I’m a proud affiliate for some of the companies and products I am going to talk about in this post. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on my personal and professional experiences with and knowledge of these companies and products. I recommend them because I genuinely believe they can be helpful and useful on your IC/pelvic health journey, not because of the commissions I may receive. To read the full Callie K Nutrition Affiliate Statement, click here.
The holiday season is upon us!
As an IC patient, I know the feeling of not being sure what to say when people ask you what you want for Christmas or a different holiday you celebrate. They want to get you a gift, but you run the risk of them getting you something you can't use because of the restrictions that come with IC. Of course, we should be grateful for anything we are gifted, but at the same time, why not give your loved ones a couple options (or 45) that you can actually use and enjoy?
In this Gift Guide, I'll give you 45 ideas for gifts any IC Warrior would be happy to receive. I'm giving you options for flare-management tools, comfort items, IC-friendly foods & drinks, books, gift cards, and more! If you're an IC Warrior, go ahead and send this Interstitial Cystitis Gift Guide to your loved ones!
And if you're an IC Warrior and just want to splurge on something for yourself, I 100% support you in treating yourself!
45 Interstitial Cystitis Gifts
Let's dive in!
This journal to track symptoms
I created the My Interstitial Cystitis Journal to give people the ability to track as much as possible so it's easier to pinpoint patterns in your symptoms and find their triggers. With this journal, you can track your water intake, food intake, pain levels, stress levels, physical activity, and urine output. It also includes sections for appointments, to-dos, and weekly goals. Gift this journal to the IC Warrior in your life who needs help finding their triggers and feel empowered on their journey to relief!
Super-Strength Aloe Vera
Listen, I don't care what people have told you about other brands that sell aloe vera. Desert Harvest is THE BEST and most reputable aloe vera brand on the market. They sell Super Strength Aloe Vera that has helped many IC Warriors get relief from their symptoms.
From their site: "Desert Harvest Super-Strength Aloe Vera Capsules contain the highest freeze-dried concentration of organically grown Aloe Vera. We use no pesticides, herbicides, or fillers. Our patented process removes all water, insoluble fiber, and anthraquinones (laxatives including aloin) and retains the pure, potent nutrients; amino acids, mucopolysaccharides, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes."
Don't waste your money on anything else! Use code CKNUTRITION22 to get 10% off your order.
This daily pill organizer
For the person who takes medications multiple times per day, this pill organizer can make their life a whole lot easier! Plus, it's helpful for traveling.
This microwavable heating pad
Perfect for the cat lover in your life, this heating pad is both cute and functional. Many IC Warriors prefer heat on the abdomen or pelvic floor when in a flare. Another good heating pad is this one, which offers moist heat if that's your thing! An honorable mention is this portable heating pad, which can be helpful on the go.
This donut pillow
This donut pillow will be a lifesaver for anyone with tailbone pain, pudendal neuralgia, or symptoms that increase when sitting. Take it in the car, on a plane, to church....wherever you'll be sitting for an extended period of time! It takes the pressure off your pelvic floor and tailbone.
Azo for flare-ups
When an IC Warrior is in a flare-up, we can get desperate for relief. Azo is a great option for short-term relief. Please note that this may stain clothing and toilets orange. Also, this is not meant to treat a UTI or be taken long-term. Always discuss new medications (even OTC) with your doctor first.
The Way Out
This book, written by Alan Gordon, is a fantastic read for anyone who's bladder symptoms seem to be triggered by stress. Also available on Audiobook so you can listen in the car or while on a walk!
Comfy sweatpants
I'm obsessed with anything Vuori, especially their Lux At Ease pants. For some reason, they aren't on the website at the time I'm writing this, but these sweatpants look very similar. If you're balling on a budget, these pants are a more affordable option.
These comfy undies
Sorry mom, but I'm going to talk about underwear! These matte & shine seamfree underwear from Jockey are my go-to's because they're so dang comfy! If you're a cotton girly, check out these organic cotton panties.
This coffee alternative
For the IC Warrior who's trying to avoid coffee right now, check out this coffee made from dandelion root. If that's not your thing, another option is Teecino products. This java roasted herbal tea is made from chicory root and is bladder-friendly. Use code CALLIEK to save 10%.
Some personal lubricant
If your loved one with IC uses a pelvic wand (a tool to help with the pelvic floor muscles), they may need some lubricant for when they use it. Slippery Stuff is a great option (use code CNGift24 for 10% off), as well as Aloe Glide by Desert Harvest (use code CKNUTRITION22 for 10% off). You can also find Slippery Stuff on Amazon.
