Someone you know is going through chemotherapy. You want to give her something to show that you care and that you’re thinking of her–but what items truly make things a bit easier?

As this medical parsha entered my life  without an invite, so did all the gifts that came with it! 

Some were great, and truthfully, some went straight to the garbage! 

My mother-in-law took it upon herself to send me a gift once a week. Seeing the package on my bed after every hospital treatment got me wondering, “What gift would she get me next? Hasn’t she already given me all the gifts there were to give already?”

To all gift givers, thank you for thinking of me! Being at the receiving end, though, I learned which gifts were really appreciated and useful.

1. The Right Connection. The most important! No, this is the most vital thing that your friend needs: Someone to talk to who has gone through, or is currently going through, the same thing. It’s calming and soothing for her to connect with another who can really answer her questions and quell her fear about the future. So connect her to someone (with her permission of course!) This definitely ranks as the best gift she could possibly receive!

2. Be Well IV Crewneck. During chemo, some patients require a port or pick line on their chest or upper arm.To retain dignity and tznius, this top is a real game changer! Besides for being simply cute, the easy accessibility makes all the difference. I remember the nurses coming over and asking me where I got it and if they could recommend it to the next patient. I couldn’t promote this enough! (It is 100% the best, most useful gift I received. I used and abused this top so much that my friend bought me another crewneck in a different color. Check out this hoodie version as well. (I never got this, but it would definitely be useful for long treatment days. If your friend has a port, go for the hoodie version and not the sweatshirt). 

3. Miracle Ride. Up at night…can’t sleep in the day…give your friend the book that will feel like a guiding hand. The Miracle Ride is a story of a young girl batting Hodgkins. With all the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis, the unknown is one of the hardest parts. This book taught me everything that was to come in terms of treatment and the author’s positivity is contagious. You can ask my husband, I was laughing the whole way through reading it! (Great for teens!)

4. Jumping in Puddles. This book kept me up so I could finish in one night. Then I handed it to my mother-in-law who finished it the next night! It’s written so refreshingly and really makes you see the Yad Hashem in everything.

5. The Longchamp Tote. Running back and forth to chemo while being Jewish means bringing everything but the kitchen sink to the hospital. It requires a gorgeous bag to do so. This Longchamp was my savta simcha bag and came wherever I went. Why not let your friend travel to hospital in style?  

6. Silk-Lined Beanies. This pretty knitted hat’s interior is made of silk, and you can be sure your friend will love it! I received this as a gift from an organization and tossed it in the back of my closet. It was only a while into treatment when my hair was thinning that realized how useful and comfortable it was!

7. A Stanley. Drinking is a big requirement for chemo days, scans and the like, and if your friend is travelling far this couldn’t be more helpful. A big Owala also works. 

8. Pyjamas. After a long draining day, this is just what will make her smile (thanks to the one who gave me this…it gave me something to look forward to after a long chemo day!) 

9. An Artscroll Pocket Tehillim couldn’t be more useful and appropriate. It will be in her clutch more than you realize. I also loved using this gorgeous Tehillim. Instead of giving your friend everything, hand her the key to everything! Thank you sis for this gift!

10. Boten Sunglasses. Your friend is most probably extremely sensitive to the sun; these are a pretty pair.

Our guest author is a 20-something-year-old young woman with one baby who wishes to remain anonymous.