Typically, your immune system keeps you safe from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. But when you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system is overactive, causing the body to attack itself by mistake. And up to 50 million people in the United States have an autoimmune disease,

such as type 1 diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, or a celiac disease.

While each condition presents its own unique set of symptoms, all autoimmune diseases are chronic — they’re controllable but not curable. Given just how prevalent these disorders are, it’s likely most of us know someone who has one. That’s why, as someone who lives with one of these conditions myself, I wanted to share some gift ideas for people with these types of diseases that may offer them relief or spark joy.

Many people with autoimmune diseases experience symptoms like pain and sore muscles. Hot and cold therapy may help, so a good heating pad is in order. While some heating pads are small and stiff, this one from Pure Enrichment is wide and plush. It’s large — measuring 20 x 24 inches — and equipped with six heating settings up to 140 degrees F. While it heats up quickly, it automatically shuts off after two hours.

Some of the best gift ideas for people with autoimmune diseases are those that reduce their exposure to materials that could make matters worse, Dr. Cohen suggests. Take kitchen utensils, for example, which are commonly made from plastic. Cohen recommends swapping plastic cooking utensils for wooden or stainless steel ones. This OXO utensil set, which includes a spatula, turner, and slotted spoon, is made from solid beech wood. They won’t scratch cookware, nor will they leach chemicals into food.

People with autoimmune diseases know all too well there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to relief — it can take some trial and error. A handful of books outline different protocols to explore, such as this one developed by Terry Wahls, MD. Dr. Wahls is a physician with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the nervous system. Based largely on the principles of the paleo diet, the Wahls Protocol eliminates processed foods and focuses on an eating pattern rich in whole foods, such as proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.

If you’re looking for a splurgeworthy gift, consider this smart device. Ideally worn on the index finger, the Oura Ring tracks metrics like heart rate, sleep duration, physical activity, body temperature, stress, and more. While these metrics are interesting for anyone to know, those with autoimmune diseases may be able to use the data to quickly identify flare-ups. For example, an increase in body temperature could signal rising inflammation levels from an autoimmune flare. It can also be rewarding to watch the data improve as they implement lifestyle changes.

Reusable water bottles are an important accessory for many people, but they are often made with plastic lids. Cohen says those wanting to reduce their exposure to plastic products should look for reusable bottles made from stainless steel and bamboo. Bambaw water bottles are free from plastic and BPAs. They’re made entirely from stainless steel and bamboo — even the lid. A wide mouth makes them easy to clean by hand, though they’re also dishwasher safe. These bottles come in a variety of fun colors, so there’s one for everyone on your list.

Raynaud’s syndrome causes symptoms like cold and numb fingers and toes, and it can coincide with autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients are often advised to stay warm with thick socks, slippers, and gloves. Hand warmers are also extremely convenient for those with Raynaud’s. This pair is rechargeable, making for a more cost-effective solution than purchasing disposable hand warmers. Lightweight, thin, and magnetic, these portable devices tuck away easily into pockets or purses. They also heat up to 125 degrees F and last up to eight hours.

“A wide-brimmed hat would be a welcome gift for people with lupus and Sjogren’s Syndrome,” Dr. Birnbaum says. “These patients are often advised to avoid the sun as this can cause a phototoxic rash and worsen their underlying autoimmune diseases.” Proper sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, enables them to spend time outside, he adds. This Columbia hat has a 3-inch brim and offers UPF 50 protection. It also features an adjustable drawstring to fit most adults.

Many people with autoimmune conditions have dietary restrictions, so food gifts and even certain cookbooks could be off-limits. However, the Mediterranean diet is one of the most well-studied (and anti-inflammatory) diets, Cohen says. Written by a registered dietitian, this cookbook provides an overview of the Mediterranean diet, a 14-day meal plan, and 100 recipes.

Having a chronic health condition can feel like a full-time job. It can also be a source of stress. While long-term stress isn’t good for anyone, it can trigger autoimmune flare-ups. Help your loved ones relax with gifts that encourage mindfulness. A journal is a good way for them to jot down their thoughts, reflect on what’s working, and practice gratitude. While any notebook gets the job done, this Papier journal has prompts and trackers for wellness goals, such as getting enough sleep and staying active.

Along with inflammation, swelling is a common symptom of certain autoimmune diseases. People with lupus or psoriatic arthritis may experience swelling in the legs and feet, for example — hence the need for compression garments like gloves, stockings, and socks. Comrad compression socks are knee-high, making them appropriate for people who experience swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves. They come in multiple sizes, colors, and prints to suit a variety of folks.

