Migraine-Friendly Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, and shopping for someone with migraine can add an extra layer of complexity. 

Like anyone, people living with migraine appreciate thoughtful gifts. And the secret to giving a great migraine-friendly gift is simply giving some extra consideration before purchasing. Pause and consider if your gift idea could be unsuitable, uncomfortable, or problematic for those with migraine. 

Here’s why: People with migraine can be sensitive to smells, lights, noises, and disruption to routine. They also appreciate flexibility. When considering a gift, look to see if there are any strong smells, loud noises, bright lights, or harsh chemicals connected with your gift. Does the gift require major disruption to a normal routine or commitment to a specific time or date? If so, you may want to avoid it. 

To help you on your migraine-friendly shopping journey, we created this gift guide with the help of our social media followers. It provides ideas for stocking stuffers, self-care items, subscription services, gadgets, nourishment options, gift cards and last minute gifts.

Migraine-Friendly Stocking Stuffers

Small gifts can make a big impact. Here are a few migraine-friendly stocking stuffers ideas:

Unscented skincare 

Lotions and skin care gifts are always appreciated, but people with migraine can be very sensitive to scents. To be safe, go for a product that is labeled fragrance-free or unscented.

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorites include Old Whaling Knot Scented Products, SEEN Hair and Face Products, Nécessaire

Unscented dry shampoo 

Allodynia, dizziness, nausea, and other migraine-related symptoms can make something as routine as washing your hair feel impossible during a migraine attack. Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver. To be safe, look for an unscented product. 

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorites include: Prose, Act + Acre, Primally Pure (essential oils)

Koozies or drink holders

People with migraine can have sensitivity to touch and temperature. This can make holding a hot or cold drink difficult, even painful. Consider buying a personalized drink holder, koozie, or hot beverage sleeve. You can look for something festive or one that has a favorite character, a funny quote, a logo, or an alma mater on it. 

Hydration hacks

Staying hydrated is an important goal for people with migraine. A new cup, thermos or water bottle is a great gift to help someone stay hydrated. Electrolyte drink mix pouches offer a fun and convenient way to stay hydrated while also providing beneficial electrolytes and vitamins. Keep in mind that some people with migraine might be sensitive to artificial sweeteners.

Need suggestions? Migraine community electrolyte favorites include: Possible, Naked, Cure, LMNT, and Liquid I.V. Water bottle/travel cup favorites include: Swell, Yeti, Stanley, BruMate, Hydrojug, Thermos, Tervis

Pill pouches and carriers 

Some people with migraine keep medications in multiple locations to ensure easy access when they need it. A pill pouch can be a helpful tool to stay organized.

Need recommendations? Migraine community favorites include: Mumi, Dosey Pill Pouch, Pill Thing 

Spa-like goodies

Small spa-like goodies fit in a stocking and are great for at-home self-care and relaxation. Think face, hand, and foot masks, under-eye patches, or patches that deliver benefits and pack a boost. Remember to keep an eye out for fragrances or essential oils. They may be triggering. 

Need recommendations? Migraine community favorites include: Good Patch, Burt’s Bees, Primally Pure, Dr. Jart, or Wishtrend. 

Earmuffs, ear warmers, beanies

Exposure to cold, changes in humidity, and barometric pressure can be problematic for people with migraine. Some people who have migraine find it helpful to keep their heads and ears covered on a cold day or windy day.

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorites include: Everlane 100% organic cotton, Quince 100% cashmere

Hard candies

While this might sound like a gift for your grandmother’s purse, hard candy can be a tasty stocking stuffer. People with migraine can experience nausea and sucking on a hard candy can help provide some relief. Look for sour candy, lemon, peppermint, or ginger to help with nausea. 

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorite include: The Ginger People, YumEarth Organic Wild Peppermint Hard Candy

Topical pain relief

Topical pain relief products can be useful for migraine or neck pain. Some people with migraine find products with magnesium, lidocaine, or menthol helpful. They can come in creams, patches, or roll-ons.

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorites include: Asutra, Migrastil, Doterra Deep Blue Roller

Show You Care 

Looking for a gift that’s meaningful and makes a difference? Show you care about migraine and sponsor a pair of virtual sunglasses. Sunglasses are a symbol of migraine disease awareness. 

Shades for Migraine’s sponsor a pair of virtual sunglasses program is a unique way to show your support. You can honor your loved one by making a donation in their name starting at $5. Upon donation, you’ll gain access to a special e-card feature to send to them. With every contribution, you’re helping to spread awareness, educate others, and fight migraine stigma. Oh, and it’s tax-deductible!

Self Care Gifts

Everyone loves a little pampering –– including people with migraine! When choosing a gift, items that promote relaxation, comfort, and wellness are all enjoyable. Some may help with migraine relief.

Eye Masks

Photophobia (light sensitivity) affects up to 80 percent of people with migraine. People can be sensitive both during and between attacks. Eye masks are helpful because they can block out any excessive light. Some eye masks have extra features like heating, cooling, weight, vibration, or massage options. If you do purchase an eye mask for someone with migraine, double check to make sure it is unscented. 

