Having a chronic illness and trying to tackle daily life can be a challenge, so treat your loved ones (or yourself!) this Christmas with gifts that will help them day to day!
Symptom Tracking Journal
A symptom tracking journal is the perfect gift for anyone with a chronic condition. Being able to track all of your symptoms as well as keep all of your doctors details and notes in one place is so incredibly helpful and really helps to have all the info down on paper instead of just in your head!
This one is great as it's refillable, customisable and has space to track literally everything as well as a space to get down your thoughts and process everything!
£34.99 from SleepyLittleSloth.com
Electric Hot Water Bottle
Heat packs come in all shapes and sizes, and many people that suffer with chronic pain find heat helps ease aches and pains. The one thing that can be difficult though is being able to manually fill up a hot water bottle when in pain. Not only that but it can be really dangerous with the potential of spills and serious burns.
By using an electric hot water bottle, you get the heat you require without ever having to boil a kettle.
This one from Keplin has been a game-changer for me, it stays hot for 4-5 hours and has a hand warming pouch which has been a lifesaver for my aching hands. Whether using to ease the pain, or just keep you warm at night, this long lasting electric hot water bottle is so easy to use!
£17.99 on Amazon.co.uk
Sofa Tray/Lap Tray
A sofa tray can be such a useful tool for anyone with chronic pain or a chronic condition. It can be so helpful when spending time in bed or on the sofa, not only does it provide a stable surface but one with legs means there's no weight sitting on your lap, which can make all the difference when you're struggling or in pain!
£25.49 on Amazon.co.uk
Colouring Books
Taking time to do a creative activity can really help to improve mental health, especially if bed or sofa bound. Paired with the sofa tray above, a colouring book would be the perfect gift for those who want to take their mind of it all for a while.
Choosing a more simple, playful design can help take the pressure off and can still make you feel accomplished when you complete a page! This Cosy Christmas one is perfect for the winter season.
£7.99 on Amazon.co.uk
Kindle Page Turner
If yourself or your loved one owns a kindle and loves to read then a remote controlled page turner would make the perfect gift! Being able to remotely change the page means no reaching with your fingers across the screen and also means you can keep your arms under a blanket or duvet to stay warm and cosy while reading!
£19.36 on Amazon.co.uk
Tens & Heat Pack
Using a tens machine or a heat pack can be a lifesaver for so many with abdominal pain, but combining them together is a powerful combo!
This heat and tens machine from Beurer has 15 intensity levels and is rechargeable by USB.
£49.99 on Amazon.co.uk
Weighted Blanket
I've used a weighted blanket for many years now and have found that it provides me with so much relief. It's also great at helping you to feel calmer and more relaxed and I have found that I sleep deeper and feel more refreshed after using it!
A weighted blanket should be 10% of your body weight and I'd recommend getting a blanket, like this Minky one, with a removable cover so you can wash it!
£47.99 on Amazon.co.uk
Insulated Water Bottle With Pill Storage
Getting up and refilling a glass of water can be a big task when struggling, so having an insulated water bottle is the perfect way to keep hydrated.
Not only does it keep your drink hot or cold for up to 24 hours, it has both a straw and a pour opening which makes it easier to take medication or painkillers! Plus, it has a removable bottom to store medications or anything else you might need, making it the perfect chronic illness companion!
£18.69 on Amazon.co.uk
I hope this has given you an idea or two for those in your life with a chronic illness or condition. Be sure to follow me for future chronic illness gift guides and advice for living with a chronic condition!
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Prices correct at time of publishing.