Do you have someone in your life who is sick and not in the holiday spirit? Do you know someone who is unfortunately battling Cancer or another disease this season? It is hard enough to shop for many people and find the perfect gift, but when people are sick finding them the perfect Christmas gift gets a bit harder. Hopefully my suggestions and tips below will help give everyone on your shopping list a happy holiday!
1. Pajamas or Comfy Clothes.
When you are sick you spend most of your time either in bed, in a hospital or on a couch. Most times you are in pajamas or comfy clothing, like loose easy to put on track suits. When looking for these gifts, look for comfort, fit and use. You want the outfit to be comfortable and soft to the touch. You want to look for outfits that will be comfortable when lying down, so loose fitting pants with a draw string waist works well. Lastly, you want to look for what the person receiving the gift will need. Does the person have limited hand mobility? Will buttons work better then pull over the head type shirt? This is a fun gift that can really reflect the recipients personal style. Will short sleeves work better if they are on IV? When selecting a size, always go safe and choose a size up from what you think the person might be.
When you are not feeling well, you will not want to cook for yourself. During the holidays most celebrations are surrounded by food. You do not want to miss out on the celebratory feast, and you do not want to have nothing to offer guests who visit you. That is why I think a great gift to bring someone who might not be feeling well is snacks and treats. Whether the person will be eating these items themselves, or if they just want to have something to offer and serve their guests, this gift will be a hit! I suggest just doing a bit of research and finding out if the patient is on any dietary restrictions like sugar, caffeine, etc. Once you know what they can and can not eat, go to your local specialty food store and hit the shelves. Chocolates, fruit, nuts, and other easy to display finger foods are always great.
3. Things to Do, Keep Them Busy!
Maybe now is time to try that new hobby that they have been meaning to try? Has your friend or family member been talking about trying knitting, or working on a new puzzle? Sometimes the only thing holding them back, is not having the supplies. Give the person who always wanted to try yoga, a yoga mat and DVD. Give the person who is bored during chemo treatments knitting needles and some yarn. Anything to keep them busy and something that shows thought on your part. We all have a secret desire to try something new, why not give your friend or family member encouragement to try a brand new hobby? Think outside of what they would normally try. If someone is not known to be creative maybe a paint by number set would help foster their crafty side. Board games, playing cards, and craft kits are all good gifts. Many stores make excellent “starter kits” for the novice that are both easy to learn but low cost as well.
4. Books or Movies.
I know it sounds boring…but going with the “ol stand by” of a new book or movie is even better when you are someone who is stuck in the house. Maybe it is a new movie that you never thought of watching before. Or maybe it is a very nice note inscribed into the cover of a book that a friend picked out especially for you. A good book can take you into a fantasy world by far better then a hospital bed. A new movie can make you think about something else for 2 hours then being sick. Put a note with your movie saying you will watch it together and bring popcorn. I know I love the classic holiday movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. I always watch them on television, but never have them around when I need them. When you own the holiday themed movies you can watch them whenever you want.
5. Laughter is the Best Medicine.
Most people think that being sick is no laughing matter, but the fact is that sometimes laughing is exactly what we need to do. Look for something unique, something out right hilarious. Look for shirts or gifts that state the obvious. “Cancer Sucks” Shirts or a mug that says “I have Lupus what is your excuse?”. Not only is the gift custom and special to their particular circumstance… but it will likely make them laugh- which is the best gift they can get. Don’t try to find the right words to say, buy a cute T shirt to say it for you.
6. Warmth.
It is cold outside, so make it warm and toasty inside. Think easy microwavable heating pads, or electric blankets. Fuzzy slippers are perfect for any girl if you know her shoes size. Fleece blankets are great for cuddling up in front of the television. For the guys, new warm scarves and gloves make great gifts. It can’t hurt to think practical and give someone you love a portable heater if you know they have a drafty apartment during these cold winter months.
7. Gadgets! Gadgets! Gadgets!
There is a gadget for every conceivable disability, you just need to find it. If you are someone with weak hands there are bottle openers, hands free mouse for the computer, zipper pulls, and more. There are sneakers that don’t need tying, and there are kitchen gadgets that practically cook the food itself. If you are someone who is UV sensitive there are great clothes with UV built right into them. For mobility issues, there are fancy canes, pretty walkers, and scooters that can get you from here to there real quick. The problem is most people living with sickness don’t have the money to spend on a quirky color extra cane, or a new fun gadget. because of limited budgets it makes it hard to try new things. Go to your local techy shop and find the gadget that will help out someone you love. I am sure they will thank you for it!
8. Door to Door Service.
When you can’t leave the house for a short time, you can get bored with food. When you are too tired to cook, and even more tired of eating cereal gift certificates to local delivery places will come in handy. Don’t take the easy way out- and get any old gift certificates, but think local. Get gift certificates to local restaurants, food stores for grocery shopping, even services. There are many stores that “deliver” services like hair salons that makes house calls, or nail salons. Think of different things that the recipient would really enjoy. Maybe getting their lawn mowed would be a treat?
9. Get Into the Holiday Spirit!
This is the time of year for wreaths, Christmas trees, candles and decorations. Unfortunately when you are sick or busy at doctors appointments, the last thing you want to do is decorate. But at night when there is not tree and no Christmas cheer, it can be a lonely holiday. Get a small table top tree delivered to your friends house or have a wreath sent to hang on the door. Remember to have these items delivered before the holidays so they can be enjoyed all season long. Give a gift of decorations. The fact is if the holiday decorations are in the attic, they are probably too far away to unpack this year for someone who is sick, so a few fun new holiday decorations might just do the trick! New stuff always is fun to have and every year after this one you will be sure to be thought of.
10. Lend a Hand.
Sometimes the best gift is one you can not wrap…unless you of course are doing the wrapping! Offer your help to wrap gifts, hang mistletoe, or decorate the Christmas tree. The world doesn’t stop when you are sick and you still want to participate in all the holiday fun. So offer to bake cookies, or help out around the house. That is better then a pair of socks anyway!
Reference:
- For more articles like this one, please visit: www.butyoudontlooksick.com For custom “disease specific” shirts and gifts mentioned in article above visit: www.cafepress.com/bydls For board games, slippers, hobby gifts and more visit www.amazon.com For flowers, wreaths and holiday decorations www.ftd.com is a great start
