How to Make a Gift Basket for a Cancer Patient

Cancer is a difficult word to hear. For patients with cancer, the treatments can be far more difficult to bear. Treatments may include surgery, drug therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, experimental therapy or a combination of multiple therapies. Each one carries with it a series of side effects, risks and possible complications. While not every side effect or complication can be mitigated medically, a well planned gift basket can provide the patient with a few creature comforts during a difficult period.

Things You'll Need

• Gift basket
• Fleece caps and throw
• Handkerchiefs
• Paper and click pen
• Reading material
• Individual drink mixes and soft, convenience foods

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Instructions

• 1

  Make or purchase warm, soft hats in bright colors. Fleece and flannel are excellent choices for material. Complement with one or two fleece throws.

• 2

  Purchase or make several cotton handkerchiefs. They are softer than paper tissues and may prove significantly easier on tender skin.

• 3

  Buy a notebook or journal. Secure a click pen (no cap) to the notebook using a chain or ribbon. Attaching the click pen will prevent the patient from having to search for a missing pen or cap which can be especially uncomfortable following surgery or chemotherapy treatments.

• 4

  Supply plenty of reading material. Put together a handful of magazines, one or two novels and a lighthearted comic book or two. Include a personal reading light, batteries and handmade bookmarks.

• 5

  Stock up on individual drink mixes and ready made gelatin or pudding packs. The drink mixes are easy to make and can help to offset unpleasant tastes associated with chemotherapy treatments. The gelatin and pudding packs are easy to eat and generally bland. Protein bars or meals in a can may help to provide nourishment when the appetite is absent.

• 6

  Arrange everything neatly in a gift basket and cover with colored cellophane. Tie with a bright, colorful ribbon and top with a bow.