If you have chronic pain or know someone who does, you may be wondering what you can get as a gift that will help ease their pain.
Or at least take their mind off it.
Keep reading because I’ve rounded up the best gift ideas for chronic pain that will bring pain relief and relaxation to the little spoonie in your life.
Many of these I use myself or have seen rave reviews about from mamas in Fibro Facebook groups, so they’ll have a stellar chance of working for others.
Keep reading for ideas on the best gifts for Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
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The best gifts for chronic pain sufferers
The best gifts for people with chronic pain are those that alleviate and distract from the pain and stress they face.
My favorite gift recommendation for people with chronic pain this year is a robot vacuum cleaner.
These glorious gadgets don’t require carrying, pushing, or pulling like traditional vacuum cleaners.
Even those lightweight handheld ones require more energy than a robot vacuum! You still gotta move your arms and bend up and down more…
Here’s a list of the best gifts for people with chronic pain:
- robot vacuum cleaner
- comfy-ass jumpsuit
- sparkly pill bottle ornament
- ridiculously easy to apply and natural liquid eye shadow
- cbd pain balm
- coloring book
- steam gift card
- heating pad
- a tattoo!
- message gun
- tens unit
- foot bath and massager
- lumber support cushion
- freezer-safe dishware
- candles
- bathtub bookholder tray
- ask them!
1. Shark robot vacuum
If the person you’re shopping for has low energy and fatigue and apologizes for their messy house whenever you come over, a robot vacuum cleaner will be her new favorite toy.
I’ve been using ours now for a few months and love it. I still use the traditional vacuum, but use it way less now.
Shark is the only brand I’ve tried (well, aside from a Temu one that barely picked up anything compared to this one). I’m shocked by the dust and hair and food particles this thing picks up that I don’t have to!
You can buy one from a store and hopefully get it on sale.
Or…
We got ours used on Mercari for about $50 earlier this year.
You can also search under “New” on Mercari and save even more money.
(And I’m not affiliated with Mercari, only been obsessed lately)
This is similar to the one we have.
It docks itself, which is handy, but has voice control and other fancy features.
2. Lively All Day Jumpsuit
If someone has chronic pain, it’s likely that they also find certain clothes uncomfortable. Everybody loves to wear their favorite comfies, but spoonies are particular about what they (gently) put on their bodies.
For example, I’ve had an off-and-on struggle with allodynia around my waist (and elsewhere, but for clothes, it’s the waist).
I’ve been through phases where I could only stand loose-fitted clothing, like frumpy, boxy dresses. I felt huge and more uncomfortable than ever.
And being a mom, I couldn’t bend down to pick up toys or crumbs or the kid without fear of showing everything.
I know I’m not the only one!
So if your spoonie has clothing sensitivities, they’ll fall in love with Lively’s All Day Jumpsuit.
There is no seam around the middle and it’s roomy in all the right places. For days I want a little more coverage, I throw on a shirt.
Currently, it only comes in black and plum.
I started with one black and now I have 2 black and one plum these babies are so incredibly comfortable! I’m hoping they come out with olive green.
3. Funny pill bottle ornament
Chances are anyone who is chronically ill experiments with prescription drugs at some point for relief.
Even though I’m no longer on any medication, I’d still put this on my tree.
Any fellow chronic illness warrior would agree this ornament is 100% funny and cute!
4. Glossier Lidstar eyeshadow
For the easiest pick-me-up that’ll transform a blah mood to better, Glossier’s creamy liquid eyeshadow blows other brands out of the water.
From doctor’s appointments to library visits to lounging around the house, this eyeshadow is legit in its non-creasing staying power and beauty. And no primer required!
Because when you feel like you look nice, you feel better mentally. And that helps physically, you know?
My favorite shade is a gorgeous rose gold in Cub.
Again -if you love a good deal, check Mercari first. That’s where I bought mine new in the box. I wouldn’t buy swatched makeup even if sanitized.
5. CBD pain balm
I use a CBD balm for neck and back pain. This one from Lazarus Naturals is effective yet doesn’t burn like IcyHot, even with only a dab applied.
It’s a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way.
There is one way to save though that doesn’t involve Mercari:
You can get 60% percent off if you have a long-term disability, are a low-income household, or are a veteran.
You’ll have to apply though.
Or better yet, let them know about this deal.
(I am not affiliated with Lazarus Naturals.)
6. Coloring book
Many chronic illness warriors have a stash of coloring books by their bedside for oh-so-fun flares. It is a relaxing way to take the mind off the pain.
Why not help them add to that stash?
Word search puzzles and Sudoku are fun options, too.
7. STEAM gift card
Another way to pass the time and keep oneself entertained through pain is to play video games.
I got a Steam account years ago because I wanted to play old-school Roller Coaster Tycoon.
Steam has thousands of games available to play on the computer, a tablet, or a smartphone, so chances are you’re chronically ill recipient will find plenty to play and forget their pain.
