Holiday Gifts For Friends Managing Chronic Illness
A comprehensive list created by individuals in the Folia Core Community
Managing your health can be isolating, and a thoughtful gift can be a way to show your loved one support. This list was created by individuals in the Folia Core Community. They are items they love, items they want for themselves, and items they have gifted others. These gifts can be great for individuals managing a variety of conditions!
Note: We added links to this article for ease of finding the items. We are not making commission off of the links.
1. Buoy Hydration Drops
Why this is helpful: Staying hydrated is an essential part of chronic illness management. Buoy is great because it has no sugar, sweeteners, or flavors, and can be added to any drink! They also offer a 35% lifetime discount to anyone who has a chronic illness or condition. Staying hydrated and trying a new product? It’s a win-win. Learn more here.
2. Weighted blanket
Why this is helpful: Weighted blankets are shown to reduce some symptoms of anxiety by putting your autonomic nervous system into “rest mode”. They mimic a type of therapy - deep pressure touch - which can ease stress, promote feelings of calm, and increase sleep. Pro tip: make sure to get your friend the right weight for their blanket! We found a reasonably priced blanket here.
3. VoxxLife Socks
Why this is helpful: VoxxLife uses the science of vibrotactile stimulation in their socks. This can help to improve pain, balance, and mobility. They come in a variety of styles and patterns! Explore more here.
4. Cooling socks or gloves
Why this is helpful: Cold therapy helps to reduce inflammation. This in turn can help relieve pain in the extremities. See the socks we found here.
5. Electric Toothbrush
Why this is helpful: Sometimes everyday items can be the best gifts! Electric toothbrushes often have bigger handles which make it easier to grip. This is great for individuals with Myasthenia Gravis, and other conditions that may affect the joints, hands, and grip. See the larger handle Oral-B here.
6. Weighted Blanket Duvet Cover
Why this is helpful: If your friend or loved one already has a weighted blanket, a weighted blanket cover can be a thoughtful addition. This makes weighted blankets softer, and easier to wash. See the fun colors to choose from here.
7. Warming gloves or socks
Why this is helpful: Treating pain with heat can improve blood flow and circulation to the area where the heat is applied. This is great for muscle pain or stiffness, and can relax and soothe the muscles. You can find the blue mittens here.
8. Compression Socks
Why this is helpful: Compression socks can help to promote blood flow in the legs and feet. This can reduce complications by reducing excess fluid in the legs and decreasing inflammation. There are many types of compression socks, and there are so many fun patterns. You can explore some here.
9. Heating pad
Why this is helpful: Heat therapy increases blood flow and metabolic processes, and therefore decreases pain. This can be great for individuals managing chronic pain, plus they can be great for a little added warmth in the winter! You can find a heating pad here.
10. Heated stuffed animal
Why this is helpful: Heat therapy meets cute stuffed animal. What is not to love! Warmies has a wide selection of animals, you can find them here.
11. Lavender Soaps
Why this is helpful: People often use lavender to reduce anxiety, stress, and other symptoms. Lavender and other essential oils have been utilized by medical practitioners since medieval times. We found an organic and fair trade option here.
12. Weighted Stuffed Animal
Why this is helpful: Think of a weighted stuffed animal like a hug, because they work similarly! Just like weighted blankets, weighted stuffed animals offer some of the benefits of deep pressure stimulation, but are less bulky. You can explore some options here.
13. Epsom Salts and Bath Soaks
Why this is helpful: Many individuals managing chronic conditions use Epsom salt for its therapeutic properties. You can get creative with additional scents and if you want to gift bath soaks, salts, or other products. We found some here.