A holiday gift guide for your loved one with sarcoidosis

Finding the perfect present for someone living with chronic illness

by 🦋 Kerry Wong | December 5, 2025

It’s beginning to look a lot like chaos!

It never fails — no matter how much we plan, the end of the year always seems to sneak up on us, bringing a rush of madness. There’s too much to do, and never enough time to do it. While that’s surely the case for many people, it feels extra true for those of us managing chronic illnesses.

For starters, we always have to schedule, and often reschedule, various medical appointments. Working around the holidays and a weeklong vacation (not to mention the time it takes to recover from them), this month features a pulmonary function test and visit with my pulmonologist, a follow-up with my cardiologist, a session with my therapist, two intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, and one vaccine shot. It also includes setting up my two-week pill organizers (twice) with medications, vitamins, and supplements totaling 24 pills per day.

And then, of course, there’s holiday shopping. I remember “the old days,” when we had to go out in the cold, battle through crowded parking lots and malls, and wait in long lines for each purchase. I never enjoyed that even before I got sick, but these days, it’s the stuff of nightmares. I’m so grateful that we can now do our shopping online.

Still, it can be hard to think of what to get for people we don’t see very often, especially those with chronic illnesses. But with a little insight into our experience, you can give a gift that says, “I see you, and I care.” Two years ago, I suggested a few items that have been particularly helpful as I manage life with sarcoidosis. Here are some additional ideas:

Pacing Myself During the Holiday Season

Keep us comfy and cozy

Given the severe fatigue that often comes with sarcoidosis, we tend to spend a lot of time at home, either in bed or on the sofa. That’s not as comfortable as it may sound: If we sit too long in one position, we get stiff and achy. Move around too much, and we get sore and short of breath. We get hot and sweat too much. We get chills and shiver. It’s as if Goldilocks only found Mama and Papa Bear.

Fuzzy slippers, flannel pajamas, and a plush robe or blanket can keep us cozy and warm, especially as the winter weather sets in. Add a mug and a favorite coffee or tea, and the gift can warm us from within, too. On the flip side, bamboo pajamas and a cooling pillow can be just as soothing. A coordinated set we can wear in layers offers the “just right” Baby Bear setting we need.

When we have to go out, T-shirts and hoodies offer the ultimate in comfort, and a simple search can lead to countless sarcoidosis-themed designs. For a more elevated look, even dress pants are now available in pull-on styles with soft, stretchy fabrics, and pair well with a tank top and cardigan.

Help us pass the time

With all that time on our hands, we can easily get bored just sitting at home, especially when everyone else is working, playing, and enjoying the social life we wish we could have, too. Sure, we can take plenty of naps, but sometimes the pain, sweating, and other symptoms make that impossible.

Settling in with a good book can be an escape to a world of fantasy or adventure, where we can live vicariously through the characters. Alternatively, nonfiction stories can connect us with both author and community. When these stories are written by and for people with chronic illnesses, they show us that we are not alone.

Puzzles, games, and crafts can keep our minds (and hands) occupied, and fill us with a sense of accomplishment when we complete them. When we don’t have the “spoons” (a metaphor for energy) to focus on a book or project, we can easily distract ourselves by watching television. Subscriptions to popular streaming services can offer a variety of entertainment options, and gift cards for food delivery services can nourish us in body and spirit.

Practically perfect

Even a practical gift can send a sentimental message. Offering a solution to a challenge that others wouldn’t even realize we have lets us know you’re right there with us.

Infusion therapy may be helpful, but hours at the hospital do not make it easy. Air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, and beeping monitors can amplify our chills and headaches. Specially designed IV hoodies can keep us warm while allowing easy access to veins or ports. Noise-canceling headphones and weighted eye masks can help with migraines and enable us to nap while we’re there.

Better than anything tangible, the greatest gifts we can receive — and offer to others — are empathy, understanding, and support. And we must not forget to give ourselves grace, patience, and compassion, too.

Happy holidays!

Note: Sarcoidosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sarcoidosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sarcoidosis.

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About the Author

🦋 Kerry Wong Kerry Wong lives in Westchester, NY, with her husband, the boy next door she had a crush on since she was a child. She was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2015, after an 8-year search for answers. Though disabled, Kerry remains active as a writer, educator, and advocate for the rare disease and chronic illness communities. Her goal is to help others living with these conditions feel seen, validated, and empowered. Kerry recently published "Kaleidoscope: Rare Disease Stories," a diverse collection of true stories told by nearly 50 rare disease warriors; she plans to expand this into an anthology series. Through her column, Kerry shares how chronic illness has led to transformation, and invites readers to float with her, “like a Buttahfly.”