Christmas is fast approaching so it’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Children with cancer may end up spending some time in the hospital during the festive period either for a planned treatment or an unplanned stay if they pick up an infection. It’s never fun being in the hospital but being in the hospital over Christmas is just rubbish. Here are my recommendations for Christmas gifts for children with cancer. These gift ideas for kids with cancer have been selected as they don’t take up much space so they can easily be popped into hospital bags and they will provide enjoyment during a hospital stay.
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Art & Craft Gifts
Hey Doodle Dino Roar Mat
Printed on premium grade silicone, these A3 reusable colouring mats come in a range of themes and activities to engage curious minds. They come with 9 non-toxic markers and a handy carry case ready to go with you. Easily wipe clean with a damp cloth. Choose from Six different designs; Aussie Animals, World Countries, DinoRoar, Toot Toot Honk, Into The Wild or Sugar& Spice
CreArt
Creart is a stunning range of paint-by-numbers sets from Ravensburger. There is a huge variety to choose from and as the box contains the paints and paintbrush, it is an ideal gift for budding artists.
Crystal Art Buddies
Crystal Art Buddies are a no-mess but high-impact crafting solution. Each pack comes with the tool to place the crystals, a tray to put the crystals in so they don’t get lost, a cute design to make, the crystals and the thing I love is the fact that you don’t need glue. The designs already have tape applied so they are a tidy project to complete during a hospital stay or on a rest day.
Play-Doh
Something like a Play-Doh set that comes in a bag makes a great gift because not only does it have pots of playdoh inside, but it also has a selection of tools to use and a handy bag to keep it all in.
Toys & Games
Giant Jenga
The Jaques of London Giant Jenga is a fantastic game (read our review here) and because it comes in a carry bag, it’s easy to take with you to the hospital. The quality of the individual blocks is fantastic and as they are solid wood, they smell lovely too. Another bonus to this game is that you can also use them as building blocks or to make a track and obstacles for toy cars, the only limit is the child’s imagination.
Ahoy There
Ahoy There is an exciting pirate-themed card game which means you can take it anywhere. It’s ideal for children aged 6 and up and requires a minimum of 2 players so is perfect for playing during a hospital stay.
The Genius Square
The Genius Square is great for developing STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) thinking. It can be played solo or in pairs making it another ideal game to slip into the hospital bag.
The Fuzzies
The Fuzzies is a firm favourite in our house, This is a simple-to-play game that uses fuzzy balls in a stack then it’s a bit like Jenga. When it’s your turn, you remove a fuzzy ball from the pile and then place it somewhere higher, if you knock over the tower then you lose. There are cards you can use to spice things up as they tell you the colour to move and funny ways to move them like covering one eye or using elephant arms!
Llama Card Game
Llama Card Game is fast-paced and action-packed. The aim of the game is to ditch your cards as fast as possible and whoever has the fewest points at the end of the rounds is the winner. As this is a card game it makes a great gift as it doesn’t take up much room.
Rubix Cube
Rubix Cube is a classic take-anywhere toy, it can keep you entertained for hours and you can even challenge yourself to complete it in faster and faster times. This is most suited to a slightly older child from around age 8+.
Playfoam
Playfoam makes a lovely gift for a younger child as it appeals to messy play tendencies but stays fairly mess-free. The great thing about playfoam is that it doesn’t dry out.
Fidget Pop Slime
Fidget Pop Slime is two gifts in one, the ever-popular pop it combined with the equally popular slime. The beauty of this is that the slime remains contained within the pop it so it doesn’t make a mess,
Grabolo
Grabolo is a fun observation game and because all the pieces go into the tub, it’s a great gift to slip into a hospital bag. Players take turns throwing the two dice, one showing a colour and one showing a shape, then you have to grab the correct item first such as the white pig. The winner is the person with the most items at the end of the game.
Comforting Gifts
Chill Factor Slushy Maker
Chill Factor Slushy Maker makes a really thoughtful gift for a child going through cancer treatment as often the chemotherapy can make the mouth sore so things like slushies are very soothing. This makes slush unbelievably quickly as you can see when we tried it out.
Pamper Kit
Jennifer Young – Beauty Despite Cancer is a range of skincare products specifically designed for use on delicate skin. Cancer treatment can make skin much more sensitive than usual plus sanitiser and hospital soap can be very drying. This set would be a beautiful gift for a teenage girl with cancer.
Iggle Piggle Blankie Bundle
Iggle Piggle Blankie Bundle is a great gift for toddlers with cancer as it provides a warm and comforting blanket they can snuggle with as well as the familiar figure of Iggle Piggle.
Curlimals
Curlimals are soft snuggly friends that the child can tickle and stroke. We all know how comforting pets can be yet pets won’t be allowed into the hospital so a Curlimal makes a lovely gift for a child aged 3+.
The Lost Wish & Elf Eyes
Elfland UK has put together these lovely Christmas gift sets which include a book, a self-heating eye mask and a magic wand. The story – The Lost Wish, follows “Siena, her loyal loving dog Buddy, and her best friend Gabi as they inadvertently set off on a remarkable journey through a mystical land that’s filled with adventures.”
The eye masks have been developed to help promote sleep and the wand is used to “help make dreams and well-being wishes come true.”
Windy Bums
Windy Bums will be a hit with boys aged 4+ because it appeals to their love of toilet humour. It wriggles and jiggles and farts as it goes! Like all the other gift suggestions, it will easily slip into a hospital bag.
