Tips for Building a Chemo Care Package
- Cassie Yontz
- Feb 8
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Cancer treatment is a journey - one that is often filled with emotional and physical challenges. Whether you’ve been through it yourself, or you’re supporting someone who is, understand that all forms of therapy treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery) are exhausting, unpredictable, and usually very isolating. That’s why a chemo care package can be such a powerful gift. It’s more than just a box of items, it’s a tangible way to say, I see you, I care, and I’m here for you.
When I was going through treatment, I remember the little things making the biggest impact; soft blankets, cozy socks, handwritten notes, or things to support not only me but also my family as we went through this season together. Thoughtful gestures truly lifted my spirits and reminded me that I had support and there was a lot of life to be lived with friends and family on the other side of treatment.
So, if someone close to you is undergoing chemo and you’re wondering how to support them, a personalized care package is a great place to start. Here are some thoughtful items to consider:
1. Soft and cozy headwear.
Hair loss is one of the most common and visible side effects of chemo, and while it doesn’t define the journey, it’s still an adjustment. A soft, breathable hat or head wrap can provide warmth, comfort, and confidence. I had a few baseball caps that I would wear most often, they felt a bit like my armor while also protecting my face from the sun when I went out (which is super important always, but especially during cancer treatment). Below are a few links to some of the options that I bought for myself, but you can find things like this really anywhere.
Pro Tip: Some people love vibrant patterns, while others prefer neutral tones that match everything. If you’re unsure of their preference, then consider including an Amazon or Target gift card so they can pick something out that they'll love. Below are the 3 items I wore the most often and links to Amazon where you can find them.
2. Nourishing lip balm and skincare to combat the dryness.
One of chemo’s less-talked-about side effects is how dry everything gets - skin, lips, and even nails. Many traditional lotions and lip balms contain fragrances or chemicals that are dangerous and can be irritating to what is now highly sensitive skin, so opt for gentle, fragrance-free options.
Lip balm with coconut oil, shea butter or beeswax helps prevent chapped lips. All the products from this brand ATTITUDE are amazing, EWG Verified, and safe for use.
Hand cream or body lotion can soothe itchy, flaky skin. If radiation treatment is part of your overall treatment plan, then I would highly recommend investing in this lotion from Miaderm – it was my first line of defense and I used it religiously when going through radiation.
Cuticle oil or nail-strengthening cream helps protect fragile nails.
Body Soap that is moisturizing and made with safe ingredients. My favorite is Dr. Bronner’s in the scent Eucalyptus.
Pro Tip: Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or vitamin E—these are especially hydrating and gentle.
3. Comfort essentials because chemo rooms are cold.
If you’ve ever spent hours in a chemo infusion chair, you know how chilly those rooms can get. Soft, cozy items bring a sense of warmth and security.
A compact fleece blanket or weighted lap blanket offers comfort during long treatment sessions.
Warm, non-slip socks keep toes toasty without worrying about slipping on hospital floors. I also love these basic knit socks and wear them all the time to this day, they’re great for wearing over leggings with boots in the colder months.
A nice large tote bag is very useful when it comes to carrying your things back and forth between treatment sessions.
Personal Recommendation: One of my favorite gifts I received was from a dear friend who bought me one of these Hugs blankets from Minky Coture® and it is and will always be my absolute favorite blanket. It feels exactly as the name describes, like a warm, soft, fuzzy hug just when you need one most. I did not take it with me to chemo treatments, but it was always waiting to welcome me back to my couch when I returned home to rest.
4. Snacks for nausea relief.
Chemotherapy can make food taste off (hello, metal mouth) and can also bring waves of nausea. Keeping mild, easy-to-eat snacks on hand is a lifesaver.
Ginger lozenges or ginger tea help calm nausea naturally.
Crackers or plain granola bars are bland enough to be easy on the stomach.
Peppermints or lemon drops can help combat weird chemo aftertastes.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what snacks they can tolerate, include a variety and let them pick what works for them. But please note - I would come to find out as I got deeper into my chemo treatments and my nausea during treatments got worse, I would start associating the nauseous feeling with the snack I was eating at the time and I can no longer enjoy that snack like I used to (so don’t be offended if they eventually beg you to never buy them that snack again).