Need recommendations? Migraine community favorites include: Manta COOL Sleep Mask, Bucky No Pressure Eye Mask, Renpho, Therabody

Earwear and earplugs 

Earplugs make a great gift because people with migraine can be sensitive to noise and sound. Earplugs have come a long way from basic foam and wax — new designs have made them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Some earplugs can block noise, play relaxing sounds, and help with changes in barometric pressure. 

Need recommendations? Migraine community favorites include: Reusable earplug options like Alpine Silence, Loop, Happy Ears, Bella Sleep, and WeatherX. 

Heating pads, weighted blankets, and ice caps

Heating pads and weighted blankets make cozy and comforting gifts. Heating pads can help ease tension and pain in the neck and shoulders. Weighted blankets can also provide a sense of grounding for those living with vertigo or dizziness. Ice caps can be useful for people with head pain.

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorites include: Huggaroo, Calming Heat, Valgeluik Heating Pad, SensaCalm Weighted Blanket, Luxome Weighted Blanket, Bearaby Tree Napper, Headache Hat, Icekap

Migraine Glasses 

Migraine glasses are designed to filter out or block certain wavelengths of light that can be painful or trigger a migraine attack. There are many options for migraine glasses. The most common lens is FL-41, which has a pink-rose color. You can learn more about how they work as well as different options in AMD’s blog, What To Know About Migraine Glasses.

Online Classes

Online classes allow people with migraine flexibility to participate at home and opt in when they are feeling well enough to do so. Some programs may offer tools for migraine management and enhance overall well-being. Depending on your loved one’s interest, there is likely a class for them! 

Need recommendations? Look for gentle movement fitness classes, stress reduction classes, art classes, or online cooking classes. Migraine community favorites include: Yoga for Migraine. It offers accessible at-home yoga and coaching designed specifically for those who live with migraine. The Vertigo Doctor, Dr. Madison Oak, offers an online Vestibular Group Fit class.  

Gadgets

Some gadgets can be useful tools to help manage migraine. TENS devices and massage guns can help with pain relief. Noise-canceling headphones can help block out painful or aggravating noises like leaf blowers or crowds. 

Need recommendations?  Migraine community favorites (without a prescription) include: Bose QuietComfort Ulta Headphones, Sony Wireless Noise Canceling, Apple AirPods Max, Cefaly, HeadaTerm-2

Nourishment 

When you live with migraine, finding time, energy, or strength to plan and make meals can be overwhelming. And who doesn’t love snacks or meals they don’t have to make? Migraine-safe snacks or meal delivery service is a thoughtful gift that can make life a lot easier. 

Need suggestions? Migraine community favorites include: Amia Snacks, Dizzy Cook Cookbooks, Hello Fresh, Daily Harvest, Purple Carrot, Mosaic Foods

Miscellaneous 

People with migraine have all different interests. So we added some gift ideas that could be enjoyable to anyone.

• House plants
• Bird feeders and bird seed
• Tasty tea – Full Leaf Tea Company 
• Ice cream delivery – eCreamery
• Journal and pen
• A new book in their favorite genre
• Bathtub tray/table– for folks who like relaxing in a nice tub with a good book 
• Comfy clothes like a blanket sweater or hoodie, or a plush bathrobe 

Last Minute Gifts

Subscriptions

Subscription services provide entertainment, relaxation, and distraction. A paid subscription to a streaming service usually means access to content without advertisements, which is a major plus during an attack. 

There are health service subscriptions too. These can help with migraine management. Bonus: Subscriptions are digital, so there’s no need to worry about clutter or shipping delays. Some ideas for subscriptions or virtual services include:

• Music streaming 
• Audiobooks
• Podcast platform 
• Meditation/sleep support — Calm, Headspace 
• Neura Health (online neurology clinic) Add code AMD15 for $15 off 
• Cove (online migraine clinic)

Gift Cards

When all else fails, there are always gift cards! A gift card provides practicality, convenience, and flexibility that people with migraine can appreciate. Plus, it’s an easy way to show you care without the stress of guessing.

Some gift card ideas include:

• Pharmacy
• Food/meal delivery (Ubereats, DoorDash)
• Rideshare/transportation (in case they can’t drive with symptoms but need to get somewhere)
• Workout (Classpass, Yoga, etc)
• Their favorite restaurant 
• Plant store
• House cleaning or babysitting services
• Spa

Migraine Friendly Shopping Tips:

• Some things are HSA/FSA eligible. Before buying an item, check to see if it is HSA or FSA eligible. That means you can pay with money in your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
• Avoid some stuff! Stay away from scents, bright lights or loud noises. Need ideas of what NOT to give? We polled our migraine community and some of the WORST gifts people received included: candles, perfume, scented lotion, spa items with lavender, incense, flowers, self-help or healing books, unsolicited advice, and a virtual reality helmet.

No matter who you are shopping for (yourself included) thoughtful gifts that offer comfort, relief, convenience, or a touch of luxury can be big winners. We hope these ideas can help make your gifting a little bit easier and make this holiday season the best one yet.  

*The Association of Migraine Disorders does not endorse any of the products listed but may receive a small amount of proceeds or compensation when using specific discount codes or links.

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