GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Growing To Give
Our February Cancer Bites Gift Guide is devoted to gifts that hold space—for care, for connection, for healing, and for the many ways love shows up when life feels tender
GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Growing To Give
Our February Cancer Bites Gift Guide is devoted to gifts that hold space—for care, for connection, for healing, and for the many ways love shows up when life feels tender
ON THIS PAGE
Our team welcomes you to the Cancer Bites Podcast and Community February Gift Guide: Love, Gently Given.
February doesn’t shout. It leans in. It’s the month of quiet affection, small comforts, rich, mouth- watering handcrafted chocolates and reminders that love doesn’t have to be grand to be profound. Our February Cancer Bites Gift Guide is devoted to gifts that hold space—for care, for connection, for healing, and for the many ways love shows up when life feels tender.
These are pieces chosen not for flash, but for feeling. Thoughtful comforts, meaningful keepsakes, and everyday essentials created by brands that lead with heart and purpose, many of them supporting cancer communities through advocacy, awareness, or direct giving.
As always, this guide is curated with intention. Some brands have shared exclusive offers for our readers, others are donating a portion of proceeds to Cancer Bites, products to our comfort and joy gift bag campaign, and a few links may be affiliate-based. Every feature reflects what we believe February is really about—love that listens, supports, and stays.
Please remember: everything included here is editorial and meant for general information only. It is not medical advice. Pricing, promotions, and offerings may change.
If you missed November's Gift Guide check it out here
Where To Find Cancer Bites Podcast and Community: You can find Cancer Bites on our website: https://growingtogive.org/cancer-bites-podcast, Instagram @cancerbitespodcast, on X @cancerbitesshow, on Facebook @cancerbitespodcast, and on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@growingtogive/playlists
This is a standout moment for our guide. Dr. Perricone Hydrogen Water earns our top spot for its elegant simplicity and scientific grounding. It is purified water infused with molecular hydrogen (H₂), designed to support the body at the cellular level. Developed by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the physician and researcher behind the iconic Perricone MD brand, this offering reflects decades of work centered on managing inflammation, enhancing longevity, and promoting whole-body wellness. Hydrogen water has drawn attention for its potential antioxidant properties, and this formulation stands out for its purity, restraint, and credibility.
Inspired By: For those navigating cancer, recovery, or caregiving, this is the kind of daily ritual that feels both gentle and empowering. No overwhelm. Just thoughtful hydration with intention behind it.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Hydration that goes beyond the moment. More than a refreshing sip, Dr. Perricone’s hydrogen-infused water is rooted in cellular health science and his decades-long focus on healthy aging and vitality. It’s a gift that ripples beyond today, making an impact on quality of life long after it’s unwrapped.
Crew Review: Perfect timing, really. The same week this arrived, I was in the infusion chair receiving a bone-building medicine, with extra IV hydration added to help it do its job without leaving me in unnecessary pain. So hydration was already the headline of my week.
Dr. Perricone Hydrogen Water shows up at that exact moment. Not as a miracle, not as a promise, just as a thoughtful extension of something my body was already asking for. Support, not spectacle.
It has no taste! No flowery, lip smacking or bold flavors to get you hooked. I’m oddly comforted by that. It tastes like clean, honest water. After a season filled with treatments, side effects, and overcomplicated “wellness,” there’s something grounding about a product that understands restraint.
I took my pain medication with it for the first time and the throbbing thigh pain calmed when nothing else had worked. Breath out. This one feels like it belongs in the quiet spaces of healing. —Siobhan.
Retail Price: $69.00 for a 24 case (changes slightly per state).
Where To Find Them: Find Dr Perricone Hydrogen Water on their WEBSITE
Why We Love It: Thoughtful and science-rooted hydration that supports quality of life without noise or overwhelm.
We are excited to share with you Bold and Bloom, which has recently released their Cancer Bites-inspired Blooms of Resilience Collection! The collection evokes themes of resilience, renewal, and beauty—and is available in pink and purple. All Bold and Bloom jewelry is hand sculpted from light-weight, hypoallergenic polymer clay, creating accessories with pop and dimension
Inspired By Love: The Blooms of Resilience collection from Bold & Bloom was inspired by the company's previous participation in the Cancer Bites gift guide and Linsday Gann’s—designer and owner—personal story with cancer. Her father passed away in 2016 due to colon cancer and her stepchildren lost their mother to stomach cancer the year after. The family is also currently waiting to hear back on the results of a breast cancer biopsy. It just goes to show how decimating cancer can be to any family. Lindsay Gann turns to art in order to process her losses and she hopes that the art will connect to others and give a sense of hope.
Crew Review: TBlooms of Resilience Collection. Exclusively for Cancer Bites. This one genuinely blew my mind. When Lindsey Gann of L Gann Designs sent over the ‘Italian-inspired’ images for the Blooms of Resilience Collection, I almost dropped my phone. Not in a cute, metaphorical way. In a very real, oh-my-god-what-is-happening way. The colors. The craftsmanship. The intention. It was already enough to stop me in my tracks.
Then she casually mentioned that 50 percent of every sale would be donated to the Cancer Bites initiative.
Let me rewind for a moment, because this generosity didn’t come out of nowhere. Just the month before, Lindsey surprised Stacey and me by creating a single, exclusive earring for Cancer Bites. A stunning pink piece that felt symbolic, powerful, and deeply thoughtful. That alone would have been extraordinary.
But Lindsey didn’t stop there.
She upgraded that gift into an entire jewelry collection, designed exclusively for Cancer Bites. Not just earrings, but necklaces and bracelets, thoughtfully created in pink and the signature purple of our logo. Jewelry that carries meaning, not just beauty.
The bracelets, by the way, came into existence because John happened to walk by during one of our conversations and said, “Bracelets would be nice too.” And just like that, bracelets appeared. As if generosity was simply the default setting.
Both Stacey and I were sent full sets in purple, and we each have the pink earrings. Stacey’s are currently living their best life in a shipping box, waiting for me to send them off to Barbados, but spiritually and emotionally, she has them. And they are stunning.
Just when we thought the sundae was complete, Lindsey added the cherry.
She offered to create affiliate codes for anyone we wanted who had influence and wanted to be a Cancer Bites–exclusive Blooms of Resilience influencer. What that meant in practice was extraordinary. We now have a growing network of advocates, influencers, and even other nonprofits around the world using this collection to support their own fundraising efforts. Galas. Events. Community initiatives. All benefiting from one generous, intentional collaboration.
This is a premier example of women helping women. Of collaboration over competition. Of what happens when a brand doesn’t just align with a mission, but actively lifts it, expands it, and shares the spotlight.
Because of one designer’s immense generosity, Cancer Bites doesn’t just win.
Other nonprofits win.
Other communities win.
Fundraisers become more meaningful.
Jewelry becomes a story.
Bold & Bloom isn’t just beautiful.
It’s purposeful.
It’s powerful.
And it’s what impact looks like when the heart leads the design. —Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: A portion of Bold & Bloom proceeds is donated annually to cancer research—but this year, Lindsey went even further. Bold and Bloom has generously donated fifty pairs of pink earrings to include in Cancer Bites gift bags going initially to Breast Cancer Surgery Centers. A portion of sales for the Blooms of Resilience collection also goes to Cancer Bites initiative and she has set up a special code for affiliates to make a generous 25 % if they become Blooms of Resilience - Cancer Bites exclusive jewelry collection affiliates and influencers. Direct message us for the affiliate application specific to this project— contact us here.
Retail Price: Bold & Bloom earrings, bracelets and necklaces generally retail between $45 and $122.
Where to Find Them: Discover the look of beauty and resilience as seen through the exclusive Cancer Bites Collection, Blooms of Resilience — here. Your purchase helps Cancer Bites bring comfort and joy to those battling one of life’s most challenging and life-threatening diseases.
Find all Bold & Bloom products on their website: Visit their site to browse their current Valentine-themed stock!
Why We Love it: Chic, women-founded and owned, handcrafted in North America, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and Valentine-themed products.
Offering products of the highest quality–including natural and organic oil blends that are free from additives, synthetic fragrances, and harmful substances–Silver Orange’s oil blends are sure to uplift the body and mind. Their mission is to spread positivity, joy, and remind people of their self worth. Products often include affirmations and bible verses for just those rainy days when a little support is needed.
Inspired By Love: Silver Orange’s founder shared her personal cancer connection and how it relates to her work. Her brother-in-law Matt went through cancer treatment a couple of years ago. It was a tough battle and the cancer came back. Currently, he is at the Cancer Center for Healing in California. Matt was critical to her introduction to essential oils and their healing capabilities. She hopes that her oils can provide calm and comfort to anyone who is struggling, but especially those facing the hardships and uncertainties of cancer.
Crew Review: I tend to be very picky with my scents. It is so hard to find something that is not too subtle, but also not overpowering. I am happy to report that I loved the balanced scent of the essential oil roller I received—which was the LOVED Rose Quartz and Essential Oil Blend. It's a super easy to use roller with a nice clean scent. And it is so pretty with the quartz crystals inside! The scent on my wrists remained strong all day and my skin wasn’t irritated at all. Both my sister and my stepmother asked what kind of perfume I had on!
Along with the essential oil roller, I also received an affirmation gem and a magnet. The affirmation gem fits smoothly into the palm of my hand—which tickles my brain in just the right way! I loved its coloring and gentle weight. The magnet features the affirmation, “I am Loved” along with the Bible verse Romans 5:8. As someone who is curious and grounded by the spiritual, it was an excellent gift to receive. —Kaylen
Bio: Kaylen is a writer from the plains state of Nebraska. She has been a volunteer editor and writer for the Cancer Bites team since December of 2025. She graduated with an MA in Literature with study focuses in technical and professional communications as well as digital archiving. Currently, she works as a legal secretary in a law firm. A few of her passions include: creative writing, fantasy books, painting, and hiking.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Silver Orange has been kind enough to donate to our Cancer Bites gift bag campaign, which begins distribution to breast cancer surgery centers. These gifts are meant to uplift women in a new way, not with brassieres, but with love.
