To ask for chemo gift ideas

[doggydramas]

Anyone have any experience of chemo gift ideas?
My friends little girl is in isolation having chemo. She is not allowed visitors, and is also the other side of the country, so either way the gift would need to be posted.
She’s 7 years old.
Is there dos and dont’s of what to send?
Perhaps some arty type things? Perhaps not snacks/food if she’s feeling poorly?
Just some bits to keep her entertained and cheer her up that can be posted.
Thank you.

My friends daughter was a bit older when she had chemo, but the children’s magazines with things to do in them were popular as well as arts and crafts stuff, does she have anything she can listen to books on, maybe a cd book?

She has an iPad to play games and watch things on.
Magazines sound like a good idea.

Jigsaw, board games

I was thinking maybe top trumps or a card game too.

I would send a card and money/vouchers. You don't know the ins and outs of their situation, being geographically distant, so I would give them to option to spend it on necessities or a gift.

If shes in isolation whatever you send will need to be wipeable as anything taken into her room has to be disinfected, so no cuddly toys or paper based items

You can buy chemo gift packs with skin care etc.

I was going to say full fat coke until I saw that it has to be posted!

Stickers? Tiger have some lovely stickers and notebooks. You may be able to find threading games in there, or necklace making kits.

I'd steer clear of anything to eat, anything smelly or anything that isn't "wipe clean".

How about some fancy kids pyjamas or fun socks? Short sleeves or buttons for IV/port access. Cotton if possible so they can have a hot wash.

What about something like this?

3 Pieces Women's Chemo Turban Hats Flower Turban Hat Stretchy Turban Brim Cap Pile Ladies Hat for Women and Girls (Color Set 2)2)*_
Geyoga
£12.99

A lovely cosy blanket.

So can I not send magazines?

Money for the extortionate tv in hospital?

My son had a year of chemo. Any little sticker book,activity book,top trumps,fluffy blanket,cosy socks,reading book,new pjs are a good idea. Also if there is a Costa/Starbucks close by then a gift card for there. Perhaps some essential oil pulse point roller thingy to try and create a nicer smell than hospital.... also individually wrap little presents,makes it more fun to open them!

Is she is the UK in a hospital that specialises in children's cancer? If so, telephone the ward and ask if there is anything you can't send. Most major hospitals have children's cancer wards and they will have specially trained staff who can give you information without breaching confidentiality. My dd had cancer ( though at 18) and her ward was very kind and pleasant ( she was also in isolation). I do not recall that there was much 'banned' by the hospital but my DD struggled with lots of normal stuff because of her body's reaction to chemo. One of the helpful things we found were 'queasy pops' ( from amazon) that she could suck in to ward off nausea. But she couldn't cope with the scarves/headbands people sent! She listened to a lot of podcasts while being pumped and after when she couldn't sleep. We had art stuff but she couldn't concentrate. She did some colouring books and I bought her really nice crayons. I expect you can send magazines and comics but ask hospital.

GALT toys have loads of little crafty products on amazon which would be great. Mosaic stickers, foil art, hair braids, sewing. Some of the products are a bit messy (I wouldn't go for the painty ones) but most are pretty user friendly, self adhesive etc. If she is feeling really poorly and not up to the craft things then maybe water art books? They are aimed at younger children, but are quite relaxing and don't really need concentration.
Is there anyway you could send audio books (to her mum's phone perhaps?)

My dad is currently in isolation for chemo. I made him a 'hospital bag'.. I put some sweets and mints in (chemo can leave a nasty taste), a book, the small concentrate squash squeezy things, some biscuits,jammies, lip balm.. How about some lollies? Kids magazine / book?

Stickers, crafts etc are a good call, audible credits perhaps, Amazon gift card always works but nothing beats a parcel. Smiggle is big with that age group

White board and packs of wipeable markers.
www.amazon.co.uk/Whiteboard-Markers-SmartPanda-Perfect-Colours/dp/B07FK6KHWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?s=gateway&keywords=whiteboard+markers+set&sprefix=white+board+&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1563183094&sr=8-8

www.amazon.co.uk/Magnetic-Whiteboard-THOUGHT-Excellent-Whiteboards/dp/B07H88VQXH/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?s=gateway&keywords=white+board+for+kids&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1563183225&sr=8-9

Does she like Lego?

Just posted a few puzzle books and crafty bits!

There is a website called Don't Buy Her Flowers who have a range if chemo gifts, may be a little expensive but could be worth a look for inspiration.

This site specialises in thoughtful gifts for chemo (and more).

Not Another Bunch of Flowers

Another magazine to consider is The Week Junior News

Great thank you!
I’ll take a look through those sites for next time!

Graze box subscription went down well for friends (adult or child) going through chemo. You can stop and start them when you like, and choose what to have in them.