COPD Holiday Gift List

It’s true that every year the holidays are different for me. How about you? This year I've put together a list of gift ideas. COPDers have shared their holiday lists with me before and I will share some ideas from them too.

Hopefully, this will help others shop for you as well. If you have other ideas, please share them in the comments!

Cozy items

Slippers or slipper socks - Make sure they aren't made out of a slippery material.

Fingerless gloves - Fingerless gloves can be used to type, but I use them to keep the joints in my fingers warm and less painful. I use them inside, outside, and in the car, especially if the air conditioner is on. I use them, especially at night.

Gloves and Mittens - For normal use.

Pajamas - Maybe even a pajama top. Something easy to move around in.

Robe - A nice white terry cloth robe is great and it can act as a towel right out of the shower.

Blanket - An all-around blanket to cover up with while watching tv, using in bed, and even sitting on the computer. My stepdaughter got me a beautiful sherpa blanket a couple of years ago. It is so soft, light to medium weight, and washes beautifully.

Scarf or balaclava - One that goes around the neck, possibly over the mouth. A balaclava covers the head and face.

Quality time

Movie Night - Plan to see a movie. Add drinks and popcorn or something else. If it’s best to do at home, rent a movie, grab the snacks, and enjoy!

Homemade fun coupons - The person you are giving them to can turn coupons in to play card games, have a night out, and/or other things that you can enjoy together.

Dinner invitation - An invite to dinner or a delivered meal if that would be their preference

Crafts, hobbies, and games

Craft items - Such as yarn, needlepoint, or other fun items for the crafter.

Journal - Add a nice pen or even different color pens.

Books - Gift a book from a favorite author.

Puzzles - Crossword puzzles or Soduko might be fun.

Postage stamps, stationery, and mixed greeting cards - To enjoy sending out handwritten letters or cards.

Technology

A smartphone or tablet - Something like an iPhone or iPad to see their family as well as the internet world. For those who don’t want to deal with all of the gadgets and other things to do, there are ones that are made specifically for seniors. They are less expensive ... and guess what! You can even make a phone call with them.

Life Touch or another monitor - They can be used if someone falls or if they are sick. There is a 3 in one bundle that includes: 1 that can be used around the neck in case of a fall; 1 you can wear on your person, even away from the house (the old style would only work if a person was at their house, otherwise they wouldn't get a correct reading); and 1 to use in the shower. I got the bundle of these 3 for my mom and they do work.

Other ideas

Treats - A cake or other treat for their birthday, Mother or Father's day, and/or just because.

Newspaper or magazine subscription - For those who enjoy catching up on the news or have a particular interest.

Photographs - You can use them in an album, framed, or in a book. Memories are so wonderful.

Someone to come in and clean - The bathroom, dusting, and floors can be so difficult to do. Be sure that whoever cleans, uses products that the person with COPD is able to tolerate. I know that I am much more sensitive than someone without. For example, dusting, I have to use a damp cloth. No furniture polish.

Challenges of the holidays

Avoid scented things. Try unscented or hypoallergenic. Even hair gels and hair things can be overpowering to those with COPD.

Holidays and other celebrations might be near the location where your loved one with COPD lives. Please be open-minded, as it may be difficult for the COPDer to go visit. Maybe the COPDer would go for dinner. Then they might want to go home right away. That’s okay. It’s wonderful that they went out at all. Be understanding, if they just want to go home.

Some with COPD as with other chronic illnesses might suffer from anxiety, and some with panic attacks. Counseling and support groups can really help to give you a better quality of life and to bring you peace. Your counselor might determine that you need anxiety meds as well.

It's important to know that you are never really alone. Please remember to add your suggestions in the comments section. They might be so helpful for the shopper. Oh and happy holidays! They will be here before you know it!

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