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What Do People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Want?
You want to buy your friend with chronic fatigue syndrome something, a gift for a birthday, Christmas or some other celebration but you are at a loss for what to buy them.
You are unsure what are the best gifts for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Firstly there’s the problem that you might not have caught up with your friend for a while due to their illness keeping them pretty much confined to home a lot of the time. So you don’t really know what their exact circumstances are right now.
Besides that, then there’s the issue of a reduced choice of what to buy since their lifestyle has probably changed quite a bit since they became sick.
They may no longer be socializing much, they’re definitely not exercising and most likely their eating habits have changed too. So gifts of movie or show tickets, fitness gear, boxes of chocolates and vintage bottles of wine are more than likely off the gift list for now.
It seems likely that the ‘go to’ gifts you bought in the past aren’t going to work now, so how on earth do you choose something that they’ll love, appreciate, find useful and might also help them manage their illness? You need to choose an appropriate gift that also won’t make any of their symptoms worse.
The Key To Understanding Their Current Needs
People with chronic fatigue are constantly low on energy, they’re not “just a bit tired”. Advising them that all they need is a good night’s sleep shows a complete lack of understanding about the debilitating effects of this illness.
Depending on how badly they are affected by their illness, regular tasks like house cleaning and shopping can prove too much for them and deplete their already limited energy even further.
They probably deal with quite a bit of pain and discomfort on a daily basis too.
When they overdo it and are experiencing a crash they need to rest up and do nothing until they regain some energy.
If you asked someone with chronic fatigue syndrome what is the best gift you could give them, their answer would no doubt be ‘ please give me my energy back’.
Unfortunately you can’t give them their energy back, but you can give a gift that helps them manage their current low energy state. Gifts that can help them cope with their current state are sure to be gratefully received. Giving this type of gift also shows your friend that you understand what is happening in their life right now and that you are keen to offer them some support.
Top 4 Things To Consider When Choosing A Gift
- Help With Domestic Duties – Anything that can help them carry out domestic duties is a great idea. If, your budget runs to a cleaning service that would be the most fantastic gift.
- Pain Relief For Aching Muscles And Joints – Natural products that can help relieve the constant pain they have are sure to be a hit.
- Pampering – Whilst they are confined to home or bed, anything that can make their body and their home environment feel more comfortable is sure to please them.
- Boredom Relief – Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers can experience energy crashes when they push past their limits. This can result in them having to spend extended periods of time in bed or on the sofa doing absolutely nothing until they regain some energy. This can be very boring, so anything that can relieve this boredom without being over stimulating works great.
Think ‘pampering‘, and you’ll start to think along the right lines for gift ideas they’ll not only love, but that will help them and will also be greatly appreciated.
It may be that your friend can no longer work full time and their finances could be seriously limited. A thoughtful gift that they can no longer afford will work really well. They may be struggling just to provide the basics for themselves so something they would love but is beyond their current means is a great gift idea.
In compiling the list below, I thought back to items that helped me during the time I had chronic fatigue syndrome. I’ve also thought about which items I would have loved and I know would have helped me.
Keep reading for the Top 10 gift ideas that tick all of the boxes.
Gift Idea #1 – Heatable Neck And Shoulder Wrap
Mars Wellness Neck and Shoulder Wrap
Often chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers have a great deal of pain from inflammation in their neck and shoulder areas. A soothing heatable neck wrap is a great gift idea to help with pain relief.
The high collar on this wrap ensures soothing heat is also delivered to the neck as well as the shoulders, helping to release tight and painful muscles.
And it has a soft herbal aromatic scent that releases once heated. The scent is subtle and calming, but is not overwhelming. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome are very sensitive to light, scent and sound so the natural and subtle scent of this wrap is ideal.
- HOT or COLD – This neck and shoulder pillow can be heated in the microwave very quickly, in 3 minutes and it provides long-lasting penetrating and soothing hot or cold therapy.
- PAIN RELIEF – It wraps around the neck and shoulder area comfortably and can be heated in the microwave or chilled by placing in the freezer if cold therapy is required.
