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Life-limiting illness

Gift idea please

16 replies

BrownStripePJ · 18/02/2020 21:26

My brother has cancer.

I live a few hours away (have been to see him) but want to send a gift to show him I'm thinking of him

It's curable which is great it he has to wait for the operation

I would usually send flowers. Eg to my auntie when she was having chemo.

But I have no idea what to send my brother

He can't have alcohol.

He likes golf but not in the mood for playing recently

Can you think of anything suitable as a little cheery pick me up?

Are sweets ok to send when someone has cancer ? ( u read a lot about sugar being bad for cancer but is it true?)

He doesn't read.
He likes movies but dont think they have a dvd player anymore.

He's not into music or any particular actor etc so he's hard to buy for anyway!

Thank you

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Jackrusselsarecute · 18/02/2020 21:35

My dad was recently diagnosed and he loved a fluffy fleece blanket. The treatment has made him very tired and also cold, he tells me this is lovely for in the day when he now needs to rest. He never needed to rest before the after effects of treatment

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BrownStripePJ · 18/02/2020 21:38

That's a great idea. I don't think he has a nice snuggly dressing gown, so that could be a good option. Thanks for the idea

(Sorry to hear about your dad too) x

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Elouera · 18/02/2020 21:46

I got a thick, heavy dressing gown for OH from M&S which he loves.

  • Sheepskin slippers
  • Toiletry bag with travel sized toiletries he can take into hospital
  • Does he like any magazines? Golf, fishing, motorbikes? You could get a subscription set up
  • Something golf related he could use at home? I think there is a mini-golf set to use on the toilet (more a comic thing though) or one of those machines that pings the balls back when you putt them in for in the house
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appletart99 · 18/02/2020 22:57

There is a website called not another bunch of flowers, and they do presents for people in hospital. Might be worth a look? But yes, nice PJs, dressing gown, slippers, lounging pants would all be good too

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MyNameIsArthur · 19/02/2020 14:28

What about a memory jar? I did one for my mum when she had cancer and was in hospital. I filled a jar with lots of folded pieces of paper with a memory of my mum or some warm sentiments written on each one from friends and family.

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MyNameIsArthur · 19/02/2020 14:36

Here is a photo of it

Gift idea please
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FiveGoMadInDorset · 19/02/2020 14:44

Ginger is good for food, especially if having chemo as helps with the sickness.

Fluffy blankets, hand cream were also welcomed,

What about paying for a Netflix subscription if he doesn’t have it?

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HitthefloorforTaintedLove · 19/02/2020 17:30

When DH was recovering from surgery he found it much easier to take on and off a hoodie or dressing gown rather than jumpers as it was uncomfortable for him to stretch, depends on what operation your brother has.

I got him earplugs for the noisy hospital ward but he was poorly and not allowed to wear them as staff had to take his temperature a lot by sticking thermometer in his ear. I gave him baby wipes and lip balm which he appreciated too.

Also send him messages every so often, I'm sure it's hard for you too. 💐

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DreemOn · 19/02/2020 17:46

None of the males I know would like a memory jar - sorry.

Random suggestions....

some snacks
a pair of headphones.
A Netflix subscription (might be too
expensive)
Toiletry bag was a good suggestion
Magazines
An Apple/google/steam/etc etc gift card if he is interested in online gaming?
A tee shirt with something funny/relevant (??) whatever on it
Socks

A gift bag with snacks, socks and some magazines would be a neat small
gift that I'd imagine most people would like.

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PotteringAlong · 19/02/2020 17:48

Nothing says “I think you’re going to die so I’m not spending money on you but want you to look back on your life” than a memory jar. Go for the dressing gown.

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MyNameIsArthur · 19/02/2020 18:14

Nothing says “I think you’re going to die so I’m not spending money on you but want you to look back on your life” than a memory jar

I don't think that's what my daughter was thinking when she gave me a memory jar when I had cancer!? And a precious gift doesn't have to involve spending money

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Elephantonascooter · 19/02/2020 18:26

Another recommendation for not another bunch of flowers, it's brill

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StillSurviving · 19/02/2020 18:37

Ditto another bunch of flowers

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Elieza · 19/02/2020 19:11

If he’s got a mobile phone or tablet he could watch films on I’d get him a Netflix subscription. Or books (either real or kindle ones) on things he likes. Hospitals are so boring.

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Minxmumma · 20/02/2020 06:03

A nice toiletry bag with some luxury items in, a magazine subscription, comfy sip up hoodie if he isn't a dressing gown fan, something silly that will make him laugh

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BrownStripePJ · 20/02/2020 22:47

Thanks all, some great ideas. Really appreciate it

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