Tis the season of giving! Christmas shopping is one of my favorite things about the holidays, but it can be a struggle to find the perfect gift. It’s a struggle every single one of us has dealt with at some point. Personally, I love seeing that person’s face light up when they open their gift. Knowing it will bring a little joy into their day makes my heart swell!
We all want our gifts to be unique, yet useful, but also have special meaning to the person we are gifting it to. And if that person happens to have a chronic illness, it’s even more important to give something tangible of beneficial quality that can improve their everyday health or at least lessen their pain and symptoms. To help, here are a few popular items to consider that are most likely on your loved-one’s wish list this holiday season…
Cooling Weighted Blanket
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3oyxncR
I know what you are thinking: Who needs another blanket? But, stay with me; this one is different and can provide multiple benefits to your friend or family member with chronic illness. Insomnia and anxiety are common when dealing with illness, and weighted blankets can combat both. Weighted blankets provide “pressure therapy” to users, similar to being swaddled or hugged.
By applying pressure, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks into rest mode, lowering the heart rate and helping the body feel more calm. Calming the body may also help with insomnia and restlessness. How heavy the weighted blanket should be depends on the user’s body weight and can range anywhere between 5 and 30-pounds. While there are many weighted blankets on the market today, the one linked here by Ourea stands out as it also features a cooling, breathable cotton fabric.
Photo Credit: AmazonHypervolt Plus Percussion Massage Gun
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/33VvSO1
Yes, there are a lot of percussion massage guns on the market, but Hypervolt’s are known for their state-of-the-art technology, long life-span and battery life, quiet glide technology, and ability to relieve sore, stiff muscles.
With multiple settings, Bluetooth capabilities (to connect with the Hyperice app), and interchangeable attachments, the Hypervolt Plus can improve one’s range of motion and flexibility, enhance muscle performance, and reduce muscle soreness.
Photo Credit: AmazonPaint-By-Numbers Set
Buy it here: https://www.winniespicks.com/
What better way to unleash creativity and experience a relaxing art therapy session all in one than gifting someone with a beautiful and fun paint-by-numbers kit? According to the American Art Therapy Association, engaging in just 45 minutes of a creative pursuit can significantly lessen stress in the body.
With a variety of scene options to paint – ranging from animals and flowers to landscapes and vintage pieces – your chronically ill loved one will surely remember this unique gift option. And, the creative possibilities are endless with WinniesPicks, as you can also upload your very own photo which can be turned into a paint-by-number project!
Photo Credit: Winnie’s PicksCopper Compression Gloves for Men and Women
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/37lgqLW
Targeted relief helps the one you love that is dealing with pain in the hands, wrists and fingers, or struggles with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or tendonitis. Infused with top grade copper, these compression gloves can help relieve pain and swelling, and soothe overworked muscles. Plus, they are created with a fingerless design, allowing your loved one to work freely without having to remove the gloves.
Photo Credit: AmazonThermotex Far Infrared Heat Therapies
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/37OISGi
Smarter than your average heating pad, the family of Thermotex products gets 10x deeper (2.36 inches deep!) than typical heating pads on the market, thanks to its Far Infrared technology. This allows for increased circulation, better pain relief, and a decrease in inflammation. Products are bendable and come in a variety of options for common pain areas including wrist/hand, knees, back, and feet.
Photo Credit: AmazonAcupressure Back and Neck Pillow Pain Relief Set
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2IspQgv
Did you know spending between 10 to 30-minutes a day on an acupressure mat can release endorphins that help block body pain and relax muscles? This can help your loved one easily carry on with daily activities while experiencing less pain. With over 6,000 acupressure points on the mat and around 1,700 on the neck pillow, this set is an ideal gift for anyone in need of muscle relaxation and pain relief!
Photo Credit: AmazonAdaptive Undergarments and Lingerie
Buy it here: https://www.intimately.co/
Have you ever heard of adaptive bras and underwear? If not, we’re happy to share the joy! These pieces from Intimately are ideal for anyone who is unable to lift their legs, struggles with chronic back pain, or lacks the dexterity needed to reach around and fasten a bra.
Intimately is a one stop shop for lingerie for women with disabilities and provides functional and fashionable bras and underwear options featuring magnetic fasteners and side opening designs. The adaptive apparel company was started when its founder Emma saw the struggles her mom faced after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Photo Credit: Intimately.coMemo Box Mini – Electronic Pill Organizer
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/36TTBQv
Remembering to take one’s medicine every day can be a struggle when dealing with a chronic illness. But now, The Memo Box can make this daily task easier and safer. It not only automatically records all of your pill intake, but can also alert you when you are potentially taking a double-dose thanks to its Bluetooth/app technology. Plus, it also sends a notification if the pillbox is ever left behind! And it has a flexible alarm system to match any lifestyle or sleep cycle.
Another plus? The Memo Box Mini can fit in your pocket or purse, all while increasing your overall medication adherence/compliance. Now that’s an easy pill to swallow!
Photo Credit: AmazonBody Back Buddy
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/39Uab4O
Whether your loved one struggles with upper back and neck/shoulder pain due to a chronic illness, or they’ve got muscle tightness from sitting at a computer all day long, this back massaging hook will be a welcomed gift!
This product allows people to reach hard to access areas in the scapular regions and experience decreased pain and relief from sore, tight muscles. It’s easy to use and portable, plus it won’t bend or break, this affordable back hook should be on everyone’s gift list.
Photo Credit: AmazonUnisex Compression Socks
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/37Ke4GH
Finally! A compression sock that not only provide health benefits, but are fashionable and affordable. This is an ideal gift for anyone dealing with leg swelling issues or varicose veins, as well as someone who needs better circulation in their extremities or is in need of compression to prevent blood clots after having surgery.
What makes these socks even better is that they are made of moisture wicking material and have no stitching in areas that will rub against delicate skin regions of the foot.
Photo Credit: AmazonChronically Fabulous: Finding Wholeness and Hope Living with Chronic Illness
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2JPy173
Anyone struggling with a chronic illness with be fed words of wisdom and encouraging anecdotes in the new memoir/self help book, Chronically Fabulous. A warrior’s battle plan of sorts about finding your purpose and thriving despite being ill, this book shows readers how faith, passion, and persistence can radically change their lives, and how a chronic illness does not have to solely define their legacy.
To learn more about Marisa’s story, check out our article on How Lupus Changed My Life.
Photo Credit: Amazon
