Christmas Gift Guide - What to Get Someone Who Has Cancer
I spent many years working on gift guides as part of the editorial teams of various interiors and lifestyle brands, and on this here site. I joyfully trawled through prints, cosy throws, and kitchen accessories as part of my research. “Something for the food lover, something for the gardener…”. There wasn’t a scented candle I didn’t sniff on my quest for the most recommendable gifts. But this year, I decided to work on something inspired by personal experience; “Something for the cancer patient”.
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August, having had a tumour removed in June. I’ve spent more time than I’d ever hoped in hospital. I’ve had two stays in wards, a hell of a lot of time in bed at home and I attend the Oncology Day Ward every fortnight for my chemo sessions. In between, there are somehow a million other appointments I must attend, most of which drag on or get delayed. My arse has well and truly moulded itself to the waiting room chairs of St. James’s Hospital. And so, I’ve learned the hard way that there are things you can bring with you that make those appointments more comfortable and pleasant. I also have some insider tips for what cancer patients, or indeed patients of any kind, could actually find useful when in hospital or at home.
(Note that this is NOT hint-hint at what I want personally, in case any of my loved ones are reading this. I’m fortunate enough to have the below, or similar versions, already in my arsenal. This is what I’ve tried, tested and would recommend for anyone undergoing treatment. But if you do want to get me something, I’d really love the deeds to a 6 bedroom gaff, cheers.)
For hospital
Ground Wellbeing skincare set
I’ll tell you this much; being sick is AMAZING for being gifted fancy self-care products. I’ve received some of the boujiest bits to ever grace my bathroom shelves, and I must say, I’ve become rather accustomed to this luxe life. I haven’t showered in anything less than 20 quid body wash in months. I worry I’ll break out in hives if I ever have to slum it with *urgh* Dove ever again. In all seriousness, there are days when using a nice skincare product is the only pleasant thing you’ll do all day, and for that reason, lotions and potions of all kinds make great gifts for someone who’s in the thick of it all. One of the nicest products I received was from Irish brand, GROUND WELLBEING, and when I went to scope out their website to see what I could try next, I was heartened to see that they have a ready-made “Big Hug- Barróg” cancer care kit (€75) curated to soothe compromised skin.
Penneys nightshirt
I’m a pajama pants gal, usually. But I’m also a “not have strangers all up in my business” gal usually too. During hospital stays, however, that changes. Modesty? Don’t know her! You need something that you can easily pull up or unbutton. Penneys maternity range includes some cute Nightshirt Dresses (€18) that would do the job nicely. The bigger, the better, so don’t worry about it being from the maternity range. Although my tumour was bigger and heavier than an actual baby, so maybe I’m unusually cool with maternity ware.
Oxmantown lip balm
Keep chapped chemo lips at bay with the Melissa and Sweet Orange lip balm from Oxmantown Skincare (€6.50). The blend of beeswax and oils so good, I also like to rub it into my cuticles and whatever random dry patches I find on my newly drugged skin. Spoiler alert: chemo causes skin to be either really dry or really sweaty. There is no in-between.
Elizabeth Scarlett pouch
I’m the pouch queen. I keep several in my handbag, and in hospital, I relied on pouches to keep all my essentials corralled and easy to grab from my locker whenever I needed my phone charger, lip balm or emergency bar of chocolate. I particularly like this Hope Everyday Pouch (£32) from Elizabeth Scarlett. A positive affirmation without being overly “live, laugh, love”.
For recovery at home
Anzer silk pillowcase
When I shared my diagnosis on Instagram, Limerick-based textile creator Anna from Anzer kindly sent me a very swish Liberty print silk pillowcase (€70). In recent years silk pillowcases have gained a dedicated fan club of people with curly, frizz-prone hair (I speak from experience) and lauded for helping preserve the skin’s moisture while you sleep. But for those who have lost their hair to chemo, having something soft on the head is a justified luxury.
Liadain Aiken hot water bottle cover
This merino wool hot water bottle cover from Irish knitwear designer Liadain Aiken (€60) honestly sounds nice for anyone, but it would be particularly welcomed by a chemo patient. One of the side effects of the treatment is tingling, pins-and-needlesy hands. This intensifies when exposed to cold. The only solution? Keep ‘em warm.
Weighted blanket
I got myself a weighted blanket pre-cancer and I’ve never looked back. Or indeed spent a night without feeling like I’m being cocooned in a really comforting way. I’d highly recommend this weighted blanket from Dunnes (from €35) to someone who’s going to spend a lot of time in bed needing to be cocooned.
William Morris lap tray
Another addition to the sick bed is this Strawberry Thief lap tray (€29.50) from Stock. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a chef and waiter to fill it up.
Flowerpop dried flower bouquet
Keeping fresh flowers alive is a responsibility not all patients are able for. Opt for some of Flowerpop’s gorgeous dried flower bouquets (€50) for undying joy.
