Keep Blooming Community, holidays, Uncategorized

Migraine and Chronic Illness Gift Guide

Hello again! We’re back, restructured and better than ever! Keep Blooming will be shifting a bit to focus more on migraine and chronic illness resources, and to kick that off, I’ve put together the most extensive gift guide yet! Read on for a list of some of the best gifts for your chronically ill friends.

This post contains amazon affiliate links, that help me earn a little commission.

Let’s get to the fun stuff! Below you’ll find an itemized list of everything on our Gift guide, plus clickable links to shop.

  1. Back/Neck Massagers
    Those of us who suffer from migraine usually also suffer from frequent and severe back and neck pain. Not to mention, we spend a lot of time laying down which can cause soreness and stiffness in our necks. Massagers like these that help us to relax comfortably and address some of our lingering pain are great!
  2. 2 Piece Turtleneck Sweater Set
    Comfort is really important when you have a chronic illness, but we also want to look cute, fashionable and presentable too! Chic and comfy sets like these are great for helping us to feel more put together and polished, which is great for our self esteem.
  3. Towel Warmer
    Make no mistake, towel warmers are the epitome of luxury, and when you’re sick all the time, it’s nice to have little touches of luxury around your house to make your daily life a little bit easier and more comfortable. A towel warmer is just that, a little injection of luxury into what can be a life punctuated by struggle and sacrifice.
  4. Uggs
    When it comes to fashion and style, it can be hard for us to keep up, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to! Sometimes we’re limited in what we can wear because of balance or sensory issues, so we really gravitate towards fashion trends that prioritize comfort. Uggs have been killing the game this season with their new line and not only are they cute, their super comfy.
  5. Menorah Skincare Rescue Sheet Masks
    these are great
  6. Electric Kettle
    Tea can be a powerful tool to help manage chronic illness, and electric kettles are a perfect, easy and quick way to make sure we can always have a perfectly made cup of tea to help soothe our weary minds and bodies.
  7. Weighted Blanket
    These are great for anxiety and disregulation, which is common with migraine and many other chronic illnesses. Weighted blankets can be great for helping us to fall asleep easily and calm anxiety and
  8. Head Scratcher
    Migraine has many odd side effects and one that many people experience is scalp sensitivity. These gentle metal head scratches are perfect for addressing the residual soreness many of us have all over our heads. And they will put you to sleep in 2.5 seconds, which is always a plus.
  9. Lego Sets
    People who suffer from chronic illness can sometimes be very limited in the activities we can do alone or with others. Activities like LEGO sets are great ways for us to feel productive, have some fun and connect with others, something that can be hard for people with migraine.
  10. Acupressure Mat
    We have lots of tension stored up in our body and this helps us to release it.
  11. Allay Green Light
    this light soothes our brain waves and helps us sleep and get some pain relief.
  12. Ritual Zero Proof Alcohol Alternative
    Alcohol disagrees with most of us, but we’d still like to have the experience, especially in social settings. Rituals Zero Proof line of alternative alcohol is the perfect solution for us! We get the taste and the experience, without the nasty side effects.
  13. RENPHO Eye Massager
    This little thing is great or anybody, not just migraine sufferers. Whether you work on a computer or suffer from tension headaches, this little thing is a game changer. It uses heat air pressure and vibration to give you an eye/head massage unlike anything else. Try to go with a model that has a remote, as the buttons on the actual mask can be a little tricky to push.
  14. Bluetooth Headphones Headband
    These are the best headphones to sleep with: they don’t fall out or get lost like AirPods and smaller headphones do. The volume is good, they have a very long battery life, turn off on their own after a few hours and are not uncomfortable or constricting at all. Hands down the best headphones to fall asleep with.
  15. Head Hug Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
    great way for us to have a spa like experience in our own home.
  16. Doordash Gift Cards
    We can’t always cook so these are great and super convenient for the days where we can’t function enough to prepare meals for ourselves and our families.
  17. Compression Ice Hat
    There are a lot of ice hats on the market, but this gel one is easily one of the best. It has mild compression that feels amazing and its long enough to cover your eyes and ears, which is really helpful with main management.
  18. TMJ Neck Stretcher
    many of us have stiff necks and tense jaws and that can make peaches worse. this device puts our neck in the proper ergonomic position to stretch the tense muscles at the back of our head. a mist have for any migraine sufferer.
  19. Relief Band
    Help control nausea.
  20. Streaming Services
    We’re home a lot and can’t work, and sometimes we just need a distraction, streaming services are a great way for us to be distracted, entertained, and feel like we’re part of the world.
  21. TENS Massager
    These are great for helping ease the muscle tension all over our bodies.
  22. Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
    These can be added to baths to help soothe muscles and manage pain.
  23. Craft Kits
    Many of us have kids and we still want to be present. these kits help us be able to engage and have fun with our kids without us having to over extend ourselves.
  24. Acupressure Pen
    These are good for manipulating pressure points to help with pain management.
  25. Loop Earplugs
    Many of us are noise sensitive and these innovative ear plugs allow us to dampen loud and intrusive sounds, while still being able to hear and participate in the conversations around us.
  26. Movie Projector
    Movie projectors are great for family fun which can be hard for us to facilitate. They also make it easier for us to watch and enjoy movies without straining our eyes on a small screen.
  27. Instant Ice
    Typically used for athletes, this cryospray is great for temporary relief of muscle pain and tightness.

Keep Blooming Community, Culture, Just For Mom, Sensory Processing

Sensory Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

Any last minute shoppers? Don’t worry, you’ve still got time! And if you’re shopping for a loved one with extra sensory needs, than you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve collected an amazing list of tools, toys and other fun stuff that can serve a variety of sensory needs, no matter your budget, so let’s get right to it! 

