Best Gifts Under $30 for People With Ulcerative Colitis
by Jackie Zimmerman Patient Advocate
For a condition that can cause huge damage, you’d be surprised at how many small gifts can bring a smile or some relief to someone you love who is living with ulcerative colitis. Buy one or buy them all and fill a stocking or gift bag for any occasion with some of the best and smallest gifts for someone living with UC.
Soothing skin ointment
If there is one gift you’re going to give to your friend with UC, let it be Calmoseptine. Living with UC can mean passing stomach acid at times along with your bowel movements, which is as painful as it sounds. Calmoseptine or another healing skin ointment is a gift from the universe to combat that pain. Everyone who lives with ulcerative colitis should have a tube — nay, two tubes on hand at all times!
Poo-pourri gift pack
For the low price of $25, you can provide your friend with UC a ninja-like experience in any restroom they’re in — no one will ever know they were there. Poo-pourri is sprayed in the toilet before use to help cover any smells. This gift pack has bottles that are small enough to conceal in a pocket or a purse and gives your loved one a few different scents to try.
I Heart Guts colon plush
Ulcerative colitis is located in the large intestine and makes it a pretty unhappy organ in the body. Cheer up your friend with UC by giving them a brand new, disease-free colon that will never cause them pain and will always have a smile! If you’re feeling generous, I Heart Guts also has a small/large intestine combo as well as a rectum. Go bananas and buy your friend a brand new (and adorable) digestive tract!
Public toilet survival kit
One of the biggest bummers about living with UC is how frequently we find ourselves in public restrooms, which tend to be significantly less clean than our home bathrooms. Help a friend with UC out by getting them this cute little public toilet survival kit. While it definitely doesn’t have all the ideal items (Lysol won’t fit in this tiny tin case!) it has the bare minimum needed, all in one container that could easily fit in a purse of backpack.
Girls With Guts retreat registration
The Girls With Guts organization’s annual retreats are an opportunity for adult women with UC to create friendships and learn about different ways to improve their lives emotionally, mentally, and physically. These events can be life-altering for a lovely lady living with UC. The retreat usually goes from a Friday through Monday and allows the attendees to connect, learn, and share their stories with each other. Registration ranges in price but hasn’t gone above $300 in years past.
Ask Me About My Colitis hoodie
The organization The Great Bowel Movement has wonderful shirts and hoodies that not only act as conversation starters but also allow people with UC to show some pride. Putting on this sweatshirt may help someone to toss the shame associated with UC out the window and feel empowered to share their stories.
'What’s Your Poo Telling You?' book
While this tiny book may be a gag gift for the rest of the world, it may actually be a handy guide for the average UC patient! This little gem not only is under $10, but it also provides useful information to decode your bowel movements and may result in a few laughs too.
UC-tailored vitamins
Forvia Vitamins were designed specifically for people with UC. Not only do they provide nutritional support for people with UC, but they also taste pretty good, too. Vitamins may not seem like a super exciting gift, but the fact that they were created specifically for UC patients will show your loved one you care. (Remember, you should always talk to your doctor about any supplements you’re taking to get their OK.)
Anything featuring the poop emoji
Slippers, socks, blankets, earrings, crop tops, and pool rafts — you can get them all with a poop emoji on them these days. Think about your friend, their personality, and their style, and use that to come up with something they will find useful. Type it into google and then add “poop emoji” and I’ll bet you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Poop emoji items are always good for a laugh!
Spread joy for loved ones with UC
When shopping for your loved one who has UC, remember to keep their personality in mind. Depending on their sense of humor, some of these gifts may not be appropriate and you could try something more personal to lift their spirits. However, if your friend loves to laugh at themselves, go nuts and buy all the things to put a smile on their faces. Looking for even more gift ideas? We’ve got you covered.
