Everyone wants to help you–but not everyone knows exactly how right now. They want to give you something you actually want. They want to give you things that are beautiful, functional, and vetted.
Asking for gifts–even just acknowledging you could use some new things for this new, vulnerable phase–can be so uncomfortable for so many of us. This is something that’s probably going to feel difficult, in a few different ways, during this whole experience. Asking for and accepting help and extra attention can be hard; and our advice is to always remember how much you like to give help, love, and gifts to the people in your life. Let them provide the same.
And in our experience of giving and receiving gifts, telling people exactly what you want or need makes the process so much easier on everyone. We made this registry essentials guide if you don’t know where to start. You’ll want some super comfortable things, you’ll want some fun things, you’ll want some practical things, you’ll want some new sunscreen. More below:
A Jacket So Soft You’ll Still Feel Like You’re in Bed
This type of jacket is ideal for when it’s necessary to leave the house, but you simply will not unless you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket for every second. Jadey recommends this Vuori jacket for chemo treatment days because treatment rooms are freezing. It’s got a mix of cushy fleece up top for maximum coziness, and an outdoorsy material to give you a bit of a sporty look, and keep you extra warm if you’re taking it out on a walk.
A Sweater So Gorgeously Cut, No One Will Notice It’s Almost Too Cozy
Merino and cashmere, this sweater is somehow soft and structured, totally slouchy and totally put-together. Inside Edition reporter Alison Hall recommends Varley sweaters, after getting one as a gift during treatment, and we equally love their beautiful colors and textures. This sweater feels like a hug and looks like sophistication; and we can attest it’s comforting enough to wear during very tender moments. Some more comfy clothes we love here.
Elegant Sleepwear for the Sleepless, Sweaty, and Stylish
Depending on your diagnosis or treatment , you might have hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, oh my. If you’re undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures, you might be on a version of bedrest. In most cases, more time in bed recovering is a very likely state of affairs: and some fresh, sleek, comfy, and lightweight pajamas are just the thing. These Eberjey pajama sets are a Jadey favorite gift to give and receive. And you can add a monogram, which makes us very happy.
A Sunscreen That Can Help You Fake Some Radiance
Sun protection during treatment is a must, and you may find that your skin is especially sensitive and dry. Many experts recommend switching over to mineral sunscreen during treatment because it can be less irritating, but it often leaves a pesky white cast all over your skin. Enter one of our favorite solutions, Sunglow sunscreen from Kinfield. This tinted sunscreen lives up to its name, providing a subtle glow that looks flattering on a wide range of skin tones. We love how lightweight it is, and the subtle tint doubles as a bronzer alternative, which can be really nice when you’re not feeling your most fresh-faced and dewy.
The Gentlest Glam: A Treatment-Friendly Make-Up Kit
Tower 28 is designed for sensitive skin, and made without fragrances and or irritation triggers. (This might be a time, depending on your treatment, when you’re doing a cull of your products for the gentlest versions possible). This set comes with a tinted sunscreen, blush, mascara, lip gloss, and calming spray for angry skin; all with joyful bottles and cases. And the best part is you get to select the shades of each product that work best for your skin tone. It’s practical, cheerful, and very nicely made.
A Simple, Nourishing Body Oil
This body oil from OSEA is so silky; and the glass bottle feels very pampering before you even get to the good stuff. It’s also fragrance-free; note that even if you typically love a gorgeously-scented beauty product, some treatments like chemo can induce big smell sensitivity. Jadey co-founder Michelle Reiss says "during chemo and for months afterward, my skin was so dry and sensitive that traditional lotions and moisturizers just felt like they were sitting on the surface. I love how this oil really sinks in and softens the skin. It feels so nourishing, I still use it everyday."
A Beautiful Pill Case
Pretty enough that you'll want to leave it out on your nightstand, Chronically Chic’s Pill Organizer Box is also quite thoughtfully organized. There are slots for each day of the week, and four compartments each for morning, noon, evening, and night meds. We really love their matching bottle organizers that fit right under the pill box for stashing away your pill bottles for easy refills. Chronically Chic was founded by a woman with chronic illness who was disappointed with the options for pill organizers out there; and they've done it very well.
A Transformer of Coziness: A Portable Blanket That Folds Up Like a Little Secret
This is typically the season to pursue the widest variety of relaxation methods. Team Jadey loves this thoughtfully-designed-down-blanket-that-becomes-a-pillow-combination from Eddie Bauer. It’s quilted and silky-feeling, and machine-washable. It’s perfect to take on treatment days for either of its Transformer forms.
A Soft-Focus Escape to Keep You Occupied: A Chic, Achievable Puzzle
Jadey Editorial Director Maggie Lange gives a Piecework puzzle to her puzzle-loving partner every year, because Maggie hates puzzles but Piecework’s designs are whimsical and pretty enough to entice her. During recovery, or anxious moments, it’s very nice to have something meditative and tactile on hand, that will slow you down, keep you away from your phone. And, ultimately: it’s soothing to make something whole again.
Well-Timed (or All the Time) Flowers
There’s likely going to be a flood of gifts and check-ins in the beginning. That’s wonderful and will be bolstering. It’s also likely that these treats and notes will slow down or stop as treatment continues. You can register for a monthly flower delivery; and also ask a friend to send flowers at a milestone moment you choose (like halfway through chemo, or surgery recovery).
And, Let’s Not Reinvent the Wheel: Meals Are a Staple For a Reason
Team Jadey also recommends (and loves receiving) the exceptionally useful food delivery gift card. This is the ideal from-a-friendly-coworker gift; they can pick any amount, and they’ll know that it will save you your precious time and energy.