Dairy is a common food trigger in those with autoimmune issues. It has to do with a protein in milk called casein, which can cause inflammation in some people. If you know someone with an autoimmune condition who avoids dairy products, this nut milk maker could be the perfect gift. While they can buy nondairy milk from most supermarkets, they have more control over the ingredients when it’s homemade, which people with sensitive stomachs can appreciate. There’s no need to soak the nuts for hours or use fine mesh strainers like making nut milk with a blender. Just add nuts and some water, and freshly made almond milk, cashew milk, and more are ready in under a minute.

It’s important for people with autoimmune conditions to get in regular exercise, but pricey fitness equipment and gym memberships aren’t necessary to stay active. Walking is a low-impact exercise that many people can do. A well-fitting pair of walking or running shoes, such as these Hokas, is in order. They’re known for their lightweight construction, which makes them very comfortable to wear. The Bondi line is made with extra cushion, so they’re ideal for long-distance walks or runs.

Many people with autoimmune diseases usually have more than one. For instance, some people with autoimmune conditions also have celiac disease, which is when the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten. Even in those without celiac disease, gluten could be a food trigger — hence the need for gluten-free foods. Enter this sourdough starter kit. Most sourdough starters contain gluten, but this one is gluten-optional. Use it to make regular or gluten-free sourdough, which is a good source of gut-friendly probiotics.

Food can be a sensitive subject for people with autoimmune diseases, yet it’s an important one, Cohen says. She recommends avoiding inflammatory and processed foods. While traditional cookbooks may not account for dietary restrictions and inflammatory triggers, this one is specifically created for those with autoimmune diseases. It’s also written by a physician, Amy Meyers, MD, who specializes in treating autoimmune patients. Each of the 150-plus recipes in this cookbook is tailored to reduce inflammation with meals that are tasty and easy to prepare.

Physical exercise has many benefits, including some that are specific to those with autoimmune diseases. Exercise has anti-inflammatory effects on autoimmune conditions.

Birnbaum recommends aquatic exercises to his patients. “Exercising in a pool can reduce muscle pain, increase muscle tone, and help with depression,” he explains, adding that it’s best for those with arthritis and joint pain. Flotation devices like these make for great gifts for those who enjoy water aerobics, Birnbaum says. These water weights come in multiple sizes and colors. They’re also lightweight and quick drying, so it’s easy to tote them to and from the gym.

Sleep is crucial for overall health, yet many Americans suffer from a lack of quality sleep. Poor sleep can also exacerbate autoimmune issues. If your loved one suffers from autoimmune disease and insomnia, consider a sleep-related gift, such as this weighted throw blank from Baloo. It weighs 12 pounds, which provides gentle pressure. Weighted blankets can calm the nervous system and anxiety, promoting relaxation and improved sleep. Plus, it’s made from 100 percent cotton. Cohen recommends choosing natural fibers like cotton and wool when buying fabrics.

Followers of the Mediterranean diet need some spices to go with their recipes. If you’re giving someone a Mediterranean cookbook, these organic gourmet spices would pair perfectly with it. The set includes four spice blends: za'atar, Mediterranean herb, Moroccan rub, and Greek citrus rub. They’re not only USDA Organic, which Cohen recommends when grocery shopping, but they’re also made with sustainability in mind. The packaging is made from 100 percent recycled materials and the company is dedicated to removing plastic from the environment.

Those with autoimmune diseases can benefit from ditching nonstick cookware, Cohen says. Nonstick coatings may contain chemicals known as forever chemicals, such as PFAS. Instead, she recommends cookware free from coatings and made with stainless steel. This pan from Our Place has nonstick properties, but it’s made without any coatings; it’s made with stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, making it extremely durable. It has a deep capacity, built-in spoon rest, and high heat tolerance. It's also oven- and dishwasher-safe, and compatible with metal utensils.

If you’re unsure what kind of gift to get someone, upgrade something you know they love. Take yoga mats, for example. You probably know someone with a paper-thin yoga mat. For autoimmune warriors with joint pain and music weakness, a cushy yoga mat is a must for yoga flows, home workouts, and meditation sessions. This one from WeGym is thick, heavy, and durable. The soft suede material is made from natural rubber, so it not only repels sweat and prevents slip, it also provides joint support.

Allergies and autoimmune diseases are two different conditions but often exist together. There’s also some overlap — both are the result of immune system dysfunction. With allergies, allergens trigger an immune response. With autoimmune conditions, it’s the body’s own immune system that attacks healthy tissues. For people with both, an air purifier is a gift worth splurging on. Look for one with a HEPA filter, such as the Molekule Air Mini+ purifier. Designed for spaces up to 250 square feet, such as bedrooms and kitchens, it’s small but mighty. For those interested in interior design, it’s not your typical air purifier that sticks out like a sore thumb. This one is sleek and compact with a modern design that blends into home decor.

