Worst Gifts for Cancer Patients - and What to Get Instead

When someone you care about shares the heart-wrenching news of their cancer diagnosis, your immediate reaction is one of sadness and sympathy. You want to offer comfort and support in any way possible. When we look for gifts for cancer patients, we turn to familiar gestures like sending flowers, good smelling lotions, or food. While these gestures come from a place of love and concern, they may not always be the most suitable for someone undergoing cancer treatment.

The 5 Worst Gifts for Cancer Patients 

1. Food is Finicky

• Skip the F: A MealTrain is often a great go-to group gift for someone in need of support from their community. But while homemade meals or sweet treats may seem like a comforting gesture, it's essential to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of someone undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect appetite, taste, and digestion, and certain foods may be off-limits due to dietary restrictions or medical advice.
• Instead, consider a meal delivery service or non-expiring gift card that offers healthy, nutritious options tailored to dietary needs and preferences of the patient or family.
  
  

2. Flowers are Fleeting

• Skip the F: While flowers can brighten up a room and lift spirits, they may not be the best choice for someone undergoing cancer treatment. Many hospitals have restrictions on flowers due to allergies or the risk of infection, and, in some cases, if a patient’s immune system is compromised, they can even be dangerous due to harboring bacteria and fungal spores. Also, some patients may find the scent overwhelming, especially if they're experiencing nausea or sensitivity to strong odors.
• Instead, consider sending a thoughtful card or a gift that can provide comfort without the risk of triggering allergies or causing discomfort.  KickIt Hospital Pajamas or Hospital Gowns are the perfect gift for anyone enduring a long hospital stay - stylish, comfortable, and convenient for the medical staff as well as the patient. 
  
  

3. Fragrances are Fraught - Lotions and Skincare Products

• Skip the F: While skincare products, such as lotions and creams, are seen as thoughtful, luxurious gifts, they may not be suitable for someone undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation, making scented lotions and skincare products potentially irritating or uncomfortable.
• Instead, consider fragrance-free, gentle skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and designed to soothe and moisturize dry, irritated skin. All KickIt products are made of buttery soft materials that ensure the most comfortable fit for even the most sensitive skin, plus they are tagless to ensure ultimate comfort.
  
  

4. Feckless Platitudes or Unsolicited Advice

• Skip the F: While words of encouragement and support are always appreciated, it's important to avoid platitudes or unsolicited advice that may come across as dismissive or invalidating. Comments like "everything happens for a reason" or "just stay positive" can minimize the challenges and emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis.
• Instead, consider offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Let your friend know that you're there for them, no matter what, and that you're willing to support them in whatever way they need!! Or, KickIt Slipper Socks with grips are a great way to brighten up anyone’s day and provide a subtle motivational message with grippers on the bottom spelling out “KickIt”.
  
  

5. Fraught Gestures

• Skip the F: While grand gestures of support can be well-intentioned, they may also feel overwhelming or burdensome for someone undergoing cancer treatment. Avoid putting pressure on your friend to participate in activities or events that they may not have the energy or desire to engage in.
• Instead, consider offering simple acts of kindness, like running errands, providing transportation to appointments, or spending quality time together at home. Sometimes, the most meaningful support comes from the smallest gestures of care and companionship.

Choosing the Best Gifts for Cancer Patients

So now we know what the worst gifts for cancer patients are, so how can we ensure we're selecting the best gifts for cancer patients? 

1. Breast Surgeries and Mastectomy Recovery

   • Generally, while most people can go home the same day as surgery, recovery care can take 3 to 6 weeks post mastectomy surgery, lumpectomy, double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and similar breast surgeries
     
   • Key needs post mastectomy and breast surgery include interior pockets for surgical drains, moisture-wicking fabrics and easy on/off during times of limited mobility. Check out KickIt's Home Recovery Pajamas, Colorblock Wrap Shirt and Dresses for clothing that is designed specifically for women post surgery to accommodate surgical drains and wounds.
   • Looking to provide more to your loved one, try sharing some of the following resources:
     • The Importance of Drain Management Post-Surgery
     • Preparing a Mastectomy Recovery Wardrobe: Essential Tips and Lesser-Known Recovery Hacks
     • A Better Way to Store Jackson Pratt (JP) Drains 

2. Hysterectomy Recovery Gifts

• • A hysterectomy is a significant surgical procedure that can span several weeks to months and recovery time after a hysterectomy can vary depending on the type of surgery performed (abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted).
  • Key functionality of KickIt products for post hysterectomy include an adjustable fold down waist to ensure surgical wounds are accommodated, internal drain pockets if surgical drains are needed and tagless designs to ensure no sensitive skin irritations. Check Out KickIt's Hospital Gown with Snaps for easy IV access during hospital stays, Hysterectomy Pajamas with adjustable waistband to accommodate surgical wounds.
  • Looking to provide more to your loved one, try sharing some of the following resources:
    • Tips for Post Hysterectomy Care
    • What to Expect After a Hysterectomy

