Visiting a colleague, friend, family member or neighbor with cancer, but no idea what gift would truly bring comfort? We’ve got three heartfelt suggestions that are guaranteed to be appreciated—and the best part is, you can make them yourself. Forget the classic fruit basket or flowers; these personal, handmade gifts show love and care. They’ll be a real bright spot in the difficult days after a diagnosis or during treatment.

Gift idea 1: Cook up comfort food, soup or something sweet

For someone who just received a cancer diagnosis, life is suddenly turned upside down. Cooking is usually the last thing on their mind. And those in the middle of treatment often feel too tired to prepare meals or can’t tolerate the strong aromas from cooking. That’s why a serving of homemade comfort food is such a thoughtful gesture.

Does your friend have a sweet tooth? Then cookies or a delicious cake are perfect. Prefer something more savory? Team up with colleagues or friends and create a full week’s menu. During chemotherapy, you could even provide a daily portion of soup or a home-cooked meal. It’s a small effort for you, but a huge relief for the patient and their family.

Gift idea 2: Share a plant cutting as a symbol of hope during chemo

Got green fingers, and so does your friend, family member or colleague with cancer? Bring along a cutting from your favorite plant. Plants instantly bring life into a home and give someone something positive to care for. For plant lovers, watching a tiny cutting grow roots and flourish into a lush plant is pure joy.

Caring for plants is also relaxing and helps shift focus away from worries. Seeing a small cutting grow can symbolize hope and a brighter future—something especially meaningful during chemotherapy or other treatments.

Gift idea 3: Turn favorite snapshots into a beautiful photo book

Reliving happy memories and laughing at fun times shared together can be a much-needed escape from the cycle of illness and treatment. A handmade photo album takes your friend or colleague back to carefree, joyful moments.

Gather photos from that unforgettable team trip, find the best snapshots from ten years of friendship, or make a book from that amazing city break you shared. It’s a wonderful gift to flip through on tough recovery days. Who knows, it might even inspire your friend to start sorting their own photos and create albums during treatment and recovery at home.

More to read: What to Do (and Not Do) When a Friend Has Cancer >>