Gifts to make life with chronic pain easier, more productive, and less painful
Finding the perfect gift for someone with chronic pain requires understanding both their daily challenges and their desire for independence. This curated guide highlights seven categories of gifts that genuinely improve quality of life: pillows, stretching tools, massage tools, heat and cold therapy, adaptive cleaning tools, personal pain management accessories and, most importantly, the gift of time & help. No matter who’s on your list or what conditions cause their chronic pain, there’s something in this gift guide that will help.
- Good pillows
- Pillow types & their uses
- Portable / Travel pillows
- Stretching tools
- Full body & back stretchers
- Calf stretchers
- Resistance bands and their different types
- Massage tools
- Manual tools
- Electric tools
- Heat & cold therapy options
- Heat therapy
- Cold therapy
- Adaptive cleaning tools
- Sweep/mop/vacuum
- Other cleaning tools
- Extended reach items
- Personal pain management accessories
- Migraine glasses
- Electronic accessories
- Medical Monitoring
- Specialized tools
- The Gift of Time/Service/Help
Bonus: Media about chronic pain, mental health & disability
All Amazon links are affiliate links, because why not? But if you can buy from a local store, please do that instead. For this post I received free products from Zenni, GlassesShop, and Sportcane, but I was not otherwise compensated and as always, my opinions are my own.
1. Pillow Talk: How the Right Pillows Can Transform Pain Management
Pillows are the first item on this list for a reason. It’s hard to overstate how much a good night’s sleep can make or break you when you’re struggling to put one foot in front of the other pain-wise.
Of course, it’s about more than sleep. Those of us with chronic pain often spend a lot of time in bed or on the couch resting, and whether we’re sitting up or lying down, we need supportive pillows. (And let’s be frank, there are non-restful things we do in bed that pillows can help with too!)
From Body Pillows to Bolsters, these pillows may help
- Between-the-Knees Pillows are essential for side sleepers to maintain proper hip and spine alignment. While regular pillows can work, specialized knee pillows often feature ergonomic shapes that stay in place better, with some including straps for secure positioning. These are particularly helpful for pregnant women dealing with hip and lower back pressure.
- My mom got me one for christmas this year! Thanks, Mom <3
- Bolster Pillows (or half bolsters) are versatile cylindrical supports that can be used multiple ways: under knees while lying back to reduce spine strain, between knees for hip alignment during side sleeping, or along the spine for proper positioning. Many users create supportive “nests” with multiple bolsters to prevent rolling into painful positions during sleep.
- Husband/Reading Pillows (also called backrest pillows) are essential for those of us stuck at home. They create a supportive seat for bed activities: their wide, stable base and tapered top provide crucial lower back support without slipping, while arms help maintain shoulder alignment. Modern versions often include convenient features like storage pockets and handles. There are even options like these, that fall in the middle ground between a reading pillow and a wedge pillow. Speaking of:
- Wedge Pillows offer gradual, stable elevation that maintains its shape better than stacked regular pillows. Their firm, consistent slope is essential for those who need to elevate their head for respiratory issues or acid reflux, or legs for circulation and swelling. Available in various sizes and angles, I suggest getting one of the modular designs can be combined in different ways for customized support. The key is choosing the right size and rise angle for your specific needs. (This might also be a good gift idea for a romantic partner with chronic pain re: making sexy times a little easier physically.)
Pain-Free Travel: Portable Pillows That Make a Difference
Whether you’re hopping on the subway or jet-setting across the world, there are pillows that will make the journey less painful. Specifically, the optimal pillow is lightweight and easily packable, has machine washable covers, is made of quick-drying materials, comes with straps or clips to attach to luggage, and has adjustable support levels.
Travel is hard, and we all know how interrelated pain and sleep are (and if not, check out this infographic and the post about sleep hygiene that it’s from). Before setting out on your adventure, consider throwing one or all of the following in your suitcase.
- Memory Foam Travel Pillows:
- Provide consistent neck support while maintaining shape
- Often come with adjustable closures to customize fit
- Some models feature heat or cooling gel for temperature regulation
- Premium versions include removable, washable covers
- Inflatable Support Travel Pillows:
- Easy to adjust firmness levels
- Can be deflated & packed easily
- Available in various shapes for different needs:
- Specialized Designs:
- Trtl Pillow: Wraparound scarf design with internal neck support. Never tried one of these, but I’d like to!