1. Chemotherapy Clothing (Also good for IVs, Radiation, Infusions)

   • Chemotherapy can bring a range of challenges—sensitivity to cold, discomfort from ports, and the need for easy-to-wear clothing during treatment sessions. Patients often struggle to find garments that balance warmth, accessibility, and comfort.
   • At KickIt, we design clothing that addresses these needs, bringing warmth, dignity, and ease to every treatment and recovery day. These include things such as snap or button closures by the neck, collar and arm to make for easy medical access. Check out some of KickIt's Comfort Gifts for Chemo Patients, like our Chemo Pajamas with Snaps Sleeves for in-patient treatment, Chemo Cape with underarm buttons for easy access while connected to your chemo port, and our slipper socks with grip bottoms for slick treatment floors. 
   • Looking to provide more to your loved one, try sharing some of the following resources:
     • Things I Wish I Had During Chemo: Essentials for Your Chemo Bag
     • The Role of Clothing in Supporting Chemotherapy Patients

2. Hospital Bag Essentials

   • With thought for easy access to IVs and other medical devices, our hospital pajamas and hospital gowns are a must have! Our hospital pajamas with grip bottoms are also a fan favorite. 
     

3. Additional Treatments and Conditions Beyond Cancer 

   • Shoulder Surgery
   • Open Heart Surgery
   • Transplant Surgeries

The Ultimate Thoughtful Gift for Women Undergoing Surgery or Treatment - KickIt

KickIt Hospital Pajamas or Hospital Gowns are the perfect gift for anyone enduring a long hospital stay, treatments and procedures - stylish, comfortable, and convenient for the medical staff and patient. Made with moisture-wicking fabric, these one-of-a-kind collections have snap sleeves from hand through collar to allow for easy access to chemo ports, PICCs, IVs and tend to wounds without getting tangled or unnecessary exposure.  The stylish top has two flattering and functional ties for easy dress during times of limited mobility. The pajamas have adjustable, fold-down waist bottoms to prevent chafing of surgical wounds and maximize comfort. 

Most patients don’t even realize they can bring their own clothing. They think they are destined to experience the dreaded hospital butt in those exposing open-back flimsy gowns often distributed by the hospital.  Did you know traditional hospital gowns were designed in 1910 for the use of bedpans and have seen very minimal changes or enhancements to adapt to current patient needs over the past century?! Save loved ones the indignity by providing them with their own clothing and a sense of self.  

KickIt Home Recovery Pajamas are a great choice for women recovering post surgery at home or in a rehab center. With moisture-wicking fabric that is breathable and insanely soft.  These pajamas are the best gifts for breast surgery, post mastectomy and any surgery that requires drainage bulbs with reinforced interior pockets that fit up to 4 JP drains. 

They feature the same adjustable waistband as our Hospital Pajamas, easy to dress tie top and loose ¾ length sleeves to accommodate swelling. This pajama set will be a part of your wardrobe well beyond recovery.

This KickIt Dress is the perfect item for women who are still dealing with post surgery needs, but also, are returning to everyday activities like work or dinner.

Women going through chemotherapy treatment or spending time in treatment centers often find themselves layering.  KickIt Capes and Cardigans offer both an outerwear and lighter weight option.  Our KickIt Cape is a good choice for those undergoing chemo, have a hospital stay, will receive treatment in an infusion center, or are recovering at home. Single underarm buttons provide easy access to IV, ports and PICC lines. Made with a heavier fabric and super soft fleece interior, this cape is super stylish and warm.

The KickIt Cardigan is a timeless addition to any wardrobe, and is a great lighter-weight option for women undergoing chemotherapy or during post mastectomy recovery.  The wrap front is secured by snaps, providing easy access. Internal pockets allow for easy to carry and hide surgical drains so you can look and feel good. This will be a part of your wardrobe well beyond recovery.

Our KickIt Socks, Scarf and Eye Mask are a great option for a smaller gift that’s still sure to scream thoughtfulness. Our Scarf with Deep Front Pockets is a good choice for someone receiving treatment in an infusion center. It keeps your loved one's neck warm and, with two large pockets, hands warm too while providing enough room for a phone, keys and tissues. 

Most hospitals require socks with traction on the bottom, so our KickIt Slipper Socks are a great choice for those who are in the hospital. They also make a great gift for those recovering at home during chilly months as they are lined with fleece. Good to give by itself or in a gift basket. 

Not entirely sure where in the process your friend is, consider a gift card or learn more from our Gift Guide for Cancer Patients which can explain what products are best across the entire cancer recovery journey.