Note that a Chrome computer may not be able to play some games.
I bought RCT when I had a Lenovo and then discovered I couldn’t play it on my Chromebook.
8. Heating pad
Another of the best gifts for chronic pain is a heating pad.
That’s because any time spent at a desk can be brutal if you’re battling intense back and hip pain.
A heating pad targets the body’s blood vessels and dilates them, which helps alleviate discomfort.
I use mine quite often and even bring it with me when I travel, so I always have an extra layer of pain management.
- Electric heating pad $17.99
Read this post to learn about the benefits of heat versus ice for Fibromyalgia.
9. A tattoo
A tattoo may seem like an odd choice for a gift, but if you’re willing to foot the bill, your recipient may be 100% down with getting a (albeit most likely small) tattoo. I’ve read in many chronic illness groups that most people seem to be okay (read: enjoy) getting a tattoo because that kind of pain is so different from the everyday pain they face. I agree.
It’s pleasurable, controlled, wanted.
Furthermore, tons of tattoos celebrate/honor chronic illnesses – just do a quick Google search – “tattoo ideas for” and their disorder.
10. Massage gun
A massage gun is akin to going to a pricey massage therapist.
My stepdaughter let me use hers a few times and oh man, it felt wonderful.
Why not treat them to essentially a bajillion massages?
11. TENS unit
A TENS unit – or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – is a handheld device with wires and re-stickable tape that gets stuck on the skin to deliver low-voltage electrical currents.
These currents relieve pain by distracting the nervous system so it doesn’t send out as many pain signals.
The benefits a TENS unit delivers are similar to what you’d get at an acupuncture session.
I’ve used a TENS unit before and think it’s worthy of being in your pain management tool kit.
12. Foot bath and massage
People with chronic pain and neuropathy tend to have pain all over.
Not only does a foot bath and massage soothe achy feet, but it boosts blood circulation.
Better circulation invigorates cells with more oxygen – making them less stiff, have less fatigue, and become more energized.
I wonder if this was the foot bath that Kevin used in The Office? I think it was grey, but the person you’re gifting this to won’t mind if it’s not:
13. Lumbar support cushion
Everyone sits. And I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone with chronic pain that didn’t have dull, achy hip and back pain.
Everyone has tight hip flexors and a stiff back because we do so much sitting and hunching.
A supportive lumber cushion seat like this one has a cutout design to encourage proper spine alignment.
Many comments rave about how much it eases their sciatica.
14. Freezer-safe containers
One of the best gifts for someone with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders is freezer-safe containers.
That’s because they can fill ’em with leftover delicious stew, soups, chillis – whatever they know they can thaw the night before when they’re feeling very “meh.”
(The longer you have Fibro, the better you learn to predict how your pain is going to feel.)
Because when I’m in a lot of pain or am fatigued, I feel so much better knowing I have a stash of energy-savers waiting to nourish my body versus grabbing carry-out crap (oh, Taco Bell…yum).
All they’ll have to do is reheat (and remember to make something for the picky eaters).
15. Candles
Candles help create a warm, relaxing atmosphere – just what someone with chronic pain needs after a challenging day.
Or after doing the dishes.
Or after just getting out of bed.
Pretty much anything.
My amazing bonus daughter got me a Village Candle for my birthday this year and I was enamored with the smell.
The 26 ouncer was a delicious frosted caramel and lasted a little over 2 months with almost continual burning.
(That’s way longer than a Walmart Mainstay. And you can find Village at Walmart too.)
16. Bathtub bookholder tray
Another best gift for chronic pain sufferers is a book tray for the bathtub.
You’ll help distract them from negative thoughts (My God I hurt so bad. This sucks. I suck.) and all that pain.
You could pair this with Epsom salts or soothing bath balms to round out their at-home spa experience.
17. Ask them!
This may sound radical – but ask them what they’d like or need. What things help with Fibromyalgia or what they’re dealing with?
Maybe it’s not a physical gift they need, but a service. Help with an unfinished project, a day a month to be free from the kids to reset the nervous system, to stay in with you and have some fun – you get the point.
So ask them what they may want or need.
What have you found that works best for Fibromyalgia? Can I help with that? What do you need?
They may feel comfortable enough to tell you.
Your takeaway
The best gifts for chronic pain sufferers are those that reduce and distract from the pain and make life easier.
Robot vacuums that easily clean dirty floors, relaxing coloring books, and funny-ha-ha ornaments like a sparkly prescription bottle are just a few things you could pick.
Happy gift-gifting, and thanks for being thoughtful and intentional with this gift.
It’s more appreciated than you know.
So what gift ideas do you have that I’ve left off this list?
Share below in the comments!
P.S. If you’re thinking of checking in with them, send them this reaffirming post of Fibromyalgia quotes. They’ll heart you for it.
