Gift ideas for cancer patients: 14 survivors share their favorites

A bag of simple peppermint candies can provide welcome relief from the nausea that sometimes accompanies chemotherapy. And a tube of high-quality moisturizing cream can do wonders to relieve the skin irritation sometimes caused by radiation therapy.  

But aside from those and other basics, like warm socks and insulated water bottles, what are some of the best gifts to get for patients facing cancer treatment?  

We asked 16 cancer survivors what was most meaningful to them. Here are some of their favorite gifts. 

Inspiring books and encouraging words

“Having a visual reminder that people were waiting for me to cross the finish line was pretty motivational,” says Dr. Connie Porter, a breast cancer survivor. “One day, I was lying down, feeling exceptionally bad. I scanned the room and saw a plaque that some students had given me on the mantel. It read, ‘Always remember you are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and loved more than you know.’ Something about it just spoke bravery into me, and I was able to get up and do what I had to do.” 

“A college roommate sent me a bronze key on a gold chain,” says Nicole Body, a sarcoma survivor. “The key was inscribed with the word, ‘COURAGE,’ and I wore it every day. The idea was to hold onto it until I felt ready to pass it along to someone else. So, I drew strength from it until I was declared cancer-free, then I gave it to another friend who had just lost her husband.” 

“The first time I was undergoing treatment for leukemia, a friend gave me ‘The Book of Joy’ by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu,” says Dr. Julie Hildebrand, a four-time cancer survivor. “Reading about the struggles and paths to wisdom of two great spiritual leaders helped me live with joy during my own adversity. To this day, I continue to reflect upon my favorite passages. That book reshaped my approach to daily life.” 

Time, presence and logistical support

“I was blessed to have people who could come stay with me while I was receiving treatment in Houston — including my adult daughter,” says Linda Thomas, a granular cell carcinoma survivor. “We set up a calendar and rotated people through my little temporary apartment over that entire summer. Being so far from home, having company was really important, because otherwise, I would have been all alone, undergoing cancer treatment, in an unfamiliar city.” 

“When I told my son that I had inflammatory breast cancer, he immediately quit his job, let his apartment go, and left his now fiancée at home,” says survivor Dorcas Powell. “He knew that I was terrified of driving in the big city, but determined to go to MD Anderson. Thanks to him, I never missed an appointment. Even during a major Houston flood, he found a way to get me to chemotherapy and back home safely.” 

The convenience of prepared meals

“My in-laws really wanted to show their support, but they live out of state,” explains Angela Hernandez, an ovarian cancer survivor. “So, they signed us up with a local service to have healthy meals delivered twice a week. Neither my husband nor I had the energy to cook. So, that really allowed us to relax and unwind at the end of each day. It’s amazing how just having that one meal taken care of could relieve so much stress.” 

“The teachers and staff at my elementary school prepared dinner for me and my family for over a month,” marvels Reneata Benjamin, a pancreatic cancer survivor. “The school counselor coordinated it all and made sure everything ran smoothly. And it truly was such a blessing. My mind was willing, but my body just wasn’t able to cook. Thanks to my colleagues, I didn’t have to worry about what my family was going to eat while I was going through cancer treatment.” 

Handmade crafts and heartfelt greetings 

“One of my nieces made me a Christmas card during her first year of college,” says Herman Connor, a kidney cancer survivor. “She thanked me for supporting her and always encouraging her to do her best. It really meant a lot, because she took the time to personally make it. For Valentine’s Day, another niece gave me a refrigerator magnet with a cut-out of her handprint and some stickers on it. She was only 4 at the time, and it was a school project, but I thought it was pretty cool that she wanted me to have it.” 

“When one of my oldest friends found out I had cancer, she made me some inspirational cards,” says Steven Champagne, a multiple myeloma survivor. “She handwrote uplifting scriptures on them in beautiful calligraphy, then mailed them to me. I relied heavily on my faith to get me through treatment, and those cards served as a powerful reminder.” 

Soft blankets and comfortable head gear

“The best gift I received was a custom-made blanket with my family’s names on it,” says Mark Teague, a throat cancer survivor. “It kept me warm while I was receiving chemo, because sometimes the infusion rooms were very cold. And seeing all those names written out made me feel like my family was right there with me, even when they were up to 12 hours away. I still use that blanket today.” 

“Comfort was big,” agrees Cynthia Sanchez, a thymoma survivor. “So, a gentle rub on the back or the soft touch of a blanket was what did it for me. One of my administrators gave me a plush sherpa throw with some red poinsettias on it. It brought me great comfort during my chemo sessions. I still have it today — and sometimes fight with my boys over who gets to use it!” 

“As a cancer patient, you can never have too many cute and comfy clothes,” adds Carrington Marzett, a childhood leukemia survivor. “I loved receiving new hats and bandanas after I lost my hair. I remember receiving one bandana with bumble bees on it that I absolutely loved. At 15, it wasn’t necessarily a gift I wanted, but it was definitely something that I used a lot.” 

The totally unexpected

“I was given an envelope with a little cash in it — and specifically told NOT to spend it on bills,” says Gretchen Lee Herrera, a breast cancer survivor. “It was rodeo season here in Houston, so I treated myself to my first real pair of cowboy boots. I can’t tell you how much joy it brought me to wear them that year — and every year since! I even got to wear them at MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer in 2021. What a feeling that was – to raise money and give back while wearing those boots!” 

“I received a video of my absolute favorite band telling me they loved me and wishing me luck on my upcoming brain surgery,” says Sabrina Dominguez, a medulloblastoma survivor. “It was even more special because the band was breaking up, and they recorded it on the last night of their farewell tour. I was in complete disbelief. The fact that my cousin was able to track them down and get them to acknowledge my existence was more than I could have ever dreamed of.” 

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.