The Ultimate Gift Guide for People Living with Lupus

Lupus patients, like anyone with chronic illness, have unique needs. Sometimes this makes it challenging for friends and loved ones to think of gift ideas. We are here to help! Use this guide as a gift idea resource for the lupus patient in your life.

For the Freeze Baby

Lupus patients are notoriously cold. There are reasons for this including Raynaud’s, comorbidities like hypothyroidism, circulatory issues, anemia, temperature sensitivity, cold-induced spasms in blood vessels, and more. Help your lupus friend feel warm by buying them a cozy electric blanket. Weighted blankets are also known to help. Excellent quality large heating pads help keep lupus patients warm and keep joints from getting stiff. Hunter’s socks with heated insulation prevent Raynaud’s attacks on the toes. Well-insulated gloves and hand warmers also make great gifts. Pro-tip: add a candle, tea bags (avoid echinacea), a mug, and hot cocoa, to make it a gift basket!

For the Spa Girlie

Lupus patients are plagued by chronic pain in the joints, muscles, and bones. They live with constant fatigue and struggle to make their bodies work. These girlies (and guys) deserve a spa day. Call ahead and arrange a day of pampering or buy them a gift card to their nearest spa. If a full day of pampering isn’t within the budget, consider gifting a lupus patient with scented Epsom salts or an aromatherapy diffuser. Essential oils like frankincense, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender are all good choices for inflammation. A high-quality lotion, acupressure foot slippers, and a warming neck wrap are also excellent selections for our friends with lupus.

Don’t forget about our hair care friends too. For those with hair loss, a consultation at a wig shop or with a barber or stylist familiar with lupus may give a lupus patient a confidence boost. Be sure to ask the patient gently if this is a gift they would appreciate. Hair loss is a sensitive topic with lupus patients. Other gift ideas for haircare include high-quality shampoo and conditioner, calming oils, and stylish headscarves.

For the Travel Enthusiast

The sun is the enemy of most lupus patients. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a fun vacation; they just need the right tools! Gift a cute sun-protective hat. Think about giving sun-protective clothing with built-in SPF. The Coolibar® brand has fashionable choices. High-quality sunscreen like Vanicream is gentle on sensitive skin but provides excellent coverage. Lupus patients always need sunscreen! Also, contemplate buying your lupus friend high-end make-up with SPF. They can feel good on vacation, while also being practical and safe.

A cute umbrella can keep the sun away. Another idea is a chair with an umbrella attached. This works well at the beach and is also great for sports moms and dads. Lupus patients need to take their medicine. Consider the gift of an insulated medical cooler or case for lupus patients who carry autoinjectors. Search for Medical Travel Cooler on Amazon or Google, there are many to choose from. Another useful idea is a decorative and functional pill organizer.

For

the Foodie

Lupus patients often suffer from chronic pain and debilitating fatigue, and it makes cooking difficult. Consider gifting ergonomic kitchen tools such as easy-grip utensils, an effortless or automatic jar opener, a grip aid, a garlic press rocker, an onion holder for slicing, or a multifunction can opener. Another idea is a gift card to a meal subscription service, their favorite restaurant, DoorDash, or a similar service.

For the Fashionista

Make it your mission to find trendy clothes for your fashion-forward lupus friend. Think of cute scarves, trendy sweater vests, shawls or ponchos, fleece-lined leggings, and cute hats and gloves. Warm patterned socks and insulated boots are also wonderful ideas. A flannel or fleece pajama set will keep a lupus patient warm all night. Remember the slippers!

Remember SPF-protective clothing and large-brim hats for the beach. Long skirts and cover-ups also provide coverage and are on-trend. And sunglasses with 100% UVA/ UVB protection are always a hit! Buy cute accessories such as purses and totes that can fit medications, additional layers of clothing, and hand warmers. Buy something with a lupus awareness message or purple to support their fight like bracelets and tee shirts.

