The holidays are upon us and it’s always nice to express some love with a gift. Folks with multiple sclerosis enjoy a lot of what others without MS do, but we often have special requests that can help our lives be a little comfier, calmer, and a little easier. Here are some gift ideas that MSers will appreciate and put to good use (bear in mind that some of the ideas– massages, cooling vests, audio recorders, and cleaning services– should be cleared with the gift recipient ahead of time):
Gift cards for massages/ spa treatments
It’s great to be pampered and to have someone massage achy, stiff muscles or just have the opportunity to melt into the massage table as the healing power of touch takes over. There are a variety of massage treatments such as reiki (the application of the hands to certain “trigger” spots on the body), reflexology (a thorough foot/lower leg massage), hot stone massages, scalp massages, and so on. Other spa treatments such as manicures, pedicures, and facials can also lift the spirits.
Gifts to ease the daily routine
MSers want less stress and less tiresome chores. A gift certificate for a cleaning service (whether a large company or one professional) can make a huge difference. Several people chipping in resources to have someone do the heavy cleaning just once a month can make an excellent, thoughtful gift. Gift “vouchers” from family and friends to provide services such as babysitting, cooking, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or grocery shopping will be treasured.
Gifts for outside comfort and functioning
Cooling vests, which are used to keep MSers from overheating, make great gifts for the long summer months and year-round for those who live in warmer climates . Heat exacerbates many MSers’ symptoms, so these cooling vests can keep us out in the game for longer periods of time. Voice recorders, which act as “audio lists”, help those with multiple sclerosis remember grocery lists, errands, and phone numbers without carrying a lot of paper lists. Both cooling vests and voice recording products can be researched through contact with your National MS Society local chapter (U.S.) or an MS organization in your region of the world.
Gifts for outside entertainment
We also like to leave the house! Movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates (less cooking), tickets to plays or shows, and even free invites to sports events and friendly gatherings will be well-received. Making weekly dates for lunch, tea, or coffee can also put a smile on an MSer’s face.
Gifts for home entertainment and comfort
Things that make home life easier include movie subscriptions (Netflicks or Blockbuster), favorite magazine subscriptions, favorite DVDs, music CDs, print books, and audio books (for impaired vision.) An assortment of coffees and teas can make a great inexpensive gift. To make life a bit comfier, give the gift of comfortable but attractive activewear: there are many velour warmup suits and comfy men’s sweatsuits on the market that make movement more fluid and life more cozy. Warm, fun socks keep cold feet at bay. Perhaps the most unusual idea for an MSer is the gift of one or more attractive night lights. Walking in the dark to get to the bathroom or to the kitchen for some water can be a minefield of obstacles and sharp corners. Someone recently gave me a couple of pretty, stained-glass night lights to illuminate my path. I adore them.
