What to Include in a Thoughtful Cancer Care Package

It can be difficult to know what to do when a loved one confides in you about a cancer diagnosis. A thoughtful cancer care package is an excellent way to show them you’re there for them without being overbearing. 

Knowing what to include in your care package can be difficult, especially when you want the items to be helpful and comforting. Today, we’ll explore ideas of gifts to get your loved one to help make these uncertain times a little more manageable. 

Gift Ideas to Include in a Cancer Care Package

Cancer care packages make lovely, thoughtful gifts, but they can be difficult to curate. Choose a basket and fill it up with a few of the ideas below that you think your loved one will appreciate: 

1. A Good Book

Your loved one might have to spend a good deal of time in hospital waiting rooms and long medical appointments, so a new book can keep them company. Choose a book from their favourite genre or buy them a gift card for audiobooks or e-books. Depending on your budget, you could buy them an e-reader instead. This would give them access to thousands of books without having to carry them around. 

2. Cards or Handwritten Notes

Small tokens, like handwritten notes, can go a long way toward comforting your loved one. They can keep your words with them wherever they go, and re-read them when they need you most. 

There are several ways to incorporate notes into your cancer care package. One example is filling a jar with positive notes from friends and family to inspire your loved one on difficult days. 

3. Gift Certificate for Home Services

Juggling cancer treatment and symptoms with everyday responsibilities can quickly become exhausting. If your loved one takes pride in a clean home or trimmed lawn, not being able to keep on top of their chores can make them feel anxious or depressed. 

Including a gift certificate in your care package removes some of this stress and reduces their worry. Consider hiring a weekly house cleaner or a gardener to tend their lawn while they’re undergoing treatment. 

4. Electronic Gadgets

If your loved one isn’t a big reader, there are several alternatives that you can buy to keep them company during long appointments or chemotherapy transfusions.

These include: 

• A handheld gaming device: Your loved one can pass the time and earn a sense of accomplishment as they complete levels.
  
  • TV streaming subscriptions: Excellent for binge-watching new series or catching up on movies.
    
  • Wireless headphones: These can help keep your loved one company during appointments without disrupting others.
    
• A portable charging station: Choose one with multiple ports so they can charge their devices simultaneously.
  
• Long phone charger: Hospitals often have limited outlets, so include a 6- or 10-foot charging cord in their care package.
  
• Personal voice assistant: These can help your loved one search for information without having to find their phone or laptop beforehand. 

5. Fashionable Gifts

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can come with side effects such as cold sensitivity and hair loss. Including a hat, scarf or turban can help them feel more comfortable and confident. A warm blanket, socks and slippers can also help if they’re spending a lot of time in the hospital. 

6. Self-Care Items

Sometimes, all your loved one needs is items to make them feel fresher and more like themselves. Travel-sized toiletries, such as moisturizer and dry shampoo, can help them feel better while in the hospital. 

Cancer treatments can often cause dry, itchy skin, so always look for sensitive products. Don’t buy anything perfumed or coloured, as these might irritate their skin further. 

7. Insulated Water Bottle

An underrated gift for cancer care packages is an insulated water bottle. These can keep drinks hot or cold, so it’s easier for your loved one to stay hydrated without having to replenish their glasses or cups throughout the day. 

Avoid metal water bottles if your loved one is currently receiving chemotherapy, as this treatment may already cause a metallic taste in their mouth. 

8. Plush Pillow or Neck Cushion

Fatigue is another common side effect of cancer and its treatments, so your loved one may be taking more naps than they used to. A neck cushion or a new pillow can help them rest their eyes while sitting up, preventing neck pain from a lack of support. 

If your loved one works from home, they may also benefit from a lap tray or desk so they can continue working from bed. 

9. Gift Cards

While it might seem less personal, gift cards can help your loved one buy what they truly want and can benefit their cancer journey the most. Get them a voucher for their favourite restaurant or shop, and let them choose their own gift. 

10. Quality Time Together

Cancer and treatments can make your loved one feel fatigued and without the energy to attend social events as they used to. They might feel embarrassed to ask for help or let you down, so offer specific services or plans to spend time together. 

If you don’t have much time in your schedule to help them, create a schedule with other loved ones and work together to take shifts. If you want something physical to include in your care package, you could write coupons or a calendar with your plans written in. 

To learn more, read our practical guide on supporting someone with cancer.

A Cancer Care Package Checklist

To make it as easy as possible for you to build your thoughtful cancer care package, we’ve created a handy checklist: 

• A basket or tote bag
  
• Comfort items, such as a blanket, slippers or a beanie
  
• Non-perfumed skincare
  
• Practical items and services, such as meals on wheels or weekly cleaning
  
• Entertainment, such as a book or electronic gadget
  
• Snacks to help with nausea
  
• Personal touches, such as handwritten notes and framed photos

How Trinity Homecare Can Help

At Trinity Homecare, we know how life-changing a cancer diagnosis can be for those affected and their loved ones. Suddenly, the future is uncertain, full of unknowns, and marked by routine changes and developing symptoms. 

If your loved one is finding it difficult to keep up, our team of compassionate, fully-trained cancer carers can support them with:

• Symptom support and daily monitoring
• Assistance with routine tasks, such as washing and dressing
• Mobility support
• Transport to and from appointments
• Companionship and emotional support
• Running errands, such as cooking and cleaning
• Pet care

Live-in and visiting care can give your loved one more independence and dignity, allowing them to continue living life the way they want. They’ll be supported by experienced carers, while your thoughtful gifts boost morale. 

Talk to Trinity Homecare Today

If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.

Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.