Ready to invest: you’ve got a bit of extra cash and you’re ready to spend to get what you need and want.

Climbing Triangle: Climbing Triangles are great pieces of equipment that encourage your child’s gross motor skill and motor planning skill development and can grow with them through these changes. AGE 2-16

Photo Via Love Sac

Love Sac – Love Sac’s are amazing; their textured fabrics are luxurious and they feel like a hug for your whole body. These are amazing, especially for bigger children or adults. There’s even have a testimonial from a mother whose son has extra sensory needs, which you can see here, on the founder’s personal blog. ANY AGE

Gathre Arc Play Set: This set is a worthy investment if you’ve got more than one child, close in age who may be sensory seekers. The playset comes with arches in three sizes which can be used in a variety of engaging ways and are great for days when you can’t get outside and are great for tight spaces, like apartments. UNDER 5

Outdoor Play Structure:If you do have the space and the budget, it’s worth the time and money, especially if you have a child with extra sensory needs, to invest in an outdoor play structure for your child.  Kid Craft makes some of the most amazing outdoor play equipment on the market! They’ve got swings, slides, playhouses and tons of options that will fit your little one’s needs. VARIES

Ballin on a Budget: You’re not ready for a big financial commitment, but you’ve got a budget to work within comfortably. 

Indoor Rock Wall: If you’re handy with power tools and can find your way around a hardware store, then you can purchase climbing holds online and build your little one their own rock wall in any room of your house! All you need is a few tools, your climbing holds and a weekend’s worth of time. AGES 6+

Target Sensory Friendly Furniture: Target first launched their sensory friendly kids room line a few years ago and it sold out everywhere quickly. They’ve expanded and refined the line since it was first launched to include weighted blankets and a hideout tent as well as updated a variety of features. Their products are quality and less expensive than the market average, which is important for products that are too often priced out of reach for the people who need them.  VARIES

Photo Via Etsy

Chill Pill Fidget Tool: This magnetic fidget toy is shaped like a large pill capsule, split down the middle and held together with a powerful magnet. When you separate the half, the Chill Pill’s magnets snap it back together again, making it extremely responsive when in use. . 

Photo Via Amazon

Leedor Bed Tent: Leedor Tents fit right over your standard sized mattress to create an instantly cozy cocoon for bedtime. Thetent features four doors and two windows for easy access, breathable fabric and can also function as a privacy tent during the day.  ANY AGE

Warmies: Warmies creates cozy products that provide warm, soothing comfort for all ages. Their product line includes a wide range of stuffed animals, boots, slippers, eye masks, and more, all of it, warming, weighted and infused with French Lavender for an extra level of comfort. ANY AGE

Moonpals: Moon Pals is a line of stuffed animals designed to provide deep pressure therapy in a unique form. Each stuffie’s body, arms and legs are weighted to provide maximum benefits tailored to your loved ones needs. There are 5 Moon Pals to choose from, each with a corresponding backstory and book to inspire a unique aspect of your loved one’s personality. 

Photo Via Amazon

Wobble Board: Wobble boards are a multifunctional piece of equipment that are great for any child, but especially sensory seekers. They provide several different ways to get proprioceptive input and encourage exploration and imaginative play with their simple sturdy arch design that can be used for anything from racing cars to launching toys through the air, the options are endless. VARIES 

Canopy Difuser: Aroma diffusers are an amazing tool for addressing sensory needs. You can create your own scent blends based on the environment you want to create – upbeat in the morning or calm and relaxed at night. Plus the canopy diffuser is waterless and mold resistant so you can use your device without worry. ANY AGE

Enovi ProBalance Yoga Chair: This yoga ball comes with a base and functions perfectly as a chair, great for relieving lower back pain and doubles as a great tool for providing sensory input in a low key, and no obstructive way. AGE 16+

Making Magic From Scratch: You may not have a ton of extra cash but you’ve got a lot of imagination!

Homemade Crash Pad: If you have a sensory seeker in your life, chances are, they will appreciate receiving a crash pad as a gift. They can be pricey, but we found this awesome DIY that’s great for small budgets. ALL AGES

Rainbow Rice + action figures to match: Rainbow Rice is all the rage right now as montessori education is totally having a moment. There are tons of places to purchase it but you can also make your own! All you need is uncooked rice – white rice makes for brighter colors while brown rice makes for more muted earth tones colors. You can follow our tutorial to make your own, Here. Once you’ve got your rice, head to the dollar store to pick up some companion pieces – Animal figures, other sensory toys, anything engaging will work. ANY AGE

Liquid Motion Bubbler: These colorful bubblers have been around since the 1970’s but have gained popularity in recent years as sensory toys, tools for relaxation, or fun for anyone who enjoys rhythmic motion and repetitive movements. ALL AGES 

Crayola Bath Drops: Bath time is a fully immersive sensory activity. There are smells and feelings and water and all kind of things that can be new and overwhelming. Using bath drops to tint bath water a preferred color can make reluctant bathers a little more comfortable, and they add a bit of unexpected fun for anyone whose already comfortable with baths.  ANY AGE  

Yoga Ball: Yoga balls are especially great for sensory seekers living in small places. For little ones, it’s best to find one with a handle. There are a lot of affordable options on Amazon. AGES 3+

Water Beads: Water beads are great for playing and learning; Soak them in water for a few hours and watch them grow! They’re great as a base in sensory boxes, a fun addition to bath time and great for improving fine motor skills as they try to grab the slippery little balls. ANY AGE