After one of the most personal surgeries of a lifetime, many women are left navigating not only physical recovery, but the emotional weight of having a part of their femininity surgically removed. These small, intentional gifts offer a moment of comfort, affirmation, and care during a time when it’s deeply needed.
This is generosity with purpose.
This is love, thoughtfully delivered.
We are extremely grateful to Rebecca and the team at Silver Orange for helping us fill gifts of comfort and joy.
Retail Price: Essential oil blends retail for $22. Gift sets (crystal essential oil roller, affirmation gem, and magnet) retail for $39.
Where to Find Them: Made in the U.S. You can find Silver Orange’s products on their WEBSITE.
Why We Love it: Comforting, uplifting, calming, and organic.
Three words: soft, healthy skin. Some of us have it naturally, others need a little boost, and Whip My Butta products are exactly what the doctor ordered. It’s luxury with a lid, crafted with naturally derived ingredients that will be sure to provide your skin with optimal moisture while helping to regenerate healthy skin cells. Great for treating eczema as well! The original formula is available unscented or in a variety of natural scents including: ylang ylang, cherry almond, and lavender chamomile.
Inspired By Love: Created from a parent’s journey to soothe her children’s skin and now crafted to nourish bodies and spirits with natural, thoughtful care.
Crew's Review: Body butter with a wink… and a lot of love.
The first thing I saw on the label was “Bad & Boozy”—and yes, it made John roll his eyes and fire off a string of butt jokes. With the jokes behind us…he tried it. Now he’s hooked, and we’re both plotting his next order because that’s how much we love this stuff.
The scent is fresh, clean, and playful—perfect for trading in heavy colognes or perfumes for something light, happy, and wearable every day. But the real fun begins when you open the jar: the butter is whipped to the perfect, fluffy consistency of melted marshmallows. Luxurious, indulgent, and somehow completely addictive.
Ingredients? Only the good stuff. Shea butter, jojoba seed oil, grape seed oil, prickly pear oil (without the pricks, don’t worry). It’s nourishing, silky, and maybe—just maybe—on track to make my all-time favorite brands list later this year.
Who it’s perfect for: Anyone who wants to pamper themselves, enjoys a little humor in their self-care, and appreciates high-quality, indulgent ingredients that actually do what they say. —Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Their collaboration product with She Shift! contributes to the Limitless Refuge Shelter in Troy, NY
Retail Price: The original formula retails $12 for 4 ounces and $39 for 16 ounces.
Where to Find Them: You can find Whip My Butta products on their WEBSITE.
Why We Love it: Good for sensitive skin, organic and natural, and woman-owned.
In February, hopefully all of us are sticking to our New Year's gym resolution and NØRSE CØDE protein powder makes a perfect pairing to help gain muscle mass and assist in cell repair. Designed for busy, health-focused adults who want something easy, gut-friendly, and low in sugar, it is an amazingly simple way to elevate your lifestyle in one small step. The powder is available in chocolate and vanilla. It is smooth and delicious, avoiding the chalky, gritty textures common in other protein powders. The company prides itself in their small, community-centered operation that emphasizes sustainability and quality.
Inspired By Love: “I created NØRSE CØDE after years of trying ‘healthy’ proteins that technically checked the boxes but were hard to tolerate day after day—chalky, heavy, or just something I didn’t feel good after using. I wanted to make a protein that felt gentle, dependable, and easy to live with—something that blended smoothly, didn’t upset digestion, and actually made people feel better over time.”—Smári Ásmundsson (Creator of Norse Code).
Crew Review: It’s hard to find a protein that feels like the real deal without sneaking in things your body doesn’t need—especially when you’re already navigating health challenges. NØRSE CØDE feels different. It’s straightforward, nourishing, and doesn’t try to be more complicated than it needs to be.
For those of us living with cancer—or supporting bodies that are already doing a lot of heavy lifting—nutrition matters. This feels like sending out a small SOS and actually getting a thoughtful response back. It supports muscle, recovery, and cellular repair without upsetting digestion or adding stress to the system.
Lean. Simple. Intentional.
I like my protein the same way I like my life right now.—Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Thoughtful nutrition that supports your body from the inside out. NØRSE CØDE protein powder helps fuel recovery, muscle repair, and overall wellness—making it a gift that keeps giving long after the shake is gone.
Retail Price: One bag of protein powder retails for $49.99. Use promo code CANCERBITES for 10% off your first order!
Where to Find Them: You can find Norse Code products on their WEBSITE.
Why We Love it:No chalky-texture, gut-friendly, smooth, no artificial sweeteners, great-tasting, and sustainable.
Move over fidget spinners, there’s a new fidget device in town! This next brand features unique shaker keychains that are designed to ease feelings of anxiety and emotional overwhelm. Even though the keychains feature objects high in the sky, they are designed to help you feel grounded–wherever you are. The Shake a Cloud Keychain is a small, lightweight acrylic shaker charm designed to offer gentle comfort through motion. Inside, floating suns, stars, and raindrops move with each shake—a simple, soothing interaction that many people use as a grounding or calming gesture during stressful or emotional moments. Each keychain also includes an “empowerment” backing card that has uplifting messages of hope, resilience, and gentleness–a reminder that even on heavy days, movement and light still exist.
The keychains are designed to be carried daily on keys, bags, or zippers– offering reassurance without calling attention to itself. No matter what age you are, these comforting keychains are there to help you take a moment to re-center yourself after a stressful moment.
Inspired By Love: The founder of the Cloud Project shared what inspired him to start this brand. He said, “The Shake a Cloud Keychain was created for moments when words feel like too much. I noticed how instinctively people fidget when they’re anxious, waiting, or carrying something heavy, and I wanted to turn that motion into something comforting. The floating suns, stars, and raindrops are a quiet reminder that even on difficult days, movement, light, and hope still exist. It’s a small way of saying “I’m thinking of you” without needing to explain anything.”
Crew Review: The Cloud Project stopped me in my scroll because it stands for something we should all be shouting about, protecting children and refusing to look away. At Cancer Bites, we spend our days talking about cancer, but we also know pain doesn’t live in silos, and child abuse, trafficking, and neglect are shadows that deserve far more light than they get. So here starts our nod to other communities doing good. In every guide we will highlight one.
The Shake a Cloud keychain may have been created to brighten a child’s day, but it crosses every line of age, diagnosis, and circumstance, because anyone living with cancer knows there are bright days, cloudy days, and dark, thunder-heavy ones too. This tiny shaker becomes a quiet companion, a reminder that motion, light, and hope still exist even when the day feels heavy. I clipped mine to the zipper of a soft blue hoodie instead of my keys, and now it’s a conversation starter everywhere I go. When people ask about it, I proudly say we’re friends of The Cloud Project, because Cancer Bites doesn’t just raise awareness around cancer, we amplify voices fighting for a safer, kinder world. Some causes, like cancer, food insecurity, and child abuse, should be relics of the past, and until they are, we’ll keep using our voices to help chase the clouds away.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: The Cloud Project donates fifteen percent of every purchase to organizations working to end child abuse. They believe that “love should be both felt and practiced through meaningful action.”
Retail Price: The Cloud Keychains retail for $18.99 and are currently offering free shipping for a limited time.
Where to Find Them: Visit the WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Accessible, cute, practical, and supports a good cause.
If you have ever had a mouth sore or even just a burnt tongue, you know how important it is to maintain a healthy and pain-free mouth. For people going through chemotherapy, this can be a struggle. Eating, talking, and, for those of us not afraid of a public audience, karaoke-singing becomes nightmarish and simply a no-go. Xlear and Spry offers a multitude of dental defense products to help avoid and manage these issues. They offer mouth rinses and washes, toothpastes, mints, and gum formulated with xylitol, a natural sweetener that helps support the mouth’s natural defenses and reduce the risk of dryness and infection.
Inspired By Love: This Cancer Bites collaboration started when Cancer Bites was spotted by Kristin, the PR for Xlear and Spry. She reached out to us when she saw our request of brands that aligned. She wrote, “I met my late husband in August 2013, and after only a couple of dates, I knew he was the one. A few weeks in, he told me he was a cancer survivor and that he would understand if I walked away, but I believed the cancer was behind him. Five months later, we moved in together, and just three months after that, severe back pain led to the discovery of a tumor on his spine. Emergency surgery left him paralyzed from the waist down, and once again, he told me I should leave, but I stayed. Through relentless physical therapy and the support of family and friends, he learned to walk again, and even from a wheelchair, we talked about marriage and our future. From April 2014 to February 2016, our lives were filled with doctor visits, treatments, surgeries and the devastating news that the cancer had spread throughout his body. We married knowing his time was limited, but he wanted me to experience all the joy and excitement of being a wife. Our wedding was magical, a true fairytale, but we were only married for six months. Despite his illness, we spent twelve beautiful days in Hawaii on our honeymoon. The day we returned, he was rushed to the hospital as a tumor in his lung burst. In February 2016, after months of being in and out of the hospital, the last time he was rushed back, he said, “I’m not coming back home.” He knew. Just two days later, he passed away from osteosarcoma (bone cancer) at only 40 years old. Ten years later, I miss him every day. He was my husband, my best friend, my Superman and Dutch’s daddy, our chocolate lab and his dream dog.
Crew Review: Cancer treatment has a way of turning the mouth, nose, and lungs into unexpected battlegrounds, and Xlear and Spry meet that reality head-on. When dry mouth first showed up for me, one spray of the Spry moisturizing mouth spray brought instant relief, and my very honest reaction was yum—the spearmint is soothing and gentle without being overpowering. I’ve been fortunate to have only a few mouth sores during my chemo pill treatment, but even a few is enough to understand how critical oral comfort is.
