Holidays are fast approaching and so is the deadline for buying gifts! If you have someone who has breast cancer or is a breast cancer survivor, you might be wondering about a gift to buy them. I compiled a list of ideas that I hope will inspire you to find an appropriate gift for your family member or friend. But remember to keep in mind their personality before anything else as you decide on their gift.

Comfy clothes are a great idea for someone recovering or undergoing breast cancer treatment. Big hoodies and flannel button-down fashionable pajamas are welcome. Fuzzy warm socks are also wanted and welcomed.

Moisturizers are a good gift idea because treatments can leave skin dry and itchy. Having a good moisturizer can make all the difference in the world.

An e-reader like a Kindle is an excellent present for someone undergoing treatment or recovering. Reading is a great distraction from upcoming appointments, procedures, and tests. E-readers are also small enough to fit in a purse or bag to transport.

Word search books, crossword puzzles, or any games that can be used for fun and as a distraction are good ideas, too.

Candles and candle holders are welcome. There’s nothing like a beautiful smelling candle to have in your room when you are trying to relax and heal.

Gift cards to grocery stores, or any store for that matter, help take some financial burden off the family. Cancer isn’t just a miserable disease, it’s also terribly expensive, so any help is appreciated.

Speaking of gift cards, clothing stores are excellent because clothing doesn’t always fit or feel the same as it did before a mastectomy — especially a double mastectomy.

Homemade gift certificates offering your assistance in services such as cleaning the house, cooking, gardening, help with child care, help with pet care, and running errands and such would surely be welcome. No one likes asking for help so having these homemade offers relieves stress.

Heating pads and blankets are appreciated, especially as we approach the winter months. When I recovered, I relaxed on a recliner, and being wrapped in a blanket helped me feel even more comfortable.

Inspirational breast cancer awareness ornaments, cups, shirts, earrings — just about anything — are good for a breast cancer survivor. As I was going through cancer treatments, I didn’t appreciate the pink ribbon as much as I do now. Now when I look at breast cancer awareness merchandise, I don’t feel a pit in my stomach. I look at it and actually smile that I had cancer, went through it, and am still here.

ITunes gift cards and anything with music helps the survivor and the person going through breast cancer. Music carried me through just about all the seasons of cancer. Songs helped me through discovering I had cancer, to biopsies, lumpectomy, to mastectomy. When I hear certain songs, I have a memory attached to the song. I will always carry these memories with strength.

A day at the spa to get a massage, a manicure or pedicure, and whatever else to make them feel wonderful makes a terrific gift.

For women and men dealing with cancer, give adventures and help them do things that they have never done before. A chance to drive a sports car or a visit to an amusement park or the beach — whatever they wish to experience is so important.

Movie gift cards are fun and a well needed distraction.

Finally, hugs and visits from family and friends are immeasurable. Knowing that you are not alone and people have your back can lift spirits and hope.

Note: Breast Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Breast Cancer News, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to breast cancer.