- COMFORTABLE – The soft fabric feels comfortable against skin and helps relieve stiffness, tension, and relief for tight muscles.
- NATURAL FILLING – 100% natural, flax seeds and herbs are included in the filling along with 12 natural herbs and other aromatic ingredients.
- MADE in the USA
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #2 – Naturally Scented Candles
Art Naturals Scented Candle Gift Set
When confined indoors for extended periods of time, the home environment can start to feel a bit stale. Naturally and subtly scented candles can help make the lounge or bedroom area feel fresher and more comforting without providing an overpowering scent.
These scented candles are made from soy wax rather than paraffin wax making them cleaner burning, healthier and they last longer than normal candles.
- GIFT PACK – Contains a set of six scented candles with scents of Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Diamond, Jade and Rosalind.
- AROMATHERAPY – Candles provide a subtle aromatherapy effect, creating a soothing, relaxing atmosphere.
- SUBTLE – The set makes a perfect gift, offering a selection of different subtle scents.
- NATURAL – Ingredients used are 100% natural, and are paraben and cruelty-free.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #3 – Healthy Slow Cooker
All Clad Programmable Slow Cooker With Ceramic Liner
Anything that can make domestic chores like cooking easier is a great gift idea for someone with chronic fatigue syndrome. Not only does a slow cooker make cooking easier but it’s also a great way to cook healthy nutritious food.
And healthy food is a must for anyone with chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s so important that they eat well and provide their body with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the easily digestible form their system needs to provide badly needed energy.
Slow cookers are great for making broths, soups, stews and casseroles. Simply place the food in the slow cooker, set it to cook and leave it. You don’t need to even check on it, just leave it to simmer slowly on a low setting for several hours and your food will be cooked perfectly. All you need do is serve it up. Cleaning up is kept to a minimum too with only one dish to clean.
All of these details make a slow cooker a great gift for someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, allowing them to cook a nutritious meal with a minimum of effort.
- CERAMIC – This All Clad Programmable slow cooker has a non-toxic ceramic liner, a healthier option. Chronic fatigue sufferers need to keep any chemical toxins to a minimum in their home environment.
- SIZE CHOICE – The large 6 ½ quarts size is great for families and perfect for making all sorts of dishes. It also comes in a smaller 4 quart size too, perfect for singles or a couple.
- PROGRAMMABLE – The timer gives you the option to pre-program it to start cooking at a time convenient to you and has a full cycle of 26 hours. You can select cooking times of between 4 and 20 hours.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY – With an easy to read digital display and push-buttons it’s a breeze to select the cooking program you need.
- TEMERATURE SETTINGS CHOICE – This model offers 3 temperature settings – high allows cooking for 2 to 8 hours, low for 4 to 20 hours and a warm setting once cooking is finished that keeps food warm up to 6 hours until you are ready to eat.
- EASY SERVING – The black ceramic insert can be easily lifted out of the cooker and looks good enough to serve from straight on the table.
- ATTRACTIVE STYLING – With a polished steel exterior it is a stylish addition to any kitchen.
- EASY TO CLEAN – The insert and lid can be placed in the dishwasher. The steel exterior can simply be wiped down with a soft, damp cloth.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #4 – Soft And Comfy PJ’s
GYS Womens Bamboo Fabric Pajamas
When you have chronic fatigue syndrome, the illness means having to spend extended periods of time resting. Comfortable clothing is a necessity, meaning clothes that are non-restrictive, not scratchy and are lightweight. Lounging pajamas are ideal for using during bed rest or for extended periods spent resting on the sofa. No tight elastic or high collars, but clothing that skims the body made from natural fabric is ideal for comfort.
- NATURAL FIBRES – Made of 95% Bamboo Viscose and 5% Spandex for comfortable stretch.
- COMFORTABLE CUT – The satin trimmed scoop neck is comfortable and non-restrictive and a soft elastic waist without a drawstring makes pulling the pajama set on and off easy. Wide legs with satin trim are super comfortable and easy.
- WARMTH – Long sleeves and long pants are comfortably warm.
