This last year is such a blur. I feel like just yesterday we were looking at the memes of how your face progressively looked stressed as quarantine dragged on for continuous months. And here we are in November. Just days away from Thanksgiving and already thinking about what gifts to give family members this holiday season. My mom keeps asking me for a list, but with nowhere to go and not much to do in this state of the world, I have a hard time thinking of what to ask for this year.

So, if you’re feeling clueless like me, I figured it didn’t hurt to brainstorm some ideas of gifts someone with migraine would love that are also unique and thoughtful. Because while the world might have stopped this year, a chronic illness never goes on vacation.

1. Migraine Glasses

Big surprise this made it on my list, right? Haha. For those who have followed me, you know that I don’t leave the house without my Migraine Shields. I am obsessed with the Blue Kinsley frames, and I wear them with the Everyday lens. I also have a pair in the episodic lens for when I am having a migraine attack.

Migraine Shields block the light at 455 nm and are an important tool in my kit for me to tolerate lights at the grocery store, restaurants, a friend’s house with bright lights, etc. These make a great and thoughtful gift for anyone who suffers from migraine, light sensitivity or anyone who has to sit and stare at a computer all day for work. It’s a win-win.

This Black Friday weekend you can get them for 30% off with the code TRUEKAYLAISMS (rather than my standard 20%.) Plus, they’re now offering Readers in their lenses.

2. The Dizzy Cook Cookbook

My dear friend, Alicia from The Dizzy Cook, released her cookbook earlier this year. It’s full of 90 fun and delicious recipes that don’t make you feel like you’re on a specific diet to help manage your migraine. Honestly, I am not really affected by food triggers, but I still make Alicia’s recipes because they’re delicious. (Drooling over her chimichurri sauce…)

Not to mention, besides the great recipes, Alicia’s book features a wealth of information on vestibular migraine.

Alicia also sells a bunch of punny migraine-themed cooking goodies in her shop.

3. Make a Donation In Honor Of Your Loved One

If you suffer from a vestibular disorder, The Vestibular Disorder’s Association (VeDA) is a great nonprofit that helps spread awareness. This organization was a huge part of my recovery in the sense that they connected me with this community.

A great thoughtful gift could be donating to VeDA “in honor of” your loved one. They also sell some dizzy swag that not only makes as a great gift but also help VeDA with their mission in reaching more people.

4. Create A Spa Day

It’s a bit hard to manage going to the spa during COVID, so turn your bathroom into the spa for your loved one. Buy some candles, essential oils, bubble bath, etc. and put them together in a basket.

Self-care is SO important when you have a chronic illness, and recognizing that your loved one needs it is a gift within itself.

5. Online Fitness Subscription

There are a lot of great streaming fitness programs out there right now. Yoga is a great way to help with vestibular rehab, and it’s comforting that you can do it in your own home.

In the past, I’ve used The Ballet Physique and Core Power. Both have been great workouts and online subscription options that you can do from your own living room. The best part? If you stumble because you’re dizzy, no one will know.

6. The Gift of Guidance from A Vestibular Neurologist

I credit the fact that I feel “mostly normal” to my neurologist, Dr. Beh. I was so lucky that he was in Dallas, TX, especially because there aren’t many neurologists that specialize in vestibular disorders. Earlier this year, he published, “Victory Over Vestibular Migraine – The Action Plan For Healing And Getting Your Life Back.”

This book is a great resource on all things vestibular migraine including different medications, non-drug therapies and an explanation of what makes you dizzy. Dr. Beh was the first doctor to reassure me I wasn’t crazy and that while this disease might always be a part of my life, it can be managed.

This book is the perfect gift for someone who may have recently found out they have vestibular migraine and are in search for a doctor to help them with their treatment plan. Not to mention, virtual appointments are a thing this year. Maybe that could be the best gift of all!

–

I hope this helps spur some creativity for this year’s season of giving. There are plenty of migraine-specific products out there, but sometimes, thinking outside of the box shows that you are making an effort to learn about your loved one’s disease.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’m grateful for each and every one of you!