7 Gift Ideas for People with Chronic Illness
/By Crystal Lindell
Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, and that means hunting for the perfect gifts for those we love.
Below are some gift ideas for loved ones with chronic pain and illness. It’s a gift list you can trust because it’s all based on my own experiences of living with daily pain myself for over a decade.
All of these items also make a great addition to your own holiday wish lists, if you have chronic condition yourself.
1. Comfy Clothes
The #1 must-have fashion item for people with chronic pain is any clothes that are super comfortable.
When you have chronic pain, clothing comfort just takes precedent over the latest trends.
I personally have re-purchased these comfy pants more than 7 times over the last few years. I love how soft they are, and I love that they have pockets!
But any comfy clothes, from sweat shirts to pajama pants, make a great gift for those with chronic pain.
2. Heated Blanket
There’s nothing better than getting under a cozy heated blanket when you’re dealing with chronic pain. Even if someone already owns one, there’s always a need for one more!
This heated blanket is my favorite and not only do I own two myself, I’ve also purchased it as a gift for loved ones over the years. And all of them always come back to tell me how much they love it!
3. Reminders of Your Love
Little trinkets like a keychain can be a great way to give a constant reminder of your love for someone. Every time they see it, they can think of how much you care about them.
This keychain features the phrase, “May you always have one more spoon.” It’s a reference to the Spoon Theory, which uses spoons to illustrate the limited energy that people with chronic pain and illness often have.
It doesn’t have to be a key chain though. A special coffee mug or a bracelet can also make great gifts!
4. Lego
Of course, it doesn’t have to be Lego specifically, but any sort of home-based hobby activities are great for people with chronic pain.
I personally love this Lego Cat because I’m a huge cat person as well as a huge Lego fan.
But you can also get your loved ones art supplies, crafting tools, or any other projects they can work on at home.
And bonus points if they can do it from the couch on bad pain days.
5. A Good Book
Some days, a pain flare means I don’t have the energy to do anything other than read a book. So having good ones around that I know a loved one recommends is always welcome!
I recently read The Frozen River by Arial Lawhon, and I really enjoyed the cozy winter setting and completely immersive 1700s plot.
But you can really buy any book that you’d recommend to share as a gift with your loved ones.
Also be sure to check out PNN’s holiday reading guide, which has books to help you better understand and treat many chronic pain conditions.
6. Bread Machine
While a bread machine may not seem like a gift typically associated with chronic pain, it’s actually perfect.
A good bread machine makes it super easy to whip up homemade bread, even when you’re also dealing with a pain flare. You just toss the ingredients in, hit start and presto! A perfect loaf of homemade bread!
It’s also great for anyone on a restrictive diet, since you can easily customize the ingredients. There’s even a setting for a gluten-free loaf!
7. Gift Cards
Of course, when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to go with a gift card, especially if you’re shopping at the last minute — because the cards can be instantly delivered via text.
That way your loved one is guaranteed to get the perfect holiday gift, because they pick it out themselves!
Happy shopping this holiday season!
We hope you have happy holidays, and many low pain days in the year ahead!
PNN makes a small commission, at not additional cost to you, on items purchased through Amazon.
