I’ll be honest - gifts are not my love language. So when high-pressure gift-giving holidays like birthdays and Christmas come around, I struggle to think of a suitable gift for the loved ones in my life. And if someone asks me what I want for my birthday or Christmas? I never have an answer for them.
If you’re like me, the fast-approaching Christmas season will fill your mind with questions like “what do I buy for so-and-so?” or “what do I tell others when they ask what I want?” Whether you’re shopping for your chronically ill bestie or composing your own Christmas list, this (unsponsored, unbiased) Chronic Illness Gift Guide will surely give you some winning ideas.
1. Book of the Month Subscription
Book of the Month is a personal favorite. Every month, this company curates a list of 5 or more books spanning multiple genres (some are even early releases!). On the first day of each month, members log-on to choose their book of the month and have it shipped to them. When that little blue box arrives on my doorstep, it’s an immediate serotonin boost.
You can gift a BOTM subscription to the book lovers in your life - just choose between a 3 month, a 6 month, or a year-long subscription. And if your book loving bestie has trouble reading a hardback for whatever reason, they can opt for an audiobook every month instead!
2. Coffee/Tea Tasting Subscription
If your friend loves coffee, tea, or both, then a monthly tasting subscription would be perfect. Atlas Coffee Club allows you to taste different coffees from around the world. Do you make ground coffee, buy your own beans, or drink from a K-cup pod? Do you use a drip machine, a French press, or a pour-over? Do you like light, medium, or dark roast better? Atlas Coffee Club takes your preferences into consideration each month when choosing which coffee to send for you to enjoy.
Similar to the Atlas Coffee Club, Sipsby takes your preferences into consideration to send you the best teas each month. Do you drink caffeinated or decaffeinated? Prefer tea bags or loose-leaf? Are there particular flavors you enjoy or shy away from? These questions will help Sipsby curate your perfect monthly tea shipment.
3. Clean Candle Subscription
When I want to feel cozy, one of the first things I do is light a candle. But I do sometimes worry about what toxins I’m breathing in from my burning candles. If you’re able to tolerate candles, but looking for a cleaner option, a Vellabox subscription could be a great gift idea!
Vellabox sends you a candle every month based on seasonal relevance and your personal scent preferences. Vellabox makes their candles from soy, coconut, or vegetable wax, without parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes, or animal by-products. And you won’t just find a candle when you open your eco-friendly package - you’ll also find a surprise lifestyle product, like an essential oil roller, and a playlist with songs curated to match the vibe of your candle.
4. Customized Etsy Product
Everyone has a favorite tv show, movie, or music artist. And there are countless creators on Etsy that make products based on your pop culture favorites.
My best friend and I frequently order gifts for one another from Etsy based on what our interests are at that time. The British reality show Love Island where every islander got a personalized water bottle? Etsy sells those water bottles. The cult-classic show Gilmore Girls when Rory graduated high school from the illustrious Chilton Preparatory Academy? Etsy has Chilton sweatshirts. Or perhaps you’re looking to customize a mug, sweatshirt, or bracelet with your favorite Bible verse or inspirational message as a reminder to keep choosing hope on the hard days? Etsy is your one-stop-shop for those custom, specialty items.
5. Olive and June Mani/Pedi System
I love having my nails painted but hate going to the salon. Olive and June is perfect for anyone who feels the same way, and because it’s formulated without many of the dangerous ingredients we so often see in cosmetic and beauty items, it may be a cleaner solution for those who still want color on their nails. Olive and June sells high quality nail polishes with new colors being released each season. There are so many shades to choose from, but that’s not the only reason I love this brand.
Olive and June also offers “systems” to get salon-quality nails from the comfort of your own home. The Manicure system, for instance, includes a cuticle serum, a clean-up brush, a polish remover pot, as well as a nail clipper, buffer, and file. There is also a Pedicure system and a Press-On system. Whatever at-home salon experience you’re searching for, Olive and June has what you need!
6. Food Delivery Subscription
One of the biggest changes I’ve had to make as my symptoms have progressed is grocery shopping in-person. Some days I’m just too tired to stand in line at the grocery store and wait for one of the two open cash registers to ring up my groceries. Other days I physically cannot manage to stand in line. Enter food delivery services!
A uniquely thoughtful and practical gift, this is sure to blow the hospital socks off any chronically ill recipient (please hold while I add this to my wishlist)! Delivery services make meal planning easier by offering subscriptions that allow you to choose from several different, easy-to-make meals, with fresh ingredients shipped directly to your house. They also include step-by-step instructions for how to make your chosen meals, which is ideal for people like me who, if we’re being honest, would greatly disappoint Gordon Ramsey.
Hello Fresh
Ready-to-prepare meal kit subscriptions
Hello Fresh is a great option for a giftable meal-prep delivery subscription if you’re cooking for multiple people or want to have leftovers after cooking for yourself. You can choose whether you want meat, pescatarian, or vegetarian recipes, then decide how many portions you’d like for each meal and how many meals you’d like for each week.
