It’s hard to know what to say when someone is sick. You want to be positive, but at the same time, you don’t want to belittle what your friend is experiencing. You want to show support, but you can’t take away the pain and discomfort they may encounter. You want to be a good friend, but if you have never experienced cancer, you may not know what to say.
Our Top Picks
Gifts During Chemo or Radiation
- Audiobook Subscription ($15)
- Inspirational Tote Bag ($22.99)
- Chunky Knit Sweater ($38.99)
- Healthy Snacks Care Package ($26.55)
- 24hr Insulated Water Bottle ($13.99)
- Candied Ginger ($7.97)
Gifts After Cancer-Related Surgery
- Light Knit Robe ($32.98)
- Remote Control Oil Diffuser ($25.99)
- Vegan Eye Shadow Set ($12.97)
- Edible Arrangement ($84.99)
End-of-Treatment Gifts
- Pink Balloons ($9.99)
- Clothing Store Gift Card ($50)
- Inspirational Journal ($16.99)
- Pampering Care Package ($104.99)
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Ideas for a Loved One Experiencing Chemo or Radiation
- Ideas for a Loved One Who Had a Mastectomy or Another Breast Cancer-Related Surgery
- End-of-Treatment Gift Ideas for a Loved One With Breast Cancer
- Where Can You Buy Pre-Made Care Packages for a Loved One With Breast Cancer?
- Where Can You Find Free Care Packages for a Loved One With Breast Cancer?
Instead of saying anything, why not create a care package for your friend who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Here are some thoughtful items to put in a breast cancer care package. While some of the items on this list may be pricey, remember that the best gift you can give to your friend is your emotional support — for free.
Ideas for a Loved One Experiencing Chemo or Radiation
Your friend or loved one may be dreading chemo or radiation treatments. While the medicine does its job killing cancer cells, it may cause unpleasant side effects that may leave your friend exhausted and ill.
Here are a few items to consider putting in a gift basket for someone getting ready to start chemo or radiation. Some of the things would make good virtual gifts if you need to send something from afar.
1. Subscription for audiobook service
No matter how addicted your friend is to a game on their phone, she’s going to get tired of playing it after the long hours in the treatment room.
Why not give your friend a subscription to an audiobook service to help them fill the time? If your friend isn’t a reader, give them suggestions of funny or uplifting books that will help them keep their mind off what is happening to their body.
2. Tote bag
Buy your friend a fun, cheerful tote bag that they can use to haul their iPad, snacks, and water bottle to and from the doctor’s office. There are plenty of breast cancer-related tote bags available online.
Find a company that donates a portion of the tote bag profits to breast cancer research so it’s even more meaningful. Consider personalizing the tote bag with your friend’s name.
3. Cardigan
Give your friend a luxurious cardigan sweater to wear at their chemo appointment. Choose something soft and in your friend’s favorite color. The sweater will keep your friend warm when they spends time in the cold treatment room.
4. Snacks
Purchase healthy prepackaged snacks for your friend. While they may not be able to enjoy them during treatment, eating a bag of pretzels may keep your friend from feeling nauseous on the way home.
Ask your friend if they are on a restricted diet before purchasing food.
5. Water bottle
All of us need to stay hydrated, but it is especially essential for individuals going through cancer treatment. Buy a cute, BPA-safe water bottle that your friend will be happy to carry wherever they go.
6. Ginger candy
Your friend may experience nausea from their chemotherapy treatment. Since ginger is supposed to be a natural remedy, consider purchasing candy with real ginger in it. There are plenty of online suppliers if you have difficulty finding it at your favorite local store.
Ideas for a Loved One Who Had a Mastectomy or Another Breast Cancer-Related Surgery
Are you looking for a get well gift for a friend who just had a mastectomy? While they may appreciate a beautiful vase of cut flowers or an easy-to-care-for houseplant, here are some other options.
7. Robe
Your friend may spend an extended period at home before returning to their normal life. For that reason, give them a warm and comfortable robe to wear while walking around the house. Don’t forget to buy the matching pair of slippers!
8. House cleaning
Your friend will be out of commission for a while and will be unable to clean their shower or sweep their floor.