For the Yoga Devotee or Gym Rat

Are you struggling with gift ideas for your exercise-minded lupus friend? Buy a membership to their favorite studio or gym. They will thank you! Budget-friendly ideas include a new yoga mat, yoga blocks, low-impact weights, and resistance bands.

Patients may also appreciate an adaptive sports bra that closes in front or one designed to decrease pressure on sore shoulders.

For the Literary Enthusiast

Lupus patients suffer from flares throughout their illness. Sometimes they feel good, and other times they are actively ill and need time and rest to heal. This is when our book-loving friends need something to entertain them while they recuperate. Gift ideas include the next book in their favorite series, a motivational book, or a gift card to their local bookstore or e-book retailer.

If the person is new to lupus, book/e-book recommendations include The Lupus Encyclopedia by Donald E. Thomas, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, and The Lupus Book by Dan- iel J. Wallace, MD.

Another idea is to buy a decorative journal and pen set that patients can use to track doctor’s appointments, log symptoms, identify triggers, and keep a copy of their flare plan. Click the QR code at the end of this article to access the Flare Plan.

For the Binge-Watcher

Your lupus friend isn’t a reader? There is something for everyone! For our Netflix and Hulu friends, gift them a subscription to their favorite streaming service. This will help them get by during flares. Pro-tip: make it an experience by adding an air popper and bag of popcorn for a healthy treat.

For the Sleep Connoisseur

There is nothing better than a good night’s rest. According to experts, lupus patients need at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Why is this? In lupus, the body experiences inflammation, making the body feel more tired. Sleep helps to prevent flares, manage fatigue, reduce brain fog, and keep the immune system on track.

What kind of gift can benefit our lupus friends who need rest? A memory foam cervical pillow keeps the neck in alignment and reduces tightness in the neck. Side sleeper pillows are another great idea. The hips and spine stay aligned during sleep for a more comfortable rest. The pillows are also available with shoulder wedges for those with arthritis and rotator cuff issues.

For the Flaring Friend

Having lupus means periods of flares and remission. Some things can help make life easier during flares, like a cleaning service gift card. This is the ultimate gift for a friend with mobility and fatigue difficulties.

A grabber tool is a budget-friendly suggestion. These handy devices help people pick things up when pain prevents them from bending over or reaching above. Another recommendation for a budget-friendly gift is a decorative medication organizer. Lupus patients need multiple medications to help keep their bodies in check. An organizer will help them arrange their pills in an easy location. Pro-tip: for those with secondary Sjogren’s or dry eye, include stocking stuffers of lubricating eye drops/artificial tears or sugar-free candy.

Lastly, consider purchasing an ergonomic cushion for back support. Sitting for prolonged periods can make a lupus patient stiff. An ergonomic cushion will help maintain proper posture and alleviate pressure on the spine.

For the Hobbyist

Give your favorite arts and crafts fanatic a gift they’ll love. Gift cards to Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and online craft stores, will be a big hit. Other gifts like puzzles, adult coloring books, and scrapbooking supplies are a welcome distraction when chronic pain is particularly bad. If your lupus friend enjoys knitting or crocheting, think about buying spools of yarn in vibrant colors.

Budget-Friendly Idea

The most heartfelt gifts cost nothing at all. Make homemade coupons that the lupus patient can “cash in” throughout the year. Examples include a coupon for breakfast in bed or a home-cooked meal, an afternoon of yard work, cleaning the house, going to the doctor, babysitting, and laundry. Other ideas include coupons for a foot or shoulder massage, a grocery store trip, or a fun-filled night out.

Ideas to Avoid

Lupus patients should avoid certain things to remain healthy. Here are gift ideas to skip. Anything that promotes eating red meat like gift cards to steak houses or a steak box. Tobacco and alcohol gifts are another no-no. Don’t buy anything that contains alfalfa, echinacea, or is high in saturated fat, or sugar. Finally, avoid gift cards from tanning salons or tattoo parlors.

***Disclaimer. The medical information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for your physician’s advice.

Flare Plan Template: