Gifts For Chronically Ill People

RA Guy recently spearheaded the Hope Care Package Exchange.  The rules were simple.  You would have one person assigned to send you a care package, and you would be assigned one person to send a care package to.  There was a $20 to $25 limit on each package.   

I wanted to send a care package that had some fun, but useful, illness related items. 

Here is what I sent in my care package:

C.O. Bigelow Hand Sanitizer – http://www.bigelowchemists.com/bath-body/hand-soaps/c-o-bigelow-lemon-anti-bacterial-hand-gel-no-1020.html

Ouch! Big Girls Don’t Cry Band-Aids – http://www.funslurp.com/ouch-big-girls-dont-cry-band-aids or http://www.amazon.com/Big-girls-dont-cry-plasters/dp/B002EVGIV8

Spa Sister Eyelid Gel Mask – http://www.amazon.com/Spa-Sister-Eyelid-Gel-Mask/dp/B005GXQNDO

Human Gear GoCup – http://store.humangear.com/dp/B00AFMEPV8 or

http://www.bigelowchemists.com/brand/humangear-gocup-collapsing-cup-small.html

“Thank You For Existing Card” Tiny Card – Emily McDowell Studio – http://emilymcdowell.com/products/145-t-tiny-thank-you-cards-set-of-10-thank-you-for-existing (This is the same person who has gotten a ton of press for creating Empathy Cards for those with chronic illnesses)

With the exception of the cards, which I bought online, I bought everything in the care package that I sent at C.O. Bigelow.  They only have one store, which is located in New York, but they also have an extensive website, although it does not include every product that they sell in the store.

I had a lot of fun picking this stuff out.  Honestly, I love giving gifts.  I like making other people happy.  Even when my wallet is running on empty, I get more joy from gifting others than I do from gifting myself.  

  

Here is what I received in my care package:

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Black-Intense-Therapy-Natural/dp/B000MIH34Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438736655&sr=8-1&keywords=682223030042

Scented (French Lavender) Soy Wax Aromatherapy 8 oz. Massage Candle in Square Tin – http://www.amazon.com/Scented-French-Lavender-Aromatherapy-Massage/dp/B00UY1PEM4/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438736708&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=LA-40VC-5TRK+083351123666

Two Old Goats Lotion Foot Balm – http://www.amazon.com/Two-Old-Goats-Lotion-Foot/dp/B0091H9XI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438736745&sr=8-1&keywords=689466107043

This care package came with the following note, as it was sent from Amazon.  

  

This is actually a great idea.  If you have favorite products you want to share with someone else, and you know exactly what they are, you don’t even have to leave the house.  You can simply go to Amazon, order them, and have them sent directly to the recipient. 

I’ve never tried any of these products, so I am excited to try them!  

  

I also recently had a chronically ill friend who was hospitalized, so I took a care package to her.  It’s easier to give a care package in person because then you aren’t really limited in the size of what you take, whereas when mailing, shipping has become pretty expensive, so I try to keep those things small. 

I know my friend was interested in adult coloring books, so I took her a coloring book and markers.  I also know that my friend is really into Korean beauty products, so I bought her a few of those, as well.  When assembling care packages to people you know rather than strangers, it’s easier to be a bit more personal and targeted in what you include. 

Stress Less Coloring: Paisley Patters – http://www.amazon.com/Stress-Less-Coloring-Patterns-Relaxation/dp/1440584877/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438782066&sr=1-1&keywords=stress+less+paisley+patterns

Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers 20 Count – http://shop.crayola.com/art-and-craft-supplies/markers/washable-markers/washable-super-tips-with-silly-scents-20-ct.-5881061020.html#prefn1=craProductType&prefv1=Super+Tip&start=1

Tony Moly Brightening Mask – http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=32482259&category=BRANDS&color=072

Tony Moly Hand Cream – I purchased Cocoa scented but could not find online.  My second choice was Peach –http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=31754682&category=BRANDS&color=067

Finally, I currently have a friend going through some significant health challenges.  I wanted to change it up a bit and get her something that was more meaningful than giving her products she could use as she’s going through a lot right now and I didn’t want to overwhelm her or assume that she is knee deep in knowing that she is ill.  I wanted to get something that was inspirational but not religious.  A care package, per se, like the others, didn’t feel quite right in this situation, so I went with: 

Willow Tree – Thinking of You – http://www.willowtree.com/Thinking-of-You/26131,default,pd.html#start=17&sz=12

 

I don’t share all of these different things to toot my own horn about the gifts I give.  I did this because I love gifting people, and especially when talking about chronically ill people, I wanted to do something that would brighten each person’s day just a little bit.