A big ol' water bottle
Help the IC Warrior in your life meet their fluid goals with this BPA-free water bottle that holds 64 oz! If you want to ball out, get them a Stanley cup.
Epsom salt
Honestly, what can't epsom salt do? This is perfect for the IC Warrior who finds comfort and relief with baths. This one by Dr. Teal is fragrance-free!
Prelief for indulging
Prelief is a supplement that is a great option for the IC Warrior who knows their diet triggers (meaning, they have done an elimination diet) but wants to indulge in said triggers every once in a while. Per the Prelief website, it "reduces up to 95% of acid from top trigger foods and drinks". *Always consult your doctor first before starting a new supplement.
This IC-friendly E-cookbook bundle
Created by yours truly, this is a bundle of my 3 most popular E-Cookbooks so the IC Warrior in your life never has to feel restricted with food. Also, check out the rest of my digital store for meal plans, trainings, and more! All digital products will be 30% off from November 29th through January 1st. No code required.
This app for the grocery store
Fig is a mobile app that shows you everything someone following the IC diet CAN eat. It allows you to scan barcodes on food products and let's you know if it's "safe" for you to consume based on your diet preferences and restrictions (you can add other restrictions as well, like gluten-free if applicable). The app has a free (get 5 scans per month and unlimited searches) and a paid version (unlimited scans, store filtering), called Fig+. Use code "CALLIEK" to get a discount on Fig+.
Herbal tea
This marshmallow leaf tea by Buddha Teas is a great option for the IC Warrior who wants to both hydrate and soothe their bladder. Also check out the chamomile, slippery elm, corn silk, and lavender teas!
This tea kettle
To go along with the tea options listed above, check out this tea kettle, or if the IC Warrior in your life prefers an electric kettle, this is a top-rated option from Amazon.
This LED toilet light
This LED toilet light is perfect for the IC Warrior who finds themselves up multiple times per night using the toilet!
This brain-retraining app
For the IC Warrior in your life that struggles with stress & anxiety, Curable can be a helpful app to teach them about their nervous system and how to regulate it so they can experience relief from their symptoms. Click here to try 6 weeks free.
D-Mannose for UTI prevention
If the IC Warrior in your life experiences the occasional urinary tract infection, this D-Mannose by West Coast Mint could be their savior! I personally love this D-Mannose because it is a powder and I struggle to swallow pills.
D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that has been shown by research to support the urinary tract and prevent UTI's. Per West Coast Mint, D-Mannose can also be helpful for IC: "D-Mannose is very effective at soothing the bladder and urinary tract. It can help calm things down during a flare and reduce symptoms. D-Mannose helps to calm the bladder and promote tissue healing. It is a glyconutrient, which is a class of molecules that help support cell-to-cell communication. "
Use code "CKN15" for 15% off your order.
This peri bottle
This can come in handy when in a flare-up that causes burning. Sit on the toilet and squeeze some cold water down there with this peri bottle for some relief! This is also great for someone struggling with vulvodynia.
The IC Solution
This book, written by Dr. Nicole Cozean, DPT, PT, WCS, is a great book for anyone new to the interstitial cystitis diagnosis! It "has all the information you need, all in one place. It provides scientific reviews and evaluations of potential treatments, along with a helpful treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms and lifestyle."
A cute mug for tea
Like this one (only $5), from Target! They also have a corgi mug that any dog-lover would freak out over (in the best way).
A soft blanket, like this one
This throw blanket is super cozy and ready to keep your IC Warrior warm & comfortable on their not-so-great days. Another great option is this wearable blanket. I have one and it's SO COZY.
This clean protein powder
Drink Wholesome is a bladder-friendly protein powder (vanilla and unflavored) that was created by someone with a sensitive stomach. The protein powder contains very clean ingredients, and they even have a vegan option! Use code "calliekrajcir" for 10% off. Another lower-cost option is vanilla Orgain.
This vaginal microbiome test
Is your loved one experiencing some funky symptoms down there? Consider gifting them an Evvy vaginal health test! This is an at-home vaginal microbiome test that can uncover 700+ bacteria & fungi with one swab. I've done this test before and it's easy peasy! Plus they offer free 1:1 coaching session to go over your results. Use code "CALLIEKNUTRITION" for 10% off your first purchase, up to $25!
This plush bladder toy
This plush bladder is fun gift for any IC Warrior (especially those of us who like to hold onto soft things)!
A meal service subscription
Get your IC Warrior a month or two of a meal service subscription! I personally like Green Chef & Hello Fresh. For the days where they're not feeling their best, consider giving them a gift card for a food delivery service, like Uber Eats, Door Dash, or GrubHub.
A sitz bath
A portable sitz bath can be placed on the toilet is perfect for quick, soothing soaks, especially during flare-ups.
