The holidays are upon us once again, and for many, it’s a time of year to let the people you love know you love them through gift-giving. For people impacted by cancer, there are many practical gifts that can genuinely make all the difference to our day-to-day lives. Before you dash out and spend your hard-earned money on yet another blanket/book/candle, (nothing wrong with gifting any of these items, head here for sustainable gifts that are perfect to give those with cancer), we asked our community to suggest meaningful gifts people with cancer actually want this holiday season… and the good news is that they don’t cost a dime, just a bit of time.
- Deliver them a home-cooked meal! Considering this time of year is known to many as a time for eating and being merry, why not cook a little extra and drop it round to a loved one who might not be feeling up to cooking a feast of their own this year?
- Offer to help with their chores. For many people impacted by cancer, fatigue is a huge part of their day to day. Help lighten their load by seeing if there is any housework or laundry you can do for them, any shopping you can pick up or even any pets that might need walking.
- Go with them to an appointment. If you have the time, why not see if your loved one would like some company to their next medical appointment? Often, just having another person there to listen to the doctors or drive them to and from is a huge help, and your presence is a gift.
- A care package of baked goods. Another foodie suggestion, but if you’re a bit of a star baker, how about whipping up a few special treats just to let them know you’re thinking of them at this time of year?
- Send some kind words. Put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and send your loved one a little note filled with words of encouragement. A personalised and meaningful gift people impacted by cancer will love.
- Get in touch! Possibly an obvious one, but one of the greatest gifts a person impacted by cancer can receive is your time. With 85% of people impacted by cancer reporting feelings of loneliness since being diagnosed, never be afraid to pick up the phone and reach out to your loved one. We know talking about cancer can be hard, but a simple ‘how are you?’ goes a really long way (you can also read our article for advice on what not to say to someone with cancer if you’re still unsure what to say).
