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Gift for niece about to start chemo

47 replies

OrsolaRosso · 13/01/2026 20:48

I would like some advice and inspiration on something to get for my 18 year old niece who is about to start chemo. Perhaps a book or journal or something else? I would like it to be uplifting.
Can you recommend anything that has been well received?
Thank you 😊

OP posts:
mindutopia · 13/01/2026 21:09

Honestly, I would have hated that. It’s not really something I wanted a gift to commemorate in the way that you’d write in a journal. I definitely wasn’t up for journaling. Nor did I do much reading during treatment (too tired!).

Things that were useful - anything warm! I was very cold. I got myself an electric blanket that I still use now, so a nice thick blanket.

Something she can use to entertain herself. So this may be a book, like above, or audible credits, or new headphones to listen to podcasts or stream Netflix. I’d go for gift card rather than choosing a book so she can pick out something herself, unless you know she specifically really wants the next book in a series, for example. Nothing inspirational though! Nothing annoys me more than everyone without cancer constantly telling me to “think positive!”.

Some of her favourite treats, tea, matcha, whatever she loves. One of the best things someone gave me was a box of brownies. They really cheered me up. Also skincare, ideally a voucher for it. It does weird stuff to your skin.

Also don’t forget that cancer is a marathon, not a sprint. Get her something in a few months time too when she’s in the thick of it and truly feels awful. People all forget about you after the first month or two and stop asking how you’re doing or looking after you. Also it’s far off, but be led by her in how she celebrates finishing. For most of us, finishing treatment isn’t the end and it’s actually much more scary after you’ve finished. Mine came roaring back 2 weeks after treatment ended just as everyone was like woo hoo! You’re all better now! And I had to constantly point out that I definitely wasn’t better, but everyone was kinda bored by it then.

It’s very kind of you to think of her though!

doglikescheeseontoast · 13/01/2026 21:17

When my wife was having chemo, a friend who had already gone through it sent what had been useful for her - a set of Burts Bees moisturisers, one for hands, a body lotion, a foot lotion. Chemo and the hospital environment in general was very drying, and these creams were really lovely. I used to massage her hands and feet with them when she was really weak.

OrsolaRosso · 13/01/2026 21:22

@mindutopia thank you, that is very helpful. And I am sorry that you have been through this your self.

I will ask my sister (her mum) if there is a specific book she would like.

I know that my sister will have most bases covered, but I wanted to do something for her myself. I can't imagine what they are going through.

OP posts:
NiceCupOfChai · 13/01/2026 21:23

Musicozy headphones-headband from Amazon. It’s so comfortable and really helpful for the days when you feel like you can’t even lift your head - can lie back and listen to music/audiobooks.

If she’s into books an audible voucher might go down well.

Arlanymor · 13/01/2026 21:24

Electric blanket, headphones and some chewing gum for the metallic taste.

You are being very sweet.

Kitkate21 · 13/01/2026 21:30

I got a gym+coffee fleece. I really, really needed it. They are pricey but lovely. I also liked a water bottle that kept cold with a straw. A lovely Stanley cup? Heated throws are amazing. I wouldn't go for a journal type thing personally. Mindful colouring book? I also loved an eye mask I had that heated and I could play my music through

Ilovemyshed · 13/01/2026 21:37

I would choose something cosy like cashmere socks or a cashmere wrap or dressing gown ( depends on budget but White Company have some gorgeous short cashmere robes, otherwise look at Woolovers button down poncho which are flexible and cosy).

Books/ journals are too personal and inappropriate in this case - last thing I would have wanted. Same with food and ao on. Ick.

The cold though … just craved cosy warmth.

PatsFishTank · 13/01/2026 21:40

Is she having intensive chemo as an inpatient or is she going to be at home and going to hospital as an out patient? I think the experiences are a bit different.

I'm currently having chemo as an inpatient for leukaemia and I think buying stuff to eat is a bit risky as I've been very sick, couldn't face food and my sense of taste has changed. I think a gift card is a good idea as she can choose something herself.

I haven't listened to audiobooks as I always fall asleep while listening. The best gift I've had was a gift card for one of the food concessions at the hospital so when I felt like eating I could go and choose something I could manage but that's less relevant for outpatients.

I agree that sending something after a month or two is good. Lots of people are supportive at the start but it's a long slog and you need cheering up part way through. A cosy blanket and nice hand cream and foot/hand balm were gifts I've appreciated. The chemo caused the skin on my hands to peel off and gave me rashes.

OneFingerOneThumbKeepMoving · 13/01/2026 21:42

A heated throw, a large new girly mug and how about a magazine subscription. I hope all goes well with the treatment 🙏🏻 xx

OrsolaRosso · 13/01/2026 21:44

@PatsFishTank she will be having inpatient treatment for lymphoma.

