Hello! My 4 year-old niece just finished all of her chemotherapy for leukemia. My sister is having an open house type of party to celebrate the end of this chapter in their lives. I don’t think my sister expects us to bring a gift at all. But, I have a soft spot for this particular niece and I am so happy that she is doing well, that I kind of want to bring a gift, unless it is inappropriate to do so. But I also don’t know what kind of gift I would bring if I did bring one. Any thoughts?
I think it would be sweet to bring something. I would lean towards a gift that is empowering and fun - maybe a superhero cape? Or a t-shirt or sweatshirt with an empowering message - something like this https://www.zazzle.com/leukemia_messed_with_the_wrong_chick_t_shirt-235095711847116367?
I think it is fine to bring a gift for a 4 year old who has gone through that ordeal. It will be appreciated. Bring something that a four year old would like. Books, Balloons, Games, Stuffed Animals. She deserves to be spoiled a bit. Maybe even something for the parents would be nice. A dinner out with you babysitting. A spa treatment for Mom. They have gone through a lot too.
Can you make a donation to something where her name will be displayed? I know we have “named” trees (and swings!) at one of our parks. Or an adoption of an animal at the zoo? Or is there a gratitude wall (with named tiles) at the hospital? She might think it’s cool that her bravery will live on.
Of course, she’s 4. A stuffed animal or book or cowgirl boots just might be more exciting to her…
Another idea is to bring something that would entertain multiple kids, perhaps in addition to something just for the four year old.
For example, if the weather is nice bring bubbles for all the kids (the 24 packs sold in party stores as wedding favors are very cheap and you’ll have spares for the inevitable spill).
Most definitely okay, IMO. Honestly, I can’t think of occasions when a gift isn’t appropriate although it might not be expected.
Absolutely! Ending chemo is a great reason to celebrate and pamper the little one and her family. Wishing your niece continued good health!
Thanks for these responses, everyone! Sounds like everyone pretty much agrees that it’s fine to bring a gift. And, you have all given me such good ideas for what to get. I am going to look into all of them. I appreciate your help!
Absolutely! We just threw a party for an adult friend who just finished her chemo with cancer. And, yes, there were gifts! (Because who doesn’t appreciate thoughtfulness?)
I’m going to go a different route than those who suggested books/games/stuffed animals/etc. I was a patient at a pediatric hospital as a youngster, and by the time you’re discharged, you’re sick of that stuff. I would go with active outdoor toys like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, jump rope, water guns, plastic sleds, and such that can be enjoyed now when she may not have all of her energy through the coming months as she gets it back.
We always enjoyed the gift of a family membership to one of the many fine zoos or museums in the Chicago-Milwaukee area, and we used them a LOT. Wishing your niece many more happy healthy years!
Generosity is never a mistake.
Absolutely! If this isn’t an occasion to bring a gift I don’t know what is!
Hard to imagine having too many stuffies. But the other ideas are good, too.
I’m of the belief that it’s extremely rarely wrong to give someone a gift! Especially this little angel. She will love it. Heck, I’d be tempted to take more than one! A princess tiara, a superhero cape and cowgirl boots! Too cute! And a tutu. LOL. And bubbles. And a necklace. Love all the ideas here. Just thinking back about my own little girl heart and the things I loved.
I agree. My daughter was a patient at Children’s Hospital for only an outpatient program and even she received a lot of stuff - beanie babies, books, small toys - on the days of treatments. A friend who was in and out of hospitals her whole life and went to the Make-a-wish at Disney had a houseful of stuffed animals and books and toys. A classmate who had cancer also had all kinds of things, even electronic games
A 4 year old might enjoy a gift card so she can treat her family to ice cream or scooter to get out in neighborhood again.
I would recommend a thing she can open and use right away over a gift card or a Zoo membership. Four year olds aren’t great at valuing things they need to wait for! I second suggestions like Bubbles or games she could play with the other guests. Maybe a card game if she is still getting her energy back. A shiny pink tiara would be welcomed by the majority of four year old girls I have met too!
I would think it would be odd not to bring a gift.
If she’s 4 and just finishing chemo, she’s probably been inside, away from anyone who could potentially be contagious.
How about tickets to see Disney on Ice/Barney/ The Wiggles-- something of that sort? (Note: when my kids were that age, the characters frightened them. I always got tickets for the top level, near the front. They could see fine, but the characters were “safely” pretty far away.)
Or, it that’s not in the budget, how about an IOU for an aunt/niece trip to a movie and ice cream? Or just ice cream-- maybe a grown up lunch date at Friendlys?
Oops, one more suggestion-- does the 4 year old have any siblings? If so, consider a gift for those kids too-- I imagine they’ve lost a chunk of their childhood while their parents were understandably caught up in the 4 year old’s illness.
A favorite fift of mine was to buy someone a star. I’d get the gift certificate and have it framed.