- J-pillows: Support chin and neck simultaneously, come in memory foam or inflatable options. (There are full-body versions of this pillow too– they’re especially good for pregnancy– but except for the inflatable ones, you won’t want to lug them on an airplane.
- Compact, inflatable body pillows designed specifically for travel
- Portable cushions with handle grips for any chair
2. The Home Stretch: PT Tools To Help You Loosen Up
Tight muscles are a side effect of so many types of chronic pain, but just like in the sleep cycle infographic above, they can exacerbate pain too. With this in mind, I found some stretching tools that are really gentle, non-electronic and easy to integrate into my PT routine. Just don’t overdo! Start slow and then work your way up. Make sure your body can tolerate it before going whole hog on anything.
Some stretching tools can be used anywhere, and some are generally body-part-specific. Some overall or back-specific options include:
- Resistance bands (see below)
- Yoga wheels
- Curved back stretchers can come with acupressure points, heat or massage. Just make sure it’s not too much for your body lest it cause a flare.
- Cervical neck stretchers can also make a big difference. My partner bought me this cute whale one for Christmas this year, and you can also find heat & massage options. (Read more about heat here and massage here.)
- Foam rollers: My advice? Buy one of the sets with different size options and a guide to the different stretches you can use them for.
- If you’re down to spend some dough, check out inversion tables & chairs. Some people swear by them! Most of them look like they belong at a gym, but if you search for “zero gravity chair” you can find some that would fit nicely in your living room or on your back porch. Either way, I can say from experience that they can provide real, non-medication pain relief. Not magic or anything, but it was nice after a long day and I could definitely feel it taking pressure off my spine.
Types of Calf Stretchers: From Basic to Professional
I find that if my calves are tensed up, it pulls on my back AND is more apt to flare my plantar fasciitis. Calf stretchers bridge the gap between wanting to maintain flexibility and managing chronic pain, offering a controlled way to stretch tight muscles without getting down on the floor.
- I used one of these plastic, rounded calf stretchers at physical therapy a few years ago when I was really hurting. It helped so much, gently stretching out my feet and legs, that I immediately bought one to have at home. Bonus, mine came with a spiky ball that is absolutely perfect for working out the knots in your feet. (Fuck you, plantar fasciitis)!
- You can also use what’s called a “tilt board” to stretch out your calves (if it were me, I’d get one of them that also doubles as a “wobble” board for balance. Core strength is important!)
- There are also special resistance bands designed especially to help with foot and calf stretching (though I’ve never tried one.) Seems to me like regular resistance bands would do the job. So keep reading!
The Most Versatile Fitness Gift For Chronic Pain: Resistance Bands Explained
Resistance bands offer unique advantages over traditional PT equipment for both strengthening and stretching exercises. First, the ability to adjust resistance by simply changing grip position or band strength makes them ideal for people whose pain and energy levels fluctuate. Start with minimal tension and then progress at your own pace, with smooth, controlled movements that reduce the risk of sudden impacts or jarring that could trigger pain flares. Unlike weights, bands are portable and can be used from bed or while seated, making them perfect for low-energy days or during pain flares. Most importantly, they put users in complete control of their movement, allowing them to build strength and maintain range of motion safely and comfortably.
- At their most simple, resistance bands are just giant rubber bands. (If you’re looking for a brand to trust, Theraband is the one to beat, but also, they’re just rubber bands.)
- Many of them come with detachable handles and some include door anchors. You can also buy more permanent, sturdy wall mounts.
- There are also special “stretching straps” with a bunch of loops that’ll let you stretch just about anything.
- These little figure-8 stretchers seem like a nice middle ground between band and strap.
3. Under Pressure: High- and Low-Tech Massage Options
From foam rollers to percussion guns, there’s a whole wide world of massage options out there to make life with chronic pain easier… or at least less tense.
No Batteries Required: Manual Massage Tools Worth Trying
- Theracane: This is the most important one by far. It took me a decade+ of pain before someone turned me on to this amazing little thingamajig. Weird-looking, yes, but also sort of magic? You can use it to massage and work out knots anywhere on your body, even if you don’t have anyone to help get those hard-to-reach spots. I got divorced right before COVID, and having this baby on hand during those lonely alone months was truly a huge help. For extra oomph, add some ph, add in some Icy Hot, Biofreeze or Tiger Balm to the little knob before you start rubbing. Thera Cane is the name of the company who invented it, but the knockoffs are fine too, they’re all just plastic.