The Spry Berry Blast mints made me smile—they’re pink, feel very Cancer Bites coded, and with 240 sugar-free mints, they’re clearly meant to live everywhere: purses, go bags, infusion days, scans, and long appointments. I may even call them up and suggest a rename to “Xlear Cancer Bites ”—just saying. A quick swish of the Spry oral rinse in natural coolmint took away that mid-day coating cancer folks know all too well, leaving my mouth feeling clean and calm again.
And then there’s Xlear nasal spray, pronounced “Clear,” which I learned after tripping over the name the same way people trip over mine, Siobhan—pronounced “Shavonne.” When their PR rep messaged back with a simple “Clear,” I laughed and thought, I feel you, Xlear. One pump and my first reaction was open, says me—suddenly there was real breathing room without gagging or discomfort, something that matters deeply when cancer has made your lungs part of the fight.
Xclear and Spry products ‘Xlearly’ make a real difference, restoring comfort, dignity, and a sense of control when your body has already been through enough.
Gifts That Ripple Outward:Beyond daily comfort, Xlear and Spry give back, supporting programs that bring oral health education and care to at-risk children. Every purchase helps spread wellness and dignity far beyond the moment.
Retail Price: Xlear and Spry’s products retail at affordable prices typically between $10-20.
Where to Find Them: You can find Xlear and Spry products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Affordable, easy-to-use, eases and prevents pain, and natural ingredients.
Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of how much time being nauseous steals from your day– whether it be from your energy to work, spend time with family, or just to get the things done you want to do. This next brand aims to give you a little bit of that time and energy back so you can live life to your full potential. Anti-na Sips is a woman-founded company that created an anti-nausea supplement specifically for cancer patients.
Anti-na features an all-natural supplement that totally dissolves in any drink–without leaving any gritty residue. Each pack includes ginger and Bioenergy Ribose to give you nausea-relief and a natural energy boost to make it through your day. Anti-Na’s products also are gluten free, Non-GMO, and include no synthetics. Nausea relief and an extra energy boost are one, easy stir away.
Inspired By Love: “I’m a hiker and business owner who saw firsthand how debilitating chemotherapy-induced nausea was for my mother and close family friends. I saw that raw ginger burned their sensitive mouths and ginger ale lacked active ingredients. So, I created what they needed: a dissolvable, therapeutic-dose ginger formula that is gentle, effective, and fast-acting. I added Bioenergy Ribose® to address the crushing fatigue—because nausea relief means nothing if you're too exhausted to live your life. Anti-na® SIPS is my promise to every family navigating this: you deserve relief that respects what your body is going through.”
So I created what I needed: a dissolvable, therapeutic-dose ginger formula that's gentle, effective, and fast-acting. Then I added Bioenergy Ribose® to address the crushing fatigue that comes with treatment—because nausea relief means nothing if you're too exhausted to live your life.
Anti-na SIPS isn't just a product. It's my promise to every patient navigating this journey: you deserve relief that works, tastes good, and respects what your body is going through.”
Crew Review: When nausea shows up uninvited, this is something worth reaching for. Cancer and nausea tend to travel together. Everyone knows that. What people don’t always talk about is how nausea feels less like an upset stomach and more like standing at the edge of a mountain you didn’t plan to climb. It comes in waves, unexpectedly, hits you full force in the gut, brings a headache along for the ride, and suddenly the whole day feels woozy.
That’s the headspace I was in when Anti Na anti-nausea sips arrived. I’d already taken a nausea pill, which felt a little ironic. Cancer life has a sense of humor like that. Still, I tried them next time I felt nauseous and within 15 minutes felt much better and got up to make dinner. And instead of bracing myself, I felt steadier. Like my body found something to grab onto when the wave hit.
The taste genuinely surprised me. Ginger-forward, which I love, with a warmth that feels comforting instead of medicinal. This isn’t something you chug and hope for the best. It’s very much sip, don’t chug, which I initially laughed at and then completely understood. You sip it over time, and it gently helps calm things down instead of demanding attention.
What really makes Anti-na shine for cancer experiencers is the practicality. The individual packs are easy to toss into a purse or go-bag. Perfect for long days at the doctor’s office, chemo appointments, or procedures with a lot of waiting involved. I spent plenty of time going in for thoracentesis, and sitting around when you don’t feel 100 percent is its own special challenge. Having something simple, effective, and close at hand matters more than you think.
You just add water, and that’s it. They recommend a maximum of two sticks a day, which speaks to how effective they are. This isn’t something you have to keep reaching for all day long, and when your body is already exhausted, that’s a gift.
I also appreciate how clean the ingredients are. Non-GMO, gluten-free, no synthetics. When you’re in the middle of cancer treatment, your body is already being hammered. It’s fighting for survival. It doesn’t need extra chemicals layered on top of everything else. Anti-na feels mindful of that reality.
Then there’s Kristen, the founder. Very much a from-my-heart-to-yours kind of human. When I meet brand leaders like her, I pay attention. She gets it. She understands community, care, and why products like this matter beyond marketing. That alignment with what we’re building at Cancer Bites makes Anti Na feel less like a product and more like part of the family.
Anti Na is a beautiful gift for cancer experiencers navigating nausea, pain, and the interruptions cancer brings to life’s merry-go-round. But it’s just as thoughtful for anyone dealing with sensitive stomachs, migraines, travel nausea, or those days when your energy is running on fumes.
Sometimes you don’t need a grand gesture.
Sometimes you just need something steady to sip when the wave hits. -Siobhan
Gifts That That Ripple Outward: Through their giveback program, every purchase donates one full day of SIPS to a Southern California cancer patient in need. To date, they have reclaimed over 400 moments for patients.
Retail Price: Anti-Na Sips retail for $11.88 for a pack of four, up to a 90 pack for $234. You can also subscribe and save. They offer free shipping for orders over $25.
Where to Find Them: You can find Anti-Na on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Practical, natural, fast-acting, and women-owned.
The age-old struggle between wanting to stay hydrated and hating to lug around a big jug of water (while balancing everything else in your hands) has finally been solved. Solly and Rue is a family-owned business that created a practical, useful, and cute way to be able to carry around your water bottle while you’re on the go– completely hands-free!
Featuring water bottle carriers that hold from 16 up to 40 ounces, this sling bag has all your hydration-needs covered. These bags also include various individual pockets so you can carry your keys, phone, wallet, and other essentials all in one place! These carriers come in many different designs and colors, and fit with various different water bottle brands–from A to Z… or Owala to Stanley. Solly and Rue has also been featured in People, Food and Wine, Travel + Leisure, and many other places!
Inspired By Love: Solly and Rue’s founder shared what inspired her to start the company, “I created products off my own personal needs. With managing an autoimmune condition, I always struggled carrying a water bottle, because it was just so heavy and I was weak– especially after infusion treatments. I can definitely relate with people battling with cancer and the daily struggle. Any product that could bring comfort would be just heaven sent. Given my own struggle, I strongly disliked carrying anything in my hands. But hydration is super important and needed. Thus, this pain is what led me to develop water bottle bags- to help others who may be struggling with the same thing.”
Crew Review: I had just been at the hospital, trying to get the wall to hold my coffee cup because my hand was shaking so badly, and behold when I got home and read Rufina’s pitch, it couldn’t have been more perfect timing. This bag is exactly what anyone battling daily struggles—like cancer or chronic illness—needs: practical, soft, and hands-free.
The pack comes in four colors—I received basic black, but tan and white are perfect for summer, and navy blue works when you want to coordinate with a hiking outfit. Unlike my usual pajama-and-t-shirt combo (cancer stripes, anyone?), this bag actually makes you feel like you can step out in style.
The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was how soft it was, yet strong at the same time—kind of like me in the middle of treatment. The main compartment has plenty of room for a large water bottle or reusable coffee cup, there’s a zippered section for a few credit cards, and space for tissues or a snack bar. Unlike other crossover packs I’ve tried, this one doesn’t compromise on comfort or functionality. The strap is wide and soft, so it doesn’t dig into your shoulder or chest—anything soft makes someone with cancer happy.
What makes me happiest are the little touches: the thank-you notes and encouraging messages from founders like Rufina and their teams. Many products in our guides are inspired by real-life struggles like cancer or chronic conditions, and reading their “inspired by” stories plus our reviews feels like reading a book full of resilience, connection, and creativity. This bag isn’t just practical—it’s a small daily comfort that reminds you someone cares. — Siobhan
Gifts that Ripple Outward: Solly and Rue believe small choices matter. Their water bottle bags encourage reusable water bottles on the go by helping cut down on single-use plastic while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Retail Price: The water bottle slings retail for $39.99
Where to Find Them: You can find Solly and Rue’s shop on AMAZON
Why We Love it: Convenient, accessible, hands-free, and stylish.
Some of us speak with our words. Some with our eyes. But may we suggest speaking with your jewelry? ZAM jewelry offers modern demi-fine accessories created to boost confidence, resilience, and self-worth—many designed with words of self-love and empowerment. From words of affirmation such as “Powerful,” “I Love Me,” and “Strong” to unapologetic declarations like “No” “Shut Up” and “I Don’t Care” there are words to fit everyone’s needs. Our personal favorite are the UNSTOPPABLE Angel Wing Earrings shown above. And each order comes with a complimentary polishing cloth and jewelry care guide, so whatever signal you are trying to send will go through clear as a bell!
Inspired By Love: In terms of a personal connection to cancer, sadly one of my good friends is currently suffering from a cancerous brain tumor. I visited her yesterday, and her condition has been on my mind. I also had another friend pass away from it back in 2017 whom I worked with on several projects. —Esi “Magic” Mensah (Founder/Owner)
Crew Review: I got my angel wings on earth with these earrings. The Unstoppable Angel Wing Earrings are delicate and lovely, with just enough sparkle to catch your lover’s eye—yet strong enough that they don’t need to shout to be noticed. Wearing them makes me feel like I can hold my own, shine softly, and still radiate strength. That balance is exactly what ZAM Jewelry does so well.
