thegreatbowelmovement.org

12 Holiday Gift Ideas for those with IBD

As we approach the holidays, we become immersed in the gift giving, parties, decorating, and especially time with our loved ones.  We tackle mall stores and search the far corners of the internet in the hunt for the perfect gift to bestow upon our friends and family at this special time of year.  Figuring out what to get someone with IBD can be difficult, especially if you haven’t been through that experience.  Here are twelve gift ideas, some funny, some practical, for the special person in your life with Crohn’s Disease or Colitis.  Because sometimes that 48 pack of toilet paper just doesn’t impress…

1. Stocking Stuffers- Popcorn ball? We don’t think so.

• Charmin To Go mini rolls of toilet paper, perfect for stashing in your purse, car, or even bicycle seat bag!  Available in the travel section at Walgreens or Target.
• Wet Ones Travel Wipes for all types of on the go emergencies for those with GI issues and suppressed immunity.
• Tums / Gas-X / Imodium to treat unexpected gastrointestinal distress.   These are a standard part of every Crohnie’s first aid kit!

2. Relaxation Items- Having IBD is 24-hour stress, both physical and mental.

• Scents such as Lavender have been shown to offer relaxation AND anti-inflammatory benefits, and is a common scent for candles, lotions, and more.  We love hand-made products from Olivü 426, where you can customize items with your favorite scent, in made-to-order gift packages.  All-natural oils and ingredients also eliminate irritating colors, scents, or alcohol found in some store products.

3. Entertaining Bathroom Reading- a dozen trips to the john a day makes for some good reading time!

• Everyone Poops – this childhood classic is a lighthearted reminder that we aren’t the only ones spending time in the bathroom (we’re just better at it!)
• Uncle John’s Bathroom Readers – countless editions are available, so you’re sure to find one that’s new and interesting.
• Other topics of interest – You don’t have to read about BM’s while having one, any book that your favorite Crohnie is interested in will do!  We like David Sedaris whose funny, shorter stories are perfect for one sitting; crossword or sudoku books will do also!

4. All Natural Heating Pads- pain relief is the perfect IBD gift!

• These heating pads are filled with natural materials and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and even colors.  Pop them in the microwave over and over to bring some heated relief to sore abdomens.  Available online, and at local craft fairs, flea markets, etc.

5. Books About the IBD Experience- to remind us we’re not alone.

• The Foul Bowel – John Bradley writes frankly and humorously about his experience, starting with his Crohn’s Disease diagnosis.
• The Man Who Couldn’t Eat – Jon Reiner was a foodie author when he was diagnosed with Crohns, so you can imagine how much his life and career had to adapt to his disease.
• Strong At The Broken Places – This explores the human experience of 5 different chronic illnesses.  The Crohns chapter is inspiring, and the other disease stories are enlightening.

6. IBD Friendly Cookbooks- Eating and keeping a happy gut is especially challenging during the holidays.

• How To Cook for Crohns and Colitis – This is full of staple recipes, and includes every category from breads to desserts.  These easier recipes are things you’re probably already familiar with, with an IBD twist.
• Eating for IBS – written for a different condition with similar symptoms, this book is a treasure trove of low-residue recipes.  This includes more complex recipes, and is great for culinary variety while remaining gut friendly.
• Creative Colitis Cookbook – The recipes included are the most gut-friendly of any book we’ve seen.  The diet requirements specific to Colitis (and Crohns) are really taken into consideration in this book, and the recipes turn out delicious!

7. Belly Friendly Tea and Honey- Who couldn’t use a soothing cup of tea?

• Peppermint tea is soothing on the digestive system and calming for the soul. Use homegrown peppermint and make your own, or check out Tea Forte for a large selection of teas, including mint, and some perfect gift packages.

8. Goofy Gifts- to remind us that yes, poop is still funny.

• 

  Even we think this may be a bit much!

  Hallmark’s Jolly in the John talking snowman ornament

• “I’m Only Speeding Cause I Really Have To Poop”bumper sticker
• Santa Toilet seat cover and bath rug
• Toilet Bowl Coffee Mug

9. Bathroom Related Ornaments- homemade, from the heart to the colon!

• This TP Tube Ornament is so beautiful, you’ll forget it was ever in the bathroom! (Video Instructions)
• Turn craft supplies into a TP ornament:

1. Get some white cloth ribbon, about 1″ wide, a drinking straw, fabric glue,  a fabric marker, and a ribbon for hanging.
2. Cut off a 1″ piece of the straw (or however wide your ribbon is).  Use your hanging ribbon to glue a loop on the straw, with the two ends touching the cut end of the straw.  Let it dry.
3. Starting on one end of the white ribbon, apply a thin layer of glue and roll it around the straw like (what else) a roll of toilet paper!  Leave 1-2″ of the end hanging as the end of the roll, and write a small message on the end such as “2011″ or “Cure IBD”.  Hang proudly on your tree!

10. Gift Certificates for relaxation- IBD patients will especially appreciate these!

• Massage Therapy – IBD can be very painful, and not just in your abdomen.  The stress and tension can spread all around your body.  Patients who have recently spent some time in a hospital bed will truly appreciate this!
• Itunes or Netflix -  A lot of days not being able to go out, nights in a hospital, or hours getting infusions can leave Crohns and Colitis patients with a lot of downtime.  Give music to escape for a bit, or movies to stay entertained.

11. Bum-Pampering Gift Basket- You’re never too old to take care of your butt!

• Thick body lotion for soft skin
• Soothing bathroom wipes (yes, baby wipes!)
• Comfy yoga pants for happy-butt lounging
• A spare pair of underwear (we all keep this stashed away!)
• A nice, soft roll of toilet paper – two ply minimum!
• Wrap this all up, with any other gifts, in a nice gift basket from World Market.

12. Your Support – A gift best given year-round!

• Did you know that 79% of Americans would rather receive a charitable gift in their name than an item they wouldn’t use?  This holiday, support them by donating, in their honor, to an IBD charity. We’re pretty sure that any good cause will accept your donation, and here are two running holiday fundraising drives: CCFA – Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America and Get Your Guts In Gear – producing multi-day cycling events for research, awareness, and community.
• Finally, just support them, plain and simple.  Be a good listener.  Don’t judge or pity.  Cook them a gut-friendly meal.  Hang out when they can’t go out.  Realize that this is a tough disease.  Know that you won’t understand, and don’t pretend that you do, but don’t let that stop you from caring.  Let them know that it’s ok that they have Crohns Disease or Colitis, you like them anyway, and you’re there for them.  Give a sh*t, when they are giving twelve a day.
  This is what we really wish for, all year long.

Happy Holidays from the Great Bowel Movement!

 

Have more holiday ideas?  Please share on our Facebook wall!