Other manual tools for massage include:
- Foam rollers (different sizes help different parts of your body)
- Massage balls in various sizes and firmnesses
- An acupressure mat lets you take it as slow as you need
- Trigger point tools like the Theracane for targeted pressure
- Palm-sized tools with different textures and edges (ie gua sha) Buy a set that comes with a jade roller, put them all in the freezer before use and they can be a huge help when a migraine’s coming on. And who knows, they might cut down on your wrinkles too! But no promises on that one.
Before you drop $$$ on the stuff above, consider one of the foam roller kits: they often have different types of foam rollers, massage balls, stretching straps, and more.
The Power of Relief: Electric Massage Tools Explained
- Percussion massagers (like Theragun or Hypervolt) are absolutely amazing overall.
- If you live alone and will be using it on yourself, look at how heavy it is before you buy. When you’re trying to hold it up in the right spot for any amount of time, especially over your shoulders, a heavy one is going to restrict how much you can use it.
- Wand massagers (OK sure, they are often used for….. other things….. but you CAN use them for your back, neck, head, or anywhere else that hurts. I like using mine on my forehead and temples when I have a migraine. If you can afford a Hitachi Magic Wand, it’s one of those brand names that mean something… but knockoffs are cheap and do the job almost as well.
- Foam rollers that vibrate
- Electric massage pillows: there are so many types and shapes, to start with, so ultimately you’ll have to choose what design is apt to help you most. (And check out the pillow section above!)
- Seat covers that have massage and heat functions
- There are also versions of this item for your car. When I lived in Pittsburgh, that heated seat, well, saved my ass! (See the section on heat / cold therapy below.)
- TENS units (while not strictly massage, often used alongside)
4. Start Warming To the Idea of Heat & Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy are so crucial for those of us in chronic pain, and luckily, these items make great gifts! When choosing this type of gift, consider the recipient’s specific needs: Do they need something portable? Are they comfortable with electrical devices? Will they remember to unplug things? The best option combines effectiveness with ease of use.
Turn Up The Heat
Finding the right heat therapy tools can transform your pain management routine. Start by reading this post about heat therapy and the best kind of heat for the type of pain you have, then come back here & check out the most effective heat therapy options to gift!
- Microwaveable Heat Packs: These “wet heat” solutions penetrate deeply into tissues, making them perfect for stiff joints and tight muscles. Look for packs filled with rice, clay, or gel beads. Bonus: many can double as cold packs. Just remember they need frequent reheating and eventual replacement.
- Modern heating pads and electric blankets offer consistent, adjustable dry heat with safety features like auto-shutoff. They’re perfect for treating larger areas and come in various designs that don’t scream “medical equipment.” Look for rechargeable options for better mobility.
- Heated Mattress Pad: Offers multiple settings for personalized comfort.
- Portable chemical heating wraps like Thermacare make perfect stocking stuffers. While they don’t get as hot as other options, they’re convenient for on-the-go pain relief and come in shapes designed for specific body parts like neck, lower back, or hands.
- For a luxury gift, consider far infrared heating devices or portable heat therapy units. While pricier, these tools can provide deeper, more targeted relief. Some combine heat with features like massage or compression. You may also be able to get treatments like that at a PT office.
Gifting hot and cold for chronic pain
- Paraffin wax bath units for hands and feet
- USB-powered heating pads for office or travel use
- Heat therapy compression garments for feet, hands, and more
- Cordless, rechargeable heating wraps
- Weighted heating pads for calming warmth
Cold Comfort
Modern cold therapy tools go far beyond basic ice packs, offering innovative solutions and specialized cold therapy machines that provide precise, targeted relief. These tools include:
- Flexible gel packs that don’t freeze solid
- Specially designed ice wraps with compression
- Cold therapy machines/units (Has anyone ever tried one of these? Please leave a comment below or shout on social, I’m really curious to hear what it was like!)
- Instant cold packs for on-the-go
- Cooling rolls and rollers
- Ice massage tools
- Cold therapy compression sleeves
- Clay-based cold packs that stay cold longer
- Cooling neck wraps
- Cooling lotion / patches like Biofreeze, Biofreeze patches or BeKool headache patches
Don’t feel lukewarm about these combo devices
- Hot/cold wraps (can come in many sizes, often has loops or straps to help attach)
- Dual-purpose (hot & cold) gel packs
- Weighted hot/cold packs
- Hot/cold massage rollers
~Janet Jay
“I don’t like having to ask for help, and I do it as little as possible. So when someone sees a problem, steps up and tries to help, it means the world to me. It means someone cared enough to look, listen, see, hear, put themselves in my shoes and then do something about whatever I’ve been struggling with. When you’re used to being invisible, being seen in this way is a gift in and of itself.”