John has already booked a dinner date—well, once I can actually enjoy a perfectly seasoned steak with all the trimmings and sip on a spicy Malbec. Cancer has taken a few things from me lately—poached eggs are officially out as of today, and yes, that hurts—but these earrings remind me that even when life shifts your favorites, you can still feel beautiful, celebrated, and a little bit magical.
Now onto the Dream Ring. This ring is DREAM, carved in silver or gold, slipped onto your finger as a daily reminder to keep dreaming, no matter the diagnosis, the trauma, or the curveballs life throws your way. The letters are intentionally spaced, leaving room to visualize your dreams and slowly fill them in with real people, real places, and real outcomes.
Every day you wake up is another day to work toward a dream. To live your version of the American Dream, or a quieter personal dreamscape—or, if we’re being honest, to daydream about a dreamsicle, I mean, creamsicle, because snacks matter too. The Dream Ring doesn’t just sit on your finger. It becomes a small talisman for hope, manifestation, and the quiet, unstoppable act of believing in yourself—even on the hard days.
This may not have been the dream I originally imagined. I didn’t set out to build a cancer community or create gift guides rooted in care, connection, and generosity. But I can see now that this is God’s will for me.
Because the truth is, I’m really good at this.
I’m good at holding space. I’m good at telling stories that matter. I’m good at connecting people and purpose in ways that lift others when they need it most. And every day I choose to keep going, this dream takes shape—one conversation, one gift, one moment of care at a time.
Sometimes jewelry speaks louder than words. And sometimes, it reminds you exactly who you are becoming. —Siobhan
Who this is for: Anyone who wants jewelry that speaks louder than words, reminds you to dream boldly, and lets you sparkle in your own quiet, unstoppable way. Bonus points if you love a little humor tucked into your sparkle.
Gifts that Ripple Outward: Use this link to support Cancer Bites projects and gift bag campaigns. A portion of your purchase finds its way to Cancer Bites. Click here to learn more.
Retail Price: ZAM Jewelry products retail from $40-$235.
Where to Find Them: You can find Zam Jewelry’s products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Women-founded, bold, and self-affirming.
The Calmily Perfectly Weighted Pillow is a thoughtfully designed support pillow created to provide gentle pressure, grounding, and comfort when the body needs extra care. Its unique shape offers versatile support for the neck, back, arms, and torso, making it ideal for rest, recovery, and everyday use. Handcrafted in New York by an inclusive workforce, Calmily blends intentional design with compassionate production, creating a comfort essential that feels as good ethically as it does physically.
Inspired By Love: Calmily was created from a deeply human need for comfort, grounding, and nervous-system support. Designed by a woman founder who understood that calm isn’t a luxury but a necessity, the pillow was shaped to offer reassurance without overwhelm—support that feels intuitive, steady, and safe when the body and mind need it most.
Crew Review: Cancer treatments, pain, and recovery can leave your body feeling unfamiliar and tender, and in those moments, small comforts that truly help matter more than anything. Enter the Calmily Perfectly Weighted Pillow, a quiet, grounding, thoughtfully designed support that quickly became part of my daily routine.
I use it to prop my neck and relieve pressure on my lower back, where protruding discs have been causing significant pain. These discs sit close to the area where my spinal tumor has been shrinking, making the nerves especially sensitive. Despite pain medication and muscle relaxers, some days I needed something simpler and more intuitive. Calmily has been exactly that, offering gentle, steady support whether I’m resting or simply sitting and breathing through the day.
One unexpected bonus is the longer arm extension, which doubles as a comfortable arm rest. I often type one-handed while my other arm relaxes on the pillow, my neck fully supported, which has made everyday tasks noticeably easier.
A quick note for first-time users: the pillowcase felt a bit itchy at first, but that was entirely on me for not washing it before use. Lesson learned. After washing, it became soft and cozy. The pillow’s unique candy-cane-like shape also sparked my imagination. I can picture seasonal covers with candy stripes for the holidays, hearts for Valentine’s Day, green spirals for Growing to Give, or autumn leaves in the fall. If you sew, the creative possibilities are endless, and who knows, maybe Libby will surprise us with some crafty covers of her own.
The Calmily pillow is more than comfort. It’s practical, soothing, and intentionally made, handcrafted by an inclusive workforce in New York with care in every stitch. It’s never loud or demanding. It’s simply there, quietly softening the edges on days when bodies, hearts, and nervous systems need it most. -Siobhan
Who it’s for: Anyone needing gentle, steady support—patients, survivors, caregivers—or anyone who could use a little grounding
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Calmily’s impact extends well beyond the person using it. Each pillow is sewn in New York by neurodivergent and I/DD artisans, supporting inclusive employment and meaningful work. It’s a gift that delivers comfort twice—once to the body that holds it, and again to the community that brings it to life.
Retail Price: $220
Where to Find Them: You can find products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Woman invented, security and comfort in a hug, sewn in America by neurodivergent and I/DD artisans, a cancer patient must have
There’s just something about the ritual of drinking tea that causes you to slow down. From heating the water, to steeping, and sitting and sipping– tea time can feel like a sacred moment to take a breath and relax. This next brand, Happy Rosy Day Tea, invites you to do exactly that.
Happy Rosy Day Tea is a woman-founded gourmet tea company hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area. They feature a wide variety of tea blends– from comforting, spicy chai, to calming camomile blends– there's a tea offering for everybody. The founder also wrote a book called Daily Habits of Tea and Joy, where she guides readers through how to build habits for a more joyful life. You can even sign up for Teatimely Notes where you are sent “science-backed rituals to feel calmer, happier, and more present, delivered straight to your inbox.” Everything about this company invites you to take a moment to slow down, and give yourself the relaxation you deserve. Happy Rosy Day Tea has also been featured in Huff Post, Reader’s Digest, and more!
Inspired By Love: The Founder of Happy Rosy Day Tea wrote about what inspired her to start the company on their website: “I have a passion for tea and a love for spreading joy. Happily, the two often go hand in hand, and for this, I am grateful. Long ago and not far away, I grew up in a Fijian household where I had the pleasure of tasting tea at the age of two and enjoying teatime with loved ones at seven. Ever since then, tea has been an integral part of my family’s day.
As an author and a life coach, I’m on a mission to help you cultivate joy through the power of small, intentional habits. My philosophy is simple: true transformation doesn’t require big changes, but small, mindful steps.Through my book, Daily Habits of Tea and Joy, I show you how to weave moments of mindfulness, gratitude, and love into your everyday routine, cup of tea in hand.
Happily, my betrothed, a lifelong tea lover, always supported my dream. Wedding bells rang. Teatime became a daily celebration of little things that brought us joy: uplifting tea, a favorite cup, and a chance to slow down and embrace the present moment, together. We travelled far and wide in pursuit of afternoon tea adventures. We found a deeper purpose – to inspire people the world over to create time for joy with tea, love, and gratitude.”
Crew Review: I’m someone who drinks tea for more than taste. I drink it for memory, for grounding, for the way a good cup can make time behave differently.
Happy Rosy Day’s Earl Grey loose leaf tea immediately pulled me into that space. The aroma alone did it. Bright, soft citrus layered over a smooth black tea base, not sharp or perfumey, but rounded and comforting. It reminded me of the creamy Earl Grey I used to sip with my mum at our favorite tea house, sitting across from each other with a tiered stand of scones and small treats between us. Slow afternoons. Easy conversation. A kind of togetherness I miss.
This tea asks you to slow down. Being loose leaf matters here. The ritual of measuring, steeping, waiting. It’s not something you gulp. It’s something you sit with. The cup feels elegant but familiar, like a tradition you’re happy to return to.
There’s a softness to this Earl Grey that makes it feel less like a pick-me-up and more like a pause. The kind of tea you reach for when you want comfort without heaviness, presence without noise.
Some teas warm your hands. This one warmed a memory. —Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Happy Rosy Day Tea donates some of its proceeds from each purchase to provide clean drinking water for those in need.
Retail Price: The tea blends retail for $18 and the book retails for $16. You can get a gift set with both for $34-$44. You can subscribe to get 10% off your first order.
Where to Find Them:You can find Happy Rosy Day Tea on their WEBSITE
Why We Love It: Gourmet, flavorful blends, calming, and inspirational.
Sometimes your body needs a little extra boost to help it do its job–especially when you’ve been overworked and stressed-out. This brand is there to offer that extra oomph to help you get through your day of work or night’s sleep as pain-free as possible. Peace Love Hormones is a woman- founded company by board-certified clinical herbalist Maddie Miles-Manley. Their tinctures are hand-made from Austin, TX and feature clinical-grade herbal tinctures for sleep, digestion, detoxification, and hormone balance.
The tinctures offer a natural solution to problems like pain, insomnia, bloating, menstrual cramps, anxiety, acid reflux, and more. All of their products are 100% organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, potency, heavy metals, and contaminants. Peace Love Hormones reports that most women feel an improvement within 7-14 days of starting!
Inspired By Love: Peace Love Hormones’ founder shared how she was inspired to start the company on their website: “My journey began like so many others—curled up in pain, wondering if this was really just "part of being a woman." After years of dismissive doctors and band-aid solutions, I knew there had to be another way.
That search led me deep into clinical herbalism, where I discovered what generations of women have always known: plants understand our bodies in ways modern medicine often misses. Today, Peace Love Hormones bridges ancient wisdom with clinical excellence. Every tincture we create honors both the intelligence of herbs and the science of healing. Because you deserve to feel vibrant, balanced, and deeply supported—not just "normal." Your body knows how to heal. We're simply here to help it remember.”
Crew Review: Overall, my period went from 7 days to 3 days and my mood right before was not all over the place.