One great way to send get well wishes is to hire a maid service to clean their house. You could also volunteer to complete the tasks instead, but they may feel more comfortable with a stranger cleaning their toilet than their best friend.
9. Oil diffuser
Some people swear by aromatherapy. If you think that the smell of lavender would help reduce your friend’s anxiety, consider buying an oil diffuser. Some people use essential oils to help reduce nausea as well. Candles would also be an appropriate gift.
10. Meals
If you know your friend’s food preferences, consider providing a few meals for them and their family to enjoy while recovering from surgery.
Your friend will not be able to cook during recovery, and the other members of their family may struggle to keep up with all the household duties. Not only would your friend enjoy a home-cooked meal, but their family would appreciate it as well.
11. Beauty supplies
Your friend may need help feeling like their old self again after surgery. Consider purchasing their favorite beauty supplies or treating them to a makeover at their favorite makeup counter.
Perhaps your friend will feel better when they look better, although you may be careful with the words you use to suggest this.
12. Fruit arrangement
Even if your friend doesn’t have a great appetite after their surgery, they still may be able to tolerate fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is even more tempting if it is arranged beautifully.
Buy an edible arrangement for your friend and their family to enjoy. Fresh fruit not only promotes healing, but it also can rehydrate the body after surgery.
End-of-Treatment Gift Ideas for a Loved One With Breast Cancer
Plenty of lists promise the best gift ideas for cancer patients. But what do you give someone who just rang the bell at their last cancer treatment? This gift should be celebratory and life-affirming.
Remember that even though your friend may be finished with treatments, they may not consider it remission until months later. You may want to avoid shirts and mugs declaring that your friend “beat” cancer. These items may be especially difficult to bear if their cancer returns later. Do you need ideas? Keep reading!
13. Balloons
What is it about a huge bunch of balloons that puts a smile on everyone’s face? Fill your friend’s car, apartment, or house with dozens of pink helium balloons.
Remember, since your friend underwent a round of treatment, they may not feel like partying with you for a few more weeks. But this may be the time to start planning a big fiesta, a girls’ night out, or weekend trip to their favorite city.
14. Gift card to clothing store
Your friend’s clothing size may have changed after going through cancer treatment. Purchase a gift card to the mall or their favorite clothing store to help them restock their wardrobe.
Even if their size didn’t change, your friend might feel energized to try different styles after going through cancer treatment.
15. Journal
Cancer changes the body, but it also affects the mind. Your friend may have a lot of emotions to sort through after going through cancer treatment.
Give them a journal, perhaps one with prompts, to encourage reflection and goal-setting.
16. Concert tickets
If your friend spent months of social distancing during their cancer treatment, they might be ready to have a little fun.
Splurge on great concert tickets for your friend. Hire a limo to drive you to the event to make the evening extra special. Don’t forget to create a sign for your friend that alerts the performer to your friend’s recent struggle.
17. Handwritten note
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a heartfelt gift. Consider writing a sincere note to your friend who recently underwent a struggle. Tell them how you feel about them and how much you value their friendship.
18. Bucket list item
Facing cancer sometimes causes people to reevaluate what they want out of life. Your friend’s bucket list items may have changed as a result of facing the disease.
They may feel more urgency now to complete their bucket list items. Help your friend cross some of these goals off of their list after they complete their final treatment.
Where Can You Buy Pre-Made Care Packages for a Loved One With Breast Cancer?
Of course, you can make your own care package for your loved one with breast cancer, but you can also buy pre-made packages online. One benefit of purchasing a pre-made package is that they are usually beautifully presented.
Here are some websites that sell pre-made breast cancer packages.
Spoonful of Comfort
This website sells comforting care packages for people who are struggling. Even though the company specializes in gourmet soup, you can also find packages without any food. We recommend the Peace and Pampering Care Package for your friend with breast cancer.
Etsy
Search Etsy for stores that sell breast cancer care packages. Some are designed to help a friend through chemotherapy. Others celebrate your friend’s fighting spirit.
Through Etsy, you can also find bracelets, pink ribbon items, and even a candle that reads, “I’m sorry your boobs tried to kill you.”
