion — can be simply reheated in the oven or even in a microwave in under 7 minutes. Reviews of Fresh N Lean in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab indicated that nutritional information is easily sourced for those with very specific instructions from their doctors; and with a wide array of meal plans that include most taste preferences, this shortcut of a meal won't feel like a cheap compromise when patients need to nourish themselves without time lost in kitchen prep.
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A Deep Clean at Home
Keeping up with cleaning and other house maintenance is a challenge for most who are undergoing treatment — and if they're living alone, asking for help cleaning their home can feel tricky at best. Because many patients suffer from fatigue, body pain, as well as dermatologic side effects that Dr. Leventhal says impact their hands and feet, cleaning supplies may add extra irritation into the mix.
"This was the most helpful from a practical standpoint since I didn't have the physical ability to keep our home clean, and it was the last thing my husband wanted to spend his time doing," adds Hart.
Outsourcing these chores and responsibilities for a while may be the most useful gift on this list, Dr. Keefe adds; tasks like mowing the lawn and disinfecting the kitchen can feel monumental. That's where TaskRabbit comes in, as you'll be able to pre-arrange a custom cleaning session with a local professional. TaskRabbit offers a suite of service providers for everyday tasks around the house that may present a challenge for loved ones; cleaning and laundry, yard work and most any maintenance request within the home can be taken care of by a Tasker of your choice. You can book these sessions as frequently as you'd like, and most professionals are paid by the hour, meaning you can settle on a schedule that works for you and your loved one during the consultation process. TaskRabbit is in operation in more than 25 major cities, with a full list of areas serviced here.
Don't scoff! According to one of the cancer survivors we surveyed, socks are a crucial necessity during hospital stays and treatment sessions. The warmer, the better: "Socks were super helpful for the hospital since it was always freezing," says Hart, who has turned this tidbit into a full-blown non-profit organization that supports those in clinical cancer treatment with free sock care packages, the Hallie Strong Foundation.
Finding warm socks that stand up to regular wear and tear but also feel stylish, versatile and fun is tough — which is why the team behind Bombas, which donates a pair of socks to those in need with every purchase, found success on Shark Tank. Separate from that buzz, Institute pros in the Textiles Lab have lauded Bombas' classic ankle sock with praise for targeted sole cushioning and effortless comfort during prolonged wear. They're available in men's sizes and styles as well — and you'll find even more options through the Institute's formal guide to the best socks for everyday wear.
The challenges that cancer treatment brings don't end after the final session in a clinic — and for the patients Dr. Ravindranathan has seen enter remission, a return to a pre-treatment routine can be really hard. Returning to a regular work schedule is a big hurdle for most — especially as their wardrobe may no longer be office appropriate, feel flattering or supportive of surgical sites that are recovering. And because most patients face medical bills after treatment is finished, updating a wardrobe is likely the last thing on their mind.
"If they have gained or lost weight during treatment, a gift card and planning a shopping trip to their favorite store so they can rebuild their wardrobe can be helpful," she adds. "Having nice clothes that fit makes everyone feel better."
Gifting any amount towards a Stitch Fix style box is a smart way to help your loved one feel excited about dressing for the day. Highlighted in our review of the best clothing subscriptions, Stitch Fix allows users to choose a date to receive a curated selection of new threads chosen for you based on an in-depth style quiz. Our Lab experts say Stitch Fix is a great way for individuals to try out new styles they may normally never consider, and the service provides a wide array of inclusive sizes up to 3X or 24W, with men's fashion available as well. If your loved one doesn't like the threads, they can simply return or exchange them for free. Plus, there's no subscription or membership required.
Instacart+ Grocery Delivery Subscription
Anyone who's cared for someone going through cancer treatments know the concept of a "meal train" — providing ready-to-eat meals, snacks and other grocery essentials to save a loved one from having to worry about those things. But many don't realize that this kind of support can taper off initially, according to Dr. Ravindranathan, who tells us patients need this support more consistently. "Usually, in the beginning of treatment or at first diagnosis, patients are inundated with food and meal trains; but they kind of drop off," she explains. "Putting a monthly reminder in your phone to check in and show up with a meal or gift card for food is key."