I’m not sexually active so not sure if there was any impact there! Overall, I think with continued use I will see good changes. My sleep is starting to get better but not sure if that is my own exhaustion or the drops! It was a great experience trying something new and will use the product until it’s done. - Janice G. .
Gifts That Ripple Outward: When women feel more balanced, rested, and supported in their bodies, that calm naturally extends to the people around them—shaping healthier, steadier, and more connected families.
Retail Price: Peace Love Hormones tinctures retail for $37 each. You can bundle and save money for a retail price of $129. You can also subscribe and save.
Where to Find Them:You can find Peace Love Hormones on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Organic, natural, healing, and woman-owned
Everyone has a morning self-care ritual that helps them wake up and feel prepared to face the day. Maybe it’s a morning shower, a makeup routine, or a quiet moment brewing coffee or tea. For many people, a morning skincare routine is a must-do in order to radiate the inner glow that resides within you. After all, moisturized skin is confident skin. IN YOUR FACE SKIN CARE is a company that helps you put your best face forward (literally)--ready and excited to take on the day.
In Your Face is a woman-founded skincare company that features natural, high-quality ingredients to ensure your skin gets the pampering it deserves. Their signature moisturizer is designed for dry, sensitive, and mature skin and made with a slow-brewed Bio-Tea Ferment™, peptides, CoQ10, and marine algae. In Your Face has had many reviewers who are cancer patients who loved how the moisturizer helped them feel much more hydrated and comfortable in their own skin. Of course, their products are also free from phthalates, alcohol, dyes, artificial fragrances, toxins, and all the other things that you wouldn’t want in your body. In You Face believes that everyone deserves skin that feels healthy and comfortable– so that you are ready to face whatever comes your way.
Inspired By Love: The founder shared what inspired her to start the company: "At 53, I was beginning an entirely new chapter as a skincare founder, inspired by four generations of Italian women. What I never expected was the added weight of a cancer diagnosis for my queen, my best friend—my vibrant 73-year-old mother.
A rare cancer came on quickly, and the one thing she asked of her only child was time: watching old movies together and sharing simple skincare rituals. Those natural botanicals became an escape from fear and sadness, a quiet return to love—a daughter gently “mothering” her momma.
Today, as a skincare founder, I receive weekly emails from cancer survivors sharing how these products continue to soothe and help restore the look of traumatized skin now that they are in remission. While my mother’s journey was brief, the daily acts of self-care we shared in her final months gave us both dignity, connection, and the joy of a life beautifully lived.”
Crew Review: IN YOUR FACE SKINCARE is as luxuriating as it is efficacious. The product is extremely moisturizing while also brightening and I've been loving having both the eye cream and moisturizer in my nightly skincare regimen. It even has a light, clean scent that I love! - Kayla Sadowsky, Breast Cancer Survivor, Age 30
Watch Kayla on our Cancer Bites Podcast
Gifts That Ripple Outward:When skincare restores comfort and confidence, it changes how someone shows up in the world. IN YOUR FACE SKINCARE supports moments of calm, self-respect, and dignity—especially during illness and recovery—rippling outward into stronger self-esteem, deeper connection, and the courage to face each day with softness and strength.
Retail Price: The Cream retails for $129 and the Caffeine Lift Eye Cream retails for $95. You can get the duo for $199.80. In Your Face generously provided our Cancer Bites community with a special discount! You can use the code CANCERBITES15 which gives you 15% off the entire store!! You can also use this link to apply the discount automatically.
Where to Find Them: You can find IN YOUR FACE SKINCARE products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Natural, effective, women-owned, and powerful ingredients.
Skin needing a little love during the Valentine season? There’s nothing steamier than keeping care of your skin—especially using Bel Essence’s natural and science-backed products. Have a comfy, cozy night with their lotions and balms. Have a spa day with their face serums and face creams. They offer products for men and women that address a range of needs: dry or damaged skin, aging skin, oily skin, and even sore muscles and joints. Their botanical oil infusions add just a little bit of spark that will add fun to any day of the week.
For those suffering with muscle and joint pain, we specifically recommend their Muscle and Joint Balm containing oils with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Massage it into problem areas for a night of relief and relaxation.
Inspired By Love: “My mom was first diagnosed around 2002-2003. I think her cancer was caused by the hormone replacement therapy she took after menopause. She went through treatment and was declared cancer free a couple of years later. She took tamoxifen, but this was back when they only allowed you to be on it for 5 years, so after 5 years she was switched to another drug and the cancer came back. She actually didn't want to go through all the treatment again because it was so horrible, so the cancer spread. She did change her mind and started treatment again, but it was too late and she died in 2009. She was 72.
“I wasn't living nearby, so she didn't tell me about the cancer returning until it was beyond the point of no return. I still have such regret that I didn't visit more often so I would have known and been there for her more. I have friends who have been diagnosed with cancer since then and they don't want to tell people close to them because they don't want to cause them pain, but the pain of regret and self-blame for not knowing and not being there is far worse.
“In the years since she has been gone, there has been so much progress with treatments and changes to surgery protocols - it's encouraging. If my mom were diagnosed and treated today, she probably would have had an easier time and a better outcome.”—Deb Pokallus (Creator/Owner)
Crew Review: Let’s talk about the men’s Muscle and Joint Balm, because John is officially a convert. The baton-shaped container with its easy pump-action nozzle is a standout detail. No fumbling with twist tops or messy squeeze tubes, which makes daily use effortless, especially for sore hands or post-work muscles. He’s been using it consistently, and that alone says a lot.
From my point of view, there’s another layer. When I lean in for my daily healing hug from him, the scent stops me in my tracks. It’s warm, grounded, and subtly intoxicating in a way that feels familiar, almost nostalgic. It takes me back to the early days of our romance, when there was just a hint of wildness in his natural scent, something magnetic and unmistakably him.
The balm absorbs beautifully, delivers real relief, and leaves behind a fragrance that feels intimate rather than overpowering. It’s practical, yes, but also unexpectedly romantic. A reminder that care, comfort, and attraction can coexist in the same small daily ritual. -Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Bel Essence offers a Give 10 Get 10 program allowing customers to get 10% off their order, and then Bel Essence donates the amount of 10% of your order to the charity of your choice. See their webpage for details.
Retail Price: Bel Essence products typically retail between $15-40. The Muscle and Joint Balm retails for $24.
Where to Find Them:You can find Belessence's products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Affordable, natural and organic, cruelty-free certified, paraben and sulfate free, and sustainability-focused.
As huge proponents of deep and restful sleep, we are super excited to share this next product with readers. AcousticSheep’s SleepPhones was originally developed by Dr. Wei-Shin Lai to help her get back to sleep after late-night patient phone calls. It is a comfortable, soft headband with built-in speakers to listen to music, audiobooks, TV, or whatever helps you unwind. The best part is that they can be used in ways that won’t disturb your partners or whoever you’re in a space with. Nothing whispers I loved you like being able to sleep or relax without distraction! They come in a variety of fun colors and sizes, and their other product line, RunPhones, helps you workout without the fear of earbud slippage!
Inspired By Love: Founder of AcousticSheep Dr. Wei-Shin Lai struggled to get back to sleep after patient calls, and so created SleepPhones to come to the rescue. She needed to listen to meditative music to help her relax but wanted to avoid disrupting her husband. All headphones on the market were bulky and ear buds were uncomfortable. With the help of her husband, Jason Wolfe, they made SleepPhones and from there, offered them to patients taking sleeping pills. She hopes that her headphones will help others who struggle to sleep, whether it's because of frenzied thoughts and stress, pain, or a snoring partner..
Crew Review: As an avid runner, it takes a lot for me to introduce a new item into my regimen, but this headphone/headband combo is a godsend for those long run days. I love that it keeps my ears cool in these freezing temps while also letting me jam out to my running playlist in a less cumbersome way than I was previously. Gamechanger! -Kayle
Gifts That Ripple Outward: There is nothing like the gift of sleep. Through this product, many have been able to acquire a higher quality of sleep and even go off sleeping pills.
Retail Price: SleepPhones and RunPhones Classic (corded) retails for $39.95. SleepPhones and RunPhones Wireless retails for $99.95. SleepPhones Effortless retails for $149.95.
Where to Find Them: Find AcousticSheep products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Sleep aid, comfortable, washable, and hypoallergenic.
One of the most widely-reported discomforts by cancer patients has been dry, sensitive, itchy skin. Especially in the harsh, dry months of winter weather, dry skin can feel like a persistent annoyance–no matter how much lotion you lather onto your cracked hands. Violet Botanical Skincare is a woman- founded brand that recognizes that dry skin is more than just a discomfort–it can affect your confidence too.
Violet Botanical Skincare offers organic, plant-based ingredients that provide premium hydration without the greasy after-feel. Their Eczema Butter is made with Nilotica shea butter and supportive botanical oils that helps aid with softness and calms sensitive skin. Of course they are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, or other unnecessary additives. Treat yourself or a loved one to hydrated, healthy skin and renewed confidence and comfort.
Inspired By Love: The founder of Violet Botanical Skincare shared what inspired her to start the company on their website: “The story of Violet Botanical Skincare is deeply personal—a mission rooted in the love of my family and determination.As a wife and mother, I was desperate to find gentle relief for my husband and son's dry skin due to eczema. I refused to accept steroid creams as the only answer.
I thought back to the wisdom of my grandmother and the generations of African traditions she embodied. She always had a remedy for every ailment—a potion, a salve, a concoction she whipped up with ingredients from the earth. Her ‘old wives' remedies’ were legendary in our family, though we never knew exactly what they were called.
Inspired by her example, I embarked on a mission to create natural, effective solutions that would truly moisturize and soothe my family’s skin.
In 2014, I created my first batch of body butter right in my kitchen, using Shea butter, nutrient-rich oils, and essential oils—pure, natural ingredients I could trust. And so, Violet Botanical Skincare was born—a labor of love, inspired by my family and driven by a desire to offer natural, effective solutions to others. Every product is crafted with the same care and dedication that I put into that first batch, using only the finest organic and wild-harvested African botanical ingredients. Because for me, this isn’t just business—it’s personal.”