5. Sweeping Changes: Assembling a Lower-Pain Cleaning Arsenal
As someone with chronic pain, I know that keeping up with housework is incredibly hard– sometimes impossible. But finding the right adaptive tools made a huge change in what I was able to do around the house. Today’s solutions – with their ergonomic grips, extended reaches, and smart designs – help you maintain independence while protecting your body from unnecessary strain and pain flares.
Swept Off My Feet: Game-Changing Vacuums, Brooms, Mops and ‘Bots
- I love my cordless stick vacuum. Having a vacuum that’s always accessible, charged, and ready to spring into action whenever motivation strikes has been a game-changer for me. My pet-specific model has been invaluable over the last few years: it’s not so heavy that it kills my back to use, and it really does do a number on pet hair (thanks, doggos). It’s 1000 times easier to grab the stick vacuum and use it for 5-10 minutes than to drag a big bagged vacuum with a cord out… especially if stairs are in play. (Fwiw, this is the exact one I’ve had for years.)
- And I finally have a Roomba! If you’re considering this route, it’s worth investing a bit more for a self-emptying model. Some versions even offer both sweeping and mopping capabilities. There are a ton of deals for these now too, so this is a great time to grab one. (And yes, of COURSE we added googly eyes to ours!)
- For manual sweeping/mopping, there are a couple options to make the task easier for someone with pain.
- A spray mop with a refillable bottle helps avoid heavy buckets
- A self-wringing mop. There are things called twist mops, but I highly recommend springing for one with a bucket— and it’s worth buying the name-brand product (O-Cedar) on this one, which I have had for a couple years now. It was highly recommended to me, and rightly so: being able to wring the mop with a foot pedal without leaning over is huge! (And fun, tbh.) Then I just toss the mop head in the wash when it’s gross and pop a new one on.
But as someone who’s spent the majority of my life in chronic pain, let me tell you that the most precious gift isn’t found in stores – it’s the friend who helps fold laundry, the family member who tackles the grocery shopping, or the partner who steps up and supports you when you don’t have enough spoons to keep pushing through.
~Janet Jay
We Don’t Want No Scrubs: More Gifts To Help Keep a Clean House Despite Chronic Pain
- Especially if you have a bad back or a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia, you don’t want to scrub anything if you can help it. So if you own a drill, my #1 suggestion is a set of good drill brushes. There’s more about them in my previous “gifts for chronic pain” guide, but basically they’re brushes you attach where a drill bit would go, that use the power of the drill to scrub rather than the power of your arms. They’re extremely affordable and were complete game-changers for me.
- At the very least, get a set of microfiber cloths that require less pressure for effective cleaning
- Speaking of not having to lean down or stretch to reach things, extended reach tools are great gifts to make day-to-day life with chronic pain easier.
- Long-handled dusters with pivoting heads to reduce stretching
- Grabber/reacher tools for picking up items. Ultimately, these doohickeys were invaluable to me after I had my laminectomy and couldn’t bend at all
- Extension wands for your awesome new stick vacuum
- Telescoping poles to help clean windows and high surfaces
- Window squeegees with extendable handles
- Dustpans with long handles
- Folding Stools: Put ’em wherever you need extra stability or less time standing: bedroom, shower, kitchen, whatever. If you’re going to be using it often, consider getting one with a backrest.
- Laundry Tote with Handles: Easier to carry for those with hand pain.
6. The Things We Carry: Personal Pain Management Accessories
When you live with chronic pain or migraine disease, the items you carry with you can make or break your day. Whether it’s migraine glasses or a badass cane, keep these close at hand to start looking AND feeling better. Click here to skip to the section on lighting gift ideas gifts for migraine and/or chronic pain patients.
Through Rose (and Other) Colored Lenses: A First-Person Guide to Migraine Glasses
As someone who has personally experienced the benefits of migraine glasses, I highly recommend investing in a pair. This article from a migraine nonprofit is a great little overview of how they work, why they’re important, and which ones have been proven to be effective. Want more? Here’s an exhaustive runthrough on the science behind them, and migraine glasses in general.
