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This year’s Cancer Bites Gift Guide features brands that lift others as they shine. Each item provides comfort, purpose, and joy–all while supporting causes that are close to our hearts. From cozy pajamas to luxurious body lotions, we’re certain you'll find something to add to your holiday shopping list that provides comfort, support, advocacy, and joy for you and those you love. With every item, we’re honored to feature brands that support our cause and share stories that bring meaning and purpose to the holidays. All the information provided is editorial for general purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All prices and promotions are subject to change and may vary. Some brands have given a Cancer Bites promo code for readers to enjoy, are donating a portion of proceeds to the Cancer Bites campaign or an affiliate link.
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
The Healing Crystal Essential Oil Roller shown above features clear quartz and a calming oil blend of eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove bud carried in organic coconut oil. 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. The Healing Crystal Essential Oil Roller is a must-have to add extra calm and comfort this holiday season.
Inspired By: Silver Orange’s founder had a personal connection to cancer. She shared: “This roller is really personal to me. My brother-in-law, Matt, has been on a rough cancer journey. A couple of years ago he went through treatments and surgeries, and after a long fight, we got the amazing news that he had No Evidence of Disease (NED). We were all so hopeful… and then, not long after, his cancer came back. Right now, he’s at the Cancer Center for Healing in California, going through treatments again.
Matt was actually one of the first people to introduce me to the healing powers of essential oils many years ago, so creating a blend like this inspired by him was really special. My hope is that this roller can bring a little comfort, a small moment of calm, and a bit of encouragement to anyone going through their own healing journey, or supporting someone they love.”
Siobhan’s Review: When I opened the box these rollers came in, I actually gasped–there are real crystals inside the essential oils. Actual crystals. Too cool.
I have three: Calming, Healing, and Brave.
You roll the oil on your pressure points, wrists, pulse points on your neck, close your eyes, and take a long, intentional breath.
Breathing used to be something I never thought about… until breast cancer filled my lungs with fluid and every inhale felt like work. Now, breathing is sacred.
So, to breathe in these crystal-infused oils–to feel calm, to feel healing, to feel brave–it’s more than aromatherapy. It’s life-enhancing. It’s a reminder that like Matt, I’m still here, still fighting, still breathing.
And sometimes a single calm, brave, healing breath is the gift.
Gifts That Give Back: Silver Orange shared how they’ve given back: “A couple years ago, I offered a fundraiser to support my brother-in-law, Matt, during cancer treatment. I offered a special Red Jasper crystal roller bottle, and $10 from each sale went directly to him. I was able to hand Matt $1,000 in cash–ten $100 bills. Matt is truly one of the strongest people I know–always positive, always showing up for others, even in the middle of his own battle. He’s a real-life hero in our family. Right now, he’s going through chemo again. It’s a hard season, but he continues to face it with such courage. So I’m bringing the fundraiser back.”
Retail Price: The roller retails for $22. They also have a Healing Gift Set that includes the roller, an Affirmation Gem, and a magnet, priced at $39. Join the Silver Orange community and enjoy 20% off your first purchase.
Where To Find Them: Made in the U.S. You can find Silver Orange’s products on their website: https://silverorangeboutique.com/
Why We Love It: Comforting, uplifting, calming, and organic.
Next is a company that combines an interactive puzzle experience with life-sized fun. Large As Life is a family-owned company who were inspired to create life-sized animal puzzles while on a trip around the US National Parks. They currently feature puzzles for the Red Panda (pictured above), Koala, and King Penguin on their website. The large-as-life puzzles also have a trivia question about the animal on every piece! They were recently featured on The Puzzled Republic as one of the "Top 7 Most Unique Puzzles".
Inspired By: Inspired by time in nature. Large As Life aims to provide a fun, interactive, and personal connection to nature that’s fun for both kids and adults alike–aiming to provide a human connection as well as a connection to the natural world. Large As Life knows that every moment is special, and time spent with loved ones means everything–so spend some screen-free time with your family this holiday season and put together a fun, life sized animal puzzle!
Siobhan’s Review: When I opened the box, I immediately smiled–this isn’t your average puzzle. The pieces are big, bright, and beautifully detailed, each one with its own little trivia question that makes you pause and think. I love that this is a family-run company inspired by time in nature–it reminds me of the joy of slowing down, unplugging, and being present with the people we love during holiday times.
I haven’t had a chance to put the puzzle together yet (life’s been a little… puzzle-like itself lately), but I can already tell this will be one of those activities that brings laughter, connection, and maybe a little friendly competition into the room. And the fact that Large As Life gives back to conservation makes it even more meaningful. This one’s not just about fitting the pieces together–it’s about creating moments that matter.
Gifts That Give Back: Large As Life proudly donates 1% of their revenue to non-profit organizations focused on conservation and education.
Retail Price: These fun-sized trivia puzzles retail for $29.99.
Where to Find Them: You can find Large As Life puzzles on their website: https://www.largeaslife.com/
Why We Love it: Interactive, quality-time, family-fun, and donates to a good cause.
Next up is Coffee Dust– a brand that makes gut-friendly spice blends to add to your morning cup of Joe. A 100% women-owned small business based on Vashon Island, WA., they have been featured in Real Simple, Tim Ferriss’ 5-Bullet Friday Newsletter, and The Seattle Times. Coffee Dust only includes ingredients that have proven health benefits–including spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, cocoa and sea salt. These spices aid in digestion, reducing inflammation, and more! Since 80% of coffee drinkers add something to their cup to enhance the flavor, Coffee Dust makes it easy to swap out the cream and sugar for a healthier and more flavorful option. No more drinking healthy options that taste like grass–they make healthy taste delicious.
Inspired By: The founders of Coffee Dust were inspired to make a healthier option for coffee-lovers to enjoy their morning ritual.
Coffee Dust’s founder shares her story about how she was inspired to create the spice-blends. She wrote: “I started Coffee Dust as a business after using it to get off cream and sugar–and actually enjoy coffee more. That change sparked a passion to help others make their mornings healthier, more adventurous, and just a little more magical. I do have a lot of friends who have been through cancer journeys (or are going through them) and I do love that Coffee Dust gives them and others a no-sugar and no-artificial sweetener alternative to traditional flavored coffee. It's so great to be able to help everyone feed their body with real food and have healthier, more joyful mornings!”
Siobhan’s Review: The sampler pack is a perfect stocking stuffer or a “keep on hand for last-minute gifting” lifesaver for the coffee lovers in your life. I wasn’t sure what to expect, until I unscrewed the top of one of the little tins, grabbed the miniature coffee scoop (adorable, by the way), and dipped into the silky spice blend.
I sprinkled it over my coffee, gave it a stir, and… well… gingerbread coffee is now my new obsession. Move over pumpkin spice–there’s a new queen of cozy.
No sugar, no syrup. Just a punch of flavor that makes your morning java feel like a treat and keeps your gut happy at the same time. Consider me officially converted.
Gifts That Give Back: Coffee Dust donates 10% of profits to a variety of charities.
Retail Price:
Sampler Kit – $36 (12 servings each of 6 flavors + custom stainless spoon)
Mini Tin Gift Sets – $14–$22 (2- or 3-flavor boxes–perfect stocking stuffers)
6 Tins of Fun – $100 (720 servings + spoon for serious coffee lovers)
Where to Find Them: You can find Coffee Dust on their website: https://www.vashoncoffeedust.com/
Why We Love it: Healthy, tasty, gut-friendly, and women-owned.
Dare we say it’s getting a little “nippy” outside as the fall weather descends? Perkies is a woman-founded and created company that provides comfortable, replaceable bra adhesives, nipple covers, and nipple enhancers. The founder came up with the idea while taking a college class–and from her own experiences with bad sticky bras. The brand has grown from there and now offers a variety of products to help women feel confident, empowered, and beautiful–all without compromising comfort.
