Originally posted in December 2016, I have updated this post.
It’s that time of year, and you know what they say, “Giving is better than receiving.” If you have an IBDer in your life and would like to get them something special, then this is the gift guide for you. Honestly, this gift guide is good year-round.
- Scented Candles – Do you know how much time we spend in the bathroom? A lot. We worry about stinking up the joint, and scented candles really help. Yankee Candle is my favorite, I love walking in that store. These candles LAST.
- Porcelin Company Bathroom Odor Eliminator – This product is freaking awesome. You basically spray into the toilet before you go and it covers up any odors and I’ve tested it (many times) and it truly works. Also, this is a family owned and operated a small business, so this is a great opportunity to support a small business.
- Poo-Pourri – I love this product and I never leave home without it. Yes, it’s the same concept as Porcelin, but I always keep a bottle in my bag for when I’m out and about. They even have a holiday scent! The reason I’m also talking about Poo-Pourri is that it is easy to find in stores. I always pick it up from Office Depot, Office Max, and Ulta. I like just grabbing it in a store instead of ordering it online.
- Heating Pads – I have an electric heating pad and it really helps when I’m having any pain or discomfort. It doesn’t completely eliminate the problem, but it truly helps me get through difficult nights. I found mine at Target.
- Awkward Yeti Plush – My mom bought me this a few years ago and I love it. It’s adorable and hysterical. Everyone with IBD needs this “Irritable Bowels Plushie.”
- If budget is no concern, I highly recommend an iPad. I can’t live without mine, it’s a true lifesaver when I’m in the hospital. I play games or just stream movies and TV shows. If you are stuck with a roommate it’s great because you plug in your headphones and not have to listen to them. True story: I broke my iPad last month (tragic) and Kevin was so kind and bought me a new one on Black Friday as an early X-mas present. He’s the best.
- U-No-Poo – This is an exclusive item sold at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. If you are not in close proximity, you can always purchase this online. Yes, this is a gag gift for the Harry Potter fan in your life who is able to laugh at their situation. It’s basically a jar of green M&Ms.
- For the ostomate in your life, you can’t go wrong with ostomy wraps. Like underwear, this is an item you can never have too much of. Awestomy and Ostomysecret have a great selection available.
- The Great Bowel Movement Apparel – I love the awareness apparel that The Great Bowel Movement sells. I own the “Ask Me About My Crohn’s Disease” hoodie and t-shirt.
Sporting my hoodie on a cold day in 2014 at the Magic Kingdom - Girls with Guts is another great non-profit organization run by women with IBD. I have a few items that I have purchased from them, the Semi-Colon shirt is my favorite. Side note regarding these apparel items that draw attention to IBD: These are not for everyone, some people are more private when it comes to their battle with IBD. These are great items for those that are very vocal about raising awareness.
Again, this was taken at Disney World but in 2015. - CS Ostomy Pouch Covers– These are adorable and a really cool and easy way to have fun with your ostomy. They have tons of cool prints, including special holiday ones. Check them out. Also – check out my post, Giving Thanks for My Ostomy that CS Ostomy Pouch Covers shared on their blog.
- CS Ostomy Quick Dry Pouch Cover– I love this product and have one of my own. I use it on a daily basis and could probably use another one, hint hint. It’s a pouch cover made of terrycloth material that is meant to absorb the excess moisture after a shower or swim. It’s fantastic and I just keep it on while I’m getting ready for my shower.
- A donation made in someone’s name to one of the following non-profits that are raising money to find a cure for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis:
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
Crohn’s and Colitis United Kingdom (for my friends across the pond)
I have not been compensated for this post, there are no affiliating links. Recommendations are based solely on my own opinions.