The Ultimate Gift Guide for Someone With Chronic Illness

By Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana

Is holiday shopping leaving you frustrated? We've all been there – perplexed, scratching our head, thinking, "What do I buy the person who seems to have everything?" Holiday gift giving gets even trickier when it comes to buying the perfect gift for someone who has something they don't want – a chronic illness. So instead of picking up another box of chocolates or mug and cocoa set from your local drugstore, consider the following gifts. These products range from funny and unique to practical and necessary – most of all, they're perfect for anyone suffering from a chronic illness, such as cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, migraines and so on. No matter which gift you choose, your special someone will appreciate the thought and love involved.


Dammit Dolls. For those of us suffering from chronic illness, moments of frustration occasionally happen. Luckily Dammit Dolls come to the rescue! When I first saw these dolls, I laughed and wondered why I had not received one yet from my friends (hint, hint). They're a fresh twist on stress relief dolls, come in a variety of colors and include a funny and uplifting poem on the front. Best of all, you can pull the doll's hair, throw it against the wall or whack the crap out of it when illness is stressing you out. There's even a special Dammit Cancer Doll.

Triderma. Radiation can be hard on skin, sometimes causing itching, peeling and redness. Triderma's unique healing skin cream can help minimize radiation's skin-damaging effects and possibly reduce the need for breaks, so you can stay on track with treatments. Made with Certified Virgin Aloe and botanicals, this cream is a must-have for anyone undergoing radiation.

Dreampad. How does a massage to the nervous system sound? If your loved one is looking for a non-pharmaceutical sleep and relaxation aid, consider a Dreampad. Dreampad stands apart due to the unique way a user hears music. Music is sent as a vibration, which travels internally and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (our nervous system's relaxation response). This product may just help your special someone deal with anxiety and insomnia.

More ideas at: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/12/18/the-ultimate-gift-guide-for-someone-with-chronic-illness