Crew Review: Cancer treatments can leave your skin dry, tight, and hypersensitive, and finding something that actually helps without feeling harsh or irritating can be a challenge. Enter Violet Botanical Skincare’s Eczema Body Wash—a rich, plant-based wash designed to gently cleanse while supporting very dry, reactive skin.
I used it in the shower, and it left my skin instantly moisturized and soft, without the heavy, sticky feeling that many washes or soaps can leave behind. Ingredients like Nilotica shea butter and supportive botanical oils help keep skin comfortable and hydrated, making long treatment days and sleepless nights just a little easier.
This is a gift that doesn’t announce itself—it quietly supports, providing practical comfort for patients, survivors, or caregivers. The simple, calm design makes it an ideal addition to a care package, and the small-batch, intentionally made nature of the brand reflects the love and thought behind every bottle. —Siobhan
Who it’s for: Anyone dealing with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin—or anyone who appreciates gentle, plant-based body care when comfort is the priority.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: When skin feels calm and comfortable, confidence follows. Violet Botanical Skincare helps ease daily discomfort, allowing people navigating treatment, recovery, or chronic skin conditions to move through their days with greater ease, dignity, and self-assurance—rippling outward into better rest, improved mood, and a renewed sense of self.
Retail Price: The Body Butters retail for $42. You can also sign up to receive 10% off your first order!
Where to Find Them: You can find Violet Botanical Skincare at their WEBSITE
Why We Love it:Woman-owned, mindful, ultra-hydrating, and plant-based.
It’s uncanny how quickly the taste of a sweet treat can hit the exact right notes to send us back to our childhoods. This next brand mixes just the right amount of nostalgia, whimsy, and tasty-goodness all in one cute package. Sweet Trolley is a company that features premium curated candy jars filled with nostalgic fun, and seasonal treats.
Sometimes the boost of a chocolate or gummy treat is just the right thing needed to lift your spirits to get through the day. For those battling cancer, they know just how important it is to find moments that create joy and whimsy. Sweet Trolley has a wide variety of candies that are customizable and ready to be sent to someone you love to brighten their day.
Inspired By Love: The company’s founder shared with us what inspired him to start Sweet Trolley: “I actually brought Sweet Trolley to life this year while my father was battling cancer. There is a positive side to being able to enjoy and even share something sweet that can make a moment or day a little better during a tough time. I know he enjoyed having something sweet around to suck on, and to offer to the care givers helping him.”
Crew Review: Sweet Trolley creates premium, nostalgic candy jars that are perfectly gift-ready and guaranteed to spark a little joy—especially when life feels heavy. I picked one up for my caregiver, John, and I won’t lie: he plowed through it in a week of snacking, and I confess, I snuck a few too. When you’re in a lot of pain, sweets somehow calm you—it’s funny, but true. No judgment on the sugar, ladies.
If you have a media room, a cozy spot for movie nights, or just need a little comfort pick-me-up, these refillable jars are perfect. Ours even came with a Cancer Bites label, which made it feel extra special.
John, a 24-year cancer survivor, lived on jelly beans and gummies throughout his treatment. Like me, he had little appetite, and sweets helped carry him through the roughest days. That’s exactly why Sweet Trolley is such a thoughtful gift—not just for patients, but for caregivers, friends, or anyone who could use a little nostalgic comfort and cheer.- Siobhan
Why it works:
Premium, curated candy that feels special
Nostalgic and fun treats for a comforting indulgence
Custom labels make it perfect for gifting
Whether for a loved one, a caregiver, or even yourself (no judgment here), these jars are a sweet way to add a little joy during challenging times. - Siobhan and John
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Sweet Trolley delivers more than candy—it delivers moments of lightness. A shared jar becomes an invitation to smile, connect, and remember easier days, rippling outward into laughter, comfort, and small pockets of joy for patients, caregivers, and everyone gathered around it.
Retail Price: Sweet Trolley offers a variety of options to customize. A custom jar retails for $45, a candy gram retails for $20-$30, and a candy salad retails for $20-$30.
Where to Find Them: You can find Sweet Trolley on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Customizable, delicious, mood-boosting, and nostalgic.
Not all love is bright and flashy, sometimes it is the simple matter of being there, to support when times are tough. EaZyHold products are for precisely those times. Their simple, silicone universal cuff helps people use everyday items---essential for cancer patients experiencing treatment-related hand weakness, neuropathy, or fatigue. It’s made from 100% medical-grade, non-toxic silicone and used in over 20,0000 hospitals, care facilities, and schools worldwide. EaZyHold silicone cuffs are offered in a large variety of sizes and colors, and designed for all ages. With this gentle support, individuals can gain independence, confidence, and participate in all the activities they enjoy.
Inspired By Love: “One day, while preparing the barn for a family get-together, I struggled to hold a broom due to sore thumbs. I grabbed some duct tape, made a loop over the broom handle, and slipped my hand in. The support over the back of my hand provided pain-free, grip-free ease of use. As I swept, I thought about all the other boomers who want to stay active despite similar challenges.”—Kerry Mellin (Inventor/Owner)
From there, she did some research and discovered the gap in assistive grip technology. None of it was comfortable, sanitary, or adaptable. She was inspired and made it her mission to create products that benefited communities of the elderly, disabled, and special needs.
Crew Review: My hands have been letting things slip lately. Part cancer treatment side effects, part weakness, part always clumsy. I used EaZy Hold in the trowel when I was planting peppers in our Root Tube container. It helped steady the tool and gave me some controlled strength to dig into the soil allowing me to feel like I was able to do something that I used to do without thinking about gripping the gardening tool. —Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: The product has been used internationally in hospitals and special needs communities. Not only does this give individuals independence but it creates less stress on those around them, uplifting spirits and supporting relationships.
Retail Price: EaZyHold Products range from $15-80 depending upon the product and whether purchasing sets or singles.
Where to Find Them: Find EaZyHold products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Woman-designed and owned, supports independence, sanitary, adjustable, and easy-to-use.
We’ve all received the little paper Valentine’s cards with suckers and tootsie rolls taped to the back, but have you ever received a personalized puzzle? With Letters By Heart, you can do just that, and customize it with photos and messages. Might we humbly suggest: “Are you a missing puzzle piece? Because I feel like I've been searching for you my whole life.” Corny flirting aside, you can create these puzzles digitally or order a physical set. And if you are wanting something a little more low key, you can create digital letters to send to your special someone as well!
Inspired By Love: Letters By Hearts mission is to encourage heartfelt and personal communication between loved ones. In a world of instant messaging, it can be easy to forget to put time and effort in what you say to other people. They strive to make love letters a thing of the present rather than a thing of the past.
“Then my mom was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Watching her turn to natural healing deepened my commitment even more. I saw firsthand how much what we put on our skin affects the whole body—and how stress, skin, and sleep are all deeply connected.”
Crew Review: For me, the puzzle was the gift. A unique, meaningful way to tell the man I love that he truly means the world to me. Valentine’s Day landed differently this year after my cancer diagnosis. Whether I have five years ahead or twenty-five, it’s been a wake-up call for both of us—to acknowledge our love, deepen it daily with gratitude, protect it, and celebrate it while we can.
This puzzle became more than a gesture. It was a moment of intention, a pause to say what matters most. In a season where nothing feels guaranteed, choosing to express love in a tangible, thoughtful way felt grounding and deeply personal.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: WIth each strong relationship, their love ripples out to those around them—their kids, their coworkers, even their cashier at the grocery checkout. With Letters By Hearts services, they hope to create an impact that lasts a lifetime and that love shared reaches the hearts of others exponentially.
Retail Price: Letters by Heart offer free digital options for letters and puzzles. Physical puzzles retail prices vary.
Where to Find Them: Make a digital love letter or puzzle at their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Thoughtful, custom-made, and digital and physical option.
Sometimes staying hydrated can be an uphill battle. From being constantly on the go, to substituting coffee for water (we’ve all been there), or simply forgetting your water bottle at home, it can be easy to let yourself get dehydrated. Vitamin 1 is a company that doesn’t judge–they’re just there to give you the extra boost you need to succeed.
Vitamin 1 features natural spring water with hydration-boosting properties like electrolytes and six different essential vitamins. All their flavors are completely sugar free, only include 20 mg of sodium, and are also only 10 calories per bottle! They have a variety of different flavors and don’t use any artificial colors or preservatives, making it a natural, healthy choice for hydration assistance. Whether you drink it on the field or just to help you get through the work day, Vitamin 1 is a great option to help you stay hydrated all day long.
Inspired By Love: Vitamin 1 was created from a deep belief that taking care of your body is an act of respect and love. Founder Michael Taylor’s Green Beret background taught him the importance of preparation, endurance, and supporting the people beside you—but Vitamin 1 isn’t about grit or grind. It’s about making something better, easier, and more nourishing for everyday life.
After years spent in high-intensity environments, Taylor recognized how often hydration is overlooked, even though it’s foundational to feeling well. Vitamin 1 was born from the desire to offer clean, uncomplicated hydration—something that quietly supports people as they move through busy days, recovery seasons, and moments when energy feels scarce. No judgment. Just support in a bottle.
Crew Review: Not all waters are created equal, and Vitamin 1 makes that clear from the first sip. This line offers four genuinely delicious flavors with zero sugar, zero artificial flavors, zero caffeine, plus six B vitamins and electrolytes to help keep us hydrated. For those navigating cancer, the zero-sugar piece alone matters more than most people realize.
I cracked one open after letting it chill in the fridge and… wow. Peach. Real peach. I’ve worked in an orchard in a past life where “free peaches” were a job perk, so I know the difference. This wasn’t candy-peach or perfume-peach. This was biting into a freshly picked peach straight off the tree, juice running, sun still warm.