One way to ensure your loved one is never stuck without a kitchen staple they need is to gift a subscription to Instacart+, which can save them from having to food shop during treatment. Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute say that Instacart is one of the best grocery delivery services given that its minimum is only $10, meaning even small orders for must-haves can be put in at a moment's notice. Instacart provides wide access to over 40,000 retailers and grocers, including big-box retailers like Aldi and Costco, and nearby pharmacies, home retailers and even electronic superstores. Instacart is free to use, but Instacart+ provides more availability for short-notice delivery, fewer fees and more savings for shoppers who use it routinely.
A Custom Spa Treatment
Full-body spa treatments are often not the best solution for someone currently receiving chemotherapy and radiation — but the best spas offer customized, targeted massage therapy for tender inflammation on the body. This is especially helpful for those who are experiencing long-term side effects from their treatment — namely, issues like lymphedema, swelling that occurs due to excess lymph fluid in certain areas of the body. "Even after treatment is complete, patients may appreciate services like acupuncture for pain or massage for lymphedema," Dr. Leventhal suggests. "A lot of this is personal and will need to be based on the individual."
You may not realize it, but there are a slew of bespoke treatments available at full-service spas located across the country, where specialists ensure that any special needs are met ahead of time. The Spa at the Breakers in Palm Beach (pictured here) is just one service provider that includes pre-service consult to make guests facing physical limitations or special considerations feel incredibly welcome and at ease before stepping into their facilities. All the restorative destinations listed in our curated guide to spa getaways in the United States work with specialized massage therapists to provide fully custom treatments when needed.
Nearly all of the experts we polled agreed: Mental health is never more precarious for cancer patients than during treatment, and debilitating stress, anxiety and depression can follow patients into remission after clinical cancer therapy stops. Helping your loved one find a safe place to express these feelings and to build healthy resources for dealing with stress is a great way to support them. This can be as simple as helping find nearby qualified therapists or encouraging them to check out free resources online.
This is a journey that loved ones must embark on at their own speed and in their own time — and that's where the best digital mental health apps and services come in. Our editors say Headspace's library of guided meditations provides a really strong jumping-off point for managing daily stresses; but if meditation isn't your thing, there are other mindfulness activities and even features designed to help you get better sleep at night. This gift subscription, starting at $39 for 3 months, grants access to a full library of helpful content that Headspace has been building upon for over a decade.
Dr. Ravindranathan shares that patients often have a token, jewelry namely, that reminds them of those they love and act as a visual representation when worn, in clinic and beyond.
This piece is completely customizable to include a beloved phrase or encouraging words of choice. In fact, you can submit a handwriting sample that is best matched in production to physically represent a loved one — including notes from years past that may be special. The bracelet can be finished in silver, gold or rose gold coatings.
Lynette Griffin, 68, underwent treatment for triple-negative breast cancer during the height of the pandemic in 2020, which meant she was only leaving home to receive twice-weekly chemotherapy. Given that hospital rooms and doctors' offices didn't allow visitors and non-essential staff, Griffin attended treatment alone; she tells us that she spent the majority of her time in clinics reading books and magazines.
For avid readers, going electronic allows them to toggle between multiple titles and magazine subscriptions through Apple News+ (which can be a gift all its own!). Routinely featured in Good Housekeeping Institute technology guides, Apple's iPad and its native iOS makes it easier than ever to read books, listen to podcasts, and flip through multiple magazines at once. This particular model, which tops out at a space-saving 8x5" but is equipped with the same A15 bionic chip as in larger models, is perfect to slip into a handbag or backpack to bring along to treatment sessions.
Heading in and out of treatment sessions multiple times a week is the reality for most cancer patients. The cancer survivors we surveyed told us about the need for keeping items handy for use while waiting for treatment sessions to be completed — which can range greatly for each patient, but on average lasts a few hours. A grab-and-go bag with easy access to items like blankets, electronics, water, books, socks or other materials is a must for anyone who is new to cancer treatment.