Just Don’t Send Flowers
The name of this company was inspired by someone who discovered that flowers and other smelly gifts cause some already queasy cancer patients more nausea. So, instead of sending stinky flowers, consider sending your friend the “Big Queasy Care Package.”
Rock the Treatment
Rock the Treatment sells care packages for people going through any type of cancer treatment. The company also sells separate items such as hats, masks, notecards, and wristbands.
Recovery Care Specialists
While many breast cancer care packages include comfort and novelty items, the Breast Surgical Care Package through Recovery Care Specialists is full of healing items to use before and after surgery.
Balm Box
The goal of Balm Box is to “make life a little easier for breast cancer patients undergoing treatments.” Founded by a cancer survivor, this company has several different care packages for soothing and healing.
Palisades Canyon
Your friend may be tired of receiving “pink ribbon” gifts. The “Sunshine in a Box” gift basket offered by Palisades Canyon has items in a cheery shade of yellow.
HumanKind Box
We love the unique packages offered by HumanKind Box because they aren’t all “cancer focused.” For example, while they have choices called “The Get Through Chemo Box” and “Surgery Strength Box,” the company also sells a “Boudoir Photo Shoot Box” and an “I Feel Pretty Box.”
Amazon
Lots of gift box companies sell their care packages through Amazon. Consider scrolling through the offerings to see if there’s something that would appeal to your friend.
Where Can You Find Free Care Packages for a Loved One With Breast Cancer?
Some organizations give free care packages and services to people with cancer. Here are some websites to help you get started on your research.
You might want to ask before signing your friend up for one of the care packages or services. Health matters are private, and they may not want to share the news of their illness with the general public.
Cleaning for a Reason
This unique organization cleans homes for cancer patients for free. The cleaners comprise a “trusted network of residential cleaners, cleaning industry volunteers, and community volunteers.” While this isn’t specifically a “free care package,” it may be more valuable than a pair of fuzzy socks or a vanilla candle.
2Live2Cure
Cancer patients can select between two free care packages from 2Live2Cure. The Thrive Makeup Kit or the Gender Neutral Kit will be delivered to the cancer patient for free. This website also offers resources for patients, and the organization hosts wellness events.
Phil’s Friends
This Christian-based organization offers cancer care packages filled with comforting items. The packages are delivered anonymously in a decorated Phil’s Friends box.
The “Phil” behind Phil’s Friends is a cancer survivor who has dedicated his life to serving others going through the illness. This organization has thousands of volunteers who pray, complete hospital visits, and mail care packages.
Kits to Heart
Kits to Heart are designed for people going through any type of cancer treatment. They usually include a handwritten card, handmade journal, origami, face masks, hand sanitizer, lip balm, heart pillow, and other items.
A “three-time cancer alumna" founded the organization.
Radiant Hope
The Radiant Hope gift packages include a water bottle, journal, mints, tea, verse cards, and other uplifting items. This is a Christian-based organization that was created to support those going through a cancer battle.
Wally’s Smile
The “Wally” of “Wally’s Smile” is a rescue dog who has a contagious smile. This organization provides cancer patients with a care package. The care packages are for human cancer patients as well as dogs.
Yana Cancer Comfort
Yana Cancer Comfort sends hand-tied fleece blankets to those with cancer. Volunteer groups make the blankets. You can sign up to have a blanket-making event near you!
Stronghold Ministry
Perhaps your friend is seeking something more than ginger candy and a fuzzy blanket. Stronghold Ministry is a Christian-based organization that provides a spiritual gift basket. This includes three spiritual books about individuals going through treatment.
Other Care Package Ideas to Consider
Besides purchasing a physical gift, you may consider checking on which streaming entertainment services your friend has available. Your friend may want to binge-watch some of their favorite shows while waiting for their radiation appointment or while healing at home.
More than anything else, make sure you are there for your friend emotionally. Fighting cancer is hard on the body, but your friend will experience new emotions. Be their sounding board. Let them share their thoughts and feelings with you without passing judgment.
If you're looking for other ways to support a friend during cancer, read our lists on the best books on cancer and what not to say to a friend with cancer.