The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching! Which means it’s time for some holiday baking, sipping on that yummy hot chocolate while sitting by the fireplace, and watching Love Actually, Home Alone, or perhaps Last Christmas (Because lets be real, Henry Golding is DREAMY)! It also means everyone is on the look out for some amazing gift ideas for their family and friends. If you happen to have a chronically ill loved one, look no further! I’ve put together two lists of products that I use and love myself, and some that have been on my wishlist for a while now; a list for products under $25 and another for products over $25 (scroll down for the latter).
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1. Kneipp Arnica Massage Oil
Alright, I’m going to blame my aunt for my obsession with Kneipp! She was the one that initially gifted me this massage oil, and I honestly fell in love with it right away! Ever since then, their Arnica products have been my go-to! They are made from Arnica Montana, a plant often referred to as the “miracle plant” since it helps provide natural relief, to soothe joints and muscles. They also have a mineral bath salt, a bath oil, an active gel, and an intensive cream in the same collection. And yes, without a doubt, I’ve tried all of them, have alI of them and love all of them!
2. Lap Desk
These are quiet useful for the days we can’t get ourselves out of bed! Because lets be real, sometimes even the weight of our laptops can be unbearable. And also because ergonomics definitely come into play when using your laptop for an extended period of time. A lap desk reduces the strain on your neck and eyes, as well as screen glare since it allows you to put your laptop slightly below eye level and at arm’s length.
3. Contoured Eye Mask
Needless to say eyemasks help us get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer by blocking out light. A contoured eyemask, however, has honestly been one of the best additions I have recently made to my sleep hygiene. It perfectly adapts to the shape of your face and its dipped, molded cups around the eyes allow you to blink freely without adding any pressure on your eyes.
4. Eucalyptus Aromatherapy Body Wash and Body Lotion
So about two years ago, I had THE worst insomnia and I remember trying anything and everything out there to help! One day, my mom came home with these aromatherpy blends from Bath and Body Works and they were a life changer. No, I’m not claiming that they helped me fall fast asleep. I’m just saying that I fell in love with them because they actually helped calm me down and that definitely felt like a step closer to getting actual sleep. The aromatherapy blend of natural ingredients and essential oils are said to benefit your body, mind and mood. Don’t forget to breathe deeply while using these and see how much of a difference it can make!
P.s. I also recommend their lavender products to help calm feelings of stress so you can sleep better.
5. 52 Lists for Happiness / 52 Lists for Calm
The 52 Lists Series have been on my wishlist for a while now! With each journal serving a different purpose, it inspires you through the power of lists. In addition, each page also provides tips and ideas to help you transform your life for the better.
6. Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker
For when our muscles are fatigued and hurt and we need those epsom salt baths, having a waterproof bluebooth shower speaker is perfect to listen to those motivating and inspiring podcasts!
BTW, I totally suggest listening to The Point of Pain by Nitika Chopra!
7. MYTAGALONGS Vitamins Organizer
I was on the look out for a cute vitamin organizer for a long time until I came across this one from MYTAGALONGS. It has 14 compartments and the velour outer case keeps the plastic container inside safe. It really can’t get better than that!
8. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
This book by bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz has got to be one of the easiest reads ever! It talks about the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy, thereby, creating needless suffering. It also provides a code of conduct to help transform our lives. Perfect for anyone that needs a little “pick me up.”
9. Kniepp Juniper Bath Salts
Another one of my favourites from Kniepp – it soothes drained and overused muscles. Soak in it for improved circulation and comfort from a relaxing bath.
Related: 6 Things On Amazon That Are Helpful AF
1. Auria Diffuser Oil Essentials Set of 3
This is great for anyone that uses aromatherpy fragrances to encourage positivity and support self-care, as well as wellness. The Moutain Air oil blend is made of spearmint leaf, lemon peel, lavender and eucalyptus oils. The Relax oil blend consists of bergamot, lavender, orange and grapefruit peel oils. The Citrus Blossom oil blend features bergamot, grapefruit, lemon and lime peel oils.
2. MantraBand Braclet
Say hello to beautiful and meaningful jewelry! MantraBand braclets are the perfect holiday gifts for your chronically ill loved ones due to their uplifting messages in the form of daily reminders, affirmations, and inspirational quotes. You also have the option of personalizing your MantraBand by getting your own mantra inscribed on the braclet. In addition to braclets, MantraBand also sells necklaces and braclets.
Oh, and just in case you needed one more reason to buy their gorgeous jewelry – you can use my coupon code FABULOUSANDFATIGUED to get 10% off your purchase.
3. S’well Water Bottle
As mentioned in my blog post, “Before you travel, don’t forget these 10 things!” a reusable water bottle is an essential for any trip. Wondering what’s all the fuss about the S’well water bottle? Don’t worry, I was in the same boat until I bought one for myself. It not only keeps your beverages hot or cold for hours, but its wide mouth is perfect for adding ice cubes. Its exterior is condensation free which means it doesn’t sweat on your hands. And not to mention they have super cute, sleek and stylish designs for just about anyone out there!
4. 3-Wick Mercury Glass Candle – Silver Birch and Juniper
Candles add the perfect touch to a relaxing evening – that soothing light in the corner, the smell of notes of Silver Birch, Juniper Cypress, and Canadian Pine, as well as its beautiful glass jar that lightens up a dark room!
5. Ban.do 12 Month Annual Planner
I remember getting my first Ban.do planner 3 years ago, and I honestly haven’t looked back ever since! With brain fog being one of the most common symptoms for chronic illnesses, a planner/agenda is a perfect gift to keep track of all our doctor appointments, food in-take, etc. In addition, the bright colours are a great way to lift you up everyday. I can’t imagine going a day without mine!
6. Google Mini
“Hey Google, can you please turn on the lights?” A phrase I heard every time I went to visit my friends. They are so keen on it, some of them even have one on each floor of their house. To be honest, I never understood the big deal with it! However, I recieved a Google Mini as a birthday gift this year and it has definitely changed my life. Other than our usual banters whenever I’m bored (Yes, I do randomly talk to my Google Mini), it’s great for setting reminders, playing white noise to help me fall asleep, and waking me up in the morning. Oh, and sadly, I’ve turned into my friends because lets be honest, who wants to get out of bed to turn the lights on and off? This makes it the perfect gift for anyone with a chronic illness – for the days we just can’t get out of bed!
7. Weighted Blanket
Now I personally haven’t used a weighted blanket but I’ve heard a lot about it! It’s meant to improve sleep, combact stress, alongside many other benefits. And apparently, it mimics the feeling of being hugged! Who doesn’t love hugs?
8. Twinings Tea Bags Assortment Box
You can never go wrong with a warm cup of tea! This box has 80 packs in 16 different flavours including Nightly Calm, Lemon and Ginger Tea, Green Tea Pomegranate amongst many others.
9. Reading Socks
Because reading socks are exactly what you need in this chilly weather to keep your toes warm =)
THE BEST GIFT: Your time and understanding!
Have anything to add to this list? Please let me know in the comments below!
& HAPPY SHOPPING!!!
Love and spoons,
Sara
Omg really could use a lap desk and shower speaker! Great ideas 👌
Thank you so much for the positive feedback =)