60 Breast Cancer Survivor Gift Ideas That Show You Care

The strength and resilience of survivors and thrivers are worthy of acknowledgement and celebration! Thoughtful and meaningful gifts to celebrate their milestones and show your support can brighten their day, give them hope on their journey, and help them know that they are not alone.

This gift guide provides 60 gift ideas that survivors may find encouraging and comforting. From gifts at all price points to free and DIY ideas, there is something for all the survivors in your life here!

Note: The words “breast cancer survivor” can mean different things to different people. To some, being a survivor means that they are cancer-free after a period of treatment. Others begin to identify as survivors from the moment they learn of their diagnosis and begin their journey. Those living with metastatic disease, in which breast cancer will be a part of their life for the rest of their life, often identify with the term “thriver,” indicating that they intend to thrive despite their diagnosis.

Jump to gift idea categories:

Survivor jewelry
Gift baskets
Personalized & customized gifts
Photo gifts
Creative & DIY gifts
Meaningful gestures and experiences
Gifts that give back
Gifting advice from breast cancer survivors

Jewelry that celebrates strength and survivorship

Breast cancer survivor jewelry gifts are very popular and are greatly appreciated by their wearers. The most popular type of breast cancer jewelry gifts are those that feature the breast cancer ribbon. Instantly recognizable as a symbol of breast cancer awareness and survivorship, the pink ribbon has been made into all types of jewelry, from necklaces and earrings to rings and even charms.

Breast cancer awareness ribbon jewelry from brands that give back

National Breast Cancer Foundation’s NBCF Shop offers many jewelry pieces that feature the pink ribbon. All purchases from the NBCF Shop support National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission of providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services.

View more awareness and survivor jewelry from the NBCF Shop.

In addition to pink ribbon items from the NBCF Shop, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a proud partner of NBCF for over a decade, offers a breast cancer awareness ribbon charm, with 10% from the gross sale of each awareness ribbon charm donated back to NBCF.

Engraved and custom jewelry for breast cancer survivors

Many survivors also appreciate engraved or customized pieces of jewelry that recognize the details of their journey. Consider a personalized piece of jewelry that includes the survivor’s name and the date they rang the chemo bell, indicating the end of their active treatment. Or perhaps a piece of jewelry inscribed with an inspirational quote that will bring the wearer hope and peace each time they read it or see it reflected back to them in a mirror.

Breast Cancer Survivor Gifts

Ready to select a special survivor gift for your loved one? See survivor gift options available now in the NBCF Shop.

See Survivor Gifts

Curated gift baskets for comfort and care

Curated breast cancer survivor gift baskets are a great way to spread the love and support around by combining different items into one gift. 

Relaxation gift basket

Designed to inspire a peaceful and calm environment, Items in a relaxation gift basket for breast cancer survivors may include:

• Scented candles (or unscented if your friend or loved one is sensitive to smells due to their treatment)
• Bath salts or sugar scrubs (check with your loved one to make sure their skin isn’t overly sensitive due to treatments like radiation therapy)
• Bathrobe and slippers for a home spa day
• Sleep eye mask to ensure a good night’s rest
• Gift certificate for a relaxing massage or facial

Wellness and self-care gift basket

Intended to encourage the recipient to put their physical and mental health first, items for a wellness or self-care survivor gift basket may include:

• Essential oils (check with your loved one to make sure they can enjoy the smell of oils and don’t have any interactions with medications they may be taking)
• Journals and pens to write down their thoughts and feelings
• Herbal or relaxation teas to reduce stress and provide comfort
• Fuzzy pink ribbon socks to keep their feet warm
• Insulated awareness tumbler to stay hydrated

Survivor celebration gift basket

No matter where your loved one is in their survivorship journey, they are worthy and deserving of celebration! Light and fun items for a gift basket to celebrate a loved one’s survivorship may include:

• Fresh flowers, including pink!
• Helium balloons, particularly pink balloons
• Favorite snacks or candy (ask your loved one about food aversions or restrictions first)
• An interest-specific item, such as a crossword puzzle book, the latest bestseller, or a coloring book
• Meaningful greeting card with a handwritten message

Personalized and customized gifts

It’s possible to personalize and customize almost any type of product, resulting in a meaningful gift tailor-made for the recipient. Examples of personalized gifts may include:

