The concept of infertility is a tough one. The “why” for people struggling with infertility remains a mystery for many women and men. The truth is – it’s a reality for quite a large part of the population. Infertility affects about 15% of couples globally, totaling about 48.5 million couples. The percentage sounds like a small number, but 15% of approximately 7 billion people is a pretty big chunk.
Infertility is not something any of us want to think about when deciding to start our pregnancy journey. It’s not something a lot of us know or have learned much about. If 48.5 million couples experience some sort of infertility worldwide, there’s a good chance you may know someone close to you suffering. It could be a sister, a friend, or a brother. And I know you can’t help but think, what can I do?
Gift giving for a friend struggling with conceiving is never easy. There are lots of things you want to try and steer away from – things like “parents to be” gifts, potential baby items, items that remind them about what could be but isn’t. I’ve put together a list of some gift ideas to think about next time you want to help but aren’t sure how to.
Gifts to Give a Friend Struggling With Infertility
Self-Care Kit
You can throw so many things into one of these kits, and it’s the perfect kind of gift to personalize based on the person you’re gifting it to. Some ideas that I love adding are; coffee mugs (also something you can personalize if you wanted to, or purchase one with their favorite movie character/quote on it or just in their favorite color), bath bombs (who doesn’t love a hot bath!), a magazine/book (something to take their mind off of things), one of their favorite snacks (maybe a packet of hot cocoa or their favorite chocolate bar) and so much more – the possibilities are endless.
Saint Gerard (Patron Saint of Fertility) Charm
If you’re religious, Saint Gerard might be who you want by your side. Gerard is the patron saint of expectant mothers and babies. He is known for his help in obtaining the blessings of motherhood. His intercession is also sought for difficulties in parenthood. Wear his image and read his prayer daily for help with infertility.
Socks
This one might sound funny at first but stay with me. According to ancient Chinese medicine, the temperature of your feet is related to the temperature of your womb. Of course, this is another one of those ancient pregnancy myths, but the idea behind it is a sweet one.
Anything with Pineapples
Many people don’t know this, but the pineapple has quickly become the symbol and even mascot, if you will, of infertility. An old wives’ tale says that eating pineapple core can help with the embryo implantation process, and things took off from there.
A pineapple-themed gift is fun but also shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about what your loved one is going through–something that means more than any tangible present ever could. Some creative pineapple-esque ideas include:
- A candle
- A coffee mug or tumbler
- A canvas tote
- …and so many more!
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Meal Delivery/Takeout Services
This is a big one! Most couples struggling with infertility tend to have a lot on their mind and are under the constant stress of hoping and thinking about the future. One thing nobody wants to think about when their brains are already consumed with other thoughts is what to make for dinner or any meal for that matter. Programs like Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, Doordash, etc., can be lifesavers in moments like this. Gift cards will go a long way and will be extremely appreciated for those days that the last thing they feel like doing is cooking!
Journal
This one is an important gift and may depend on the person you’re purchasing for. Although some people may not want to talk or share their fertility concerns, it can be very therapeutic to others. For me, writing brings me peace, and it helps to get it all out on a piece of paper. It’s a great idea to throw one in a gift package and for the receiver to use it as they see fit. Maybe they just use it to write down their grocery list or what they need to get from the drugstore, or maybe it brings them solace as they write about their journey and their feelings.
Planner
There can be a lot of appointments and steps for couples going through fertility treatments. If you know that your friend loves a good planner, The IVF Planner is a perfect gift. This planner is a purposefully designed planner for women going through fertility treatments. It offers a place to keep everything together and organize their fertility process. It has everything she’ll need because an IVF patient professionally designed it.
Spa Day
The world we live in right now is a bit different than what we’re used to, and this may not be an option in some places right now. However, purchasing a gift card for a massage or just a spa day in general for them to use at a later date speaks volumes. Like reading a book, enjoying a day out with some friends/family is great for taking their mind off their current scenario. Infertility and the processes and procedures surrounding it can be quite stressful and anxiety-inducing, so spending an entire day just to relax would be something that some might find extremely helpful.
Fertility Essential Oil Blend
Essential oils are very powerful and can help a person’s health and body. A pediatric registered nurse formulated this oil blend, and it has received great reviews. While this item does not claim to “cure” fertility issues, I’m sure your friend experiencing infertility is willing to try anything. Why not try something that smells good?
Fertility Ritual Candle
If your friend is very spiritual, a fertility ritual candle could be a great fit. They can light this candle as they do their meditation and set their intentions to the universe about ovulating and getting pregnant with a healthy child.
Fertility Care Package
And if you wanted a care package that focuses on fertility rather than self-care, these two packages are beautiful options. These are meaningful gifts that your friend will so appreciate.
None of these gifts will ever completely take away the pain and the struggles that surround infertility. But we hope it helps to either take their mind off of things or helps them feel at ease, even just for a second. It’s never an easy thing to talk about, and a lot of people feel the need to tiptoe around the idea and the word itself. Besides physical gifts, the best gift you can give your friend or family member struggling with infertility is to be present and be a shoulder for them to lean on. Infertility is extremely common, and knowing that we’re not alone can really help as well. We hope this list serves as a stepping stone to helping your friend throughout his or her fertility journey and that it brings you even closer together in the process.
