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Comfort
1. Heating Pad– This thing is a LIFESAVER for any kind of pain. When my stomach hurts I keep with me at all times. They are easily transportable, have three heating settings, and get warm in about a minute! 2. Heated Blanket– The heating pad on a bigger scale! Whether a loved one has a chronic illness or is just constantly cold (like me), anyone will appreciate a blanket that heats them up. 3. Heated Pillow Massager– Because I love all things heated. Now heat plus massage? 4. Beeswax Candle (Soy & Chemical Free)– I bought this candle from Edith of the Earthy Gals shop and LOVE it. I often see brands advertising candles as “all natural soy,” but sadly there is not much “natural” left in soy, since it has become a GMO product. Edith is a fellow “real food foodie” that I met (virtually) through Instagram. 5. PACT Clothing (Women, Men & Baby) – Affordable. Organic/Non-GMO cotton. No sweatshops (Fair Trade Certified). Why not wear clothing that keeps us, the farmers, and the planet safe? I wrote more about PACT in this blog post.Books & Writing
6. Lap Desk– I use mine ALL THE TIME. These come in handy when I am not feeling well (or just lazy 😉 ) and want to read, write, or watch Netflix in bed or on the couch.
I don’t believe it’s safe to have have laptops sit directly on our laps, so this is also a great safeguard!
7. Gratitude Journal– I fell in the love with the practice of writing down what I am grateful for. I think everyone should do it, honestly. Many people write down a few things every day. I write in mine once a week and include things from the past week and upcoming week I am thankful for. If that’s not your thing (or a loved one’s) check out the other notebooks in this cute Etsy shop, HappyDappyBits. 8. Adult Coloring Book– I received this one as a gift last year for Christmas. Coloring is a great de-stressing activity. A coloring book is fun and relaxing for someone feeling unwell and needs something to do that isn’t physical. There are so many versions, but I love this one! 9. The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body by Sarah Ballantyne, PhD This book is a bible for those with an autoimmune disease. Sarah Ballantyne is a scientist by trade and stopped to start her blog, The Paleo Mom. This is an all-encompassing book. Do yourself/loved one/friend/co-worker a favor and buy this book. It’s chock-full of information. 10. Celebrations Cookbook– Danielle Walker is a fellow thriver of IBD. She has Ulcerative colitis and endured a similar story to mine of dealing with this illness without diagnosis until finally hitting rock bottom. I love her first cookbook, Against All Grain, because she makes regular, every day recipes. If I was good enough this year, Santa will have this under my tree for me! 11. All is Well: Heal Your Body with Medicine, Affirmations, and Intuition by Louise Hay I don’t have this book yet (I came across it after I sent my Christmas list to Santa), but it is high up on my lengthy list of books to read! Louise Hay is a teacher of using affirmations to positively impact your life.
Great ideas!
Thank you Lindsay! These are some of my favorite items 🙂
I’m really happy to come across your blog, and meet others who have “silent illnesses”.
I hope greater awareness will be achieved and stigma be lessened with time.
Your gift guide is really great! I already have a lap desk (something cheap I got from IKEA) but the rest look really good and can come in handy. They make thoughtful wellness gifts for friends and family too 🙂
We gotta stick together! 🙂 I have the same hopes as you. Thank you, girl.
I use my lap desk all the time!
I honestly love this list. It is such a great way to better your friends and family in ways they may not normally attempt themselves. Or things they wouldn’t normally spend money on themselves!
Thank you Jessica! I agree, some of these are indulgent and people feel like they aren’t worth spending money on themselves.
Love these ideas! I need that heated massager! Your blog looks fantastic.
Lol I might get that massager for myself too 😉 Thanks Shelby!