Perkies launched their “Perkies Nips” line to provide a product for women who don’t always have the “perfect nip”--including women who may have gotten a mastectomy. Perkies has been featured in People, WWD, In Style, Brides Magazines, and more. They also have options for Natural Nips and Pierced Nips, and offer options in multiple different skin tones!
Inspired By: Perkies wanted to create a product that helps women’s confidence. They wrote: “Perkies Nips (patented) are an impact product for women who've had a mastectomy and no longer have nipples post-surgery. These help bring back a sense of their identity, a piece of their femininity, a part of their confidence. Perkies is currently working to create a more realistic version of Perkies Nips including a more custom version.”
Siobhan’s Review: While I haven’t personally tried Perkies Nips, I still have my breasts–and I’m fortunate. So many women don’t, and products like this help them feel whole, confident, and dignified again. Perkies created something thoughtful for survivors who’ve lost nipples or ended up with one missing or misplaced. I will wear them with the thin strapped dress I have that is beach ready! I love that 5% of their website sales support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Bravo Perkies for keeping the headlights on.
Gifts That Give Back: Perkies is dedicated to sustainability, inclusivity, and empowering women to feel confident, while also donating 5% of all website sales across www.perkies.com, to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.”
Retail Price: The Nipple covers retail for $25 and the Perkies Nips retail for $35. The Pierced and Natural Nips both retail for $50 and the Sticky Bra retails for $49.99.
Where to Find Them: You can find Perkies’ products on their website: https://www.perkies.com
Why We Love it: Empowering, confidence-boosting, woman-owned and created, comfortable.
Another skin care brand? Call us spoiled and moisturized–the more the better! Soap Cauldron is a small hispanic, women and family-owned business based out of Northern CA. They’ve been perfecting their craft since 1999, making soaps and skincare products in the centuries-old tradition of blending gourmet oils, butters, essential oils, and botanicals in a natural, simple way that’ll have your skin saying “thank you!” All of their products are hand-crafted with care and created to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible.
Soap Cauldron stands out from their competitors by using only natural, oil-based formulas. Without water their products don’t require synthetic preservatives or emulsifiers so they don’t have any liquid soaps or body lotions in their shop. Each soap is handcrafted and created to make the smallest carbon footprint possible.
Their featured Corazón Collection features designs and scents that honor tradition, family, remembrance, and joy. Each handcrafted piece, they say, is an offering and an invitation to pause and honor those who came before us.
Inspired By: Soap Cauldron shares a personal story of how they’ve been touched by their cousin’s breast cancer. We just lost my cousin to breast cancer. She didn’t make the five years but her wish was to see her son graduate from high school and become a man. She made it just that far. No one should ever be lost to cancer and yet in my family we have seen too many as have others. Life is hard and we keep going because these things define us. It is a blessing and a testament that my daughter just finished medical school and is a surgical resident in NY. Right now her rotation is surgical oncology in upstate NY and she is able to directly affect families in their journey to wellness.
Siobhan’s Review: With Soap Cauldron, I stood in the shower marveling at the colors that appeared as soon as I pulled the bar out of its stunning packaging. Truly–see the image. It comes gift-ready; slap a tag on it and it's under the tree-worthy.
Then the lather… wow. Thick, generous, soft, pillowy–honestly the best I’ve ever experienced. And this was my first goat’s milk soap. Every other bar I try from here on out will have to stack up against this one. Good luck, folks.
Retail Price: Bath soaks retail for $4.50, Bar soaps retail for $7, Body Butters Retail for $10.95, and a gift set with all three retail for $28.50. Soap Cauldron is offering a 15% off discount when you use code: CANCERBITES.
Where to Find Them: You can find Soap Cauldron on their website: www.soapcauldron.com/ You can also find their products on Etsy and Amazon Homemade. They have a studio location @ 11830 Main Street, Penngrove, CA.
Why We Love it: Family and women-owned, handmade, pure ingredients, beautifully designed.
Next up is a company that has pj’s so comfy you won’t want to take them off–and you won’t have to either! Midnighties is a family-owned and created company that features luxurious, bamboo-made sleepwear that’s just as stylish as it is cozy.
Midnighties are silky-soft and breathable, with built-in, wire-free support so you can wear them both in the house and on a midnight trip to the gas station for snacks. The pants have an elastic-free flat front, and the pj’s are made to mix and match, allowing you to choose your own custom look! They make sizes from S-2XL and have padding that are made to support B-E cup sizes, so they are ready to go for every body type.
Inspired By: Midnighties shared some reviews from customers who are recovering from breast cancer surgery and lymphedema: “Customer: "A lifesaver for breast cancer survivors . . . I have to sleep in sports bras/light bras because of my reconstruction surgery 🙄. These pj's are great."
Journalist with lymphedema: "As a woman who lives with the daily challenges of lymphedema, finding sleepwear that feels supportive without being restrictive has always felt impossible. Midnighties changed that. The gentle, built-in support means I no longer have to layer uncomfortable bras under my pajamas to feel secure, and the buttery-soft bamboo fabric is soothing against my skin when I need it most. For the first time, I feel both comfortable and confident in my sleepwear, something I never realized could matter so much."
Siobhan’s Review: I did it! I told the founder of Midnighties I’d go get coffee wearing the short set she sent me, and I actually did. No one knew I was in pajamas. Trust me–these baristas have seen every kind of pajama bottom as I sprint in and out trying to be “inconspicuous,” and this time? Not a clue.
The top holds you in comfortably, not all strapped in, so there’s no flopping of the girls, and the tuxedo piping on the arms and legs feels like real attention to detail–elevated lounge, not sloppy sleepwear.
Honestly, my two-week hospital stay could have been so much more comfortable with this set. I was always way too hot, even with the AC blasting, so shorts and a tee were my go-to. The Midnighties set checks every box: cool, soft, breathable, and flattering.
And practicality matters: they fold flat, aren’t bulky, and can be tossed into an overnight bag without taking up space. If the hotel fire alarm goes off at 2am (because of course it does), you won’t be trying to throw on clothes as you run out the door. You’re covered–literally and socially.
Gifts That Give Back: Midnighties also supports Women In Need–a non-profit that serves unhoused women and children in NYC.
Retail Price:The pj’s range from $56-$89 for individual pieces to $124-$154 for a set. Midnighties was kind enough to send us a special promo code for this gift guide! You can use the code CANCERBITES for 20% off your order!
Where to Find Them: You can find Midnighties on their website at: https://www.midnighties.com/
Why We Love it: Family and women-owned, sustainable, OEKO-TEX® bamboo, beautifully designed.
Need a solution for dry hair now that we’ve got your skin hydrated? This next brand will help you with just that! Masami is a company that combines the power of ancient Japanese wisdom with the power of the sea–all in one award-winning product that will change your shower routine for the better. Masami’s haircare products use Mekabu–a special seaweed that grows in northeastern Japan. Mekabu is filled with ocean vitamins and minerals that will give your hair that hydrating boost it needs this winter. Of course, their products are also free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and other damaging ingredients.
Masami haircare will be sure to leave your hair hydrated, shiny, and beautiful. The formula is great for all hair types and textures, and is especially beneficial for thinning and brittle hair. Masami is the winner of 10 beauty awards, and has been featured in Glamour, Allure, Entrepreneur, Total Beauty, and many more! They are also committed to sustainability and ensure that their formula and packaging are as eco-friendly as possible!