5. Entertainment and distractions to help pass the time.
Chemo days can be long. Sometimes you just want to close your eyes and rest, but other times, distractions are welcome. A little entertainment can help pass the hours and provide an escape.
A good book (light-hearted fiction or inspiring memoirs are great choices). Lysa TerKeurst's Seeing Beautiful Again was a gift from a friend that got me through some very dark times.
Puzzle books like Sudoku or crosswords to keep the mind engaged.
A journal to jot down thoughts, emotions, or even treatment notes.
Adult coloring books & colored pencils for a relaxing creative outlet.
An extra-long phone charging cable because they will be on their phone a lot and it will drain the battery quickly.
Personal Recommendation: When I was going through chemo, a friend made me a beautiful custom Spotify playlist and I would listen to it on repeat as I dozed in my chair. If your loved one enjoys listening rather than reading or coloring, perhaps a subscription to Audible, a list of uplifting podcast recommendations, or a custom-curated Spotify playlist would be a welcome gift of support and encouragement.
6. Hydration is key.
Chemo can cause dehydration, and staying hydrated is so important. One of the chemotherapies I received was affectionally referred to as “the red devil” because of its bright red color and it would turn the color of my urine a bright red-orange as well. And so, my oncology nurses explained to me that my goal for each treatment should be to drink enough water and go to the bathroom often enough that by the time I left the treatment center my urine would be back to a normal color. And so that’s what I did, I would sit in that chair, and I would drink copious amounts of water. Some ways you can help with this would be to buy:
A cute (LARGE) water cup/bottle to keep fluids handy.
Electrolyte drink mixes (look for sugar-free or low-sugar options).
Herbal teas that are gentle on the stomach and soothing to sip.
Pro Tip: Remember - avoid heavily caffeinated drinks, as they can be dehydrating.
7. Helping their family helps them the most.
Some of the most helpful things during my treatment were actually massive blessings to not only me but my entire family. We received several food delivery gift cards and homemade meals from friends who wanted to make sure I wasn’t worried about making meals and feeding myself and my family when I was dealing with the side effects from treatment.
Door Dash or Uber Eats gift cards make meals for the family a snap.
Set up a Meal Train and invite friends and family to sign-up for some days to bring over food.
Home cleaning services were extremely appreciated too. I was told by another survivor early on to conserve my energy for “the things that only I could do.” Meaning, anyone can clean the house or make meals, but only I can read my baby a bedtime story or comfort my husband or spend time with my friends – those are the places that I personally was needed most. And so instead of worrying about how to keep the house clean during the little time where I felt good and strong, my sister found us a local housekeeper that would come every few weeks and help keep our house in order.
Personal Insights: It can be different for everyone, but days 3, 4, and 5 after chemo treatment were usually the most difficult for me, when I was tired and in bed the most. So having options for my husband to just grab or pick up on his way home to feed himself and our daughter were a huge help.
8. A handwritten note of encouragement can mean the most.
Sometimes, the best thing you can include in a chemo care package is a simple, heartfelt letter. Words of love, support, and encouragement go a long way. Let them know you’re thinking of them, that they are strong, and that they’re not alone. I had a beautiful friend who wrote an entire box full of cards and on each envelope, she would write a little description like - “For when you’re feeling scared” / “For when you need a laugh” / and so on… and I would comb through those each week and pick out a letter to read. It filled my cup over and over and over again. And I still have those notes and will keep and treasure them forever.
It doesn’t have to be a present. Just BE present.
A chemo care package doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s truly the thought that counts. Whether you put together a full box or just pick one or two meaningful items, your loved one will feel the love behind it.
But most importantly, more important than any gift or care package could be – just be present. Show up. Just act. Don’t ASK how you can help, just do. Call them. Write them. Drop food by. Show up and spend time with them if they feel up for it. Take their kids for a play date if they’re needing to rest. It’s a very tangible way to show you care for them.
It’s one thing to say, “You’re not alone in this.” It’s another thing entirely to show them day in and day out that they are not alone in this - so long as you are alive and kicking, you are with them in this fight.
Having been on the receiving end of all of this, I can tell you firsthand – it all matters. You can bring light to some of the darkest days and remind someone that they’re surrounded by people who care. The smallest act of kindness makes a world of difference.
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