How To Make A Chemo Care Package For Teens
As you might expect, a chemo care package for teens lives in a space that is neither kid nor adult.
So only some of the things from a chemo care package for kids, a chemo care package for her, or even the general chemo care kit may work, but to make it extra special there are other items great for teens .
I didn’t do a “for girls” or “for boys” because many of these gifts would work for both. It just depends on the teen’s interests.
Chemo Care Package Ideas
A lot of these chemo care package ideas are straightforward and fairly obvious, but with a DIY approach.
There are some, however, that hopefully provide a fun way to bring some levity and joy to a difficult situation.
As always, any time you can customize with fabric or personalize a gift with someone’s name or initials, it makes it that much more special so many of these suggestions include that option.
I have categorized each of these ideas in the context of giving teens time to do something that is important to their recovery.
Time To Rest
Getting enough rest and sleep while going through cancer treatment is very important.
So including a pillow (or something pillow adjacent) is a must-have as part of a chemo care package.
Make A Travel Neck Pillow
A travel neck pillow made from fleece is not only good for the car, but it can also be used as neck support while going through chemotherapy.
The fleece is soft against a teen’s skin and the puffy travel neck pillow doesn’t have any sharp edges that might poke an already sensitive body.
There are so many fleece colors and patterns, you can easily customize a pillow and make it specific to the recipient.
Make A Flannel Pillowcase
A handmade flannel pillowcase is a popular gift for kids of all ages and this is something a teen can use in the hospital, at home, or in the car ride to the hospital.
Flannel comes in so many fun colors and patterns it’s easy to make a gift that a teen will love.
Make A Chemo Port Pillow
A chemo port pillow is a small pillow that is attached to the seat belt to prevent any uncomfortable pressure or rubbing on the port.
This beginner sewing project is one of the most popular items for chemo patients of all ages.
Time To Play
Since there can be a lot of down time while waiting for doctor’s appointments and treatments, I always suggest including card games in your chemo care package for teens.
Help A Teen Socialize While Waiting
Popular games like Cards Against Humanity, Uno, or Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza are portable and can add some laughs to a difficult day.
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Help A Teen Focus On A Fun Challenge
During treatment, every day is different.
Sometimes, teens want to be social while other times they need some alone time.
So toys that allow a cancer patient to focus on a fun challenge are perfect for a cancer care kit.
Things like a Rubik’s Cube keep a teen’s hands (and mind) busy as well as toys like tech decks which are fun to use and to display when you’re grinding on the arm of the waiting room chair.
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Time To Practice Self care
Self care means something different to each person.
For teens right now, tiny things are trendy so getting travel size items along with mini carrying cases would be a huge hit.
Make A Mini Self Care Kit
A mini self care suitcase can include anything you want!
If you need ideas on what to include, I typically add a couple of compressed towels, lip balm, travel size body butter, and a small, colorful zipper pull/key chain.
Recently, I started adding a pocket hug too.
And a shout out to Mountain View Soap as a small business that provides great quality natural skincare products.
Make A Custom Coloring Book
Coloring books never go out of style.
And with all the free coloring sheets available across the web these days, you can easily make a custom coloring book.
In fact, you could create a mini meditation kit with coloring pencils and mandala coloring sheets, inspirational coloring sheets, or coloring pages centered around the teen’s favorite sport or cartoon character.
Hydration Help
Staying hydrated is always important during chemo and having a fun, thematic tumbler makes it that much more enjoyable.
This Simple Modern tumbler is 40 oz – so that’s plenty of liquid to sip throughout the day.
And they offer a variety of designs that include Disney characters, Harry Potter’s houses, Winnie the Pooh, and the Peanuts Gang.
Other options include the ever-popular Stanley tumbler or a Hyrdro Flask, among others.
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Soothing Skincare
A rose quartz roller bottle is a mess-free and soothing way to apply castor or coconut oil. This is an easy way to help hydrate the skin whenever and wherever necessary.
Once essential oils can be tolerated (likely after chemo, but it depends on the teen) then they can be added to help with healing and mental focus.
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Cuddle Up With A Stuffie
A weighted stuffed animal is a wonderful addition to a chemo care package for teens because it’s something the teen can hold during treatment or use at home to help sleep come more easily.
Since many weighted stuffed animals now have a cooling and warming option, this adds another level of comfort to any aches and pains the teen is experiencing.
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Make A Hat Or Chemo Cap
Hats are a simple way to manage body temperature so they are always a welcome item as part of a chemo care package for teens.
Chemo caps can be easily customized using specific fabric colors and fabric types.
The best options are typically to crochet a chemo cap or make a reversible fleece beanie.
And if you want to be “extra” why not sew a reversible fleece neck warmer too?
Time To Stay Organized
Keeping track of day-to-day needs along with treatment-specific details can take up a lot of a cancer patient’s day so staying organized is key.
Handmade items for a cancer care kit can be as simple as being able to locate things easily to day planners with inspirational quotes.
Make A Wristlet Key Chain
A silicone bead key chain wristlet makes it easy to find your keys in a bag or purse.
It also is something that teens can wear around their wrist if they just want to carry keys and nothing else.
Some people even attach a small coin purse to the wristlet too.
This is another DIY craft that can be easily customized with a teen’s favorite colors and even a letter bead or monogram charm to personalize it too.
If you’re new to silicone beads, this Beginner’s Guide To Silicone Bead Crafts should help.
Make A Tote Bag
Since a chemo care package for teens needs to be presented in some sort of box, basket, or bag you can also make the bag be part of the gift.
In this case, you just need a simple canvas tote, find a graphic you like using a service like Creative Fabrica (affiliate link), then have it printed as a DTF transfer.
Iron or heat press the transfer onto the bag and pair it with some fabric markers and it’s a DIY tote!
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Chemo Care Packages For Teens Are Always Worthwhile
I am someone who believe even the smallest of gifts make a difference, no matter the occasion.
When it comes to chemo care packages for teens, however, any combination of thoughtful items will make a lasting impression.
A chemo care kit for teens is always worthwhile because it gives them something to look forward to doing or using during treatment depending on what you choose to include.
So what will you make as part of your chemo care package for a teen in your life?
Let me know in the comments below!