My taste buds didn’t tiptoe. They celebrated.
Peach is officially my all-time favorite, and yes, I will be keeping these stocked. —Siobhan
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Hydration is one of the simplest ways to care for yourself—and when people feel better, that care naturally spreads. A well-hydrated body supports clearer thinking, steadier moods, and more energy for the people who rely on you. For patients, caregivers, parents, and professionals alike, small daily habits like choosing cleaner hydration can create a ripple of calm and resilience.
One bottle becomes better focus, gentler days, and more presence. And that kind of support doesn’t stop with you—it flows outward into families, workplaces, and communities
Retail Price: A single flavor or variety pack of 12 retails for $29.88.
Where to Find Them: You can find Vitamin 1 on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Natural, no sugar, real flavor, and hydration-boosting.
If you’re like me, you’re often underwhelmed at the organic, healthier food offerings at the local grocery store. When searching for organic options, too often the section is hard to find and limited to just a small corner, shoved at the end of a random food aisle. Thankfully, this next company takes the hide-and-seek element out of shopping for healthier food options.
Wildly Organic supplies a wide variety of different organic and nutritious food offerings that make grocery shopping a little bit easier–and much more convenient. As much as possible, all of their offerings are USDA certified-organic, raw, Vegan, gluten, and diet friendly, Kosher, Non-GMO, and minimally processed to provide the highest quality food for their customers. All of their food is also Fair Trade Certified & Sustainably-Sourced, so you have peace of mind that you’re shopping from an ethical source. Take the guess-work out of shopping organic, and let Wildly Organic lend a helping hand.
Inspired By: Wildly Organic shared their story on their website: “What we put in our bodies shouldn’t be a leap of faith. We believe living a healthy life means eating high-quality and safe organic ingredients, knowing where it comes from and exactly how it’s made.
That philosophy has guided our company from the beginning. Our founders -- who originally named our company Wilderness Family Naturals -- moved their family to the pristine wilderness of northern Minnesota in search of a better life. They studied organic food and nutrition. They built relationships with growers and suppliers who shared their values. With little more than a cell phone, an internet connection, a small production room, and a passionate belief in their cause, their solar-powered home in the North Woods became an independent source for the highest-quality organic and natural foods -- building blocks for a healthy life.
We’ve been helping people eat for themselves ever since. We built a company we would be proud to support. Decades later, people around the world have made us part of their health journey. And we still believe in the power of organic and natural food: to sustain our health, to give us joy, and to nourish our families and communities.”
Crew Review: What I love about Wildly Organic is that they get it. When you get cancer, everyone tells you to “eat healthier.” Okay, like I wasn’t before—hormonal cancers like breast cancer aren’t your fault. But somehow, some people still act like they know better. Wildly Organic? They actually do know how to make healthy snacks taste amazing.
I received the Raw/Unsalted Mixed Nuts and Unsweetened Coconut Chips, and the first day they arrived, John looked at the package and said, “Where’s the salt?” Oops—let’s hope he doesn’t actually read what he’s posting to our website. I may or may not be hiding the packages for now. Purely for quality control purposes, of course..
Some days, eating has been a challenge. Poached eggs? Fried eggs? Pass. Appetite low? Check. Losing Weight From Loss of appetite? Not anymore thanks to Wildly Organic. But these snacks? Game changer. I added the nuts and coconut chips to a bowl of sliced green apple and a few pieces of Swiss cheese, and suddenly I had a satisfying, nourishing meal that actually felt like a treat.
Today, before writing this review, I topped my yogurt and berries with the raw nuts and coconut chips. Honestly? These organic snacks are so, so good. The flavors are pure, the textures are perfect, and they give you healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in every bite—even copper - I will let you research that one - exactly what your body needs to maintain strength and support immune function during cancer treatment.
Why I love them:
No added sugar keeps blood glucose stable
Nuts like walnuts provide polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants
Coconut chips and cacao nibs( need to get some) give energy, fiber, and a nutrient boost without overdoing it
Perfect for tossing into yogurt, fruit, or trail mixes—or just eating straight from the bag
I cannot wait to order more. These snacks aren’t just “good for you”—they’re actually delicious, satisfying, and exactly what someone going through treatment or recovery needs. —Siobhan
Gifts That Give Back: Wildly Organic’s philosophy is to give back. “Our customers invite us into their homes to feed their families and friends. We take that responsibility seriously. While some companies place profit above the well-being of people, suppliers, communities, and our environment, we strive in all we do to improve people's lives and leave the world healthier than we found it.”
Retail Price: Wildly Organic features a wide variety of products on their website. The Cacao Nibs retail for $18.99, the Mixed Nuts retail for $13.99, and the Coconut Chips retail for $8.59.
Where to Find Them: You can find Wildly Organic at their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Organic, sustainably-sourced, convenient, and delicious.
When it comes to gifts or care packages for cancer patients, sometimes the gift giver (though well-meaning) may be uninformed on items to give, or accidentally give items that do more harm than good. Rock the Treatment, another woman-founded company, takes the guess-work out of gift giving and makes it easier to provide items that are both practical and comforting for those who need it most.
Rock the Treatment provides gift care packages that have thoughtfully curated, and meaningful items that are crafted for different needs. Their care baskets include Chemo Baskets, Radiation Baskets, Mastectomy Baskets, and more–full of items that provide comfort and relief for cancer patients. The Women’s Chemo Care Package includes skincare items that feature products with natural, soothing ingredients for sensitive skin. It also includes Queasy Pops for nausea, dry mouth lozenges, and cozy socks for chilly infusion rooms. All of their packaging is vibrant and uplifting but also subtle–with no mention of the word “cancer” anywhere on the package to preserve privacy and dignity. Rock the Treatment is there to help make the process easier to provide comfort and joy to those you love.
Inspired By Love: The founder of Rock the Treatment shared what inspired her to start the company: “I created Rock the Treatment to help cancer patients feel supported, comforted, and less alone during treatment and to help friends and family on what they can send that genuinely helps without adding to the challenges of treatment. Every item was chosen with intention, with comfort and care in mind. I hope you love it as much as we loved putting it together and that it brings a little light and calm into your life. Thank you for checking us out and for supporting small, heart-led brands like ours.”
Crew Review: The Rock the Treatment Large Chemo Gift Package was dropped off at my door, and wow—chock full of amazing things. We’ve now officially added to our plushie collection with the most adorable lavender scented doggie, official name Cutie Pie, there will be no room on our bed soon. We are stocked up on snacks upon snacks, and even found games and coloring books to help pass the time.
It took me a solid eight minutes just to go through this well-thought-out package—and I mean really look at everything. While I was savoring each surprise, John found the Wildly Organic nuts… but he doesn’t yet know that Rock the Treatment included a pack of nuts too. Let’s just say there might be some quality control happening on my end before he discovers that little bonus.
One of my favorite pieces? A purple toque (or beanie, depending on what you call it!) that matches our Cancer Bites purple earrings perfectly. I wore them together at my infusion treatment this week—a little style, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of pride in our cancer community.
LThis gift package isn’t just thoughtful—it’s practical, comforting, and uplifting. It hits every note: cozy, nourishing, and entertaining. Every item feels intentional, as if it were designed to make a day in treatment a little brighter, a little easier, and a lot more loved. —Siobhan
Who this is for: Anyone going through treatment, tough times, mean girls, after first diagnosis,who could use a moment of joy, comfort, and distraction. Seriously, it’s the kind of care package that makes you feel seen, celebrated, and just a little spoiled.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Rock the Treatment believes in giving back and supporting communities that give back. They donate a portion of their proceeds to “various cancer organizations who we believe are working hard to meet the needs of the cancer community and make a difference.” You can view all the organizations they donate to on their website.
Retail Price: The prices vary by size and type. The Women’s Medium Radiation Care Package retails for $119. You can also do a combination of different care packages and individual items. They also include a free gift with most packages!
Where to Find Them: You can find Rock The Treatment on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Thoughtful, practical, made with love, and women-founded.
Ah, memories… They are so lovely, so painful, embarrassing and funny, and so critical to our present moment and to our futures. And they are great ways to show your love! Persnickety makes it easy with a simple app that results in beautiful, high-quality fuji photographic prints delivered to your door in a keepsake box. It’s mainly a subscription program that delivers 30 photos each month, but they also offer acrylic frames, albums, photo journals, and more! Sign up now and start collecting precious memories of loved ones and milestone moments!
Inspired By Love: Owner Charity Pack believes that photos are more than nostalgia but are anchors, proof of life, and are a part of our legacies. In her early adulthood, her younger brother took his own life, and photos were a large part of her healing process. The grief never went away, but when words fail, the photos are what bring her comfort. With the rise of technology, Charity noticed that these tangible forms of memory were disappearing into the cloud and that is how Persnickety Box was born. It is a company built to protect life stories---the good, the bad, the resilience and the strength.
Crew Review: We don’t really keep photos in frames or albums the way we used to. Most of our memories live on our phones, scattered and easy to forget. Persnickety Box gently pulls them back into the real world.
This was a fun Friday evening project, the kind you look forward to instead of postponing. I could have been more organized, but I didn’t need to be. That’s part of what I liked. The idea of albums living together in a box immediately clicked for me. Not one perfect book, but small groupings of moments that belong together.
I started with themed collections: images from our Spiral Community Farms projects and gardens, bee photos, travel memories. I added black-and-white family photos, which felt especially grounding. Seeing them printed, held, and sorted brought a sense of calm I wasn’t expecting. The prints themselves are beautiful. High quality, substantial, and meant to last.
The app makes the process easy, but what stays with you is the experience of slowing down and choosing. This doesn’t feel like memory keeping as a chore. It feels like storytelling in small, manageable chapters. I already know I’ll return to this again and again, creating new mini projects over time. Persnickety Box fits the way we live now, while honoring the memories we don’t want to lose.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: The greatest thing about this gift is that they can be passed down and shared. Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will be able to have a little piece of you and a face to match all the stories they have been told. There is a reason why photo albums have been a precious family tradition and we are so excited by Persnickety’s mission to keep that going!
