Gift Suggestions for Men with Cancer

With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, it’s time to celebrate all the men in your life — fathers, grandfathers, husbands, brothers, sons, uncles and friends. June is also Men’s Health Month and a chance to encourage healthy habits and lifestyle changes. Men are notoriously difficult to shop for, especially if they don’t express their wants and needs. It’s even more difficult if they are dealing with something as stressful as cancer. Finding something he likes, and can actually use, requires a bit more effort.

While cozy items like slippers, robes and pajamas come in handy during treatment and recovery, they will remind him that he has cancer. Instead, give him useful gifts that encourage well-being and celebrate life.

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Here are six gift ideas for your loved one on Father’s Day:

Exercise: Getting at least 30 minutes each day of exercise helps boost a man's testosterone levels, stamina and blood flow, and it helps reduce cancer recurrence. A gym membership, a Fitbit or workout gear will encourage him to get up and move.

Acupuncture: Many injured athletes use acupuncture for pain relief. It also helps with anxiety, depression and fatigue. A few sessions of acupuncture will help your loved one combat side-effects of cancer treatment, and he'll enjoy trying something new!

Hats & Headwear: A cool beanie, a fedora, or a baseball cap of his favorite sports team, covers hair loss and protects sensitive skin.

Grooming Products: Some men are too macho to ask but products to maintain skin, hair, nails and lips are very useful. Opt for a male-only line and steer clear of harsh chemicals and strong fragrances.

Entertainment: Audiobooks, video games, funny movies, magazine subscriptions, Netflix or Hulu subscriptions are all great distractions to keep him busy.

Time: Plan a weekend to relax, talk and enjoy each others company. Gifts from the heart — not high-priced items — will mean the most to the men in your life.