What to Send When a Child Is Diagnosed: Age-Appropriate Gifts That Truly Help
When a child is diagnosed with cancer or a rare disease, loved ones are often eager to help—but aren’t always sure how. One of the most common questions we hear at Zip With Us® is: What can I send that’s actually helpful?
The answer often depends on the child’s age, the hospital environment, and the medical challenges they’re facing. Flowers, for example, are usually not allowed due to infection risk. So instead, we encourage practical, comforting, and age-appropriate gifts that support the child—and their family—through treatment.
💛 For Babies & Toddlers (0–3 Years)
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Adapted Apparel: Our Drew’s Cruisers™ are designed for little ones with central lines, ports, g-tubes, and other medical needs—so babies can stay clothed, safe, and functional during treatments.
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Soft Blankets: A washable, hypoallergenic baby blanket can be comforting in cold hospital settings.
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Soothing Toys: Teething rings, plushies, and musical mobiles provide gentle sensory engagement.
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Board Books: Durable, short picture books help with bonding during quiet moments.
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Pacifier Clips & Bibs: Simple but helpful items that keep everyday needs accessible.
💚 For Preschool & Elementary-Age Kids (4–10 Years)
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ZipShirts™: These allow kids to feel “normal” while still accommodating ports and lines—no need to undress for treatments.
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Activity Kits: Think coloring books, crayons, sticker sets, or mess-free crafts to pass time.
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Storybooks About Medical Journeys: Titles like You Are Brave or The Hospital Book can help kids understand what’s happening.
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Fidget Toys, Legos, and Small Puzzles: Great for waiting rooms and anxiety relief-care giver approved, of course.
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Stuffed Animals or “Comfort Companions”: A soft friend to hold onto during hard days.
💙 For Tweens & Teens (11+ Years)
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Stylish Adapted Apparel: Teens appreciate clothing that blends in, and brands they love. Our discreet ZipShirts™ offer dignity and comfort while staying functional, and our customization option offers a child to choose what type of ZipShirt™ would allow them to feel their best.
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Headphones or Earbuds: Music, movies, and audiobooks offer a welcome distraction.
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Journals & Sketchbooks: Private creative outlets can be incredibly healing.
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Books & eBooks: Choose age-appropriate novels or graphic novels they enjoy.
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Gift Cards: For apps, music, food delivery, or streaming services—teens love having choice and independence.
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Self-Care Items: Unscented lotions, lip balm, and cozy socks make long hospital days a little easier.
🧡 For Families
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Meals, Gas, and Universal Gift Cards: Help cover the everyday expenses that add up quickly.
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Cash: Assist with hospital cafeteria and parking costs offering thoughtful and practical support.
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Sibling Gift Bags: Small toys, books, or snacks for brothers and sisters go a long way in showing they’re not forgotten.
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Notes of Encouragement: A heartfelt card, letter, or drawing can mean the world to parents and caregivers throughout the duration of a child's treatments.
What Not to Send:
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Flowers or Live Plants: Most pediatric hospitals restrict them due to allergy and infection concerns.
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Strongly Scented Items: Many patients are sensitive to smell during treatments.
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Large or Bulky Toys: Space is limited in hospital rooms—compact is best.
Every gift is a chance to show a child and their family that they’re not alone. At Zip With Us®, we know firsthand how small comforts—especially our medically adapted clothing—restore dignity, function, and control during uncertain times. When you give thoughtfully, you become part of that healing.
🛍️ Want to help even more? Every purchase from the Zip With Us® Shop supports our mission—100% of profits go directly to gifting adapted garments to kids in treatment across the U.S.