For your foodie family or Mediterranean-obsessed friends, there’s no better gift than a stunning bottle of high-quality olive oil. Kosterina makes premium, cold-pressed olive oil and everything needed to go with it, including a coordinating bottle of balsamic vinegar. Both olive oil and balsamic vinegar are high in antioxidants (and flavor), making them a nutritious addition to any meal plan. They’re also staples of the Mediterranean diet, which is regarded as one of the best diets for autoimmune conditions.

Gluten-free bread is often difficult to find and more expensive than regular bread. It can also be hit or miss in terms of its taste and texture. When gluten-free bread is impossible to find — or has an ingredient list a mile long — your loved one will be grateful for this little appliance. It’s an automatic bread maker that takes all the work out of making gluten-free bread at home; there's no kneading dough or waiting for it to rise.

Like plastic cooking utensils, plastic cutting boards aren’t the best idea for folks with autoimmune conditions; there may be a link between microplastics and inflammation and autoimmune disorders.

So, Cohen recommends investing in a real wood cutting board. Contrary to popular belief, wooden cutting boards don’t harbor more bacteria than plastic. In fact, it’s the opposite — wood has antibacterial properties. A thick John Boos cutting board makes for an excellent gift. The walnut is sustainably sourced, made in the United States, and all natural.

When looking for safe cookware, ceramic is a better choice than traditional nonstick pans. Caraway’s ceramic coating prevents food from sticking, but it’s free from forever chemicals and toxic metals like lead. The grill lines allow for satisfying grill marks on meat, vegetables, and sandwiches without the high temperatures and smoke from using the grill. It also comes in several colors, making for a vibrant and thoughtful gift for those looking for safer essentials in the kitchen.

Some autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s disease and type 1 diabetes, affect metabolic function. This can cause fluctuations in weight — both weight gain and weight loss. Another smart device to consider gifting to a loved one is this metabolism tracker from Lumen. It measures the carbon dioxide in the user’s breath to signal whether they’re burning carbohydrates or fat at that moment. For people with autoimmune diseases that affect weight management, this could be a helpful tool that provides insights into their metabolic health.

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Lacey Muinos

Author

Lacey Muinos is a California-based writer specializing in nutrition, health, wellness, and skin. She received a bachelor's degree in English from California State Polytechnic University. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications and for several brands, such as Health.com, Livestrong, Healthline, Verywell Health, Real Simple, SingleCare, and EltaMD, among others.

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Resources

Autoimmune Diseases. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. December 5, 2024.
Autoimmune disorders. MedlinePlus. June 12, 2023.
Luo B et al. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Exercise on Autoimmune Diseases: A 20-Year Systematic Review. Journal of Sport and Health Science. May 2024.
Tsigalou C, Konstantinidis T, Paraschaki A, et al. Mediterranean Diet as a Tool to Combat Inflammation and Chronic Diseases. An Overview. Biomedicines. July 8, 2020.
Emenike EC, Okorie CJ, Ojeyemi T, et al. From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health. Heliyon. September 26, 2023.

25 Gift Ideas Your Friends and Family With Autoimmune Diseases Will Love

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XXL Ultra-Wide Microplush Heating Pad

OXO 3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set

‘The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles’ by Terry Wahls, MD

Oura Ring 4

Bambaw Insulated Water Bottle

Ocoopa Classic UT3 Lite Magnetic Electric Hand Warmers

Columbia Adult Bora Bora Booney Hat

‘The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: Meal Plans, Expert Guidance, and 100 Recipes to Get You Started’ by Elena Paravantes, RDN

Papier Joy Daily Wellness Journal

Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks

Almond Cow The Milk Maker

Hoka Bondi 8 Women’s Running Shoes

Rowdy Rocket Sourdough Starter Kit

‘The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook: Over 150 Delicious Recipes to Prevent and Reverse the Full Spectrum of Inflammatory Symptoms and Diseases’ by Amy Meyers, MD

Sunlite Sports Water Dumbbells

Baloo Weighted Throw Blanket

Journey Spice Co. Organic Mediterranean Seasoning Gift Set

Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro

WeGym Suede 4mm Yoga Mat

Molekule Air Mini+ Purifier

Kosterina Dipping Duo Gift Set

Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker

John Boos AuJus Reversible Cutting Board With Juice Groove

Caraway Ceramic Square Grill Pan

Lumen Metabolism Tracker

Why Trust Everyday Health

Lacey Muinos

Author

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