15 Gift Ideas for My Fellow Chronically Ill Girlies
This gift guide was a real labor of love. I curated my first version of this it year and was overjoyed at the response it received. As someone who was so freshly navigating chronic illness caused by cancer treatment, it was sometimes hard to see how I fit into the world in the simplest ways. I felt out of place and had the hardest time relating to anyone that wasn’t a cancer patient or survivor themselves.
I had always enjoyed created gift guides around the holidays, but the lens in which I viewed the world had changed so much. And the broad stroke guides I had curated in the past honestly felt so shallow.
But I have always loved giving my family and friends thoughtful gifts. And one thing that stood out to me during my year of cancer treatment—from chemo to my double mastectomy to radiation and more—were the incredibly thoughtful gifts I received from my loved ones that made me feel so seen and known.
It can be so hard shopping for someone walking through something as heavy and complex as a cancer diagnosis. So it made the most sense to start with what I knew best. What I use, would love to received, and can personally attest to the value of it from someone who has navigated a plethora of health issues. These picks are as chic as they are functional—because no one should have to choose between style and ease.
Fortune Cookie Pill Storage Case — She can keep her daily meds in a chic and sculptural storage case that looks good enough to display on her desk
Organic Cotton Weighted Knit Blanket — Anxiety and chronic illness are often two peas in a pod. This 15lb weighted blanket is a beautifully made tool to help with anxiety at home.
Take Ten Coffee Mug — All the tea and coffee and supplement mixes should be enjoyed from a chic mug. Love that it can be personalized as well!
Theragun Prime — Wirecitter rates this the best massage gun! Use daily to target tension in the body from neck and shoulders to back and legs. I use it in conjunction with physical therapy. Therabody also has the Theragun Mini. It’s the height of a canned drink, making it perfect for traveling and taking on the go.
Eye Therapy Massager — A friend gifted this to me to help with migraines, and it's an amazing tool for tension, tired eyes, or when you just need an extra dose of relaxation. Therabody also has a great option called the SmartGoggles.
Sculpt Lymphatic Drainage Massage Tool — As someone with lymphedema caused by breast cancer treatment, I know how important it is to promote healthy lymphatic drainage. This paddle is a great tool to help and would be great in tandem with the Weleda Body Butter linked below.
Weleda Skin Food Body Butter — This was recommended by my doctor! It’s really great for those who have undergone radiation therapy and deal with muscle oxidation as a result because it is high in antioxidants and can be helpful with managing those symptoms. The Weleda Skin Food Original is one that I’ve been using this since 2018! It’s a more concentrated version of the body butter and great to keep in the car, work bag, desk, etc.
Industrial ID Bracelet — Proof that medical ID bracelets can actually be cool. I love how chunky this one is and that it’s handmade in LA from sterling silver (and you can use code ANNALISE 15 for 15% off)
Wellness Journal — For checking in and tracking physical and emotional wellness, this journal can be used for tracking symptoms and medication as well.
Infrared Heating Pad — Heating pads are notoriously unattractive, but this is a chicer version that’s also larger than average which meaning it covers more aches and pains than the historically small ones.
AM/PM Pill Box — A modern solution for pill organization that isn't an eyesore. This pill box has both AM + PM slots for each day of the week.
Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier — Vitruvi created a humidifier that is as beautiful and sculptural as it is practical.
Rest Essential Oils Kit — A thoughtfully curated set of oil blends for rest and relaxation.
Narayan Balm Extra Strength — A great stocking stuffer and something I've personally been personally using for years. It's great for migraines, headaches, sore muscles, and cramps.
Magnesi-Om by Moon Juice — This is my personal nighttime ritual for relaxation and sleep, which is something often robbed from those with chronic illnesses.
I hope this guide helps you find something that feels just right for the people you love most.
xx, Annalise