Inspired By: Masami’s co-founder, shared how the products have helped with her haircare post-chemo: “I'm a breast cancer survivor (I had a rare, aggressive Stage 3 cancer in 2021) and MASAMI's clean salon formulas have really helped me regain my best hair post-chemo.” Lynn is booked to be a special guest on Cancer Bites Podcast March 3, 2025. Check us out the Podcast.
Siobhan's Review
I washed my hair after being released from the emergency room — severe chest pain landed me there, but two amazing things came out of it:
1. My heart is perfectly healthy.
2. My tumors are shrinking… some are even gone. YAY.
In that little victory moment, I finally got to try MASAMI. I used the shampoo and conditioner, and my hair came out soft, manageable, and shiny. They also sent a styling and shine serum. Tip: it’s not a spray bottle — I learned the hard way — so use just a tiny bit. Even with my “oops,” my hair still looked great.
The scent is light and clean, not overpowering like so many hair products, and my hair felt nourished instead of coated. MASAMI is definitely a keeper.
For context — since I live in Arizona, my hair is constantly battling dry air, sun exposure, and desert heat. Add breast cancer and chemo pills on top of that, and my hair has really been taking a beating. It’s thinner, it’s dry, it’s brittle, and I’ve stopped coloring it completely. It took me the whole pandemic to grow it long, so keeping what I have healthy matters. MASAMI made a noticeable difference after just one wash, and I’m grateful for that. I’m sure I echo the feelings of so many women going through breast cancer: when something actually helps your hair feel like your hair again, it matters.
Retail Price: Masami’s shampoos and conditioner bottles retail for $38 each. You can also get a travel set that retails for $15 and a Salon Hair Bundle that retails for $64. You can also get a free SBeauty eye gel with any order!
Where to Find Them: You can find Masami on their website: https://www.lovemasami.com
Why We Love it: Hydrating, repairing, eco-friendly, and powerfully formulated.
We really do love hand-crafted skincare made with natural ingredients! One Blessed Acre Farm is a family-owned farm based out of Ferndale, CA. Each product is hand-crafted and made with goat milk straight from the farm–ensuring rich and nourishing soaps and lotions your skin will thank you for. They are made with natural fats and free from parabens and phthalates, making them a great option for those with sensitive skin. Get ready for that goat-milk glow! Each item is beautifully packaged and ready to look pretty under the tree.
Inspired By: One of the owners wrote to us about the healing power of their goat-milk products: "Our shop always smells of something good that I'm handcrafting that day. We have a lot of our customers express just how healing our soap and lotion is to body and soul after a traumatic experience like cancer. I truly believe goat milk is God's gift to us for healing skin problems."
Siobhan’s Review: I tried One Blessed Acre Farm’s hand soap today, and it’s a great utility bar to keep near the sink–cleans well, feels gentle, and smells wonderful. The sample gift box they sent was beautifully packaged with a bow and filled with lotions in unexpected but lovely fall and winter scents: Sweater Weather, Ginger Fig, Spiced Apple Cider, and Orange Clove. Unlike other lotions when I put on Orange Clove the marvelous scent was still there at the end of the day.
What I really love is that these scents aren’t overly feminine or masculine–anyone can lather up and smell delicious. And if people start following you around, don’t worry… they’re probably just hungry. Like the goats who provide the milk for this impressive line of farm-made products.
Retail Price: Their soap bars retail for $7.50 each while the liquid soaps retail for $10.50 each. They also have gift sets that retail from $12.75 to $64 with a wide variety of options. You can also get 20% off your first order if you sign up with your email address! They also offer free shipping for orders of $50 or more.
Where to Find Them: You can find their products on their website at: https://oneblessedacre.com You can also find their products on Etsy at: https://oneblessedacre.etsy.com
Why We Love it: Hydrating, repairing, eco-friendly, and powerfully formulated.
We love the idea of a gift that can be used again and again–all while adding meaning and fond memories to it year after year! That’s exactly what this next company offers with their Memories Tablecloth. Family Threads is a woman-created company that was founded on the idea of preserving those precious family memories at each gathering.
The founder came up with the idea of having her family sign a tablecloth at holiday gatherings and then she would later go and embroider their signatures so they could be preserved forever. Family Threads creates an interactive and memory-building activity that will bring your family close together for every gathering and create a family heirloom that will be treasured for generations.
Inspired By: The founder of Family Threads, shared why the tablecloth has been so special to her: “After my two battles with cancer, divorce, and clinical depression, along with living with Lupus, every holiday is a precious gift to me. In 2019 I started preserving each Thanksgiving by having my family and friends sign the white Tablecloth on the table. I then embroidered each signature and have been adding more embroidered signatures every year. Some of my friends and family have moved away or passed away, but their spirit is felt around us when the Memories Tablecloth is unfolded every year.”
Siobhan’s Review: I haven’t had a chance to use the Memories Tablecloth yet–time and health have been a little wild–but I love this idea deeply. A tablecloth that collects signatures, stories, and people you love… and becomes part of every holiday after that? That’s magic.
I already know what I’ll add: little messages, inside jokes, maybe the way someone always said goodnight or good morning–something that is uniquely them. I may even outline a favorite photo or sketch of the family dogs who begged at the table or waited for scraps underneath. Perhaps an image of the figgy pudding that caught on fire when it was served… or just a burn mark at my mother’s seat.
Whatever it becomes, it will be something I’ll fondly keep forever–and eventually pass on to my nieces and nephews to continue the tradition.
Retail Price: The tablecloth retails for $129. Family Threads is welcoming new families with a limited 15% off Thanksgiving code! You can use the code THANKS15. You can also sign up with your email to receive 10% off your order. They offer free US shipping and 14 day returns.
Where to Find Them: You can find Family Threads on their website: https://shop.yourfamilythreads.com
Why We Love it: Woman-created, reusable, collaborative, memory-making.
If you and your kids have screen-fatigue like the rest of us, then this next gift will be a game changer for your family! Dearist is a woman-founded company that created a book and stationary series for kids that helps them write and mail personal, hand-written letters. The creator channelled her own love of writing letters into creating a product that fosters that same love in the next generation.
Dearist sets are “made with five key benefits of letter writing: a meaningful connection, an outlet for creative expression, proven ties to learning and performance, promoting emotional well-being, and inviting kids to experience surprise and delight.” Dearist hopes to promote a higher level of reading comprehension amongst children while also fostering a greater sense of empathy that can often get lost in the digital chaos of the modern world. We love that we’re finding products like this just in time for the holidays, where we can sit down with our kids and grandkids to do something meaningful and fun.
Inspired By: The founder of Dearist, wrote about what inspired her to start the company on their website: “Have you ever found something from your past that instantly transported you to another time? I came across a box of letters I had saved from when I was a child, and suddenly the world shifted. The handwriting, the soft torn edges of the envelopes, the tiny artifacts preserved inside, all as precious in my grown hands as they were when they first arrived in the mailbox years ago. There is something so satisfying about the provenance of letters - a genuine paper trail to the past.
We intuitively understand the benefits of writing letters. In the same way, we are deeply aware of the pitfalls of other modes of communication that our digital world has enabled. Rediscovering my childhood letters gave me the idea that, with a little help, my kids could come to find the magic of letter writing too. That's why I created Dearist, a book and stationery series for kids with everything needed to write (and mail) great letters.
"I hope you'll join us in the fun."
Siobhan’s Review:I don’t have children, but I was once a kid long before the digital age–and I spent years writing letters to my summer friends. I still remember how each pen stroke carried personality, how every word held a little piece of my soul.
Dearist reminded me of that magic. In a world where screens dominate, handwriting fills the page with humanity, creativity, and connection. I wish more people could experience this, and I hope products like Dearist help keep the art alive. Writing cursive, sending letters, sharing stories by hand–it’s a tradition worth reviving.
