12 Gift Ideas for Fibromyalgia Sufferers. Practical, Useful Presents

Do you want to buy a gift for someone that has fibromyalgia? I have fibro and I thought a list of useful and practical gift ideas might help you all out. These are not the sexiest gifts but a person suffering with fibromyalgia might appreciate the thoughtfulness. The last 2 are free, but may be the most appreciated.

Tennis Balls

One of the handiest tools I have for fighting my muscle pain is tennis balls! You can go here and learn how I use them. I am forever losing them though. My cats and dog love playing with them when I sit them down and they end up under a couch. So extra tennis balls as a present might be useful.

Books, Puzzles, Audio Tapes

I enjoy reading. When you are suffering from extreme fatigue there is not a lot for people to do. If someone on your list has fibromyalgia a book or puzzle book might bring a lot of enjoyment. If they don't already have it "Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome" by Devin Starlanyl, M.D. And Mary Ellen Copeland, M.S., M.A. Is a must have. My eyes bother me when the muscles to them are affected. I think audio tapes of the Bible or other books would be a great gift!

Supplements

Surprised? A lot of people with Fibromyalgia use alternative medicine. If you know of a supplement that someone takes, buy it for them. Get their brand and dosage and gift it. Over a year's time these supplements can really add up.

House cleaning

Buy a housecleaning session for them. Its hard keeping house when you have fibromyalgia. If someone could come in and do the hardest jobs, it would be a blessing. I know cleaning my walls and ceilings are impossible for me to do.

Bring a haircut to the house

Find a beautician who will make a "house call" and give your fibromyalgia sufferer a new do! Its hard to make appointments and keep them since you never know how you will feel from one day to the next. Also your friend may be more comfortable in their home rather than going out in public.

Cards and Stamps

I can't tell you how many time I will read about someone and want to send them or their family a card. Whether for a wedding or in sympathy. If you have fibromyalgia you are not just going to run to town for a card or a stamp. Buy all occasion cards and some stamps. You can get them reasonable at many dollar stores.

Medical Alert System

While this is a pricey gift, it is a present that will give someone with fibromyalgia peace of mind. Many sufferers experience poor balance while walking and/or dizziness. This is a great gift especially if the fibromyalgia sufferer lives alone.

DVDs

Some people with fibromyalgia practically live on their couch or in their bed. Battling with depression is almost always an issue at some time or other. Because they feel so bad, because they cannot function like everyone else, it is only natural that they would experience depression from time to time. Buy some DVDs that appeal to them. Whether they are comedies or old movies, popping a great DVD in and chasing the blues away is an awesome present!

Small Refrigerator

Refrigerator? Yep! If you are spending all your time in your bed and are experiencing a fibro "flare" (which basically means your body is not going to allow you to function properly) you want things close at hand. I have a small refrigerator not over 5 foot from my couch and I do use it when I am having a bad day. Not only is it handy, but if a person won't/can't make the trip from bed to kitchen, they may not eat or drink properly which only worsens their fibromyalgia. I keep bottled water and apples in mine!

Prepared Foods

If you know of foods that your fibromyalgia sufferer likes to eat, stock them up with some prepared meals, treats or bottled water and juices. Someone living on meager income and suffering from fibro flares will appreciate being able to go to the cupboard, freezer or refrigerator and having a quick meal ready.

List of support

When you are scared and having a horrible fibromyalgia day, sometimes you just need to hear someone's voice. A lot of fibromites are socially inactive. Put together a list of hot line numbers, friends that understand fibromyalgia, family and people that suffer from fibromyalgia and are willing to take a call when someone needs comfort. This list is especially helpful for those who live alone or that are experiencing a "flare".

Be a Friend

This might be the biggest gift of all. A friend to someone who suffers from fibromyalgia is a special and challenging thing. A lot of fibromites do not want to go out into public. Their houses may look like a wreck and they themselves may not be too tidy. But understanding what having fibromyalgia is and how it physically limits a person will be the best thing you have ever done for your friend or family member. Understanding and not judging is a gift to the fibromite and it's FREE!!

As I write this, it is nearing Christmas. But don't just limit these gifts as Christmas presents. They are gifts that will be well received anytime of the year from your fibromyalgia sufferer.