Alternative Gift Ideas to Give Loved Ones with Migraine

By Tonya Henry

2 min read

There are many holidays and celebrations in which people love to give gifts to those they care about. Many with migraine disease, though, cannot eat certain things like chocolate. Some do not do well with wine or cheese, either. Fragrances are another common trigger when you are a migraineur. So you might ask, what can I give my loved one? Well, here are a few choices of things that I recommend.

Option 1

Gift cards are a gift that are good for any occasion, especially holidays/celebrations. I choose gift cards for several reasons.

There are a range of gift cards out there, from food to audiobooks to subscriptions.
You can choose something that you know that person enjoys (Starbucks for me!)
With a gift card, they can pick their own gift.

If you are a homebody like me, you can buy them online (E-gift card/shipped). Not only can you buy them online, but if the person doesn’t leave home often, they can use the gift card online.

Option 2

As someone with a chronic illness, I tend to be in PJs or other walk-around-the-house clothes all the time. I prefer loose-fitting items. I am commonly found in sweatpants and t-shirts. What can I say? It is all about comfort for me. Others who have migraines, nausea, pain, vomiting, etc., often dress like that when having symptoms. You want something that is not restricting you, like jeans. For myself, it just makes me feel better. I say to use whatever helps you feel better like:

A new housecoat
Pajama sets
Sweatpants
Other comfy clothes branded under “loungewear”

Option 3

Believe it or not, some with migraine crave snacks either in the prodrome (right before a migraine), during, or after the migraine has resolved. Everyone is different. The cravings are just as different as the person experiencing the migraine headache. Common things often wanted are:

Salty snacks
Sugary items
Starchy foods
Caffeine

These things are not inclusive and are not for everyone. I am sure that if you pay attention, you will see what the person runs to during their migraine episode.

Option 4

Aside from the items that I have mentioned so far, there are some other things that one may find beneficial for migraineurs - migraine relief items such as:

Migraine caps (cold is a commonly used treatment)
Cold pack for the neck
Eye masks (Keeps it dark)
Nausea sweets (lots to choose from) - ginger chews/hard candy, ginger tea, or their nausea candies (Hint: It's helpful to sometimes search for morning sickness candy. Find them online or in pharmacies.)
Nausea relief bands
Essential oils (Be careful with scents though as they may be sensitive to all or certain ones)
Shower steamer tablets (In case they are able to stand or sit in the shower. I love the Lavender/Vanilla ones!!)
Heating pad (Good for tense muscles or stomach pain)
Black-out curtains (For help during a migraine or to prevent them)

What other options are there?

These items are not all-inclusive but are things that I use or have used in the past. Hopefully, you will know your person and their likes. If you are unsure, you can always ask them what helps them during a migraine.

I am curious. For those who live with migraine, what are things that you find helpful?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Tonya Henry Moderator & Contributor
This article was shared on multiple sites and many have told me how they appreciate this so much!
Amanda Workman Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Tonya H" user-id="4506979"/> This is such a great article!! I can see this being a major gift guide who those who love an individual with chronic migraine. It is also easy enough to share on social media as a hint for other people, especially around the holidays and birthdays. Best wishes - Amanda W (team member)
Tonya Henry Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Amanda Workman" user-id="3715820"/> thank you!! I shared it on all the chronic illness sites and my personal page. I had someone tell me that she was sending it to her husband as a hint for her. For those with allergies to chocolate or for scents also. I'm sure I'll reshare it maybe for Christmas and Valentine's next year 😊.
Renicoldiron Member
A subscription to the Sirius radio network is nice as a gift. There are at least 14 channels available with calming music or quiet stories to help you sleep. Classical music is always on when I'm home. The dogs listen to a calming station just for them when I'm not home. 
1. Tonya Henry Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Renicoldiron" user-id="4831450"/> thank you so much for adding that recommendation!! That would be a very nice gift. I do have XM radio, but did not think about that. What is your favorite station on there? (Tonya, team member).
Chronic14 Member
The only thing I would love is for my family and the few friends I have left is to understand how migraines have taken over my daily living, and that just because I have a few good days a month, to cherish those days and be supportive for one another. Although I do love green plants and cold compresses. Thank you for this thoughtful article! 
1. Tonya Henry Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Chronic14" user-id="3798188"/> I truly understand where you are coming from. I wish that everyone we love, understood. I hope your holiday season goes well for you and your body allows you to partake in a few festivities. (Tonya, team member).