Retail Price: Dearist products retail from $19 to $35. They are also offering a buy 2 and get 1 free deal with code HOLIDAY2025!
Where to Find Them: You can find Dearist on their website: https://www.hellodearist.com
Why We Love it: Woman-founded, educational, meaningful, collaborative.
This next brand features another natural, ultra-hydrating skincare product. Pure and Coco is a woman-owned skincare company based out of the Pacific Northwest. They’re a research-backed company that uses pure ingredients to help your skin achieve that natural, healthy glow at any age! Their formula uses organic virgin coconut oil and pure mango butter to help your skin restore its natural barrier using antioxidants and fatty acids. Pure and Coco’s products are peer-reviewed and help improve dryness, elasticity, and ceramide function. We’re not scientists, but that sounds like an effective formula to us–with an added bonus of smelling delicious.
Inspired By: Pure and Coco told spoke to us about how their products have helped their customers: Their Mango Butter Face & Body Crème is a gentle, restorative moisturizer that’s become a favorite among women recovering from medical treatments, including those post-chemo, for its ability to hydrate deeply, calm irritation, and help skin feel whole again.
Formulated with organic virgin coconut oil and pure mango butter, the Crème supports the skin barrier with naturally occurring fatty acids and antioxidants that replenish moisture and repair dryness caused by medication, stress, or environmental changes.
The light, natural aroma and silky texture create a soothing self-care ritual that helps women reconnect with their sense of peace and confidence during recovery.
Pure & Coco aligns beautifully with your mission of hope and healing by offering clean, effective care that feels good and does good.”
Siobhan’s Review:Both John and I have been digging into Pure & Coco’s lotion and body polish, and our dry elbows are soft again–thank goodness! The lotion, Citrus Flora, is fresh and light, and John even used it on his forehead and face; those little bumps he had are already fading. The body polish, Tangerine & Coconut, smells like a cookie… but better.
I love coconut–Thai curry, coconut pie, or even a coconut chocolate bar–so anything with coconut instantly has me at the label. Ultra-hydrating, natural, indulgent, and lightly scented, Pure & Coco is an absolute winner and a must-have for anyone looking to give their skin some serious TLC.
Retail Price: Pure & Coco’s face and body creme’s retail for $57. The body polish retails for $30 and the 2-step routine retails for $87. They offer complimentary US shipping for orders $75 and up.
Where to Find Them: You can find Pure & Coco on their website: pureandcoco.com and on Amazon.
Why We Love it: Woman-owned, natural ingredients, research-backed, anti-aging magic.
Next on our list is TopFoxx Sunglasses: a female owned and designed brand that features tangle-free frames that are made from plant-derived materials. Whether you’re just out for a drive with the family or rocking the red carpet, TopFoxx has all the varieties to make you feel stylish and confident without compromising comfort–all while being eco-friendly!
Tired of accidentally ripping out a strand or two of hair every time you take off your sunglasses? We are too. That’s why we especially love that the sunglasses have tangle-free frames that are happily “ouch” free. TopFoxx features a wide variety of styles, colors, and frames to suit everyone’s needs.
Inspired By: TopFoxx’s founder shares what inspired her to start the company on their website: “TopFoxx was founded in New York City in 2016 by Helen Getts, with the purpose of designing and creating unique sunglasses and accessories that empower women, inspiring them to take risks and be themselves. We are not for your average girl! We know everyone is authentic and special in their own way, our products are designed to make you feel comfortable, independent and bold.”
Siobhan’s Review: Felt a little off today–one of those mornings where life woke you up before you’re ready. After grabbing a coffee and throwing on the TopFoxx sunnies, I felt immediately more like myself. An instant confidence booster! Next, a very good friend of mine saw them and immediately wanted a pair of ruby red aviators! Yeah, they look that good.
Gifts That Give Back: TopFoxx remains committed to women’s empowerment and “continues to support strong women through conscious fashion, charitable organizations like Black Girls Code and the NYC Food Bank and of course, female power.”
One thing I love about these sunglasses–they don’t pull out my hair. As someone going through cancer, hair loss is already real, and every strand matters. The last thing I need is sunglasses yanking out the little hair I’ve managed to keep, especially after spending the entire pandemic growing it long. Leveling up with TopFoxx–I might just wear them for the compliments! 😎
Retail Price: The sunglasses retail from $49-$108 and have options for prescription lenses.
Where to Find Them: You can find TopFoxx on their website: www.topfoxx.com
Why We Love it: Women-owned and designed, UV 400 polarized lens, BPA toxin-free, eco-friendly, tangle-free, and confidence-boosting.
This next brand features clean, vegan ingredients to help your skin recover fast. Eonian is a woman-created brand with an impressive attention to detail for every ingredient that goes into their formulas. The name is derived from the Greek word aiōn, meaning timeless, ageless and enduring. Those words are reflected in the qualities of the ingredients used in their products. The Supreme Recovery Creme is formulated to help the skin with post treatment or procedure recovery. It’s fragrance-free and has 97% naturally-derived ingredients. It also has calming ingredients to help reduce redness and sensitivity in as few as 48 hours!
Inspired By: Eonian’s creator shared with us her journey with creating the company and the recovery cream: “As someone who has lost three family members to cancer and personally cared for two of them, your gift guide caught my attention. I'm the founder of Eonian Skincare, featuring clean, vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, made in the US, products for women and men.
One of our products, Supreme Recovery Cream, has been selected for a 2026 cancer patient study and I think it would be perfect for your gift guide.
I personally worked with a chemist to formulate Supreme Recovery Cream for my own post-care recovery from microneedling. I couldn't find anything that didn't have petroleum, dimethicone, other silicones, or mineral oils; I wanted something that would help my skin recover faster, while offering the cleanest, most nurturing ingredients. It's packed with pro and prebiotics, amino acids and calming, hydrating natural extracts. There are no actives that could irritate the dryness, sensitivity and rashes faced by cancer patients undergoing treatment.”
Siobhan’s Review: I had a skin rash pop up on my upper stomach just in time for the delivery of Eonian’s Supreme Recovery Cream–perfect timing! The itching stopped almost immediately, and honestly, the rash was completely gone in a few days. That’s some seriously effective skin recovery cream. Fragrance-free, 97% naturally derived, and packed with calming, hydrating ingredients, Eonian’s formula is perfect for post-treatment, post-procedure, or anytime your skin needs a fast recovery boost.
Retail Price: The Recovery Creme retails for $79 or you can subscribe and save for $63.20.
Where to Find Them: You can find Eonian’s products on their website: www.eonianskincare.com
Why We Love it: Woman-founded and created, restorative ingredients, clean and vegan.
Changing the sheets is usually always a giant hassle, and oftentimes a tangled mess. This next company wanted to make the sheet-changing process a little bit easier so you have more time to get your beauty sleep. Truuce uses a patented, innovative bedding system that zips the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and duvet cover all into one easy design! They’re a woman-founded company that spent months developing their design to make life a little bit easier for all of us.
We don’t know about you, but we’re tired of bending down and fighting the mattress to get the sheets to go over those corners. You won’t get that problem with Truuce. The sheets are also designed to stay anchored so they don’t come loose on you in the middle of the night. They’re made from breathable, OEKO-TEX® certified cotton that’ll make you never want to leave the bed again. Truuce has been featured in Medium, Yahoo!, CBS News, ABC News, and more. You can watch a video about how it works here! https://truuce.com/pages/how-it-work
Inspired By: One of Truuce’s founders wrote to us about how her product can help the readers of our guide: “After long days filled with treatments, caregiving, or simply navigating life in recovery, everyone deserves a soft place to land, literally. That’s what inspired Truuce Bedding, a patented system designed to make rest effortless, restorative, and healing.
