Gift Ideas for Those With RA

I think it was Labor Day weekend when I heard the first “snowflake” commercial and had this immediate “holiday alert” jolt. At the time I was cleaning in the kitchen and had a spray bottle of cleaner in my hand. It was a full-size bottle with a standard pull spray trigger and it was literally killing my hands to use it. I thought to myself, “Self, you should get some smaller spray bottles with the full-hand triggers that are lighter and easier to use.” Then I remembered I’d probably need four or five of them for each cleaner that I use and since they cost $5 to $10 each, that I’d probably wind up not buying them.

But what a great gift idea for someone with RA. So many times we think about things that would make our life easier, but they somehow get pushed from the “need” list to the bottom of the “want” list.

Between now and Valentine’s Day, it’s full-on gift-giving season. Here are some ideas that come to mind that would make thoughtful gifts for someone who struggles with RA.

Comfort items

These items make day-to-day life easier for someone with RA. Because they also come with a higher cost than the “ordinary” version, they make a perfect gift. These things include (besides the ergo spray bottles mentioned above) kitchen utensils with comfort handles, hot and cold packs, memory foam house slippers, heated socks, and compression gloves especially made for arthritis sufferers.

Practical gifts

Gift cards make very practical gifts for someone with a chronic condition – but think outside the box. A gift card to the pharmacy or health store can help pay for prescriptions or supplements for the coming year. Many people read while in medical waiting rooms (or sitting for hours during an infusion), so a gift card to Amazon.com or a local bookstore might be the perfect gift. Does your town have a gluten-free bakery? A gift certificate there would be a great help to someone who has strict dietary needs. Both Uber and Lyft offer gift cards which could help someone get to medical appointments when they don't feel like driving.

Special gifts

Often having a chronic disease also means chronic medical bills which means even some of the simple luxuries are out of reach. I love nice perfume but I’m at the point where I question spending the money on something that really isn’t a necessity. Those types of special things – perfume, beautiful chocolates, luxurious lotions, aromatherapy oils – would be treasured by someone who can no longer afford them. A book of movie tickets is a great gift for the film buff who can’t really justify the rising cost of going to the theater. If your budget can stretch, a gift certificate for a house cleaning service or a massage therapist are also things to consider.

I think the primary thought here is the same as with other successful gift-giving ventures – understanding the person for whom the gift is intended. In the case of someone with a chronic illness, there are special needs and often limited resources. A bit of ingenuity will result in a gift that will not only be appreciated – but will be treasured.