And I wanted to give you ideas of what kinds of gifts you could give to the chronically ill people in your life – or even for yourself – for you, from you! 

Some Of My Favorite (Chronically Ill) Things For This Holiday Season

I had intended to post this before the unexpected death of my grandfather, but didn’t get the chance.  So I am posting it now so it is hopefully still timely.

With Chanukah starting the day after Thanksgiving this year, it was a rush to get gifts, and I was short on both time and ideas.

But I did have some time to brainstorm and come up with some great gift ideas for yourself or someone you know who has a chronic illness.  

So here goes:

12. Miamica inner booties (http://miamica.com/Shoe-Stuff/)

This isn’t explicitly chronic illness related, but it is winter related.  I found these inflatable inserts for boots.  They keep your boots shapely.  The thing I like about these, besides the cute design, is that they keep the natural shape of the boot rather than stretch them like some wood or plastic inserts might. 

11. EOS lip balm and hand lotion (http://evolutionofsmooth.com/)

 This also isn’t explicitly chronic illness related, but it is winter related.  I’ve been wanting to try EOS lip balm for awhile because I’ve been intrigued by the circular design.  I’m glad I did.  The lip balm tastes great, is very moisturizing, very easy to use, and comes in a pot that clicks sealed so you don’t have to worry about it coming open in your purse.  I also tried their hand lotion, which has it’s own unique packaging, and it smells great and is lightweight on.   

10. Fingerless gloves (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp)

I’ve had a pair of fingerless gloves for awhile, but just rediscovered them recently and they are really handy for cold hands when you are inside, especially working on a computer.  Can help mitigate Raynaud’s a bit.    

9. Oxo Good Grip products (http://www.oxo.com/)

I was pretty sure that OXO was an Arthritis Foundation approved product/company.  I am not sure if that is true anymore, but a key component of their products is that they are based on universal design.  My boyfriend’s dad has this great can opener that is so easy for me to use, and of course, it’s an Oxo.

8. Miamica pill holders (http://miamica.com/Pill-Cases/)

These are super cute.  I have a pink shiny one that says “Take a Chill Pill.”  Unfortunately, they aren’t super arthritis friendly.  They are pretty hard to open, so I don’t use mine that much.  With the strong plastic and the zipper, though, your pills are super secure.  But if you are chronically ill and don’t have problems with your joints, these are great because they are so adorable.  Varieties include the sayings, “My Pills”, “Happy Pills”, “Crazy Pills”, “Happy Hour”, “Chill Pill”, “Love is the Drug”, “Stay Calm”, “Take a Chill Pill”, “Hangover Drugs”, and “Drugs”.  These are also great for people who aren’t chronically ill.

7.  Apple IPad Mini (http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/)

My boyfriend bought me an IPad Mini for getting my PhD.  I didn’t really know I wanted one until I had it.  Honestly, if I could do everything on it and ditch my computer, I totally would.  I can do almost anything on it.  And it is light weight, which makes it great for school and traveling.  The touch screen is super great if you have joint problems, as it’s much easier on your fingers and hands than regular computer keys.

6.  Books by and about the chronically ill

I can never read enough books by and about chronically ill people.  On my list to read over winter break:

“Battle for Grace” by Cynthia Toussaint

“Chronic Resilience” by Danea Horn

“Knocking on Death’s Door” by Katy Butler

“So Young” by Daniel Malito

I am sure there are others I am missing, so if you know of others that are relatively new, let me know.

5. Lauren’s Hope (http://www.laurenshope.com/)

This is an old favorite.  I’ve had several of Lauren’s Hope medical ID bracelets.  I like the fact that these are pretty, and while they don’t look like a traditional medical alert bracelet, they are noticeable enough.  Although I may have found a new favorite – see number 2. 

4. Sarah Gorman’s Pillbags (http://www.pillfold.com/)

This is another old favorite, but since I blogged about these, Sara has created more patterns of both her Pillfold and Pillpouch.  These are great for travel, really handy, and stylish, to boot.     

3. Sabi (http://sabi.com/)

I don’t actually have any of their products, but these pill cases are pretty ingenious.  I especially like the carafe that doubles as a pill case and the streamlined pill cutter and crusher.

2. Road ID (http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx and https://www.myroadid.com/)

 So these aren’t as cute as Lauren’s Hope, but if you get the interactive version, you can put all of your information online and it can then be accessed by first responders in an emergency.  It allows you to update information constantly, so rather than having to get a new bracelet every time something changes, you simply access your account online and change whatever needs to be changed.  This is totally a case of function over form, but the silicone band comes in a variety of fun colors.  And there are other band types to choose from, as well. 

