Why Practical Gifts Matter for Cancer Patients

Cancer is a long and challenging experience, and everyone who goes through it has different needs and wants. There is no universally correct way to show your support. That said, you can’t go wrong with a gift that is as practical as it is meaningful.

If you’re shopping online for gifts for cancer patients, you’re going to run into a lot of different options—and some are definitely better than others. After all, what is someone realistically going to do with a sassy slogan t-shirt that reminds them of the illness they’re fighting? Functional gifts such as water bottles, lip balm, nausea-relief essential oils, ice packs, and more offer something your loved one can actually use as they go through their cancer treatment. See why practical gifts matter for cancer patients and find the perfect care box for your loved one with this guide.

The Thought Is Good, the Stuff Could Be Better

It’s the thought that counts, right? That’s a phrase that has dictated gift-giving since you were a child. As long as you mean well, it will be a good gift. This sentiment is true—at the end of the day, being there is what really matters most. But when it comes to showing support for a loved one undergoing cancer treatment, a gift that’s both well-meaning and useful is going to count even more.

Cancer treatment takes a toll on your strength, mood, and energy. There are a lot of challenges to overcome—from dealing with massive changes to your body after radiation or surgery to figuring out what you want for dinner after a physically and emotionally draining day. When you find practical gifts for your loved ones going through cancer treatment, you give them something that makes those challenges a little easier. In addition to care and well wishes, you’re offering them tangible support and relief.

Let Someone Know They’re Not Alone

Cancer is terrifying, but having a good support system makes it easier to face. You might not always be able to be at your loved one’s side throughout treatment and recovery, but the right gift lets them know you’re always there for them. It creates a tangible reminder that you care, you’re supporting them, and that they can count on you.

Plus, by sending practical gifts, you make the challenge just a little bit easier. An insulated water bottle can provide a cool drink of water when your loved one feels parched. An ice pack or a pillow can help ease discomfort and let them rest a little better. A cozy blanket provides warmth and comfort on a hard day. These things allow you to make a difference even from far away.

Avoid Empty Sentiment

Knowing what to do or say when talking to a cancer patient is not easy. Even if they’re someone you’re close to, the stress, fear, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. You want to show you care, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing and upset your loved one.

That’s why a lot of people fall back on saying something kind but generic. If it’s printed on a flowery get well soon card, it must be okay to say, right? The thought is sweet, but the sentiment is, ultimately, meaningless. Someone going through cancer treatment has heard countless well wishes. After a while, it becomes background noise, and it does nothing to make the experience any easier.

Practical gifts help you fulfill that desire to help and show you care while offering something truly meaningful. They’re a way of showing understanding and compassion without falling into overdone sympathy.

Offer Physical Comfort and Relief

Physical, mental, and emotional needs are all intertwined. That’s why feeling upbeat and positive can be hard if you’re cold, nauseous, and exhausted from chemo or radiation treatment.

If you want to help a loved one feel better emotionally, seeing to their physical needs is a great start. Practical gifts do just that. A gift that provides physical relief and comfort goes a long way toward emotional and mental relief. In addition to making your loved one feel better, you give them a tangible reminder of how much you care. Functional gifts are a balm to both body and soul, and they have a much greater impact than gifts that are more sentimental than practical.

Informed Gifts From Real Experience

Gift giving can be stressful even on the happiest occasions. Knowing what gifts will truly have an impact is hard, especially if you’ve never experienced cancer yourself.

Practical tools and comfort items help you gift with confidence. Plus, when you choose a care package from The Balm Box, you know you’re purchasing high-quality goods that have been hand-selected by an actual cancer survivor. We combine firsthand experience with input from other cancer patients to carefully curate our gift packages with items that can help. As a result, we take the guesswork out of shopping so you can find something your loved one will truly appreciate and use.

Don’t Make Them Ask for Help

When you’re exhausted from treatment, nervous about the future, and self-conscious about being a burden to others, asking for help can be difficult. Figuring out what exactly you need from someone and how they can help get it to you takes mental, physical, and emotional energy—energy that is hard to come by for cancer patients. Therefore, asking, “how can I help”is a good thought, but simply offering “Let me help you with ____” is even better.

Practical gifts for cancer patients matter because they allow you to offer help without making your loved one ask for it. They might not use everything you give them, just like they might not eat every meal you send or take you up on every offer to drive them to an appointment. But the help will still be appreciated, as will the relief of having someone look out for them without having to ask for it.

Cancer Care Packages From The Balm Box

Find a gift that shows support and understanding with our care boxes for cancer patients. We offer specially curated gifts for different kinds of cancer treatment, making it easy to find a functional and thoughtful present for your loved one. Send the perfect gift or learn more about how we make our packages when you shop online today!