Green Chef
Ready-to-prepare meal kit subscriptions
Another meal-prep subscription, Green Chef is perfect if you have more specific dietary restrictions. While still able to select your portion size and how many meals you’d like for each week, you can also specify if you’re calorie smart, keto, plant-based, or gluten free, among other options.
Daily Harvest
Ready-to-prepare meal kit or grocery delivery subscriptions
Do you need more options for nutritious meals with minimal effort? Daily Harvest is the meal-prep subscription for you! This service offers a variety of smoothies, flatbreads, harvest bowls, soups, and more that just need to be poured into a blender or popped into a microwave.
There are also grocery delivery subscriptions available if you need to stock your pantry with more than just quick and easy lunches and dinners.
Thrive Market
grocery delivery subscriptions
If you’re looking for a grocery delivery subscription instead of ready-to-prepare meals, a Thrive Market membership allows you to fill up your virtual shopping cart with organic and sustainable groceries. Not only does Thrive Market give you access to 100% non-GMO foods with no big retail markups, but every annual membership sponsors access to organic and sustainable groceries for a family in need. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
Hungry Root
grocery delivery subscriptions
Another grocery delivery subscription option is Hungry Root, which allows you to choose from a fresh selection of groceries. BUT you can also choose from a variety of healthy snacks and pantry staples too. Whether you’re shopping for premium proteins, fresh-cut produce, or healthy snacks and sweets, Hungry Root will surprise you with its wide selection.
7. People Hope Beanie
One of my favorite parts of cooler weather is that it’s optimal for beanie-wearing. Don’t feel like washing and styling your hair? Throw on a beanie. Need an extra accessory to pull your outfit together? Throw on a beanie. Want to support our favorite non-profit organization that fosters a community for the chronically ill? Throw on a (People Hope) beanie.
A gift that makes a fashion statement and a big impact, People Hope’s Classic Beanies are at the top of everyone’s Christmas wishlist. The trademark label showcases People Hope’s hand-designed logo, along with the message from Hebrews 6:19, “We have this hope as an anchor for our souls.” Better still, these beanies help us keep People Hope’s program, the Focus Fix, 100% free for the 1,500+ chronically ill members who rely on it! What more could you want in a hat?
8. Therabox Subscription
Therabox could be given as a one-time gift or as a subscription. Each month, a new Therabox is created that includes a mindfulness activity and 7-8 wellness essentials to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help you with your self-care routine.
One of the boxes this fall season included full-size products such as calming nighttime drops, steaming eye masks, a soy wax candle, and a rejuvenating lip balm. All of the products included are natural, organic, and cruelty-free, so whether you’re giving this gift to your bestie or adding it to your own wishlist, you can feel confident about what’s inside.
9. Warmies
Warmies are great for the friend who regularly uses a heating pad but also loves a cute stuffed animal. From puppy dogs, to hedgehogs, to axolotls - you’re sure to find the animal that your friend loves the most.
Warmies are super soft and microwaveable, so you can treat your sore muscles or menstrual cramps all while cuddling a cute creature. They’re also weighted, providing additional comfort.
10. Anna’s Favorite
Le Vent Albero Refillable Leather Journal
Psst…Anna here! As someone who’s more than a little Christmas-obsessed, I had to sneak in to share one of my all-time favorite gifts to give (and receive). Whether you’re journaling to document special moments, getting in on the mental health benefits of a daily gratitude practice, processing emotions, tracking your symptoms, doodling just for fun, or writing your next creative novel, I swear by this specific journal.
The outer cover is made of a very thick, sturdy genuine leather that snaps shut, and it features an inside flap for any loose photos or papers. The luxe cover holds a removable, spiral-bound notebook containing 240 lined pages waiting to be filled, so you can choose if you want to re-purchase a whole new journal each time you fill it, or simply replace the inner notebook.
Bottom line: everyone can use a good journal, and this one’s been my fave for 6 years running!
Okay, back to your regularly-scheduled programming! — Anna
With so many options to choose from, you don’t have to worry about buying your bestie a gift or composing your own Christmas list this year. And without the stress of gift-buying hanging over your head, you can take more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy this holiday season with your family, friends, and fellow chronically ill pals from People Hope.
Disclaimer: Every body is different and requires a unique approach, treatment, and set of supportive tools in order to thrive. Please note that any products shared here are personal opinions by the author, a non-medical professional, and should not be misconstrued as counsel or medical advice. Always consult with your doctor prior to beginning any new treatment or adding any supplementary items into your care routine.
While our People Hope Beanies help support us as a nonprofit, none of the other items shared are sponsored in any way, and neither People Hope nor this author benefits or receives anything in exchange for the purchase of these unaffiliated items. …phew!
Written by: Bailey Humphrey, EdD
If you love "The Bachelorette," a good podcast, artisan grilled cheese sandwiches, or are just a human being in general, it's time to "accept this rose" and become BFFs with Bailey. A High School English teacher and cheerleading coach by day, Bailey's off-hours are often spent in her living room curled up with a book, a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso in hand, and her German Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Willie, at her feet. We have nothin' but good things to say about this fabulous member of our volunteer Writing Team!
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