Hello Santa,
If you or someone you know has a chronic gut condition, you know how difficult it can be to manage the symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
With the holiday season fast approaching, you might be wondering what to get your loved ones who are dealing with these conditions.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 12 Christmas gift ideas that are perfect for people with chronic gut conditions.
Since IBS, coeliac disease and other gut conditions often run in families, it’s likely that if you suffer yourself, you also have you have someone on your gift list who would benefit.
Whether you’re looking for something practical, relaxing or just a little bit fun, we’ve got you covered.
1. A heating pad
A heating pad can help alleviate abdominal pain and discomfort.
There are some incredibly snuggly options available.
2. A cookbook
A cookbook with recipes that are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach could be a thoughtful gift.
Now may be the time to try the new Monash University Low FODMAP Cookbook.
Gluten-free Mediterranean by Helen Tzouganatos also looks good, along with The Veg Box: 10 Vegetables, 10 Ways by the Happy Pear.
3. A gift voucher for a meal delivery service
A meal delivery service that caters to specific dietary needs could be a great way to help your loved one meet their dietary requirements without the stress of cooking. This is SUCH a thoughtful gift that can really help a gut warrior out during busy times.
We Feed You have low-FODMAP and gluten-free options and deliver frozen ready made meals to over 3,800 suburbs in NSW, QLD, ACT and VIC. We met members of the team and some of their very happy customers at the Free From + Allergy show in Sydney. Unfortunately, they don’t cover WA, SA and TAS, but if you are in Perth, Adelaide or Hobart you could try Dineamic.
Garden of Vegan supply vegan and gluten-free meal kits.
4. A water bottle with time markers
Drinking enough water is crucial for gut health and time markers can help keep you on track, especially in Summer when I never remember to have enough.
We are loving the trend for giant incubated drink bottles. This is one for the teenage girls in your life this Christmas (along with the heavily trending Crocs – I can’t believe they’re back! - and this time with lights).
5. A comfortable pair of pyjamas or stretchy pants
One good thing to come out of the pandemic was the rise of loungewear. Comfortable clothing can help alleviate discomfort caused by bloating and other gut-related symptoms.
Choose fun prints and pretty colours that are cheerful and uplifting.
We also love the relaxed vibe of the new wide leg and flared yoga pants available at Lulemon, Lorna Jane and Cotton On.
6. A voucher for yoga classes or a subscription to a meditation app
Meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate gut symptoms.
My local yoga studio does a great introductory pass that also alows you to bring a friend along for free. Check out if yours has something similar.
Want to know more about how yoga helps IBS and try a 20 minute introductory session online from Sara The Mindful Peanut? - check out our blog here
7. A gift card for a massage therapist
Relaxation or tension release massage can also help reduce stress.
8. A journal and beautiful pen
Journaling can help your loved one track their symptoms and identify patterns associated with trigger foods or moods.
9. A gift card for a bookstore
Reading can be a great way to relax and unwind. Pick out a great novel, or give a gift card for a bookstore, so your loved one can pick out books on topics they enjoy.
Another alternative is a magazine subscription. For the last few Christmases my mother has given me a subscription to my favourite magazine and I am grateful for her thoughtfulness every month when it hits my letterbox.
10. A Squatty Potty
This is a stool that helps you assume a squatting position while using the toilet, which can help alleviate constipation and other digestive issues.
You may have seen their crazy unicorn commercial…
11. Noise-cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones can help block out unwanted noise and create a peaceful and relaxing environment.
They can also help a reluctant exerciser to get started - when used to listen to podcasts or music. I’m very happy with my mid-range Sony LinkBuds. They come with several different sized buds, so you can find the one that comfortably fits your ear and doesn’t fall out.
And for those wanting something a little more fashionable (and invisible!), check out the new earbuds that are disguised as earrings. What look like pearls or jewels on the outside, actually double up as ultra-discrete earbuds. They won’t block out Uncle Jim’s Xmas jokes completely, but they do allow you to tone things down and reduce sensory overload in social situations.
12. A new shaker or blender
This is perfect for blitzing Superflora based smoothies for a quick and easy low FODMAP and gluten-free breakfast or lunch.
We’re loving the new pastel Nutribullets, and have noticed that ShakeSphere now do a portable blender lid for what we think is the best shaker on the market.
While you’re at it, why not add in a copy of our Smoothie book and a pack of Superflora shakes so they are ready for our Good Gut Challenge in the New Year?
Dark chocolate gets a special mention as a low FODMAP stocking filler.
You might also want to forward this list to your partners - we’re big fans of the ‘not so subtle hint’ at this time of year to ensure there’s something under the tree to make you happy too!
Have a fabulous Christmas!
Mary and Jo x