Retail Price: Persnickety Box’s general subscription retails for $19.99 a month.
Where to Find Them: Find Persnickety Box products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Convenient, memory-collecting, and confidence-boosting.
Anyone totally blanking for plans on February 14th? Never fear because we have a date idea. New Media Film Festival is offering mini bundles full of analog goodies for you and your soul mate to create and be present with together. Each bundle is unique, making it a personal and individual adventure for participants. We suggest a pairing with a fine, home-cooked dinner—who can resist a special dinner?—and a bottle of wine—it is Valentine’s Day after all. And after the night is done, you will have a fun keepsake to remember it by!
Inspired By Love: : New Media Film Festival is in love with stories and story telling, especially those that push boundaries. They are inspired by the human experience and humanity’s passion for feeling and experimenting.
Crew Review: Some gifts aren’t about what’s inside the box. They’re about what happens when you open it together.
The Create Bundle Mini from the New Media Film Festival is a mystery pack designed to spark real-life connection through analog play. We can’t show or spoil the contents. That’s intentional and at the creators’ request. What we can say is that it delivered genuine fun and multiple laugh-out-loud moments, the kind that crack louder than thunder in a storm and linger long after the table is cleared.
At its core, this bundle is also a love letter to independent film. As an associate producer, local casting director, and steward of craft services for award-winning indie film, The Beast of Bottomless Lake, Cancer Bites founder, Siobhan Shaw, knows firsthand how vital independent film production is to storytelling, culture, and community. This bundle reflects that spirit: creative, scrappy, human, and deeply intentional.
Our reviewer, Donna Butler, indie filmmaker and writer for Divine Intervention and Blitches, brought her own discerning eye to the experience. Adding to the celebration, Donna and her crew were invited by New Media Film Festival to enter the festival this year. Bonus joy all around. Congratulations to Donna and her team, and break a leg.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: This is a small gift with a big heartbeat, and a meaningful way to support independent film while making something together in real life.
Retail Price:Affordable at $15. U.S. shipping included, with international shipping available via prepaid label.
Where to Find Them: Find New Media Film Festival on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: A fun, screen-free activity couples or friends can enjoy together. A surprise mix of analog elements that feels personal and playful. Thoughtful, creative, and perfect for anyone craving nostalgia, connection, or hands-on joy.
Have you ever wanted to write a heartfelt letter to your mom, telling her how much you love and appreciate her, but feel like words aren’t quite adequate to express your feelings? It can be a difficult thing to write from the heart and tell someone, especially someone as special as your mom, how much she means to you. I Love You, Mom is designed to help you through that process–just in time for Valentine’s Day.
I Love You, Mom is written by mother-daughter duo Blythe Daniel and Dr. Helen McIntosh. The book is filled with colorful artwork, meaningful inspiration, and a touching tribute to your mom, from you. The book is designed to guide your mom through different fond memories, loving moments, and affirmations that will help show her your appreciation and love. Forget the flowers, and give your mom a gift that she’ll treasure forever (okay maybe, you can send the flowers too).
Inspired By Love: The authors of I Love You, Mom shared what inspired them to write the book, and their other books: “We believe in being honest about where we’ve been in communication with our parents, children, friends, or other relationships. Encouraging life, love, and laughter in your family is our goal! We help moms and dads feel like they can have a good relationship with their sons and daughters and to give and receive appreciation and affirmation. We help families start conversations when they don’t know what to say.”
Blythe also added: “My mom is a survivor of cancer. She had stage 3 lymphoma in 2017 and survived and we wrote together as a way to let moms know that they are strong and can do anything.”
Crew Review: I always love gifts like this. They’re reflective, and designed to help guide your thoughts in a way that is meaningful and personal. The most impactful gifts I’ve given my mom are ones that she knows I put a lot of thought into–and I know she’ll love this one! I especially love that there’s places throughout the book to write your own notes to your mom, and for her to write in as well–so you can add that personal touch that you know she’ll love (and probably cry when she reads it too). This is a perfect gift to show mom how much you love and care–with that personal impact that she’ll always remember. I’m looking forward to giving it to her soon! —Haley
Haley is a writer and editor who resides in the beautiful state of Utah. She has been a volunteer editor and writer for the Cancer Bites team since last year. She graduated with a BA in English and works part time as a Barista and as a freelance copywriter/editor. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her spouse and dog, playing video games, and reading.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: A gift like this doesn’t just sit on a shelf—it creates moments, memories, and conversations that last a lifetime.
Retail Price:I Love You, Mom retails for $19.42 on Amazon.
Where to Find Them: You can find the book on Amazon and at other retailers that sell books, such as Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, BAM!, and Walmart.
Why We Love it: Personal, inspirational, and touching.
We know Valentine’s Day is all about the pink, but how about trying something a little purple to complement everybody’s favorite bright, fun color. All Things Elderberry offers an incredible product line of elderberry products that boost immunity and energy. From elixirs, jams, and balm there are a multitude of ways to add a little purple in your life. For this Valentine’s Day season, we recommend Elderflower Chai Tea—a caffeine-free, organic blend that’s easy on the body—and their DIY Elderberry Brew Kit—a fun way to make your own elderberry syrup! The second would be a great date night idea for those who like to experiment in the kitchen!
Inspired By Love: Rooted in tradition and generations of herbal wisdom, this elderberry brew is inspired by the simple belief that nature often knows best. It honors the time-tested rituals of gathering, brewing, and sharing remedies that were never about trends, but about care, continuity, and showing up for one another.
Crew Review: Elderberry will always taste like home to me. Growing up on a farm, we had a massive wild hedge, and every year I looked forward to elderberry pie. Better than blueberry. Deeper. Richer. A little unexpected. That same feeling came rushing back with this elderberry brew.
There’s something grounding about it. Earthy, familiar, and comforting in a way that feels rooted rather than trendy. It’s the kind of flavor that reminds you that wellness doesn’t always have to be bright or sweet to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s about tradition, memory, and the quiet reassurance of something time-tested.
This felt less like trying something new and more like being gently reminded of something I already loved.— Siobhan
It’s a rare thing to find a gift that feels personal, symbolic, and genuinely enchanting. The Acorns Project does all of that — and more.
Gifts That Ripple Outward: Elderberry has long been associated with immune support and seasonal wellness, making this a gift that extends beyond a single cup. It invites slower moments, shared stories, and small daily rituals that support resilience and comfort, rippling outward into habits that nurture the whole household.
Retail Price: The Elderflower Chai Tea retails for $14 and the Elderberry Syrup DIY Kit retails for $39.99.
Where to Find Them:Find All Things Elderberry products on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Women-owned, made in the USA, organic, vegan, keto-friendly, and diabetic-friendly.
Rebecca, founder of Silver Orange and a previous Cancer Bites Gift Guide participant from our very first guide, reached out with a gesture that perfectly embodies what this community is about. She generously donated 100 beautifully wrapped “I Am Loved” affirmation gem sets for our gift bag campaign, and every single one feels intentional.
Each set includes a soft chiffon-wrapped inspiration card featuring uplifting messages, with a thoughtful mix of Bible verses and more universal words of encouragement, paired with a beautiful affirmation stone. Words like Beautiful. Brave. Loved. It’s the kind of gift that doesn’t demand attention, but quietly offers comfort when it’s needed most.
On a personal note, I’ve played the “I Am” game to help manage the fear and pain that comes with my cancer journey. Sometimes I play it alone. Sometimes I’ve played it out loud with John, repeating the words I need my body and spirit to hear. I am loved has been one of those phrases on repeat for me long before these gems appeared.
So when Rebecca and her “I Am Loved” affirmation gems showed up, it didn’t feel like coincidence. It felt like synchronicity. A reminder arriving exactly when it was meant to. Her generosity and ongoing support of the cancer care community continue to give me hope, not just through words, but through action.
These same chiffon-wrapped inspiration cards and stones are also included when you purchase her essential oil rollers, which I previously reviewed in a reel. It’s a thoughtful detail that turns an already comforting product into a complete little moment of care.
Perfect for slipping into gift bags, care packages, or hospital totes, these affirmation sets are just as meaningful for cancer experiencers as they are for caregivers, friends, or anyone walking through a hard season.
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the simplest ones. This is one of those.
This guide and others that have come before it exist because I have not been carrying it alone.
To our Cancer Bites team, thank you for holding this work with me and helping bring this guide to life for the deadline. For the late nights after full workdays, the edits, the details, and the steady belief that this work matters even when the process is slow.
To our review crew, thank you for your thoughtful reviews, your honesty, and the care you bring to sharing these products through your own lived experiences. You help ensure that what we recommend is not only beautiful, but meaningful and real.
To the brands who went the extra distance to ensure we had products to review and share, thank you for your generosity, flexibility, and care. You met us with understanding, and it means more than you know.
To John, thank you for caring for me, for your brilliant web work and for building spaces that make this community feel seen and supported.
To our editors, Kaylen and Haley, who show up to volunteer after clocking out from their regular jobs and still give their best, thank you for your dedication and heart.
And to Stacey, thank you for your encouragement, for easing pressure when I needed room to breathe, for producing and hosting the podcast, and for working alongside our brand partners to create meaningful collaborations for our cancer community. Your steadiness has been a gift.
This guide, like this season, isn’t about speed or perfection. It’s about tenderness. About care. About love that listens instead of demands.
Thank you for being part of this—and for handling both this work, and me, with such grace.
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Affiliates have to have a special code behind their name and be approved by both Cancer Bites and Bold and Bloom.That code is CB. The commission rate is set at 25% for the Cancer Bites Blooms of Resilience Collection and 10% for the rest of the Bold And Bloom line.