Cancer Survival Gifts

• Retail items with pink ribbons on them often donate a portion of their sales to cancer charities. breast cancer ribbon image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com

  Cancer is a devastating illness that requires real strength and spirit to fight, and winning that struggle is a blessing that should be celebrated. Gifts for cancer survivors, or people in recovery, should have positive, encouraging undertones to remind them of your support. Some gifts, like donations made in your friend's name, can acknowledge the cancer directly. Or, if your friend is tired of discussing her cancer, consider relaxing gifts that avoid referencing her illness.

Make a Donation

• If your friend benefited from a support organization during his fight against cancer, consider making a donation in his name. Places where he may have found support include houses of worship, support groups, cancer organizations and hospitals. You can also donate to national organizations that support cancer research and patients. Examples of these organizations include the Prevent Cancer Foundation, National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, National Childhood Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation. Before you donate to a national organization, check the group's charity rating. The higher the rating, the better use they make of donated funds. For example, the Cancer Research Institute has an "A" rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy, so donations sent there are likely to be applied well. Some organizations will send a card or gift with certain donations you can have sent to your friend. Other organizations do not offer this service, but writing a personal letter to your friend explaining your donation on his behalf is always appropriate.

Relaxation Gift Basket

• Fighting cancer is draining, both physically and emotionally. It takes time to fully recover, and feelings of exhaustion are not uncommon. Help her unwind by making a personalized relaxation gift basket. Purchase a standard wicker basket at a craft store, and then go hunting for some of her favorite things. Buy bath items, like scented bubbles baths and soaps, that will let her enjoy a hot soak. Massage lotions, scented candles and chocolates are also good ideas, as are lighthearted books and relaxing CDs. For a touch of luxury, include a fluffy robe or spa gift certificate. Attach a note expressing your love and support.

Gift Certificates

• Chances are your friend is sick of sitting in hospitals. Celebrate his recovery by taking him out. Ideas include taking him to a sporting event, music show, fishing hole or barbecue restaurant. Make the event one with fresh air, if possible, and make sure the day isn't too taxing on his recovering health. To plan your outing, buy or make a gift certificate. To make a personalized certificate, decorate an index card, and write an I.O.U. on it. For example, "Gift Certificate for One Afternoon Fishing with Me and Sean--Redeemable at Any Time" or "Good for One Dinner at the Restaurant of Your Choice--Courtesy of Me."

Engraved Jewelry

• If your friend love shiny objects, have a piece of jewelry engraved to celebrate her recovery. Engrave a silver pendent with a date or picture that's symbolic to her. For example, if she had a pet that gave her strength during her treatment, have a sketch of that pet engraved on her pendant. Another idea is to have the date she was officially declared cancer-free engraved on the piece. Inspirational sayings, wishes and prayers are also appropriate. Attach the pendant to a necklace, bracelet or key chain. For a man, consider having a watch engraved.