How to Deal with Judgemental People When You’re Chronically Ill
Would you like to pamper your sick friend but don’t know what gift you should get them?
Finding the perfect present for the people you love can be a challenge in itself, but chronic illness can make the search even more complicated. What do you buy someone who can’t do a lot of things or suffers from sensitivities?
It depends of course on your friend’s illness, situation and interests. But many spoonies love to receive something soothing and indulgent, whether that’s a wellness gift, practical items to deal with the daily discomfort or entertaining goodies to beat the boredom.
For inspiration, have a look at these 36 comforting spoonie gift ideas for any budget.
This blog post contains affiliate links to resources you might find useful, at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
36 Comforting Spoonie Gifts
Wellness Gifts
- Help make sick days in bed a little more comfy with cute pajamas, cozy socks, an eye mask or a total body support pillow.
- A self-massage tool relaxes tight muscles, stimulates a healthy blood circulation and de-stresses from head to toe. For even more pampering, you could include an aromatic massage oil.
- Introduce your friend to a gentle, restorative yoga practice or a spoonie yoga class.
- Get creative and turn a regular self-care routine into a luxurious experience with homemade Aromatherapy Shower Steamer Tablets.
- Bring light into the darkness with a beautiful scented candle.
Beat the Boredom
- Reading serious literature might be too hard when you’re ill, but a collection of short stories or beautiful poetry will provide a happy distraction.
- Give a ‘Movie Night in A Tin’. Crowd pleaser!
- Bring an entertaining solitary activity that can be done seated or lying down: craft supplies like adult coloring books, beads or chunky wool for knitting; board games you can play solo or (3D) puzzles.
- Want your chronically ill friend to have something to look forward to all year round? Consider giving a monthly subscription, like a magazine or a Caring Crate.
Handy Gadgets That Make Life Easier
- It’s nice to have something to drink by your bedside when you’re sick. That’s when a small tea pot (not too heavy) or a fruit infuser water bottle comes in handy.
- Much to my own surprise, a multitasking bed tray is one of the most used gifts I’ve ever received. You can use the cushion padded lap desk to eat in bed, place your laptop on or use it to write/colour/craft on the couch.
- Cute and useful: a fashionable pill and vitamin organizer clutch.
- Medical planners can be powerful tools to help chronically ill people to track, organize and tackle their health issues in an efficient way.
- It’s a splurge but kitchen tools that help your friend put a nourishing meal on the table when they’re running low on energy is an ultimate spoonie gift. The Crockpot turns cooking into an effortless chore and clean-up is a breeze. I’m also a big fan of the KitchenAid blender – you can make a lot more than smoothies with your blender!
Boost of Positivity
- Celebrate your friend’s everyday bravery with the Emily McDowell’s encouraging-but-not-corny pins or the ‘boring self-care’ cards from Hannah Daisy.
- The right story at the right time can transform your life. Bring feel-good fiction or a motivational memoir to lift their spirits.
- A daily planner can help spoonies set priorities, manage their energy and put what truly matters on the agenda. I personally love the Happiness Planner to put positive intentions into practice.
- If your friend spends a lot of time in bed, brighten up their room with beautiful pillow cases or inspirational art. You could also gift a digital photo frame to remind them of happy memories.
Edible Treats
- Who doesn’t love a DIY package for hot chocolate?
- If your friend is into healthy eating, why not surprise them with a matcha starter set, a selection of health-boosting spices or infused oils?
- A bowl of nourishing soup is the ultimate get-well-soon dish. That makes homemade soup mix in a jar a perfect spoonie gift!
- More cozy in a cup: buy a cute mug with good-quality tea, honey and lemon. Or even better, treat your chronically ill friend to a new health-boosting tea delivered to their doorstep each month with a Tea Membership.
- Bring inspiration for nutrient-rich meals with the 10 must-have cookbooks for healthy foodies.
Which comforting spoonie gift will you surprise your sick friend with?
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