But the key points are: Not all “migraine glasses” are the same and although “FL-41” lenses block the most harmful rays, when you search for that term the results vary widely in quality. While migraine glasses as a whole have had their effectiveness proven in clinical trials, there are a few different kinds to be aware of. We’ll go from simple & affordable to complex and … less affordable.
- Blue-light-blocking glasses (Fl-41): The simplest type of filter that helps migraines, FL-41 lenses block many of the wavelengths that cause pain. Despite not being perfect, they’re far better for migraines than nothing or regular glasses, and you can get a pair for cheap from a place like Zenni (their “Blokz” line), GlassesShop, or just Amazon.
- Transitions lenses: again, not specifically for migraines, but as somebody who forgets my sunglasses pretty much always despite living in an always-hot helltown, the transitions lenses I got recently from Zenni are a lot more helpful than I expected. And I feel like the tint you pick helps cancel out some of the bad wavelengths too. (Plus, it says JanetJay.com on the arm! How could it not be cool.)
- Magnetic or clip-on lenses: Another way to optimize and add functionality to existing glasses. Transitions are great, but there’s also some real utility to having normal specs that turn into dark prescription sunglasses quickly, via the power of magnetism, like the cool set I got from GlassesShop.
- And once you get an FL-41 filter, whether it clips on or snaps satisfyingly into place via magnetism, well, now you’ve got regular glasses AND migraine glasses! But the clips are of widely varying quality, you’ll have to do a couple minutes of due diligence if you want a gift that will really help the chronic pain of your migraines.
- Migraine-specific glasses: There are a number of different brands on the market that are far more sophisticated and supported by research than just the original FL-41 tint.
- These allow more healing green light through, block more harmful wavelengths and don’t cause dark adaptation like sunglasses.
- They be worn all day or just during triggering situations: 35% of users wear theirs all the time, 60% wear them most of the time, the rest (like me) are episodic.
- I’ve been using my Axons Migraine Glasses (with Avalux lenses) since I got them in a swag bag volunteering at the very first RetreatMigraine a few years ago. (Did y’all know that I work for the U.S. Pain Foundation and edit their magazine INvisible Project? It’s true!) They have become an essential tool and are an important part of my migraine routine.
- Other migraine-specific brands (that I have no experience with) include MigraLens, Neurolux, SomniLight, and TheraSpecs. You can also just search by Avalux lenses.
Mobility Your Way: Tools That Help You Move
I often carry a cane with me because I can’t stand for long periods of time, but damn, most canes are ugly AF. (I’ve got a whole article coming about cool canes for chronic pain!) But Sportcane sent me a sample and I honestly really love it. Its slightly bent shape that makes it more stable than a regular cane, but also, just looks unique (mine is red!). However, in the new year I hope to check out some smaller cane brands and drop some cash on something really incredible (and write about the options, ofc).
In a wheelchair, even sometimes? There are so many cool things you can do to trick them out. Weave some fairy lights between the spokes, or go really hardcore and get one of these kits meant for bikes. (However: make sure and take them off before you fly anywhere. TSA does not love it when you have random wires strung all over your chair, I can…. tell you from experience.) Also, this is sorta silly, but I put an old-timey horn on mine, the kind with a bulb you honk. I know someone else who put a bike bell on theirs. What can I say, it gave me joy! How have you tricked out your wheelchair?
Smart Relief: Tech Tools for Pain Management
I’m not gonna lie, this is the category I have least experience with, though I’d love to remedy that in the new year! Despite being one of the most-read things on the US Pain Foundation website, the article I wrote about apps for chronic pain is old enough that it’s no longer current. I would love the opportunity to try some of the devices and programs that have popped up recently, especially stuff that integrates with a smartwatch or similar. (I also need a smartwatch, I guess.) We’ll see what the new year brings! But for now, comment and tell me what your experiences were like with some of these.
- TENS/EMS electrotherapy units: Never helped me all that much, but might help you.
- Biofeedback devices (specific to pain monitoring): I’m a big fan of biofeedback, but I’ve never tried any of these, have only done it by appointment with a licensed practitioner.
- Pain tracking devices and apps: my old article on these is here; give me a month and I promise I’ll have a new version up! Just need to play with them all over the holidays. (Personally, I am still using My Pain Diary.)
- Smart body temperature monitors w/app
- Blood pressure monitors (for pain management tracking)
- Heart rate variability monitors (for pain response)
- Smart plugs for automatic device control
- Smart thermostats with scheduling
- Video doorbells to avoid unnecessary trips back and forth. If you must get a Ring, PLEASE do not point it at the street– whether or not you explicitly give the cops access to it (DON’T), they can still access it. The police state is doing quite nicely without your help.
