Gift Boxes for Kids with Cancer: So Many Benefits

Gift boxes for kids with cancer, they might not seem to be much different than any other gift or gift box. I mean, they’re just a typical gift box wrapped in some pretty paper with maybe a teddy bear and a few other eye-popping trinkets, right? 

Unless it’s a Bamba Box, of course. With a Bamba Box, your gift box will come with access to a member’s only site with a couple of downloadable freebies and maybe even a free virtual concert, but I digress.

The context in which gift boxes—surprises—are used can have positive impacts on children who are sick and in the hospital, having anxiety, and dealing with all of the intricacies of illness.

Trust me.

Gift Boxes for Kids with Cancer: They Work, But Bamba Box Delivers More Than Toys

If you know a little about my story, then you know I had cancer at ages 6, 9, 11, and 21.

Unfortunately, like lots of children out there, I have some firsthand experience with what it’s like to be sick with cancer. 

I know what it’s like to be in fear of those upcoming tests, whatever they may be. I also know what it’s like not to be able to go outside and play with other kids out of fear of getting sick, or simply because you don’t feel like it.

It’s a crazy dynamic when you think about it. On the one hand, your life is being saved as you endure scores of tests and treatments, but at the same time, the mental impact—the emotional roller coaster can be arduous for all involved.

But, let me show you how the “Bamba Box” gift box helped me, and even my parents, as a child growing up with cancer. I’ll also show you how the Bamba Box is different than any other care package in the world.

1. They Change the Focus with Anticipation

“Ryan, don’t worry, we’ll have you a few goodies when you get back, we promise. I can also make you some banana pudding when you feel better,” my Bamba and Granddaddy told me before one procedure when I was a kid. I heard this similar line from them many times as a child.

Bamba, who was my grandmother, had her name hand-picked by a cousin of mine when he was a child. And, my granddaddy earned his name through, well, just being a granddaddy. A pretty awesome one actually (read about him here).

How this whole Bamba Box—gift box thing worked was simple actually. Bamba and Granddaddy knew that during the time I was being wheeled back to a surgery, or during the long two-hour drive to get my chemotherapy treatment, my mind would be stampeded with worrisome thoughts—filled with anxiety, what-if scenarios, and the real-life dread of many things that I was too familiar with—things I knew would come to pass.

Their solution was a distraction. It was a distraction that gave me both something to look forward to and something positive that I could anticipate.

2. They Promote Connection

Besides the excitement and anticipation that came with getting a Bamba Box, there were other benefits to receiving my Bamba Box, you know? I wasn’t just about the parachute men, the games, and the other toys.

Naturally, when my grandparents showed up to give me my Bamba Box, I loved them for it. I mean, what kid wouldn’t? 

Honestly, though, I loved them anyway, of course. However, looking forward to seeing them and receiving my gift box for a kid with cancer, the Bamba Box, was just one more way to connect during such a difficult time.

3. They Help Parents

Parents hate seeing their children having to endure such a thing as cancer—or any other illness or unpleasant experience for that matter. And, as small as it may seem, a simple surprise or gift box for a kid going through cancer can give a child a positive experience and give them feelings of joy.

With a few toys, games, and squishies, parents can have the opportunity to see their child connect with a normal part of childhood life—playing and being happy.

4. They Provide For Now, and For Later

The Bamba Box is a gift box for kids with cancer. It comes with far more than just a box full of toys, though. It’s much different than other gift boxes for kids with cancer (wait until number 6).

We select toys based on my experiences as a child. Also, we’ve talked with other parents and got some firsthand knowledge from kids as well.

We offer items that allow a child with cancer to be distracted with a little fun at the very moment.

We send toys such as squishies, gamebooks, and puzzles, etc. However, we also offer toys that hatch and grow (among other things). These fun toys give kids days of excitement and joy as they anticipate what is to come—something fun in this case.

5. They Come with Concerts… Wait, What?

How do you fit a concert into a gift box for kids going through cancer? Well, we had to do some thinking, but basically, it works like this.

Growing up, my favorite gift to receive in my Bamba Box was the parachute man. He was a little man with a parachute that I could throw in the air, and he’d come floating down to the ground. 

Well, each Bamba Box will have a parachute man inside. Now, the parachute man himself is not involved with performing a concert. But, if I sign his parachute, the recipient of that box will win a virtual visit and performance of my song, “Where Hope Lives,” written for the American Cancer Society.

6. Personalized Letters and Membership Access?

Each gift box will come with a personalized letter. This letter will have information on how to logon to the “Members Only” area of BambaBox.com.

Here, kids can watch a video of me showing some of my favorite toys and delivering a personal message to them. They can also watch me perform my song, “Where Hope Lives” on a pre-recorded video.

Also, the Members Only page will give children two digital freebies.

Click here to order the ultimate gift box for children with cancer, the Bamba Box.

If you don’t know a child with cancer, you can still support a child facing health obstacles by “gifting” a box.

When you “gift a box,” we’ll ship a Bamba Box to a child on your behalf.