Holiday gift ideas for children living with cancer

Getting the diagnosis of cancer as a child is often a heartless and discouraging experience. For them, and for their loved ones. It is often difficult to understand what these children have to go through, as an outsider. 

That is why the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to lend the children and their families a helping hand, by making them feel extra special. But what are the best gifts to give children going through a tough time? Read on to see some holiday gift ideas for children living with cancer.

Grant life-changing wishes

Bring warmth to children living with cancer this holiday season

Giving a special gift to children living with cancer can bring back joy (or light up hope) to critically ill children and their families, to forget for a moment that they have a life-threatening or severe illness.

Sometimes children living with cancer have to spend time in the hospital for a longer period of time. They often like to personalise their hospital room as much as they can. A suitable gift can be fuzzy socks, soft pillows or a warm blanket. 

Make them happy with comfortable clothing. As you can imagine, during treatment, these kids do not feel their best, and often spend long days in the hospital or are recovering at home. Often hospitals are quite cold. If a child is cold or feeling restless, they can relax with a nice warm blanket.

Practical holiday gifts for children living with cancer

During treatment such as chemo, it is important for a child to stay hydrated. A high-quality water bottle that keeps water cold or hot for a long time, can be very helpful. Engrave the bottle with something fun, such as the child’s favorite team or names of people important to them. 

Games are a great holiday gift. It distracts the children from the daily challenges they have to face. In addition, their loved ones can participate too. It creates a moment to spend time together.

A stuffed animal can make the kids feel secure, when they have to be alone in a room for treatment. The stuffed animal can be a beacon of hope for a child. This hope can be carried with them for as long as their treatment will last.

Grant a wish for a child living with cancer by donating

Besides one of these gifts for these children, you can also make a contribution to Make-A-Wish. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of children living with cancer and their families. By granting a wish, we believe a child will build up hope and strength that will be helpful in more difficult times.

Granting a wish enables the child and their family to spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Donate today, and bring hope and light into the lives of children living with cancer and their families.

Holiday gifts for wish children

What are the best gift ideas for children living with cancer?

It can be a serious challenge for children living with cancer to visit hospitals frequently. Children living with cancer can use something that can bring them warmth and a distraction from the anxious feeling of being at the hospital and going through several treatments. You can give a child living with cancer some comfortable and cozy clothes, a stuffed animal or teddy bear to keep them company, a warm blanket, and some games they can enjoy.

They might not be able to go out often or play out in the open; bringing them some games can act as entertainment for them and even have their family spend quality time with them. In the end, remember that the best gift you can give to them is to be with them and support them.

What do you get parents of children living with cancer?

It can be tough to find the accurate gift to give to a parent whose child is living with cancer. You should consider getting them essential products that they might not have access to at the hospital. You can get them some clean clothes, a fresh and warm blanket, and snacks that they like.

You can also get them gift cards they can use to order online while they might not have time to visit a store physically. While these may seem like minor things, they still can be helpful. It is important to note that the best thing you can do for them is to be by their side and support them.

How can I help grant wishes to children living with cancer?

Make-A-Wish International grants wishes to children living with critical illnesses. If you want to help us grant wishes to children living with cancer, Make-A-Wish can be your path to achieve that. There are several ways you can play a part in granting wishes to children living with cancer.

For example, you can directly make a charitable donation to Make-A-Wish or help organize a fundraiser such as a bake sale, a dance competition, or a fun marathon. In addition, you can play an active part in charity streams that raise money to be used to grant these children their wishes.

You can also contribute through a cryptocurrency donation, car donation, donating air miles, or simply donate in a traditional way. You have various options to choose from. Check and decide which one you prefer and be a part of change today.

How does the donation process with Make-A-Wish work?

The process of donating to Make-A-Wish is simple and easy. Now that you have made the decision to support Make-A-Wish in granting wishes to eligible children, you have to follow a few simple steps. First, you decide on what type of donation you want to make.

You can donate as a one-time gift or as a monthly gift. Once you have filled out the respective details, you have to wait for your payment to go through. You can also donate cryptocurrency, air miles, or via a charity streaming event.

Read more about the qualifications for a Make-A-Wish donation at our FAQ.

What are the tax benefits of donating to Make-A-Wish?

While you play a part in contributing towards a positive change for a critically ill child, you also can receive a benefit for yourself too. You can claim tax benefits by donating to Make-A-Wish. As per Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Make-A-Wish is a tax-exempt organization.

You may claim a tax credit in the case that you donate five dollars or more. To get a more precise number on the tax deduction, it would be best to consider reaching out to your financial advisor and consulting them. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of critically ill children and their families. You can read more about charitable deduction below:

Sarah Labelle

Sarah Labelle

Sarah Labelle is Digital Fundraising Manager at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organization in 2022 after a previous mission in humanitarian healthcare. Sarah oversees new donor acquisitions and conversions through our digital channels. Additionally, Sarah manages the e-commerce side of the website, email marketing and strives to deliver a smooth donation process for all Make-A-Wish supporters.