10 Excellent Gifts for a Friend With Endometriosis
Do you have someone in your life who lives with endometriosis? Do you want to ease their pain and brighten their day but don’t know what an appropriate gift could be? As someone with endo myself, I’ve put together a range of ideas for gifts we might not buy for ourselves but would make us smile, make our bodies more comfortable, and make our lives a little bit easier.
These gifts are perfect for the winter holidays, birthdays or any other occasion – and they’re all under $50! Use them as inspiration or follow the links for highly-rated options you can order online ASAP.
1. Goal-Setting Planner
My Pick: Passion Planner.
2. Essential Oils
My Pick: Plant Guru Essential Oils
3. Extra-Large Heating Pad
My Pick: Sunbeam XL Heating Pad
4. Bath Pillow
My Pick: Xtra-Comfort Bath Pillow
5. Bath Bombs
My Pick: Lush Turmeric Latte Bath Bomb
6. Loose-Fitting Sweaters
One of the most frustrating symptoms of endometriosis is called “endo belly.” This extreme bloating and swelling of the abdomen makes form-fitting clothing uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful. I get so tired of wearing the same three tops that leave enough room for endo belly when my symptoms are flaring. One more roomy sweater option can raise my self-esteem and make me feel less gloomy when I have to choose my outfit during a flare-up. Sweaters are easy to buy for friends because the sizing doesn’t have to be exact. Pro tip — thrift shops are a great spot to find cute oversized sweaters that will be unique and affordable.
My Pick: Cashmere Oversize Sweater
7. Subscription Box
For an ongoing gift, a subscription box service is a wonderful option for people with chronic pain. Sometimes pain keeps us at home more often than we’d like, so receiving something special in the mail can turn a bad day into a happy one. If your friend with endo menstruates, consider a period-themed subscription box. Bonjour Jolie (featured here) has many choices, including teen boxes, boxes for men and gender-neutral boxes. Some boxes even include Advil.
My Pick: Subscription box or one-time gift from Bonjour Jolie.
8. Food Delivery Gift Card
During flare-ups, eating can be a challenge. Dietary restrictions, the physical toll of cooking, and not being able to get to the grocery store can all stand in the way of people with endo nourishing themselves. Takeout is expensive, but sometimes necessary when we can’t cook for ourselves. A gift card for a local food delivery service can protect your friend when the next pain day hits. Any amount will be sure to make them smile!
My Pick: Grubhub gift card
9. Ergonomic Pillows
My Pick: Orthopedic Pillow
10. Lap Desk
Make it easy for your friend to work or do their hobbies from their bed or sofa. If you have a condition like endo, you often need to find creative ways to get things done while lying down and resting your body. Lap desks are perfect for web-surfing, drawing, reading and writing in bed — a simple yet incredibly effective invention.
My Pick: LapGear Lap Desk
Getty image by Zaikina.