What are the best gifts for cancer patients?

Cancer patients often don't have the time or energy to take care of day-to-day chores, let alone clean an entire house. Hiring a maid is a helpful way to alleviate an everyday stress. (Thinkstock)
Holiday gift ideas Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure

Women going through cancer may not feel particularly beautiful because of the way chemotherapy and radiation affect their hair and skin. A special morning or afternoon at the salon or spa for a manicure or pedicure can be a relaxing escape. (Thinkstock)
Membership to a local gym It is important for cancer patients to stay physically fit to help manage their symptoms. A yearlong membership to a local gym provides an easy way to incorporate light exercise into a routine. (Thinkstock)
Digital magazine subscription or gift card for e-books Cancer patients spend many hours receiving infusions, waiting to meet with doctors or relaxing between appointments. A digital magazine subscription or a gift card for an e-book ensures the patient will have enjoyable reading while he waits. And of course, if he doesn't already have an e-reader, it's a great gift. (Thinkstock)
Music, cooking, crafting lessons or classes Cancer patients often want to take their minds off treatment and diagnosis, so a fun class offers the chance to learn something new while offering a diversion from illness. (Thinkstock)
Ticket to a comedy show Laughter can help cancer patients feel better about themselves and the world around them. It can be a natural diversion from a patient's treatment, as laughing for a few minutes can help a patient feel better. (Thinkstock)
A special home-cooked meal A healthy diet is an essential ingredient for any cancer patient. By eating right with a healthy balance of nutrients, cancer patients are able to stay strong enough for treatment. This holiday season, treat a cancer patient to a delicious home- cooked meal. Just be sure to incorporate healthy foods such as fruits and veggies into the menu. (Thinkstock)
Soft cotton pajamas It's important that cancer patients get the right amount of sleep so they are alert and healthy enough for treatment. To assist in a good night's sleep, soft cotton pajamas can help a patient relax, and the all-cotton material can be great for perspiration, especially if hot flashes are a side effect of treatment. (Thinkstock)
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Paula Wolfson, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – It can be tough to find the perfect present, and even more so when the recipient is dealing with a serious illness.

The best course may be to think way outside the box. Literally.

Rachel Vitagliano, manager of patient relations for Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, asked patients, caregivers and family members to come up with a list of most-wanted holiday gifts. She noticed a trend in the results.

Most of their suggestions were personal, and some involved sharing time together. (Check out the complete list in the photo gallery.)

Vitagliano says her favorite idea is taking a cancer-fighting friend or loved one to a comedy club or a funny movie.

“They really say laughter is the best medicine,” she says.

Another idea is to make a patient’s life easier by helping with chores at home. Givers can also hire a house cleaning or car detailing service.

And if you really want to give a gift in a box, you can’t go wrong with an e- reader or soft pajamas.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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