A toy that sparks imagination? A book that transports the reader to another world? Finding the perfect gift that meets the unique needs and desires of young cancer patients can be a challenging, yet profoundly rewarding experience.
Thoughtfulness, empathy and a bit of creativity are keys to giving a present that brings genuine happiness and relief, according to local experts.
“Start first by considering the person’s age and then think about gifts that are age appropriate for everyone in that age range,” said Katherine Brown, founder and executive director of Charleston-based The Boon Project.
By offering supportive programs, community building events and cancer fighting resources, The Boon Project aims to ease the burden for young adult cancer fighters ages 18 and up.
“Cancer patients in their teens, for example, love gifts that are linked to socializing – like a gift card to the movies,” Brown added.
Games like Bananagrams, Mancala or memory/matching games are great ways for patients to pass time, either independently or with visitors.
For every “do” that comes with gift giving for cancer patients there are some “don’ts” as well.
“Don’t give something that is a cast off, something that you don’t want,” explained Brown. “If you would not want something at a specific age – like a shawl or a knitted hat – don’t gift the item.”
It’s also okay to speak your truth – that you are not sure what to say or give, commented Brown.
“Knowing that you care about a patient and offering kind words is often more than enough,” she said. “You can also take time to follow someone on Facebook or Instagram and respond to their posts.”
Other gifts suggested by The Boon Project include:
- Food delivery or grocery store gift cards
- Blankets, warm socks, Chapstick, tissues
- Books (that are on trend/interesting for young adults)
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Water bottles for hot or cold drinks
- TV, book or music streaming app subscriptions
- Age-appropriate hats, zip-ups, slippers or other clothing items
- Gifts for caregivers
MUSC’s Happy Wheels program strives to put smiles on the faces of hospitalized children in South Carolina. One day each week throughout the year, Happy Wheels volunteers make rounds to each inpatient room with a decorated surgical cart filled with brand new books and toys. Happy Wheels visits approximately 400 children weekly at all three children’s hospitals in South Carolina.
As with any nonprofit, MUSC’s Happy Wheels always needs monetary donations. However, the following wish list can guide you.
MUSC Charleston Wish List
0-3 Years*:
- Infant items (teethers, rattles, baby blankets)
- Stacker toys
- Sorter toys (drop the shapes into the correct hole)
- Chunky toddler toys (no small pieces)
- Anything with sound/lights
4-7 Years:
At this time, there is an enormous number of toys for this age group in storage and MUSC cannot accept more.
8-11 Years:
- Remote control toys
- Nerf over-the-door basketball hoops
- Boxed craft sets
12-18 Years*:
- Boxed craft sets for teen girls and boys. Examples: boxed art sets, make your own bath bombs, bracelet making, rock painting, crochet mini animals, origami, etc.
- Board games: Connect 4, Monopoly, Life, Battleship, Clue, Jenga, Scrabble, etc.
- Card Games: Uno, Apples to Apples, Beat the Parents, etc. (No regular cards needed at this time)
- Brightly-colored cotton/fleece blankets
- Word Search, Crossword, Sudoku books
- Nerf over-the-door basketball hoops
- Blank artist sketchbooks
- Basketballs (we have plenty of all other types)
- Adult coloring books (boy and girl)
*High need
Learn More: HappyWheelsMUSC@gmail.com
The Boon Project: katherine@boonproject.org.
By Lisa Moody Breslin
