It helps to know what kinds of issues people with these conditions face, and there are likely more than you realize. Here are 10 gift ideas and whether or not they’re appropriate for the person you’re shopping for.
Also, a lot of microwavable products are on the market, such as heatable neck pillows or “rice bags.”
Warm socks, a cozy bathrobe, plush slippers or other warm clothing may be a good choice as well.
The big things to consider with this kind of a gift are:
Make sure the fabric is ultra-soft and the product itself isn’t heavy against the body Be sure the product is easy to care for (i. e. , machine washable) so it doesn’t take work to use it With electric products, check to see if the heat turns off automatically so it doesn’t become a hazard if they fall asleep, or if brain fog strikes and it doesn’t get turned off Items that use water, such as heated foot baths, could be too heavy or require too much cleaning
Soothing music is a good option for many and it’s actually therapeutic. Check what technology the person uses or is comfortable with, as some prefer less up-to-date options. Possible gifts could include music-download gift cards, wireless speaker, CDs, MP3 player, or good headphones. A subscription to a streaming music service is also a good option.
Other possibilities are massage devices or things that aid meditation.
Many people are sensitive to noise and/or vibration, so vibrating massagers may not be a good choice for some Avoid aromatherpy, bubble bath, scented lotions, scented candles, etc. , unless you know the recipient is not fragrance sensitive or prone to skin reactions
Adult coloring books with markers or colored pencilsDVDsSmall, hand-held video games or apps (especially brain-training games)Puzzle books (don’t forget mechanical pencils)Books (for those with good cognitive function)An e-readerHobby/craft supplies for activities they enjoy
If you’re willing to keep up a subscription as an on-going gift, these can be great options:
Avoid:
Movie tickets or theater gift certificatesRedBox gift certificatesAnything they’d have to leave the house for
Avoid those that claim to hold the “cure” or promise good results—nothing is proven to help all of usStick to major publishers and widely distributed booksCheck online for reviews from readers and medical professionalsSkim parts of the book to see if it’s approachable and not weighed down with too much medical jargon
People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome get a lot of well-meaning but inaccurate advice from people who think they should exercise more, when in reality exercise may make them significantly worse, so be aware that this is a very sensitive issue for many of us.
However, if you know the person is trying to walk more or has a regular exercise program, something that makes exercise more pleasant or aids them in some way could be a very appropriate gift.
However, they could be a bad idea. Someone who has trouble caring for themselves may not be able to tend a plant, and it could become “one more thing to worry about.”
Flowering plants can be a big problem for someone with allergies, too.
If you do decide a plant is appropriate for the person you know, be sure it’s a low-maintenance variety.
Gift cards to local places are likely to go unused, especially by someone who has trouble driving or isn’t able to leave the house often. Don’t think, “It’ll give her incentive to go out, and that will make her feel better.” In reality, the strain of the shopping trip or dinner out could trigger a symptom flare and land her in bed for days.
Gift cards for online retailers—or local stores with an online presence—may be a better choice. If you don’t know of a store the person especially likes, opt for a large retailer with plenty of options.
Many have food sensitivities as well, which could mean food given as a gift goes to waste. Once again, this is only something to give if you know the person well enough to be familiar with their particular food issues.
If they’re on a special diet and you really nail it, though, they’ll probably be incredibly grateful.
Try to be sensitive to the person’s financial situation, though. If they have unmet needs, they’ll likely be more grateful for cash or a gift card than a donation.
If you don’t have time to help, you might consider hiring someone, such as a housekeeper or landscaper, to do a really thorough one-time job or tackle a daunting project.