Truuce zips the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and duvet cover into one seamless design. No slipping corners, messy duvets, or heavy mattress lifting. Just layer, zip, done. It’s cozy enough for deep sleep, practical enough for limited mobility, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Why it’s a meaningful fit for Cancer Bites:
● Ease & Independence: Makes changing bedding simple. No lifting or tugging required, empowering patients and caregivers alike.
● Healing Comfort: Crafted from breathable, OEKO-TEX® certified cotton that’s soft, safe, and breathable.
● Restorative Design: Stays smooth and anchored through movement, providing a calm, comfortable environment that supports recovery.
● Thoughtful Innovation: Created by two moms who believe everyone deserves a peaceful, nurturing place to rest, especially those in healing.”
Siobhan’s Review: The first thing I noticed was the quality–truly high-end sheets. Our old ones are pilled and itchy, so now we have just one set that I have to position carefully so the rough side doesn’t bother either sleeper.
When I first opened the Truuce set, I had to read the instructions a couple of times–it’s a system, not just “throw the sheets on and go.” But once I figured it out, it made perfect sense, and now changing the bed will be a breeze.
It creates a cozy, hotel-style topper for our king-sized bed–the kind you crawl into at an upscale hotel or a log cabin at a ski hill, all soft and cloud-like. If you’re someone who’s always cold, it’s perfect. Kids will love how snuggly it feels. Even the dog will find a spot and stay all night!
As a menopausal woman, I added an old cotton sheet between the duvet cover and the bed before climbing in. I know myself–I get too hot, toss the covers off, and then get chilly. That extra layer makes all the difference for a two-person bed where one kicks the covers off and the other burrows under them. For me what was unexpected was that John couldn't steal all the covers!
And if you’re a person who needs to feel tucked in and safe–oh, this is for you.
Whether it’s your master bedroom, a cozy cabin, or the bed you retreat to after treatment or travel, Truuce turns every night into something restorative. It’s one of those clever inventions that feels like it was designed for real people with real lives and real nights.
Retail Price: Truuce’s products retail for: Twin $219, Queen $269, and King $299 and vary by size/fabric. You can sign up with your email to receive 15% off your order. Truuce provided a discount code for 20% off your order! You can use the code: CancerBites20.
Where to Find Them: You can find Truuce on their website: www.truuce.com
Why We Love it:Woman-owned, comfortable, accessible, convenient.
There’s truly nothing more comforting when you’re feeling down than a hug from a plushie companion–no matter how old you are. This next brand created a plushie friend that’s made for offering comfort and joy when you need it the most. Trouble the Dog was created by the founder’s niece who was inspired to make something that would help children dealing with cancer while watching a St. Jude Telethon on TV. She quickly doodled a design and Trouble the Dog was born.
Trouble has been used and loved by people of all ages, from children to seniors, and has also been used by first responders to help those in crisis. Whether you’re going through something difficult or just need an extra hug–Trouble is there to help!
Inspired By: Trouble the Dog’s founder provided a story from a cancer patient that Trouble has helped: “I’d like to “introduce” you to Trouble the Dog. Trouble is a plush, American made pup who is comforting all ages. Trouble was especially comforting to cancer patient, Christine Diviak. She says: "I love Trouble The Dog. He went to every chemo and radiation treatment with me. He is still with me seven years later. Where there is trouble, there is Trouble The Dog”.
Trouble is so much more than a stuffed animal … he’s a therapeutic tool helping people through really tough times. He’s right there when the lights go out like a 24/7 therapy dog. Trouble is also a thoughtful gift for someone experiencing cancer as he is not only so comforting but keepsake quality.”
Siobhan’s Review: Trouble came to our door–and he’s not the kind of trouble that’s a problem for people who live in alignment with good. He was welcomed with open arms by both John and me. He immediately made himself comfortable on the couch, which means he takes up an entire cushion so we can’t miss him when we walk by.
The crazy thing is, every time I see him, he has a different look or position. It honestly feels like he’s alive.
He was here when it really mattered. One day, I was very sick–cancer crap–and I lay on the couch hugging him… or maybe he was hugging me. His wide-open arms are made for bear hugs, even though he’s a dog.
He’s here to stay. We’re in the habit of saying good morning and good night to him. And I’m pretty sure “good night” is his signal that the coast is clear for a little rambunctious playtime beyond our eyesight.
Gifts That Give Back: Trouble the Dog also gives back–Trouble works with the SPCA of Tennessee to help educate the need for spaying and neutering your pets.
Retail Price: Trouble the Dog retails for $100. You can also get a gift package that retails for $125 and a pair of pups that retails for $150. You can also donate a plush to a child in need for $65. Trouble the Dog provides free shipping!
Where to Find Them: You can find Trouble on their WEBSITE
Why We Love it: Cute, comforting, helps those in need, and uplifting.
There’s nothing quite like the calming aroma of your favorite candle that makes your house feel like a home. Bean Candle Co is a brand that wants to do exactly that–create that cozy sanctuary that you look forward to coming home to after a busy day of life. Bean Candle Co is a woman-created and founded company that focuses on “creating calm in the midst of chaos”. Their candles are made from natural wax and intentional scents, focusing on making every whiff both clean and memorable.
Inspired By: The founder of Bean Candle Co writes about her journey of creating the company on the website: “I grew up in a house that never felt calm–chaotic, uncertain, never a sanctuary. From an early age I longed for simplicity, peace, and beauty in the smallest things. I discovered how rituals–tidy spaces, a warm meal, the soft glow of light, a comforting scent–could shift everything and make life feel more bearable.
That pursuit of sanctuary shaped my path. I went into real estate to help others find homes, bought my first at 18, and even owned a bakery where I found joy in creating small comforts. Candles gave me that same purpose: simple creations with the power to fill a room with calm, warmth, and memory.
When I couldn’t find candles that matched my values–clean-burning, lasting, and beautifully designed–I began making my own. What started as a hobby and gift-giving has grown into Bean Candle Co. candles that serve the space between wellness and design, crafted to be as healthy as they are elegant.
The name “BEAN” reflects the heart of that philosophy–Breathe. Ease. Awaken. Nurture–a reminder that calm begins with small rituals, and every candle is created with that intention
Hand-poured in Sewickley, PA (suburb of Pittsburgh) each candle reflects the balance of grit and grace, creating the sanctuary I once longed for–and sharing it with others who crave the same.”
Siobhan’s Review: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these candles. Since my home is the hub where all the donations for our Gifts That Heal & Give Back gift bag for breast cancer patients and survivors campaign arrive, one day we came home to find five big boxes stacked at the front door. I thought our generous donor was sending small candles–but oh, was I wrong!
Each candle is the size of a computer mouse in both width and height, and the scent that poured out when I opened the boxes was absolutely divine: saffron violet. The violet-pink color was unexpected and glorious.
They donated 60 candles, and as soon as I unwrapped the first one, I knew: if I were a breast cancer patient receiving this, it would make my whole day. That’s right I am! Keeping one. Can’t give it back, I lit it already!
Retail Price: The candles retail for $42. You can sign up with your email to receive 10% off your first order! You can also receive complimentary shipping on orders $75 and up.
Where to Find Them: You can find Bean Candle Co on their website at www.beancandlecompany.com and on Instagram .
Why We Love it: Woman-created, all natural, calming, intentional.
Did you know that 3 out of 4 people are chronically dehydrated? For those of us who struggle with keeping hydrated, especially while travelling, this next brand has your hydration needs covered. Uppy is a female-owned company that created a solution to your travel dehydration struggles. Their Electrolyte Hydration Drink Mix Tablets are designed to dissolve completely into water and add a boost to your hydration–with a hint of lemon-lime and ginger! The tablets were designed to help assist with recovery, hydration, and energy for travelling, post-workout, or post-treatment needs– or even for those who just struggle with drinking water.
