28 Mindful Gifts for People with Chronic Pain

Are you looking for some ideas of gifts for people with chronic pain?

If you have a loved one who suffers from severe pain, you know how tough it is for them to get through each day. Bad pain days can be debilitating and make it hard to do even simple things like getting out of bed or going for a walk.

Chronic pain conditions are often linked to an invisible illness, which means that people who don’t suffer from it can find it hard to understand what the person is going through. This can make finding the perfect gift even more challenging.

So what can you do to help someone who is dealing with chronic pain? One way is to give them a gift that will make every day life a little easier.

Here are some thoughtful gifts for people with chronic pain that can really make a difference.

No time to go through them all? Skip to the ones you like using the table of contents below!

You might also like:

• What is a Spoonie: Explaining the Spoon Theory to Family & Friends
• A Spoonie’s Guide To Travelling With Chronic Pain – 10 Important Tips
• Tips For How to Keep Medication Cold While Travelling
• How to Manage a Chronic Illness Flare Up When Travelling
• What it’s Really Like Travelling With a Chronic Illness

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Gift Guide: 28 Chronic Pain Gift Ideas

1. Adult coloring books

As anyone who’s ever tried to colour within the lines knows, it can be surprisingly challenging and therapeutic.

For people with chronic pain and other chronic conditions, the opportunity to focus on something creative and calming can be a welcome respite from their everyday symptoms.

Colouring has been shown to reduce stress and promote mental health and feelings of well-being, all of which are beneficial for people with ongoing pain.

And with such a wide range of adult colouring books on the market, it’s easy to find one that appeals to your loved one’s taste. Whether they’re into animals, nature, or mandalas, there’s sure to be a colouring book that will give them hours of enjoyment.

Here are some of my go to colouring books:

• You F***ing Got This – a hilarious motivational swear word colouring book
• Amazing Animals – relax and de-stress with intricate mandala animal designs
• Worlds of Wonder – a portal into many different magical worlds
• Things I Want to Say at Work But Can’t – another funny one that will resonate with most

2. A comfy sweatshirt

When it comes to managing pain, comfort is key. And what’s more comfortable than a soft sweatshirt?

This gift idea is perfect for those flare days when all your loved one wants to do is curl up in a ball and hibernate.

It’s a great way to show them that you’re really thinking of them when choosing a gift, and that you want them to be comfortable.

3. Weighted blanket

Weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle, constant pressure, which can help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.

And while they’re often associated with people with conditions like anxiety or insomnia, they can be beneficial for anyone who struggles with chronic pain as these other conditions go hand in hand with ongoing pain.

This premium weighted blanket comes in a variety of colours, sizes and weights – so many options! You can even get one with penguins on it!

4. Fitbit

For many chronic pain sufferers, their condition stems from other health problems. And, as many chronic illness warriors know, if you have one condition you likely have another.

A Fitbit is a great way to keep track important health data, like water intake, blood pressure, and quality of sleep. This can be a crucial way to track patterns and progress for people with chronic illnesses.

For example, for someone who suffers from POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), they constantly need to monitor their heart rate. A Fitbit is the perfect way to do this rather than being hooked up to a machine.

5. Heated throw blanket

Not only do heated blankets provide some much-needed warmth and comfort, this form of heat therapy helps to ease muscle tension and joint pain.

This super soft electric blanket can be used to wrap around the body, or a specific area that’s hurting.

It’s lightweight and can be unplugged and brought anywhere (I bring mine when I travel so I can plug it in when I get to my hotel after a long flight!). And there are different heat settings, depending on the temperature that’s needed.

Check out the different colours available here.

6. Ice pack

An ice pack makes for the perfect stocking filler for someone who’s struggling with chronic pain. It’s a natural pain relief that can help to reduce inflammation and pain and can be used on various areas of the body.

What I love about this ice pack is that when it’s not filled it can be squashed down to a super small size (great for packing for travels) and it can also be used as a heat pack.

7. Acupressure mat

Acupressure is an ancient healing practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body.