• Engraved or customized drinkware
• Customized breast cancer survivor shirts or hoodies
• Handwritten letters documenting milestones and favorite memories
• Handwritten messages in a jar to provide encouragement when it’s needed most (find examples of encouraging and hopeful messages on NBCF’s Wall of Support)

Photo gifts for breast cancer survivors

Photos can evoke powerful emotions, feelings, and memories for survivors. Examples of photo gifts for breast cancer survivors may include:

• Curated photo albums documenting happy moments together or moments from their breast cancer journey
• Photo mugs, blankets, or mousepads, which can be lighthearted to bring a giggle or laugh
• Printed and framed photos of important events or moments from their journey

Creative & DIY gifts from the heart

Put your creativity and skills to good use by DIY-ing a special gift for your loved one. DIY gifts for breast cancer survivors may include:

• Handmade arts & crafts (children may be particularly good at this one)
• Knitted or crocheted items, such as hats, scarves, or blankets
• Handmade memory scrapbook or milestone calendar 
• Rocks painted with inspiring messages
• Hand-beaded bracelets with encouraging words like HOPE or SURVIVOR
• Unique holiday ornaments honoring their journey and survivorship

Meaningful gestures & experience-based gifts

For many breast cancer survivors, time is a precious commodity. Spending time together in meaningful pursuits can be encouraging and uplifting. Meaningful gestures and experience-based gifts for breast cancer survivors may include:

• Quality time together, such as getting coffee, going on dates with a partner, seeing a show or movie together, or even going on a picnic
• Planting a tree or garden in your loved one’s honor
• Dedicating a park bench in their name
• Signing up for a 5K or fundraiser together
• Traveling and making memories together, from a fun day trip to a full-on vacation

Survivor gifts that give back

Honoring a breast cancer survivor through a gift that gives back to others can be incredibly rewarding, both for the receiver and the giver. Gifts that give back for breast cancer survivors may include:

• Make a donation to National Breast Cancer Foundation in their name
• Send a HOPE Kit to a woman in treatment
• Honor a loved one’s journey on the NBCF Red Leaf Giving Tree

Shop from brands that give back to NBCF

A simple way to honor breast cancer survivors is through daily purchases and shopping decisions. Many companies and brands, from skincare and cosmetics to grocery items, clothing, and even restaurants, donate a portion of their proceeds to NBCF’s mission of providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer. Their support is critical in helping NBCF provide access to mammograms, breast health services, and support for women in need.

Check out the full list of NBCF Corporate Partners to learn which brands give back to the breast cancer community. 

Gifting advice from breast cancer survivors

We asked breast cancer survivors what their favorite gifts were to receive. Here’s what they told us.

“A group of my friends left a different themed gift basket on my porch before every treatment cycle.” -Jess

“I received a HOPE Kit from NBCF. Reading the encouragement card inside was like getting a warm hug from a big community!” -Ava

“A friend gave me a silver necklace with three little birds on a branch. It reminds me that I am never alone. I never take it off.” -Elizabeth

“Receiving meals was the most helpful thing for me and my family while I was recovering from surgery and going through chemo!” -Megan

“I received a beautiful flower bouquet, plants, and a very nice card with messages from all my co-workers.” -Heather

“I received a customized blanket with handprints and initials from some family members. It was a thoughtful gesture that showed their love and support from afar.” -Mary

“Gift cards for meals and meal delivery, as well as a handmade quilt.” -Pam

“A purple bracelet (my favorite color) to remind me how strong I am through treatment.” -Emily

“Having friends bring snacks, meals, and my favorite seltzers over was so wonderful.” -Elyse

“I received a pink coffee travel mug with the words hope, faith, courage, and strength engraved on it. Reminding me of all those things, every day!” -Mindi

“My family threw me a survivor party and released butterflies for being cancer-free.” -Lucie

Whether it’s a tangible item like jewelry or a gift basket, or giving your time, emotional support, and some fresh meals, gifts for breast cancer survivors can make your loved one feel valued, honored, and cared for, no matter where they are on their journey. 

National Breast Cancer Foundation is here for you as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. Visit our website to learn about NBCF breast cancer support groups, obtain free educational resources, or find a patient navigator in your area.