- COLORS – Available in a selection of pastel and deeper colors, it’s easy to find one in a shade that suits.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #5 – Natural Pain Ointment
Penetrex Pain Relief Cream
Muscle and joint aches and pains are a large part of what makes chronic fatigue syndrome very uncomfortable and very often unbearable. If, your friend is trying to recover using natural methods pharmaceutical pain relief is not an option. One of the best natural pain relieving options I found is Penetrex ointment.
As well as using it to relieve the pain of tight sore muscles, I’ve used it when I felt a headache coming on. After rubbing some of this ointment into the top of my neck under my skull it stopped the inflammation and prevented a full-blown migraine.
- QUICK and STRONG ACTING – Penetrex absorbs quickly into painful areas and starts working immediately. The formulation doesn’t just mask pain with warming sensations like other natural pain relief creams. But it gets to the root of the problem, inflammation. Inflammation is a large contributor to chronic fatigue syndrome.
- CLINICALLY PROVEN FORMULATION – Using a revolutionary delivery system, the natural ingredients including – Vitamin B6, Arnica, Glucosamine, Choline, Boswellia Serrata, MSM (DMSO2) and more, go deep into painful areas to work on calming the inflammation.
- MADE IN THE USA – It is non-greasy, doesn’t stain, it is Paraben free and not tested on animals. And it is still made in Southern California by a renowned chemist.
- 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – Penetrex comes with an unconditional guarantee. This means if it doesn’t work to relieve your friends’ pain and you are not 100% satisfied with Penetrex you can take advantage of their Refund Policy.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #6 – A Super Soft Blanket
Napa Super Soft Velvet Plush Throw Blanket
Spending a lot of time in bed or on the sofa resting, your friend will want to keep warm and comfortable. A soft blanket to snuggle with is a practical gift idea. A blanket that is easy to care for, that doesn’t need to be sent to the dry cleaners and is easy care makes an ideal gift.
- PRACTICAL – Ideal for use when resting on a sofa, recliner chair or in bed.
- STORAGE BAG – This blanket comes in a gift wrapped package, making it a ready-made gift.
- MADE FROM – 100% plush and super soft polyester. It is lightweight and hard wearing making it suitable for use in all seasons.
- IDEAL SIZE – It is a standard 50″ x 70″ throw rug size.
- EASY CARE – Easily machine washable.
- COLOR CHOICE – This blanket is double-sided, white on one side and a color on the other. There are several colors to choose from.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #7 – Automatic Vacuum Cleaner
iRobot Roomba 960 Vacuum with Wifi
Here’s another gift idea that helps take care of never ending domestic chores – a robotic vacuum cleaner. Keeping their home running smoothly can be responsible for using up so much of your friends’ precious energy.
Domestic chores still need to be done, even when you are ill. Your friend with chronic fatigue syndrome will be relieved to know that at least this one chore gets done automatically.
The most they need to do is set up the WiFi program and empty the bin when it’s full. If, your friend has allergies as one of their chronic fatigue symptoms this vacuum can help remove pollen and allergens along with the dust which will help with symptom control.
- SUCTION POWER – It has high suction for improved performance.
- 3 STAGE CLEANING SYSTEM – Lifts and collects dust, dirt and pet hair.
- FLOOR TYPES – Works on carpets and hard surfaces and can instantly adjust to different floor types.
- FILTER EFFICIENCY – Collects 99% of allergens, dust as small as 10 microns as well as pollen.
- SCHEDULING – Set up your cleaning schedule with the WiFi app. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.
- BATTERY RECHARGE – This machine automatically recharges then resumes cleaning to finish the job.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #8 – Mineral Bath Soak
Village Naturals Therapy Aches + Pains Nightime Relief Bath Soak
Dealing with body aches and pains is a daily battle for someone with chronic fatigue syndrome. Your friend may not have enough energy to stand in the shower, so a daily bath can be a better option. A mineral bath soak can help with a lack of energy issue and a tight and sore muscles issue at the same time.