Acupressure mats have proven to be effective in managing pain, and makes it easy to get relief at home. Simply lying on the mat for a few minutes each day can help to ease muscle tension, improve circulation and reduce pain. Plus, it’s a great way to relax and unwind. It’s like a massage but without the price tag!

This highly rated foam acupressure mat comes in various sizes and colours and includes a separate cushion for the head and neck.

8. Spoonie shirt

A spoonie is someone with chronic pain or fatigue, and this shirt perfectly captures the struggles and challenges that come with that. It’s a light-hearted way to show your support and let them know that you understand what they’re going through.

This Etsy shop has a ton of spoonie shirts as well as other chronic illness gifts.

9. Chronic Illness gift basket

This is one of my favourite gifts for any occasion or when I’m just feeling ill in general.

You can either make up a basket yourself with items such as bath bombs, essential oils and a scented candle or you can purchase a ready made chronic illness gift basket.

Making it yourself obviously means you can create something personalised and really tailored to your friend or loved one and they’ll be able to see the effort you put in too.

You can pick up a gift basket kit here to get you started!

10. Neck and shoulder relaxer

Chronic pain can be a real pain in the neck…literally! If you’re looking for a gift for someone with chronic neck pain, consider getting them a neck and shoulder relaxer.

Massage can be a great way to help ease pain, but it’s not always convenient or affordable to get a professional massage. That’s why a neck and shoulder massager is the perfect gift for anyone suffering from chronic pain.

This handy device can be used at home or on the go, and it really makes a difference in helping to reduce tension and pain.

11. Gift certificate for a massage

While there’s no perfect answer to curing their pain, a gift card for a massage can be a great way to provide some much needed relief.

Massage therapy can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and release muscle tension. And if you opt for a hot stone massage, this is an additional form of heat therapy that can help to ease chronic pain.

12. Water bottle with infuser

Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for people with chronic pain. Dehydration can actually make pain worse, so a water bottle with an infuser is the perfect way to encourage them to drink more water.

Not only does this water bottle make it easy to infuse fruits and herbs to create delicious and healthy drinks, but it also comes with a handy carrying strap so they can take it with them on the go.

13. Noise cancelling headphones

One way to help someone who suffers from chronic pain is to give them a gift that can help them to relax and escape from the pain.

I absolutely love these compression socks as they’re super cute and not like other boring socks (it’s hard to get excited about socks, but these are different!).

15. Bath salts

Relaxation is key for people with chronic pain, and there’s no better way to relax than by taking a soothing hot bath.

Bath salts are a great way to add some extra luxury to the experience, but they can also help to ease muscle pain and tension and detoxify the body.

These Himalayan pink salt bath salts are a great option, as they’re full of harvested salt crystals from the Dead Sea, and contain nourishing minerals and vitamins like magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and zinc.

16. Heating pad

A heating pad is a game changer for anyone with chronic pain, as heat therapy can be incredibly effective in relieving pain.

This particular heating pad is super easy to use, really soft and flexible so it can be used on any area. It has an auto turn off after two hours in case the brain fog sets in and they forget to unplug it!

17. Tens Unit

Tens units work by sending electrical impulses to the nerve endings, which can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain. They’re a great drug-free way to manage pain, and can be used for both acute and chronic pain.

This particular Tens unit is small and portable, so it’s perfect for taking on the go. Giving this as a gift shows that you care about their pain, and want to help them find ways to manage it.

18. Boot slippers

A lot of people with chronic pain spend many days in their loungewear or pyjamas at home. So a simple and thoughtful gift you can give them is a pair of cosy boot slippers.

They slip on easily and help if they suffer with cold feet. They’ll also appreciate the extra support and cushioning that slippers provide.

Look for a pairs with non-skid soles to prevent falls, and machine-washable materials for easy care. With a pair of boot slippers, your friend or loved one can face the day with a little more comfort and a lot more style.

These are my favourite slippers I wear almost every day – they have a nice fluffy lining and are super comfy.

