Dealing with cancer is an enormous physical and mental challenge. As supportive friends and family members, we can help make the journey a little easier by providing thoughtful Christmas gifts that specifically target cancer patients' side effects. In this blog post, we will explore a range of gift ideas that reduce side effects such as nausea, skincare issues, cognitive changes, fatigue, stress, oral care, and nail care. It's worthwhile to note that while these gifts can provide relief, always consult the patient's healthcare team for personalised recommendations.

For more information on side effects visit our blog section - The Side Effects of Cancer Treatment 

1. Skincare essentials

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause skin changes. These treatments can make the skin extremely sensitive and prone to dryness, itching, rashes, and even burns.

• Choose fragrance-free, gentle moisturisers to rejuvenate and heal.

• Look out for products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, soap-free cleansers, menthol or 10% urea for itching relief.

• For dry or sore lips, use a lip balm containing moisturising ingredients such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), shea butter or glycerine.

• Cooling skincare products: Products containing aloe vera or cucumber extracts can soothe and cool irritated or itchy skin.

• Gentle cleansers: Non-irritating, pH-balanced cleansers help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier while keeping it clean and fresh.

2. Nausea relief

These products can help reduce nausea, one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy:

• Anti-nausea wristbands or bracelets: These pressure point wristbands help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiation.
• Ginger/peppermint sweets or tea: Both ingredients soothe the stomach and alleviate nausea.
• Aromatherapy essential oils: Certain scents like peppermint, lemon, or lavender can relieve nausea when used in diffusers or rollerball applications.

3. Cognitive changes

In order to minimise the frustration and debilitating effects of cognitive changes, the following products can offer benefits while providing a distraction from the stresses of daily life. 

• Memory games and puzzles: Stimulate cognitive function and focus with games like Sudoku, crosswords, or memory card sets.
• Journals, colouring books and craft sets: Creative outlets can manage stress and distract. Stress can exacerbate cognitive changes.

4. Fighting fatigue and insomnia

Notebook for creating a fatigue diary: Maintaining a daily diary of your energy levels and treatment can help you understand how treatment affects you. With this information, your doctor can provide more effective pain relief services. Learn how to make one here - Fatigue diary.

Improve their sleep: Aromatherapy oils like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot reduce anxiety to help you sleep as well as books on relaxation techniques. 

Try making your own aromatherapy inhaler here - AROMATHERAPY INHALER: HOW TO MAKE ONE

A hamper of energy-boosting foods: Cancer patients struggle to eat for a number of reasons but helping them to graze on healthy snacks throughout the day can help give them the needed nutrients and energy they need whilst reducing nausea.

5. Stress relief

Help your loved one relax and comfortable with the following gift ideas: 

• Stress balls or fidget toys: Small, handheld items distract the mind and relieve tension.
• Adult colouring books: Engage creativity and reduce stress through intricately designed colouring pages.
• Relaxing music or meditation apps: Encourage mindfulness and deep relaxation.
• Comfy blankets and pillows: Soft, cozy materials provide comfort and assist in relaxation and restorative sleep.
• Sleep masks and earplugs: Help create a peaceful sleep environment, especially during hospital stays.

6. Oral care

Cancer treatment can damage cells in the oral cavity affecting the mouth, teeth, and salivary glands.

• Moisturising mouth sprays or lozenges to ease discomfort

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes and non-alcoholic mouthwashes: Aid in maintaining good oral hygiene without additional irritation.

• Biotene oral care products: Specifically formulated to combat dry mouth, they provide relief and support oral health.

• Hard sweets: mint, lemon, or orange. These flavours can mask a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.

7. Nail care

Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can cause nail discolouration or damage.

• Offer safe, odor-free, and non-toxic nail polish for self-care.
• Nail oil or cuticle creams: Keep nails and cuticles moisturised to minimise dryness and brittleness.

Conclusion

When selecting gifts for cancer patients, prioritise their comfort, well-being, and specific side effect concerns. By addressing issues such as nausea, skincare, chemo brain, fatigue, stress relief, oral care, and nail care, these thoughtful gifts can provide much-needed comfort, support, and relief during a challenging time in their lives.

At Comfort Crate, we offer all these gifts as part of our subscription box service. At a discounted price every month you will receive five full-size products, guides filled with tips and tricks, extra discounts and cognitive aids to conquer any side effect. Our products and guides have been tested and approved by our cancer community to ensure they really work. This helps you manage your side effects like a pro! Subscribe today - Cancer care packages