Sensitive Canberra: Your ultimate gift guide
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Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, but when you’re shopping for a loved one with a chronic illness, a truly thoughtful present can mean the world!
It’s about more than the gift; it’s acknowledging their experience, offering comfort, and making their day a little easier, brighter or more fun.
Chronic illness chic is about celebrating the resilience and style of the spoonie community. This gift guide has some ideas which might suit your loved ones living with chronic conditions – you’ll find some of my favourite products, businesses and ideas(some mentioned in previous Sensitive Canberra articles), ranging from self-care to, food, movement, style, home and love.
Communication
Before you start shopping for occasions, the most thoughtful thing you can do is have a conversation. Chronic illnesses are so diverse, and what one person may love, might be a trigger for another. For example, common gifts such as scented products, candles or food items could cause a flare.
The mental load of managing illness is huge, and the pressure of receiving gifts that aren’t suitable or finding space for extra things can add to that stress. Sensitivities and allergies can also change over time.
Start with questions such as:
- I’d love to get you a gift. Is there anything you’ve been needing or wanting?
- What are some items or a subscription you already use that I could contribute to?
- Would you prefer a gift voucher, or a low energy experience together, rather than a gift?
- Would you like to set a budget, or for me to organise Secret Santa for the group?
By asking directly, you’re getting the right gift and being a spoonie ally. And let’s be real, most adults I know would love to choose their own giftover a surprise.
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for managing chronic illness, so here are some cosy ideas.
- Beautiful bedding or a weighted blanket, with a soft, breathable, washable cover. Providing warmth and pressure stimulation, it’s shown to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
- Journal, planner or beautiful notebook and comfortable pens.
- Epsom Salts(unscented) and new towels to make soothe aching muscles luxurious.
- A basket of products you know they already use like Ecostore body care, Yours Only moisturiser and Grants toothpaste. Perhaps a gua sha, body brush or massager too.
- Silk pillowcase or eye mask, both of which are gentle on sensitive skin and hair, for restful sleep.
- Heating pads are lifesavers with chronic pain. Canberran Nat founded The Happy Uterus, after being diagnosed with endometriosis.
- A Kindle, Amazon or Audible credit for your book-loving spoonie.
- Beautiful containers to make storing and remembering spoonie essentials such as medication or devices, a little more special.
Food can be a complicated with chronic illness, so making thoughtful, easy options are always appreciated.
- Annual supermarket delivery subscription so your loved one has access to an energy-saving year of groceries delivered to their door.
- Meal delivery gift voucher, from a local company like Gym Brosthat delivers healthy, customisable meals can take the burden off days with low energy or pain.
- Produce delivery is a great option for spoonies that might find getting groceries difficult. HerCanberra has many recommendations.
- Supabarn or cafe voucher if your loved one is a foodie and able to visit favourites Canberra spots like those on Healthy Canberra
- Gift basket of your spoonie’s favourite treat items. Easy to eat, stomach-friendly snacks – think: crackers, fruit leathers, nuts, or quality chocolate from allergy aware local favourite Murrumbateman Chocolate Co.
- Ergonomic thermos that is lightweight, to keep drinks warm or cold for hours, making couch time more hygge.
- Ergonomic kitchen tools with easy-to-grip handles, prevent slippage and reduce the strength needed. Cook & Co in Kingston has a range of options.
- Healthy cookware such as ceramic pans, an air fryer or my favourite, the Instant Pot.
Movement is important, but often needs to be gentle and adaptable, and unique to each spoonie. It’s a very supportive gift if they are starting a new regimen as part of their treatment plan.
- Yoga mat, accessible props, resistance bands or very light weights are versatile tools for low impact, gentle mobility or strength training
- Membership to an online movement or wellness platform, particularly if they are suited to their unique condition such as the Hypermobility Physio in Canberra.
- Comfortable walking shoes or supportive slippers are an investment that will make a big difference. A date to the podiatrist or Athletes Foot to get fitted would be extra special.
- Water bottle or filter jug as a beautiful reminder to stay hydrated.
Style with chronic illness is about combining comfort with chic.
- Luxurious loungewear or a robe, perhaps made from organic cotton, bamboo, modal, or cashmere.
- Gift voucher for an adaptive clothing brand, compression socks or gear you know your spoonie uses.
- Medical jewellery, in conversation with your loved one and their medical team. Contributing to this investment is a special and empowering step.
- Scarf or wrap to add a layer of warmth, perfect for fluctuating temperatures.
- Flare day hoodie, again from The Happy Uterus.
- Custom t-shirt, mug, tote or cap that celebrates spoonie life, if your loved one is a proud advocate. Find one on Etsy or flex your creativity on Vistaprint.
- Gift voucher for a stylist to help your loved ones find their style.
Home is a sanctuary with chronic illness, so work with your loved one to find the perfect pieces they need and love.
- Tea, a tea cup or tea pot, are some of my favourite gifts to receive. I’m obsessed with local Dairy Road company Waypoint Tea Co.
- Glass or ceramic pieces such a glasses or crockery are beautiful items to add to over the years. I’d love a Bison piece in my stocking.
- Ergonomic lap or rolling bed desk, for those days spent working or relaxing in bed.
- Robot vacuum cleaner, is a big gift that will reduce the energy needed for cleaning.
- Gift voucher for a cleaning service, chronic illness inclusive and natural, such as The Greener Cleaner.
- Gift voucher for an organising specialist such as Lucy from Serenity Organising.
- An easy-care herb garden, potted plant, ergonomic tools or a garden seat, to make gardening and fresh air more accessible.
- Art prints, or framed photosare such a special way to personalise home and celebrate moments in life. Canberra has some wonderful artists and photographers such as Scott Leggo, so a visit to your loved one’s favourite gallery would be an incredibly special gift.
Quality time is vital for wellbeing, so think of flexible, low-energy and memorable dates.
- Streaming service subscriptions sets the stage for cosy movie or TV binge nights.
- Board game, card game, chess set or conversation cards, for low-energy, bonding afternoons.
- Couch or backyard picnic basket, filled with gourmet snacks your spoonie loves, maybe an audiobook or music playlist.
- Tickets to an event, accessible, physically and sensorially, in an environment and time that suits your loved one.
- Craft or hobby kit you can do together, like painting, beading, embroidery or terrariums.
- Driving together to appointments or errands. This is not necessarily a gift, but something that is always appreciated to spend quality time and make outings easier, especially when symptoms are flaring.
The best gifts come from the heart, especially when your loved one lives with a chronic illness. By considering their unique challenges and joys, you can choose a gift that truly says, “I see you, I care about you, and I want to make life feel easier and more delightful.”