Uppy’s formula is packed full of vitamins and minerals that assist the body with recovery, including: Zinc, Sodium Potassium, Magnesium, and more. The Uppy! formula was also created by a female pharmacist, and follows the World Health Organization's guidelines for an Isotonic Oral Rehydration Solution. Each tube of Uppy’s includes 10 servings! They offer both caffeinated and uncaffeinated versions of the tablets.
Inspired By: Uppy’s founder and CEO wrote to us about how her tablets can help the readers of our guide: “Uppy! offers a comforting, easy way to stay hydrated–especially for those managing fatigue, travel, or treatment side effects. Uppy! only requires 4 oz of water to be effective, the most efficient product out there; allowing the hydration and electrolyte benefits to those that cannot sip too much water.
Hydration is often overlooked in self-care, yet it’s vital for energy, clarity, and comfort. Uppy! provides a simple, feel-good wellness moment–just drop, fizz, and sip. It’s gentle on the stomach, low in sugar, follows WHO/UNICEF guidelines and thoughtfully formulated to help replenish and restore the body.”
Siobhan’s Review: I had the pleasure of getting to know Nita, the CEO of Uppy!, and what an uplifting conversation that was! (You’ll see clips from our chat on the Cancer Bites YouTube channel.)
When I first heard about Uppy Electrolyte Tablets, I thought–what an innovative idea! Then I tried them and instantly loved the convenience. Just pop one tablet into about 4 ounces of water, give it a quick shake or stir–and voilà! A lemon-lime ginger boost that refreshes you in minutes.
It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or recovery drink after a long flight. I love the gentle, steady energy it gives me–enough to refocus on the mission instead of giving in to a nap.
Even more meaningful–Nita generously donated 60 packs (well, 58 now–I opened two! One by mistake) to our Cancer Bites Gift Bag campaign. These Uppys will be going into the gift bags we’re filling for breast cancer patients and survivors this holiday season. 💗
Thank you, Uppy!, for creating a product–and a partnership–that truly fuels wellness and kindness.
Retail Price: A tube of Uppy’s retails for $9.90, and a pack of three retails for $26.70. You can also get a six pack that retails for $49.90 and a twelve pack that retails for $89.90. Uppy has also offered us a special gift code! You can use the code: CancerBites for 20% off your order! They also offer free shipping for orders $50 and up.
Where to Find Them
Why We Love it: Woman-owned and created, easy to use, ultimate hydration, and convenient.
This next brand uses a simple yet innovative solution to solve a universal problem for most women–aligning your bra straps. The Brazzle is a woman-created and owned company where the founder was inspired to find a solution to hide her bra straps when wearing a tank top or strapless dress. She grew tired of not buying the clothes she wanted and came up with an innovative and creative solution on her own–and now you can use it too! The Brazzle features a variety of colors so that you can match all of your favorite bras and outfits.
Inspired By: The Brazzle’s creator, Jenny Salimi, shared how her life has been touched by cancer: “My mom had ovarian cancer in her 30's but they caught it early enough so she's cancer free now. That's why I'm an only child. :) I was a bone marrow donor and now the recipient is cancer free. She had AML. We're great friends now!”
Siobhan’s Review: They actually are bra strap aligners. A simple, clever little invention! You take the curly cue, loop it around both your bra strap (or the strap of your dress or top), and it keeps everything perfectly snug. No more slipping straps or fashion faux pas when you’re out at an event–just a smooth, confident look every time. Jenny Salimi, founder and creator of The Brazzle (thebrazzle.com), is a friend of ours and a true innovator. And she didn’t stop there–Jenny donated 60 pink Brazzles to our Gifts That Heal & Give Back campaign, helping us fill gift bags for breast cancer patients and survivors this holiday season. We’re so grateful for her generosity–and for creating something that helps women feel beautiful, secure, and supported (literally and figuratively!). 💕
Retail Price: The Brazzle single pack retails for $9. It also comes in a two pack that retails for $17, a four pack for $28, a six pack for $35, an eight pack for $40, and a special Breast Cancer twenty-five pack for $120.
Where to Find Them: You can find The Brazzle’s products on their website: www.thebrazzle.com
Why We Love it: Woman-owned and created, innovative, practical, and easy to use.
Next up is a book that we hope will be helpful to the readers of this guide. We had the opportunity to interview one of the authors on the Cancer Bites Podcast! Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood was written by leading psycho-oncologist Dr. Cristina Pozo-Kaderman and Saul Wisnia, a senior publications editor-writer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. We interviewed Dr. Pozo-Kaderman on our October 14th episode of the Cancer Bites Podcast. You can watch the episode here! https://youtu.be/2WAGVIPF4HE?si=tt6JzFfAeWRoKXjW
Authors Pozo-Kaderman and Wisnia offer a new and unique insight, backed by years of experience and research, into the experiences of Millennials and Gen Z who are diagnosed with cancer. The book is filled with real patient stories and practical advice that can lend insight and help to young adults dealing with a cancer diagnosis. In the book, readers can find how to: “Transition from diagnosis to treatment while maintaining their sense of self, find an extensive list of cancer related resources that include everything from financial support, patient advocacy, fertility preservation, legal groups, and more, and ways to embrace their “new normal” life.”
Inspired By: Dr. Pozo-Kaderman offers her experiences which inspired her to co-author this book. She wrote: “Dr. Pozo-Kaderman’s professional passion comes from a personal connection. Her mother was diagnosed with head and neck cancer at 26, which rapidly recurred twice. As a young child in the late 1960s, there was no focus on the emotional side of going through cancer. It was during this turbulent time, she knew she wanted to dedicate her career to helping patients weather the psycho-social difficulties of facing diagnosis in early adulthood.
“Young adults have unique needs when dealing with cancer, yet there have only been few resources tailored specifically for them,” says Dr. Pozo-Kaderman. “This book delivers not only meaningful information but also provides a sense of community, empowering readers to approach every stage of their cancer experience with confidence.”
Siobhan’s Review: This one was easy to review because I actually had the chance to speak with Dr. Cristina–twice, in fact–and her personal story of why she became a psycho-oncologist is riveting.
Dr. Cristina (as I call her) is such a lovely, intelligent woman, leading in a field that only began taking shape in the 1970s. Her compassion, clarity, and depth of understanding come through in every word. The advice she shares for young adults navigating cancer–from finding their footing to rebuilding identity–is exactly what they need to hear.
Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood offers practical guidance and emotional support for Millennials and Gen Z who are facing something that often feels impossible to explain to their peers. It’s part resource, part lifeline, written with warmth, honesty, and hope.
And if you’re older–get a copy. None of us have all the answers, and this book has something to teach every generation about listening, empathy, and what it really means to support someone through cancer.
Retail Price: You can buy the book directly from the publisher, Simon and Schuster Books, for $18. You can also find the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, and more for $18.
Where to Find Them: You can find the book on the publisher’s website at: https://www.simonandschuster.com/ and also on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, and more.
Why We Love it: Informative, insightful, expertly-researched, and thoughtful.
Sometimes your body just needs that extra boost for pain relief, sleep, or inflammation, and this next brand offers just that. Hey Mary Jane is a woman-created company from Utah that crafts microdose hemp gummies to help your body function at its best. Each formula is curated to help individuals suffering from insomnia, burnout, pain, or stress re-balance their bodies in a natural way. Every formula blends full-spectrum hemp (less than 2mg naturally occurring THC) with adaptogens, nootropics, and amino acids that help the body return to balance without feeling high= a perfect combo if you ask us. Hey Mary Jane has been featured in Medium, Business Insider, on CBS and ABC News, and more!
Inspired By: Inspired By: Hey Mary Jane’s founder talks about her experience with chronic pain that led her to create the product on the website: “Jaime’s journey began in her early twenties with chronic pain initially linked to car accidents, leading to years of suffering, heavy prescriptions, and growing dependency until she turned to cannabis as a natural, functional alternative while raising her son. A suggestion to explore autoimmune issues led her to Dr. Mae Kinaly at Integrative Medicine Orange County, where comprehensive testing finally revealed Lyme disease and co-infections; supported in her preference for a holistic approach, she underwent treatments including supplements, high-dose Vitamin C IVs, ozone therapy, and continued cannabis use, eventually microdosing to manage inflammation and symptoms.
As her health improved, she shifted toward minimizing daily supplements and relying on potent herbs and cannabinoids to maintain balance—an evolution that inspired the creation of HMJ, a wellness brand offering discreet, aesthetically pleasing, and effective relief, co-founded with Jaymes Moore, creative director, and Chris Sarkissian, Global Strategy Leader.”
Siobhan’s Review: I was reluctant at first to try this product. While I have lots of friends who use hemp products, that’s not something John and I have ever been interested in trying ourselves. Once I figured out how to get the child-proof top off and read the instructions carefully, I decided to chew one gummy before bed.
I have some trouble sleeping, so I gave it a try. It tastes like a gummy bear, though more bitter than a children’s vitamin–definitely not for kids. (Hide it and secure it!) I slept for a few hours, but since I hadn’t taken more for a higher dose, the sleep wasn’t complete. I decided not to take more and eventually fell back asleep after getting up for a drink of water.
At first, I thought it hadn’t worked. But the next morning–and all day–I realized it had indeed reduced my inflammation. My fingers felt thinner, and all the aches I’d been carrying for weeks were gone. It did exactly what it promised.
For me, reducing inflammation is vital as a cancer patient–both for healing and for battling the internal stresses that come with treatment. Hey Mary Jane’s microdose gummies delivered a gentle, natural way to reduce inflammation, which made a real difference for my body.
Retail Price: A single pack of 30 gummies retails for $69 or you can subscribe and save. A two-pack retails for $133 and a three-pack retails for $195. You can also get the Microdose Collection for $199. Hey Mary Jane is offering 15% off your order with special code: CANCERBITES. They are also offering a buy one get one 50% off for Black Friday if you sign up with your email!
Where to Find Them: You can Find Hey Mary Jane’s products on their website at: https://heymaryjane.com
Why We Love it: Woman-created and founded, natural ingredients, powerful and effective
Sometimes the circumstances of life take us in an unexpected direction, and it’s up to us to decide how to make the most of it. This next brand’s founder did exactly that when she created her Signature Lollipop Collection. Simone I. Smith is a woman-created jewelry company that was born from the founder’s experiences of surviving a rare type of bone cancer. Simone I. Smith is a 19 year cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who designs beautiful jewelry with meaningful designs. From necklaces, to hoop earrings, and to lollipop necklaces–this brand has a little bit of everything for those who want to wear something sparkly that has thoughtful, meaningful designs. The Lollipop Collection features 18K gold over silver and Swarovski Crystals.
Inspired By: Here is a bit about co-founder Simone I. Smith’s, aka “SIS”, journey in creating the Lollipop Collection from their website: “In 2011, Smith co-founded Simone I. Smith Jewelry. The idea for her first design came to be following her diagnosis of stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. After surgery, she discovered that the lollipop tattoo on her leg was altered. That was the inspiration for her signature lollipop pendant, “A Sweet Touch of Hope.” Then came hoop earrings, bangles, necklaces and her collection of men's jewelry.
Siobhan’s Review: I opened the gift bag that was sent and immediately gasped at the beauty of this delicate necklace–but I also saw its pillar of strength, because I already knew the story behind it. I loved the color–from the website pages, it didn’t compare to seeing it in person. When asked what color I would choose, I said: that brilliant blue!
The necklace has a long enough gold chain, and the pendant–a lollipop with a bite taken out of it–is a true designer piece with all the fashionista vibes you could hope for.
I love wearing it because I know it carries a cancer survivor’s story. It reminds me that even when life feels like it has taken something from us, something beautiful can be created. It’s an heirloom-style piece of jewelry that you’ll want to leave to someone in your life who will wear it with joy. I’m proud to wear it like the mantle of Cancer Bites, a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope.
Gifts That Give Back: Simone I. Smith has a partnership with the American Cancer Society and donates a portion of proceeds from each sale to the organization.
Retail Price: The Lollipop Collection prices vary by the size of the piece and type of material, but range from $200 to $460. They are currently offering an extra 20% off sale for Black Friday!
Where to Find Them: You can find Simone I. Smith’s pieces on their website at: www.simoneismith.com
Why We Love it: Woman-created, meaningful designs, beautifully crafted, and stylish.
Have you been wanting to spice up your cooking but haven’t known where to start? This next brand is here to help you on your way to being the next Emeril–or Chef Calvin. Spiced Up Seasonings was created by Chef Calvin Harris who wanted to make cooking at home a more convenient and flavorful experience. Not wanting to trade convenience or taste for healthy meals cooked at home, he created a variety of seasoning blends that will literally spice up your home cooking! Each blend is chef-crafted, globally inspired, responsibly sourced, made with clean ingredients, and convenient for everyday meals. All of the seasoning blends are also 100% kosher, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free. Sounds clean and delicious to us!
Inspired By: Chef Calvin is a cancer survivor managing CKD and will be a guest on the Cancer Bites Podcast on February 10th where he will be sharing more of his story with us. Subscribe and set notifications, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9vb3qMihF5lLBrlaxC2DpvkPvVX-Duyn&si=H7Qckux9jKNrfM1R
Siobhan’s Review: This one was a hit in our house! John has been a bit put off that so many of the gifts coming in for review are for me—but when he saw these seasoning blends, he lit right up. Finally, something he could get excited about!
These are beautifully packaged, full of flavor, and perfect for anyone who loves to barbecue or experiment in the kitchen. The blends are clean, thoughtfully made, and smell absolutely amazing as soon as you open them. John’s already been trying them out, and the kitchen smells incredible every time he does.
It’s the perfect gift for the man or woman who loves to grill, cook, or just bring a little extra flavor to everyday meals.
Gifts That Give Back: Chef Calvin is deeply purpose driven, contributing his services and products to many community outreach programs. He shares his talents with local firehouses to teach first responders how to cook healthy meals on tight budgets and with limited schedules. He also contributes to the University of Miami’s Plant Power Food Prescription Program, where he supplies products and runs cooking demonstrations alongside nutrition classes for families facing food insecurity.
Retail Price: Individual spice blends retail for $9.99. Packs of four retail for $40, a five pack retails for $50. A six pack retails for $60 and a seven pack retails for $70. You can sign up and get 10% off your order if you buy three or more products!
Where to Find Them: You can find Spiced Up Seasonings on their website at: www.spicedupseasonings.com You can also find Chef Calvin’s products on Amazon.
Why We Love it: Chef-curated, simple yet delicious ingredients, and convenient.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but we think journaling is an important part of memory-making too. This next item on our guide provides an easy way to document your travel journey in one convenient, memorable place. Reading Around the World: A Travel Book Journal: A Country-by-Country Reading Challenge for Wanderlusters by Page Traveler creates a unique reading log that provides a book review page for every country you visit on your world travel journey. For readers that want an additional experience, this book compliments Page Traveler’s Nomad Book Club (a travel-themed book club) and the Read Around the World Challenge.
Page Traveler is a woman-owned and created company that was inspired by the Digital Nomad travels of its founder. Page Traveler offers book clubs, reading challenges, and retreats. Whether you travel for work or for fun (or both), this book will compliment your travel experience in a unique and fun way.
Inspired By: The creator of Page Traveller shared what inspired her to create the company on their website: “I started this blog in 2015 when I was living as an expat in Hong Kong, as a way to keep in touch with friends and family back home.
Later, I wrote about my backpacking adventures in Southeast Asia and Mexico, as well as my other experiences living overseas in Italy and Thailand.
Two years ago, I started my next chapter as a digital nomad and travelling cat mom.
And of course, I’ve been journeying through books all that time, too…”
Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a teacher, a parent looking for an engaging learning tool, or simply someone who loves discovering new places through stories, Read Around the World is a delightful companion. It turns reading into a passport to adventure—one page, one country, one book at a time.
Siobhan’s Review: This travel-themed reading journal is such a cool idea for anyone with a bit of time on their hands—or anyone looking to challenge themselves through books. Read Around the World invites readers to explore global cultures without leaving home, turning reading into a true adventure.
It’s especially wonderful for children and young readers. The journal encourages curiosity about the world and gives them a creative way to track their reading journey. There are dedicated spaces for notes, reviews, and reflections on what they’ve learned about each country featured in their books.
It’s also a beautiful companion for adults—especially cancer patients or anyone spending long hours in treatment rooms. Reading can be a comforting escape, and this journal offers a sense of purpose and connection during those waiting hours. Each page becomes a little passport to discovery, helping transform downtime into something meaningful and inspiring.
Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a teacher, a parent looking for an engaging learning tool, or simply someone who loves discovering new places through stories, Read Around the World is a delightful companion. It turns reading into a passport to adventure—one page, one country, one book at a time.
Retail Price: Reading Around the World retails on Amazon for $12.99 for paperback and $19.99 for hardback. As a bonus, the purchase of the journal entitles the owner to 10% off reading retreats! There will be a code included in the journal.
Where to Find Them: You can find the journal on Amazon.
Why We Love it:Woman owned-and created, interactive, memory-making, great for readers.
It’s that time of year where your skin starts getting as itchy and dry as the leaves on the ground. Thankfully, this next brand is here to help solve that problem! Yu-Be is Japan’s #1 bestselling vitamin-enriched moisturizer that has helped thousands of people overcome their dry, itchy skin. They feature products that are paraben-free and safe for sensitive skin types. They don’t use any artificial fragrances or colors, and their formula is designed to alleviate itchiness, irritation, and dry skin. Yu-Be also donates a portion of their profits toward charities that help feed others, and they provide a free sample with every order! Their products have been featured in Glamour, InStyle, Elite Daily, and more.
Inspired By: Yu-Be talked about how their products have helped others: “We have received many reviews from cancer patients who've told us how our best seller has helped their skin recover from changes they're experiencing from chemo treatment.”
Siobhan’s Review: I tried a small amount on my hands, and the first thing I noticed was that camphor “healing” vibe–strong at first, then gone within a minute. After that, my hands felt soft and protected, almost like a lightweight barrier cream.
The packaging features a woman explorer, Sumiyo Tsuzuki, who swears by it in harsh outdoor conditions. I haven’t climbed Mount Everest as she has, but it definitely feels like the kind of cream you’d toss in a backpack or winter bag for extra protection.
Worth noting: the formula leans more traditional than botanical. If you prefer all-natural skincare, this might not be your match–but if you care more about comfort and hydration, it’s a practical pick.
I’m also grateful the brand sent samples for our Gifts That Heal & Give Back Gift Bags, so patients and their families can try it too.
Best for: hikers, skiers, climbers, gardeners, dog walkers, and anyone battling dry winter hands.
Retail Price: The moisturizer retails for $39 or you can subscribe and save for $33.15. You can also subscribe to their newsletter and receive 15% off your first order!
Where to Find Them: You can find Yu-Be on their website: https://yu-be.com/
Why We Love it:Paraben-free, safe for sensitive skin, powerful ingredients, ultra moisturizing. Yu-Be donates to Feeding America with every order placed - 10 meals donated per order placed.
Cute, trendy clothes that also advocate for chronic health issues and people with disabilities? That is definitely a winning combo! Unified by Design is a woman-owned brand that creates comfy, witty apparel that helps those living with chronic health issues, disabilities, and more feel seen and valued.
Unified by Design creates a wide variety of apparel that includes designs for more than fifty conditions–from chronic health issues to mental health issues, and everything in between. The shop includes t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags and much, much more. We love a brand that is an advocate for physical and mental health representation–and one that is both comfy and stylish is a great bonus!
Inspired By: The founder of Unified by Design wrote to us about what inspired her to start her business: “I started this brand after watching loved ones navigate invisible illness and realizing how often kindness and empathy gets overlooked. Our designs blend comfort, humor, and heart, created to remind people that strength takes many forms.
Each piece is professionally produced in the U.S. using ethically sourced blanks by Gildan and Comfort Colors, with messages that uplift, comfort, and build connection.”
Siobhan’s Review: I’m wearing the Strength tee today, and I absolutely love it. The blue color is vibrant and uplifting—it feels like a reminder of calm and courage all at once. The quality really stands out too; it’s not one of those thin, flimsy shirts that lose their shape after a wash. This one feels soft, substantial, and made to last.
I especially love the message on the front. It’s empowering—a quiet reminder of resilience rather than defiance. It carries strength in a peaceful, grounded way, which feels refreshing and real. It’s something I’m proud to wear, not just as a statement about cancer, but as a message about everyday strength, hope, and grace.
It’s the kind of shirt that makes you feel good inside and out—comfortable, meaningful, and beautifully made. I’ll be wearing it walking, farming, and on quick trips to the store—it’s that versatile and easy to love.
Gifts That Give Back: Unified by Design partners with Chronically The Sickest Podcast, gifting a shirt to each guest who shares their story of advocacy and resilience.
Retail Price: Unified by Design’s products retail from $32-$58.
Where to Find Them: You can find their products on their Etsy shop at: https://unifiedbydesignshop.etsy.com
Why We Love it:Woman-owned, trendy, comfy, physical and mental health advocacy, and great representation.
A heartfelt and joy-filled THANK YOU to every brand that participated in this year’s Gifts That Heal & Give Back Guide. Your stories—your resilience, creativity, purpose, and passion—are what inspired these thoughtful, innovative, and delightfully fun products. You reminded us that a gift can carry meaning, spark joy, support healing, and make a real impact in someone’s life.
To our brilliant writer and editor, Haley Fox—thank you for taking dozens of submissions plus the photos I sent you of my handwritten list of all 25 products (you know, the ones with scribbles trailing off the page, curving up the sides, and looking like a treasure map gone rogue 😅). Somehow you transformed all of that into a beautifully organized, emotionally rich, easy-to-read guide. You brought heart, clarity, and magic to every page, and highlighted so many sustainable, women-owned, mission-driven small businesses with such care. This guide is a celebration because of you.
And a massive thank-you to John of New Leaf Technologies for promising—without hesitation—to get this guide ready to publish by Sunday evening, saving me from an inevitable pre-deadline meltdown. As always, John is my go-to wizard for all things web. A brilliant creator, inventor, and behind-the-scenes superhero who knows his way around every corner of a website and how to bring a project to life. Truly, I could not have pulled off this crazy last-minute, spirit-led idea without all of you.
Your support, skills, patience, and heart made the impossible feel effortless.
To everyone who contributed, collaborated, or cheered this project along—thank you.- Siobhan Shaw, Founder, Cancer Bites Podcast & Community, Co-founder, GrowingtoGive.org
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