Gifts for Children With Cancer

It's not easy to give a gift to a child suffering from a disease as hopeless and heartless as cancer. Most anything seems inadequate at the best and inappropriate at worst. But that shouldn't stop you from giving a gift to a kid who can use any encouragement you have to offer.

Fortunately, there are a number of retailers who specialize in gifts and other products for children with terminal illnesses that allow them to share in the fun of being a kid. Not every child will need to spruce up a hospital room with an IV "pole pal," but fun hats and capes make great gifts to share with kids facing cancer and their siblings.

Kids Hope Chest

With a variety of medical equipment in fun shapes and colorful designs, Kids Hope Chest is a great source for fixing up dreary hospital rooms and adding a little flair to feeding tubes, IV poles, and the like.

Healing Baskets

Because not every situation in life can be addressed with flowers or a card, Healing Baskets specializes in thoughtful gift selections for those facing a variety of challenges. From cancer and loss to divorce and sobriety, their baskets give simple pleasures to those in need. There are also selections designed for caregivers, whose own sacrifices often go unmarked or unnoticed.

Headcovers Unlimited

Specializing in hats and headgear for children experiencing hair loss, Headcovers Unlimited has a wide variety of warm and whimsical coverings that will be as popular with friends and siblings are they will be with the patient.

American Girl

From a mall near you, American Girl presents something a little more substantial than a doll. This feelings journal, ideal for girls ages 8-12, gives writing prompts that help her uncover conflicting thoughts and messy emotions. A thoughtful gift for any kid, it can be especially empowering for a child with a serious medical condition.

Choose Hope

Social-good standout business Choose Hope offers a variety of products for the cancer community, from apparel to jewelry and journals, all available in the recognized colors of various cancer charities. What's more, the retailer robustly supports cancer research. Over the past 20 years, this for-profit business has donated over $970,000 to various treatment and research charities.

NEGU (Never Ever Give Up)

A vibrant girl who lived by the creed of Never Ever Give Up (NEGU), Jessie Rees lost her battle with cancer at 12 years old. But before she did, she brightened the lives of other cancer kids like herself, founding a charity, the Jessie Rees Foundation, that delivers "JoyJars" of toys and activities at no cost to children with terminal illnesses. The foundation lives on in her honor.

Etsy

The internet craft marketplace is chockablock with gift ideas, but some, in particular, have appeal to kids with cancer. These keychains and Brave Buddies are good examples.