grandniece diagnosed with leukemia

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I am not here to ask for medical advice. She is 16 and I want to know what a teenager would appreciate in the way of gifts. I want to send her a package as she is in another state. I want to let her know we are thinking of her. It has been years since I have had any exposure to teenagers. She will be in and out of the hospital.

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Specializes in oncology.

I'm sorry to hear what your grandniece and family are going through. I work on an oncology floor for adults and have noticed that a lot of them bring movies with them for while they are in the hospital. One lady was even given a subscription for Netflix so that she could have her choice of movies while she was hospitalized. The movies help pass the time while they are in the hospital. I don't know if that's the kind of gift that you had in mind. My thoughts are with your grandniece.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I work chronic hemodialysis and have teens that are on dialysis 12 hours/week - must sit still. THey like:

1. Hand held video games.

2. Hand held DVD player.

3. Ipod

4. cell phone (what teen girl doesn't like to talk continuously on the phone?)

Hope this helps. Prayers and positive thoughts also oramar.

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I have a couple teenage daughters at home, here are some more suggestions, in addition to the great ones you already got.

Books

Magazines (teen or fashion)

Journals and nice pens

Make up (she'll need a good pic me up to make her feel better about herself)

If she likes to draw, art supplies

Scrapbooking supplies

Clothes or cool athletic clothing to wear for jammies or instead of jammies

Hats, bandanas, etc if she'll be losing her hair.

If she'll be allowed a laptop, maybe gift cards so she can "go shopping" online.

I could go on and on, but I think any of these would be appropriate if she is hospitalized.

My prayers are with you and your grand niece.

~T

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Specializes in ER.

If you google the "chemoangels" group they have lots of great ideas.

My niece had cancer last year and I made sure to send her a piece of mail every once in a while, that was what she enjoyed most. When she was first diagnosed I sent her a box of about 30 small presents to open on her bad days, or if she was bored (to be doled out by Mom, she was 3) but she got so many gifts that it turned out to be the least favorite thing. I sent her parents a gift certificate for a massage for each of them, and they loved it. I'll bet a 16yo would really go for having her hair done with a massage, manicure, pedicure etc, especially if she is feeling cruddy.

What about assorted nail polishes and makeup so she can try on different looks? Some glitter, washable tattoos, and washable hair dyes and gels?

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