For the chemo room
Neck pillow
I approach my chemo days the same way I approach travel days; I brace myself for a lot of sitting around, waiting in queues and trying to make uncomfortable situations as comfortable as I can. A neck pillow from Boots (€12.99) is a handy addition. Hopefully the patient will use the same pillow when they’re jetting off somewhere nice to celebrate their full recovery. And I hope it’s the best holiday of their lives- they’ve earned it.
McNutt pashmina
The chemo room can be chilly, especially if you have to remove a layer to give the nurses access to your PICC line. This lambswool Smoke Herringbone Pashmina (€69.95) from McNutt of Donegal is ideal for wrapping around your shoulders while being hooked up to your drip.
Loop earplugs
Another thing about the chemo room? It’s noisy as hell. In my experience, the patients like to sit quietly or doze during their treatment… but the machines beep incessantly. Preserve sanity by investing in some Loop earplugs (€19.95).
Aikenod bento box
One thing nobody really warns you enough about is how long chemo days can be. Depending on what needs to be done, you might be having breakfast, lunch and tea in hospital waiting rooms. I say this as someone who recently had an 11 hour chemo day. A packed lunch in a Akinod Bento & Insulated Lunch Bag from The Kitchen Whisk (€46.95) won’t cure cancer, but it will cure hanger.
Nature of Things peppermint essential oil
Essential oils have a myriad of uses, and calming nausea is just one of the benefits of Nature of Things Peppermint Essential Oil (€8.50). I like to sprinkle a few drops on my scarf, or blend it with a carrier oil for topical use.
Mint sweets
And speaking of mint, I see a lot of people showing up to chemo sessions with a pack of mints. Chemo leaves a sour taste in the mouths of some people (both figuratively and literally) and mints offer some relief. The Cartwright & Butler Mint Imperials (€5.50) from Fallon & Byrne make a nice stocking stuffer.
Wall and Keogh ginger tea
Another proven aid for nausea is ginger tea. This lemon and ginger tea blend from Portobello’s Wall & Keogh (€8.40) is a personal favourite.
For sanity in all places
Home Edit pill organiser
Illness is overwhelming, to say the least, and patients have enough to worry about without having to scramble though boxes of tablets every morning to sort their steroids, anti-sickness and whatever else they need to take. Streamline things with a pill organiser. In an uncharacteristically practical move, I bought myself one from The Home Edit’s iDesign collection at The Organised Store in Dundrum (€6.99) the day I received my diagnosis. More on that day in a long, rambling Instagram post here.
Crystals
Another thing I got that day, as a gift from the lovely Jo in Folkster? Some crystals. I don’t know if I believe in their magical powers, but I do know that every time I look at them, I’m reminded by how kind and decent people are.
One Line a Day journal
Personally, I’ve found journaling therapeutic, but I’m a bit of a word nerd, so scribbling away for pages comes naturally to me. But even the most pen-shy among us could find use in a One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Journal from Folkster (€18.95). Even if only to track treatment side-effects or as the minutes of a doctor’s meeting, keeping a log is super beneficial.
Colouring book
Who knows; maybe there is something to be said for the craze of adult colouring books! Meditative and calming? Maybe. A way to kill time (because there is a LOT of time that needs to be killed)? Definitely. This Pretty Cities colouring book (€21) by Irish born photographer Siobhan Ferguson is v cute.
Buíoch chocolates from Seven Sisters
Chocolate is always a good idea. But these Buíoch Almond Pecan Mallow White Chocolate Bites (€7.95) from Irish gifting platform Seven Sisters include two of the things I, personally, find myself craving a lot during chemo- nuts and marshmallows. Apparently craving nutty, crunchy food is a thing with chemo. Craving marshmallows, however, I can only imagine, is my subconscious craving a softer, sweeter life.
Dusty Boy print
I include this Dusty Boy print (from €15) because I think it would make a great gift… but also because Dusty Boy founder Kate sent me one of the most kind, sincere and inspiring messages when she heard my news and now every time I see their gorgeous pieces, I’m reminded of the faith she had in my own recovery.
Rachel Corcoran Illustrations card
And because kind words in a card are greater than any present (well, apart from maybe the pashmina), Irish illustrator Rachel Corcoran has some beautiful cards. Cheerful yet respectful, Rachel’s card hit the right note.
I fully appreciate that some of these recommendations are a little expensive for this economy, and obviously there are perfectly nice cheaper alternatives out there. That being said, it’s always been important to me to champion Irish businesses and independent creatives, so I will always prioritise the Irish design community on lists like this.
If you can’t or don’t want to get spendy this year, a thoughtful card really does suffice as a gift in itself. I’m lucky enough to have a box full of cards that I received from well-wishers and the knowledge that so many people are keeping me in their thoughts is a comfort I can’t describe.
Wishing you all a lovely Christmas. Here’s to a happier, healthier 2024.