A relaxing candle
Like this lavender eucalyptus candle, which will help your IC Warrior when they need to relax. Because candles solve everything, right? If you're like me and don't trust yourself with candles (don't ask), consider buying them an essential oil diffuser. Some diffusers come with a sample set of oils, like this one!
A seed cycling kit for hormone health
Many IC Warriors find that they have flare-ups that occur during certain times in their menstrual cycle. This seed cycling kit by Funk It Wellness can help to regulate their hormones and nourish their body!
These CBD relief melts
These Relief Melts with CBD (not to be confused with the Intimacy melts) by Foria are great for someone with a tight pelvic floor. I use them when I can feel my muscles tensing! Per the Foria website, "These small, easy-to-insert suppositories melt and absorb to target discomfort associated with menstrual cycles & pelvic floor conditions, so you finally find all-natural relief." Use code CALLIEK20 for 20% off your order.
The Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Attachment
If you've never used a bidet before, you're missing out! Not only can it help with your gut health and #2's, but it can also help an IC Warrior soothe any burning they experience and clean their vulva. I use the Tushy Classic 3.0 and LOVE it. Use code "CALLIE10" to get 10% off!
A subscription to the ICA Update
Make a donation of $50 or more to the Interstitial Cystitis Association to get your IC Warrior a subscription to the ICA Update magazine to keep up with research, treatment options, and lifestyle tips. After donating, send an email to help@ichelp.org with their name and address to receive the ICA Update.
These hydration packets
These Enact Hydration electrolyte drink mix packets were created by a cardiologist local to me. This product only contains 4 ingredients - sodium, potassium, magnesium, and honey - making them completely bladder-friendly! This drink mix does not have a flavor (but in my opinion tastes a little bit like honey). Comparable to Liquid IV but again, this one doesn't have all the added junk (like citric acid and vitamin C), making it bladder-friendly.
A 3-month subscription to The IC Collective
The IC Collective is a monthly membership that aims to connect IC Warriors, educate on IC, and provide support from yours truly (I'm an IC Dietitian) and other IC Warriors. Included in The IC Collective is an Education Vault with over a dozen education classes on topics from navigating the holidays with IC to learning how to use a pelvic wand. Also included is access to a private community chat where your IC Warrior could ask me questions and connect with their peers. Cost: $40 for 3 months. PS: make sure to put their email in at checkout or email their information to help@callieknutrition.com.
This comfy sweatsuit
This sweatsuit is cute, comfortable, and comes in over a dozen colors! Whether your IC Warrior is hanging at home, running to the pharmacy, or going to the movies, they can look stylish while doing those things!
A she-wee for portable bathroom stops
This is the perfect gift for someone who has to pee A LOT. Your IC Warrior can take it on car trips, hikes, etc!
A gift card to their local pharmacy
The costs of medications, supplements, and other self-care items adds up! Ask your IC Warrior which pharmacy they use and give them a gift card for it.
These Calia joggers
I was just shopping at Dick's today with my mom and saw these joggers and said, "These are perfect for people with IC!" And they come in 3 colors - I prefer the "grey bog". These are a bit on the pricier side ($88) but at the time of writing this they are on sale for about $38 and I imagine Dick's will do a Black Friday sale, so keep an eye out!
These postpartum ice packs
For the IC Warrior who has bladder pain and burning, these postpartum ice packs can be super soothing! They come with a removable cover and can be worn inside the underwear.
Introduce them to a new hobby!
Get them a kitting or crochet kit, a coloring book, a journal, or a new book to read. Or get them an Amazon gift card in case you want them to choose!
A gift card for a massage
A nice way to show the IC Warrior in your life that you care about them is a gift card for a massage! Here's a link to get a gift card at Hand And Stone, or stop in your local massage studio.
Soft pajamas for lounging
Get your IC Warrior a set of cute pajamas like this set. The softer, the better!
Happy Gifting!
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect gift for the IC Warrior in your life. Happy Holidays! If you have any questions that I could help with, just reach out to me at help@callieknutrition.com.
About the Author:
Callie Krajcir, MS, RD, "The Bladder Dietitian®", is a Registered Dietitian specializing in bladder health. Here passion is interstitial cystitis as she has lived with IC her entire life, but she also enjoys helping people with conditions like overactive bladder, chronic UTI’s, and incontinence. She is the founder of Callie K Nutrition, the IC You podcast, and social media accounts (@callieknutrition) that has helped hundreds of people with bladder pain, frequency, and urgency get relief from their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. Callie currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Interstitial Cystitis Association. Learn more about Callie and Callie K Nutrition.
Commentaires