OP posts:
selfcentred · 13/01/2026 21:44

How about taking her for a manicure and/ or pedicure? It’s a chance for you to spend time with her and for her to have some hands-on pampering that will leave her feeling nicer about herself.
My dear friend had cancer/ chemo and lost her hair - little pick-me-ups like this can really make a difference. I wish her an excellent recovery.

wheresthesnowgone · 13/01/2026 21:45

Think about getting her 'sleep headphones', they have a very soft headband and flat speakers over the ear which don't dig in when resting on a pillow. Search on Amazon.

khaa2091 · 13/01/2026 21:45

?an Audible subscription

Castlereagh · 13/01/2026 21:48

As pp have said, it depends on the type of chemo. If lots of time as an inpatient, a lovely soft (easily washable) blanket, socks with grippers. A big lovely towel as the hospital ones barely cover your arse. It's good to have stuff that's just for hospital so as not to trigger nausea if you see them at home, teens can experience really awful nausea from some chemo. I wouldn't go expensive or Cashmere as its not easily washable if you vomit on it or anything! Also try Spotify or audiobook subscription or Nintendo switch games, there is so much waiting around. Certain scents can trigger nausea so if buying creams make sure they are neutral smelling. Having said that my DC really liked a lavender pillow spray so who knows!

Castlereagh · 13/01/2026 21:49

Also watch out for manicures as they will have to take nail varnish off for the oxygen sats thingy they clip on your fingers- so if you have manicure then no varnish

OrsolaRosso · 13/01/2026 21:50

selfcentred · 13/01/2026 21:44

How about taking her for a manicure and/ or pedicure? It’s a chance for you to spend time with her and for her to have some hands-on pampering that will leave her feeling nicer about herself.
My dear friend had cancer/ chemo and lost her hair - little pick-me-ups like this can really make a difference. I wish her an excellent recovery.

I don't live close enough, and they are avoiding visitors at present, to prevent catching any bugs which might prevent treatment starting.

OP posts:
OrsolaRosso · 13/01/2026 21:51

Lots of lovely ideas here, thank you 😊

OP posts:
Castlereagh · 13/01/2026 21:52

One last thing- at only 18 she might be in the teenage cancer unit with your sister spending lots of time there. Your sister might also appreciate some distractions while she is in. Sorry your family is going through this.

ChocoChocoLatte · 13/01/2026 21:54

I’d be wary of a book too - my concentration has diminished beyond recognition. My DH downloaded tonnes of box sets into the iPad for me and it was great because I could drift off and pop in and out when needed.

I got a bazillion colouring books / toiletries etc but a triangle shaped cushion to sit the iPad on was amazing.

and a basket. A wee basket to keep everything to hand moving from hospital / room to room - meds / tissues / water / phone etc

ChocoChocoLatte · 13/01/2026 21:55

And 18…… ffs. I f*cking hate cancer and the shit show it brings. Sending nothing but love, light & positivity to your niece, you and your whole family.

I can deal with anything as long as it happens to me. Loved ones is a different story. Big love.

ChocoChocoLatte · 13/01/2026 21:56

If she loses her hair, bamboo caps from Amazon are brilliant. Light, soft and easy to wear / sleep in.

Reinga · 13/01/2026 22:01

Have you looked at the website https://www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com/?
You can build a hamper or get ideas if you'd like to make your own. They have some great ideas like anti nausea sweets and chemo-friendly cosmetics.

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Not Another Bunch of Flowers offers thoughtful, beautifully wrapped gifts & hampers for every occasion. Personalised, handpicked & delivered.

https://www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com

familyissues12345 · 13/01/2026 22:07

18 - cancer is fucking cruel.

My DS had chemo at 6, a large soft blanket was lovely as he felt the cold. Also useful was extra long chargers, portable chargers and a neck pillow

Best wishes to her and the family x

ChristmasLeftovers · 13/01/2026 22:08

I got my DM a proper silk pillow case

LivingwithHopenowandforever · 13/01/2026 22:11

@OrsolaRosso You are a lovely Aunt wanting to do this.

How about a personalised cushion that she can have with her, does she have a particular saying or a word she would find amusing?

How about buying her a knitted co-ord that she can wear knowing that you are thinking of her. I would do her a basket with a cushion, blanket, co-ords, PJ’s for when she gets home, sweets, luxury toiletries, books etc. Definitely get a card and write her a really thoughtful message. She will have enough to contend with giving her a well thought out basket of goodies to uplift her will put a smile on her face.

P.S I have a tendency to go OTT so these are only suggestions! Maybe ask her Mum if there is anything she has wanted for a while and get her that.

Wishing your Niece well and I hope the treatment kicks cancer’s arse!!!!