1. Prepara iprep (http://www.prepara.com/kitchen-gadgets/iprep)

This is something that I am totally obsessed with right now.  Its main purpose is as a stand so you can use your IPad when you are cooking.  But it is so much more than that.  It is a stand that allows me to do reading for school off of my IPad without having to hold it, can be a stand for your phone for hands free talking, and you can watch movies and stuff on it, too.  It is really great, and perfect for extra bad joint pain days.  I got mine at Barnes & Noble, but Amazon sells it, too, or you can purchase it directly from Prepara.  Definitely worth it if you have an IPad.

***

I hope that this has given you some ideas for gifts for yourself or others this holiday season.

I would love, love, love it if this post makes it to any of the companies I’ve highlighted, that they might donate a product or two for a giveaway.  So Miamica, EOS, Urban Outfitters, Oxo, Apple, Amazon or Cynthia Toussaint, Danea Horn, Katy Butler, Daniel Malito, Lauren’s Hope, Sara Gorman, Sabi, Road ID, and Prepara, if you are out there reading, please help me offer some great holiday giveaways to my readers.

The Gifts We Give Others And The Gifts We Give Ourselves

Well, I can’t believe that I’m writing this, but this is my 500^th post.  Incidentally, the 5^th anniversary of my blog came and went in April, and I kind of forgot.  That’s what happens when you are writing a dissertation and planning for the future, all at once.

I feel like I can say (and hopefully don’t jinx the fact that) things have finally started to fall into place for me.  I can’t disclose all of it right now, but I feel like I’ve found my niche, in life and in love.  I feel like I’ve found where I belong.   

I am slowing cutting ties in Michigan, which is harder than I thought it would be.  I will finish my volunteer position, which I have held for almost four years, next week.  As the next few months move forward, I will close out more and more of this chapter, as I am preparing for the next chapter. 

And it’s so strange.  I got sick here, and diagnosed here.  This blog began here.  I met my boyfriend here.

So many things have happened here.  I’ve been in this town for a total of 10 years.  A little more than a third of my life has been spent here.

And now I have to start over, make new memories somewhere else.

But I won’t be alone.

I’ve learned so much over the last several years, but mainly I have learned that there is life in spite of illness.  It can be very difficult at times, downright sucky, but it is possible.  I have had to accept my limitations, which isn’t always easy. 

And I’m learning to trust.  I had a lot of bad guy experiences following when I first got sick.  And it felt like it was me.  Like I wasn’t worthy, like I was damaged goods.  So I relied on people to build me up, who couldn’t possibly. 

But I have found that person.  And although I have to pinch myself some times to remind myself that it’s real, I can trust him.  And of course, I worry.  Of course there are moments when I’m sleeping 18 hours a day that I can’t imagine why he would hang around.  But I think were past that.  I think he’s here to say, and so am I.

So this is a reflection, but it’s also a celebration.  Somewhere along the way, I did something right.  I’m not sure what it was, because for a while it only seemed like bad things could happen to me.

My health is okay.  Not totally stable, but not careening through the universe at lightening speed, either.  I’m trying not to think too hard about the fact that when I move will come with it new insurance and new doctors. 

I don’t know who I’d be without illness.  That’s no longer an option.

Sometimes I don’t feel my age.  We’ll go out, have a drink or two, and I’m down for the rest of the weekend.  

But I also know myself better than I did before.

Sometimes I feel totally in control and sometimes I feel like I have no idea what’s going on.  Being sick has taught me that in many ways, we aren’t in control. 

It’s weird to think that illness may have been a gift.  It’s kind of a macabre thought.  But as I look back, I could see ending up insanely unhappy if I would have stayed directly on the path that I was on.  It took illness to make me see what was truly important, and what I am truly passionate about.

Now on the days when I can’t get out of bed, remind me that I said this.  But for right now, things are different than I expected them to be, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. 

This is my story.  And this is only the beginning.

Just a note that my blogging may be less consistent over the next several months, as I finish my dissertation, defend it, move to another state, and begin the next chapter.  I hope I have loads of time to keep blogging, but if not, you know why, and know that it is only a temporary hiatus.

So please keep reading.

I owe so much to the community that has been created here.  So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

This blog has been a gift for me.  You all have been gifts.  And I hope that I have helped or inspired or made you think or laugh or cry.