Thoughtful Yet Affordable Holiday Gift Guide for Transplant Patients

Thoughtful Yet Affordable Holiday Gift Guide for Transplant Patients

Thoughtful Yet Affordable Holiday Gift Guide for Transplant Patients

The best gifts are not always the most expensive. With the help of some members of the transplant community, we put together this list of holiday gifts that are creative, thoughtful, and yes, still within your budget.

1. For the music lover – Amazon Echo Dot

For less than $20, the Amazon Echo Dot makes a great holiday gift for anyone on your list! Available in a myriad of colors and powered by Amazon Alexa, users can check the news and weather and stream music from virtually any online service, not to mention its handy ability to link and control all your home smart devices, including thermostats, lights, locks, and more!

The Amazon Echo Dot is also compatible with AlloCare®, a free, easy-to-use app designed to help pre- and post-transplant patients manage medications, blood pressure, steps, blood sugar, and more — all in one place. Download the AlloCare app today!

2. For the reader

“A book is a gift that you can open again and again.” – Garrison Keillor

We could not agree with Garrison more! Books provide entertainment, knowledge, and reflections. That is why we have created a shortlist of transplant-inspired books — for both children and adults on your list.

Adult Books

Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant, by David Weill, MD

About: Exhale is the riveting memoir of a top transplant doctor who rode the emotional rollercoaster of saving and losing lives—until it was time to step back and reassess his own life.

Saved by a Stranger: Life-Changing Journeys of Transplant Patients, by Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich

About: Saved by a Stranger is an honest, down-to-earth, informative book inspiring hope, perseverance, and triumph for those who are facing the need for a new organ. Through great storytelling, the author helps patients and caregivers feel empowered as they face the challenges of the unknown.

Nick’s New Heart: 30 Years and Counting, by Susan May

About: At only a year old, Nick May received one of the first successful pediatric heart transplants. The story of Nick’s New Heart: 30 Years and Counting is told by his mother.

For Children

Maria Never Gives Up: Are You Brave Like Me?, by Mary Baliker, kidney transplant recipient

About: Maria Never Gives Up is a story of hope and bravery when a little girl becomes ill and how life as she knew it changed. Maria was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of nine. It is based on real life events. This book is designed to help children in their personal struggle with the emotional and physical roller coaster that is brought on by a chronic illness to ease the process and understand.

3. For the traveler – pillbox

For transplant patients, no matter where they are on their transplant journey, medication is a part of life. Why not help make that daily task a bit easier with a well-organized pillbox?

A kidney transplant patient recommended this Motech pillbox, available on Amazon for under $15, based on its unique features including color-coding, being moisture-resistant, having secure lids, and more. There is a myriad of pillboxes to choose from, our expert users recommend finding one that suits your recipient’s personality and travel needs.

4. Something cozy – slippers/furry socks

Many transplant patients report experiencing cold extremities and changes in circulation both before and after surgery. Why not help keep your loved one’s tootsies cozy and warm with a new pair of slippers or fuzzy socks?

A heart transplant recipient shared via Instagram, “Uggs slippers! So many of us have poor circulation prior to transplant and our feet are always COLD!🥶 Also, the hard rubber-soled bottoms make them perfect for a hospital stay (but sanitize them after discharge!)”

While Uggs slippers may not be on some of our gift-giving budgets, there are plenty of options when it comes to warm and comfortable slippers and socks in all varieties and sizes that won’t break your budget.

5. Reflection time – journal

Putting pen to paper can be very therapeutic and stimulate creative juices. A blank journal can be used to capture thoughts, ideas, and other musings. There are also guided journals that walk users through how to live a more mindful life by presenting readers with prompts that can lead to self-reflection, looking outward, and being present.

A simple online search will reveal countless journals designed to fit your gifting needs.

Stocking stuffer?

Need a stocking stuffer idea? How about giving the gift of “clean air” with a new mask?

For many immunocompromised transplant recipients, mask-wearing was part of their routine well before the pandemic. Why not give your loved one a mask that is not only comfortable to wear but also proven to provide protection.

A liver transplant recipient, shared on Instagram: “I love my @airinum face mask with the filters. I wear it every time I leave the house! I think they make great gifts for EVERYONE!!❤”

Happy shopping and happy holidays ahead!