Lululemon's Shopper Bag is incredibly lightweight while providing ample space for many essentials, including smaller throw blankets and full-sized water bottles. Its water-repellant exterior is durable and easy to clean. While other top-review and tested tote bags can have multiple compartments and pockets, Lululemon's tote is built with just one exterior pocket; so most everything will be easily accessed after opening its cinch-top, button enclosure.
Massages can help soothe areas of inflammation that may be triggered by treatment side effects as well as reduce the stress that anxiety puts on the body. Massaging yourself regularly in sore, tense areas may help the body to improve blood pressure and heart rates, as well as negate stress hormones, according to the National University of Health Sciences.
Because everyone's body and sensitivities can vary greatly during cancer treatment, a self-massager with a smaller attachment can be a better fit than a full-sized appliance. TheraGun's pocket-sized device has three speeds and a smaller ball attachment, and is equipped with an ergonomic grip that's easy to use. Per our review, this travel-friendly option has a battery that lasts up to 150 minutes.
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Many cancer patients in treatment face alopecia, which can range from partial to full hair loss. But hair loss can be an intensely personal matter, especially for women — and trying to offer support in terms of hairstyling products and wigs can be a major overstep. "I struggled big-time with hair loss and how it made me a 'cancer patient' in the world's eyes," Hart shares. "I so appreciate the gesture, but [hair loss-related gifts] were too painful for me to deal with."
We recommend a hybrid tactic in an approach like this one, which combines the best shade-providing elements of a hat with the style of a head scarf. For women, it may be a novel way to conceal spotty hair loss and also protect their skin during warm, sunny days outside. You may also try a seasonal sun hat for the same effect, especially if your intended loves to spend time outside.
An Extra Hand for Home Projects
Renovation projects, home repair tasks and appliance installation are normally a headache for a perfectly healthy person. If you know your loved one is feeling sick during treatment and has a to-do list for heavy lifting or appliance-specific tasks, arranging to have a professional come do it instead is a perk that'll be appreciated.
Amazon Home Services works with in-network local technicians and repair persons for a myriad of jobs, from television mounting to furniture installation and even outdoor assembly. There are also movers and haulers who can help with other DIY improvement projects around the house. You'll work with Amazon's scheduling tool to find a date and time that works for your intended, plus get upfront pricing ahead of time.
Meera Ravindranathan, M.D., is a medical director with Iris by OncoHealth. Dr. Ravindranathan has more than 15 years of experience treating a wide range of cancers. Her current role is focused on the development of Iris by OncoHealth, an evidence-based clinical application that providers patients' access to supportive care and resources as they progress through cancer treatment.
Dr. Ravindranathan is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She then did her residency in Internal Medicine as well as fellowship training in medical oncology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She worked in academia in the early part of her career where she was involved in research and teaching at the University of New Mexico Cancer Treatment Center, including being selected to complete the American Association for Cancer Research’s Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop. Dr. Ravindranathan then was in private practice in San Diego, California where she still participated in clinical trials but focused mainly on treating adult cancer patients. She has authored numerous articles published in peer reviewed journals. She currently maintains a part-time clinical practice in California. Her passion is delivering excellent care and quality improvement in medicine and values the possibilities digital care platforms can bring to the industry.
Jonathan Leventhal, MD, is the director of the Onco-Dermatology Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven. He treats patients undergoing cancer treatment who experience itchy or painful rashes, as well as hair and nail changes that can result from either their disease or treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation or stem cell transplantation. In addition to his role at Smilow, Dr. Leventhal, an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, cares for patients with a wide range of skin conditions in Yale Medicine Dermatology’s New Haven and Branford locations. He performs routine skin cancer screening examinations and also treats general skin problems, including acne, psoriasis and eczema. He is also the associate residency program director and is principal investigator of several clinical trials involving the management of cutaneous reactions to cancer therapy.
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