Top tips for buying gifts for someone with lymphoma
Buying a gift for someone with lymphoma - perhaps because they are going through treatment - can be a very thoughtful and supportive gesture.
We asked members of our Facebook group for their 'top tips' and suggestions for what would have been a thoughtful gift that family or friends could buy for them. Here is what they told us.
Keeping cosy and comfortable
- A single bed-size fleece blanket. You can get blankets printed with photos on them - having pictures of my family on a blanket felt like they were with me giving me a cuddle.
- Bed socks, or socks with grips on the bottom (so you don't slip in them). Comfy slippers and special new pyjamas. A lightweight dressing gown.
- An oversized blanket hoodie instead of a dressing gown: so warm and comfy.
- A fluffy hot water bottle or a heatable wheat bag.
- My absolute favourite - a silk pillowcase. When your hair starts to fall out and your scalp feels like someone is sticking needles into it, a cool silk pillowcase makes all the difference to getting a good nights sleep.
- A soft beanie hat. Or a nice bobble hat, scarf or gloves.
Practical gifts
- Accounts that you can use to read, or listen to music, books and podcasts on, such as Kindle, Audible and Spotify. Set up a music playlist.
- Accounts that you can watch programmes and films on, such as Netfix and Apple TV. You could also write a list of recommended box sets or films for example, top ten disaster films, comedies etc that the person can watch (and then agree or disagree with where you've ranked them!)
- A notebook to keep a record of everything that's happening with your lymphoma. Or to write a wish list of what you'd like to do after you have recovered from your treatment.
- Some blue tack so that you can put up pictures and photos.
- A nice reusable water bottle to encourage you to keep hydrated.
- If you feel very hot or have a temperature, a cooling gel pad for under your head, or a bedside fan, can be helpful.
- Someone to come and clean your house for you when you don't feel able to.
- Some simple meals to put in the freezer so that you can eat as and when you feel like it.
Toiletries and cosmetics
- A good quality body moisturiser for if your skin feels very dry. Sometimes an unscented one can be good if strong smells make you feel nauseated. Coco butter body lotion can help with dry skin
- A baby toothbrush and paste that is gentle to use if you have a sore mouth. A good mouth rinse can also be helpful.
- A lip balm to keep your lips hydrated.
- Some nail treatment products make a nice gift if your nails are dry or brittle, or just as a nice pamper.
- Tea tree face and body wash can feel nice and refreshing.
- Scented hand cream and nice-smelling body mists because the chemo smell lingered for so long on my skin and I was constantly spraying myself and my room with perfume and treating my icky dry hands with scented hand cream.
- Products to enjoy a home pedicure.
- Some aromatherapy oils to create a nice environment.
Gifts to eat and drink
- Some of your favourite chocolate bars.
- Strong tasting sweets for example, sherbert lemons, or help with refreshing the mouth.
- Expensive biscuits as a treat. Or ginger biscuits that can help if you feel nauseated.
- Your favourite homemade cake.
- Small pots of luxury ice creams or sorbets can help if you have painful mouth ulcers.
- A gift box of different sorts of tea sachets to chose from. Some can be settling for the stomach, or refreshing.
Nice to have gifts
- A lavender pillow spray or a sleep spray can make the room smell nice, and can be relaxing and help with sleep.
- An eye mask can help, particularly if you want to sleep in the daytime.
- A plushie or soft toy (you're never to old for a cuddly toy!)
- A mindfulness puzzle book, colouring book or crafts. There are some funny 'alternative' ones available too!)
- Some playing cards.
- Some texts from friends that start with the words 'no need to reply...' (which takes the pressure of having to respond).
- A magazine, funny book, or a paperback of short stories (partcularly if you are finding it hard to concentrate.
- Some candles to create a calming environment.
And finally
The gift of time & thoughtfulness - when you’re going through treatment you can feel very isolated.
This information comes from our Facebook users and online support meeting members, and is a list of suggestions from the community based on what they personally found useful and what they would like to pass on to others. This is not intended to be medical advice and is not a replacement for advice from your medical team. If you are looking for specific guidance for your own personal circumstances always consult your medical team.