- Smart locks for easier access– no more scrambling for keys (or having my ADHD ass forget them entirely)
- Medical notebook backed up to linked spreadsheets in the cloud: Keep an eye on this site throughout 2025 for a ton of free new pages, spreadsheets and strategies to help you keep on top of all your medical info and to-do lists. I’ve even got an AI almost ready to help! For now, check out the first four:
- It’s beyond crucial to track your interactions with doctors and medical staff— read why and get my downloadable, customizable Medical Contact Log here. Make sure to customize and use the Google Docs spreadsheet, too.
- This post & 2-page downloadable questionnaire will help you to figure out why you can’t get restful slumber.
- Finally, this post and its 3 free downloadable medical binder pages will help you identify exactly what’s keeping you awake, consider your sleep hygiene options and establish a bedtime routine that works for you.
7. Presence over Presents: Time and Help Are the Best Gifts For Chronic Pain Patients
As someone who’s spent the majority of my life in chronic pain, let me tell you that the most precious, welcome gift isn’t found in stores – it’s the friend who helps fold laundry, the family member who tackles the grocery shopping, or the partner who steps up and supports you when you don’t have enough spoons to keep pushing through.
I don’t like having to ask for help, and I do it as little as possible. So when someone sees a problem, steps up and tries to help, it means the world to me. It means someone cared enough to look, listen, see, hear, put themselves in my shoes and then do something about whatever I’ve been struggling with. (This is especially important to note when you’re dating: chronic pain makes it all harder, and you need a partner who can identify issues and help without you having to hold their hand and be their mom about it.) When you’re used to being invisible, being seen in this way is a gift in and of itself.
Let me tell you from personal experience: actions speak so much louder than gifts.
Story time: lo these many years ago, a bunch of friends from around the country bunked up in my house for a 3 day weekend. I worked my ass off getting everything clean for them all, but it was 1000% worth it and we had a blast! Alas, but predictably, by Sunday the house was a mess again.
I expected that. What I didn’t expect was that on Sunday afternoon, my friends called everyone we knew in town, even people that hadn’t stayed overnight with me, and they all converged on my house to clean it top to bottom. This happened… like 9 years ago? And I remember it vividly.
I wouldn’t have ever asked them to clean, they were my guests! But they knew me well enough to know how much pain and how many spoons it would cost me to clean the whole house. For each of them, it was just an easy couple hours of cleaning while chitchatting with friends they don’t get to see enough. But for me, it meant everything. It didn’t just save me a week of pain and so much work: it showed me that these people cared, cared enough to put themselves in my shoes and help tackle what I was struggling with. I can’t tell you how rare that is, or how welcome and treasured. (And words are… kinda my thing!) Thanks, frends.
Care in Action: How To Use Those Helping Hands
Truly though: offer to batch cook meals. (Make sure and get food allergies / preferences first!) Offer to deep clean something. If they’ve moved recently, offer to help them build or move furniture, or hang stuff up. If not, offer to pick stuff up off the floor, walk the dog, do the dishes, take out the trash, mow the lawn… whatever your friend has trouble with but still needs to get done.
From Tools To Time: Supporting Those with Chronic Pain
We’re all different, and the actions or gifts that best help chronic pain will differ from person to person. Look at their life, their loves, their struggles, and listen. Figure out a gap and think of a way you can help. It’ll mean more than even a really cool massage gun.
Bonus Gifts: Media About Chronic Pain
If you’re really tough up for a gift, or just want to spend some time with your loved one, you could always give them a show, movie, documentary or graphic novel about disability… like the ones below that I’ve written about before!
If you’re a geek super cool, you might enjoy my piece examining the good and bad of how Star Trek presented disability re: Geordi LaForge, the blind engineer on The Next Generation. You’ll definitely enjoy reading about Murderball, a documentary about an internationally-competitive quad rugby team that completely changed how I view disability. This graphic novel about the science of pain is particularly worth checking out, too!
Finally, I recently interviewed the host and crew of PBS’s “Renegades,” a documentary series about little-known historical figures with disabilities that’s made and written by media pros with disabilities themselves. Click through to read who these trailblazers are and watch the show!
Pin these so you can come back to these great gift ideas to make chronic pain easier!
And then check out my other gift guides! The advice is still good, I promise.
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