The Mighty Logo

11 Gift Ideas for Someone Living With More Than One Chronic Illness

The most helpful emails in health
Browse our free newsletters

Editor's Note

We hope the products below help you or a loved one in your health journeys. Just so you know, The Mighty may collect a share of sales from the Amazon links on this page. Prices and product availability are accurate as of publication.

During the holidays, a friend or family member may feel depressed dealing with more than one health issue as well as the COVID pandemic. It’s very frustrating for them and hard to cope with sometimes. But a simple gesture can go a long way, even for birthdays or “just because.”

These are a few ideas that can put a smile on their face to let them know you care enough and are thinking of them.

1. A pair of soft slippers to keep the toes warm and a pair of cozy socks to go with it.

2. A grocery delivery service subscription such as Amazon Fresh, Peapod, Thrive Market or their local supermarket. This way they can order their groceries from the comfort of their home.

3. Putting together a spa box consisting of a lavender eye mask, aloe vera infused socks, face mask, a book from their favorite author, and a CD of sound effects of the ocean waves, Caribbean music etc.

4. Keep their head warm every day by giving them a beanie or making one. By warming the head, it actually keeps the body warm.

5. A quality slow cooker to make delicious meals by placing the ingredients into the pot and leaving it to do other things until the time is up. Also, add a few recipe cards to go with the cooker.

6. A humor basket full of funny toys such as a paddle ball, ball and jacks, coloring book, crayons, book of jokes, Groucho Marx glasses, bag of marbles, pick up sticks, a small stuffed animal or something similar, Chinese finger traps etc. Choose items you think would make your loved one/friend laugh.

7. When the body just needs to rest in bed on “one of those days,” a backrest is the perfect way to relax.

8. An essential oil diffuser can help soothe and relax using oils and aromatherapy.

9. Treatment gift boxes are designed specifically for someone dealing with major health problems. Some are generic, while others are designed to support someone with a specific illness, including cancer and COVID-19. They are filled with things such as coffee mugs, note cards, journals, lip balm etc. These boxes are meant to provide cheer in the midst of fighting a chronic condition.

10. Put together a collection of teas that are soothing and relaxing. Remember to include a mug that easily holds the tea bags.

11. Last but not least, there’s something else you can give: your understanding, patience, love, space (at times), help (when needed), encouragement, simple silence or an ear to listen. By being their support system, they know they are able to count on the priceless gift you’ve given them… yourself.

Find more great ideas at The Mighty’s Gift Guides for People With Chronic Illness.

Getty image by Olga Kazanovskaia.

Originally published: November 28, 2020
Want more of The Mighty?
You can find even more stories on our Home page. There, you’ll also find thoughts and questions by our community.
Take Me Home