Epsom salts, one of the main ingredients used in this bath soak is a form of magnesium which is easily absorbed through the skin. It helps with tight muscles, and the stress relieving effect can help the body relax before sleep.
- UNIQUE BLEND – Powerful therapeutic ingredients of salts and essential oils.
- FAST ACTING RELIEF – The concentrated formula includes extracts of Chamomile, Lavender and Menthol, a combination designed to soothe and relax.
- EPSOM SALT – Helps ease tired and tight muscles.
- MADE IN THE U.S.A.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea # 9 Something To Read
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
During extended rest periods, if your chronic fatigue suffering friend isn’t actually sleeping, they’ll be spending time in bed or be flat out in a recliner or sofa.
Stimulation from TV and computers can be too much for them at these times. Reading can be an option to relieve the boredom. During my years with chronic fatigue syndrome, I would have been lost without my Kindle.
Not only did it save me a trip to find a book using up energy I didn’t have. But it also saved me having to lug heavy books from the store or library. It is so easy to download something to read in the middle of the night when many chronic fatigue sufferers are awake due to sleep difficulties associated with the illness. So they never need to be without something to read.
- BUILT IN LIGHT – The light is fully adjustable for reading during day or night.
- SCREEN GLARE – This Kindle has no screen glare even if used in sunlight.
- BATTERY CHARGING – A single charge is long-lasting, depending on how much it is used, a charge can last for weeks.
- BOOK SELECTION – there are over a million titles that are $2.99 or under.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Gift Idea #10 – Powerful Personal Blender
Ninja Personal Blender
Often chronic fatigue sufferers lack an appetite for food, but they still need to eat to supply much-needed energy for their body. They also need to make sure they are eating nutritious food and a blender can be a great tool that enables them to do this. It’s quick and easy to make a nutritious and easy to digest liquid meal for times when they don’t feel like eating heavier solid food.
All sorts of ingredients can be used to make healthy smoothies – protein powder, free-range eggs, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats. Superfood powders can be added that help supply much-needed concentrated nutrients. It’s easy to make a healthy meal in no time at all. A smoothie can be slowly sipped to help support a sluggish digestion.
- POWERFUL – A 700 watt engine with pulse function makes short work of blending.
- NUTRIENT RETENTION – Extract nutrients from whole fruit and vegetables.
- SUPPLIED WITH – The machine comes with 4 x 16 oz. Cups. It also includes 2 x Sip & Seal lids allowing easy drinking.
- 30 RECIPE IDEAS – Are included in the ‘Inspiration Guide’.
- EASY CLEAN – Dishwasher safe.
CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS AND THE LATEST PRICE HERE
Putting It All Together
I hope this post gives you some understanding of the needs of your friend enabling you to choose the best gift for someone with chronic fatigue syndrome. You’re sure to find an ideal gift and something that they’ll love.
Please feel free to leave a comment below.
I like the idea of getting scented candles. My mother loves the smell of scented candles. She does suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.
However, as good as the idea is she has slowly stopped using candles more and more over the years. Instead, she has been using essential oils and a diffuser. This is a better idea because there is no fire hazard, no way a cat can knock it over, and 1 bottle last for quite some time!
Hi Garen thanks for the comment. I agree essential oils are also a great way to refresh the air and provide healing. I also use essential oils now. However when I had chronic fatigue syndrome I found the scent a bit too strong as I was one of those affected by scent, sounds and bright light. At that time I found the more gentle aroma given off by candles was better for me.
Hey Ann,
I can totally get on board with your thinking, we need to consider how they must be feeling before just going in with a ‘get a good nights sleep’. Empathy is so often lacking when we say things like that and it shows a lack of understanding.
we might not know how they are feeling, but that doesn’t mean we cannot relate. I think your gift ideas are great, I can also see the relaxing benefits of all of them.
My wife had a shoulder injury, so whilst it wasn’t due to fatigue – the shoulder wrap was a great help and it helped massively with relaxation.
thanks for the other gift ideas.
John
Hi John Thanks for stopping by. So glad you agree that understanding is important. Great to hear your wife found the shoulder wrap useful and it helped provide some relaxing therapy.