19. Body pillow

Anyone with chronic pain knows that a good night’s sleep is essential for managing pain. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it’s just not possible to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.

That’s where a body pillow comes in. A body pillow can help to provide support and comfort, and can be used in a variety of different positions, depending on the person’s needs.

This particular pillow is extra long, super soft and has a removable, washable cover.

Giving the gift of a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your chronic illness buddy.

20. Migraine ice cap

For anyone who suffers from migraines, a migraine ice cap can be an absolute lifesaver.

The ice cap helps to numb the pain, and can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling. It’s a natural way to manage pain, and can be used for both acute and chronic migraines.

No more having to balance ice-packs on your head!

This highly rated ice cap has a soft, comfortable inner lining and is also useful for eye, cranial, facial tension and stress relief.

21. Donation towards their medical bills

For anyone with chronic pain, medical bills can be a huge financial burden. If you have the means to do so, consider making a donation towards their medical bills.

This act of kindness will show your loved one that you care about their well-being, and want to help ease the financial burden that comes with their chronic illness.

22. Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used for a variety of different purposes, but they’re especially good for relaxation and stress relief.

There are a few different ways to use essential oils – you can add them to an diffuser, put them in a bath, or apply them topically.

This essential oils set are used to roll onto an affected area to help reduce pain. And this ‘Pain be Gone’ essential oil claims to have a high success rate among those with chronic pain.

Another great stocking stuffer idea!

23. Comfy pyjamas

Pyjamas are a must-have for anyone with chronic pain. They need to be comfortable, soft and good for chilling on the couch – we spend a lot of days on the couch!

Dressing for pain can be a game-changer, and gifting a pair of comfy jammies to someone with chronic pain is sure to bring a smile to their face.

These fleece pyjamas are soooo warm and cosy and they come in some really cute colours too.

24. Medical journal

If you know someone with a chronic condition, you probably know that they have to monitor their symptoms and track their daily pain, medication, and treatments.

A medical journal is a great way to do this, and it can also be a really beautiful and personal gift. This guided journal has everything they need to get started, including sections for monthly reviews, symptom and medication tracking, as well as a wellness journal.

Your loved one will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and the journal will be a valuable tool in managing their chronic illness

25. Fluffy socks

You can’t go wrong with gifting some fluffy cosy socks to someone with chronic pain. They might not be the most exciting present, but they’ll love the feel of them, and they’ll probably live in them on those flare days.

These Barefoot Dreams socks are made with the softest material and have been likened to ‘wearing butter’ because they’re so smooth!

Or why not go a little festive with these festive fleece lined warm socks?

26. Funny Mug

We all need a little humour added to our day, especially when we’re dealing with chronic pain. A funny mug is a great way to bring a smile to your loved one’s face, and it will also come in handy on those days when they need an extra coffee (or two).

This ‘Spoonie To Do List‘ mug is sure to get a giggle, and this ‘Resting Pain Face‘ mug is perfect for those days when they just can’t even.

27. Stickers

Raising awareness for chronic illnesses is so important, and stickers are a great way to do it. Your loved one can put them on their water bottle, laptop, or anywhere else they want, and you can display them too to show your support.

There are lots of different designs available, but I love this ‘Chronically Strong‘ sticker, and this ‘All out of spoons‘ spoonie sticker.

29. A spoonie keychain

I love this Spoonie keychain. It says ‘may you always have one more spoon‘. If you’re not aware, those who suffer from chronic pain and other chronic illnesses are called ‘spoonies’. You can read all about why here.

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Conclusion: Gifts for People with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a difficult thing to deal with, both physically and emotionally. It can be hard to know how to help someone you love who is dealing with chronic pain or another chronic condition.

One way to show your support is by giving them a thoughtful gift that will make their life a little easier. From medical journals to comfy pyjamas, there are lots of great gift ideas for people with chronic pain.

Do you have any other gift ideas to add to the list? Share them in the comments below!

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these articles!

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