The ultimate gift guide for ChronicBabes

jenni prokopy with chronicbabe purse by Jenni Prokopy, the Editrix

We've made our list, and checked it twice. Well, OK...more like three or four times, because we're a little neurotic. But it was worth it! We've gathered tons of great gift ideas for all the ChronicBabes in your life: the drama mamas, the green thumbs, the book worms, the granola girls. Dive in - there's something for everyone!

Fashion forward

For ChronicBabes, feeling great is right up there with looking great. We'll work our way up, starting with the tootsies: we're obsessed with Smartwool socks, which keep our feet warm in even the coldest weather, last forever, and are super comfy. For winter walking (whether it's shopping at the mall or hiking in the woods), you can't beat Merrell Shoes, with hundreds of styles for all tastes and occasions.

i inhale t-shirt from medtees Keep your lower half in style and comfort with Ann Taylor Loft's new line of pants, designed to fit a variety of sizes. We've heard from many readers that the new Julie pants, in particular, work great for girls with booty. Hooray! We also dig J. Jill pants and skirts in soft fabrics - easy on sensitive skin and supercute.

Up top, check out the ChronicBabe Shop with our foxy t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops and camisoles from CafePress.

Or show off your sense of humor with goodies from MedTees.com, specializing in t-shirts that empower patients with illnesses - and make them and everyone else around them laugh.

Give the gift of lingerie and make sure your fave ChronicBabe has fancy underthings. We think Betsey Johnson Intimates are the bomb!

Accessorize

When it comes to accessories, we've got you covered - literally. For gorgeous crutches and crutch accessories, try Lemonaid Crutches. Carrying pills in your handbag? We've reviewed tons of great pillbox ideas so you can pop 'em in style. For ladies with inhalers, ice out your inhaler like Jenni the Editrix with a custom order from Crystal Icing, or dress it up with one of our newest finds: the Puffapouch, real street gear for your inhaler meds. blue buddha boutique chronicbabe bracelet

Entertain me!

For starters, we've prepped a big collection of books, movies, magazines and more. Or you can check out the Editrix's favorites via Listmania - tons of stuff to keep you or your favorite Babe entertained for days and days.

Our latest obsessions: iPods, the books of Christopher Moore, Netflix (it's so great to get movies delivered when you're snowed in!), and the Atari Flashback plug-and-play video games for your TV. It's retro, baby!

Pamper time

Winter is tough on the feet - all that dry heat and cold weather can really toughen them up. To take really good care of the tootsies, give your feet a delicious rubdown with Fair Trade Foot Lotion from Lush, then wrap them in foot duvets from Restoration Hardware - they're like cozy comforters for your feet.

And keep your whole body warm in fuzzy robes. Amazon has a great selection of comfy bathrobes at any price - pick a fun color or pattern to help sleepy Babes wake up each morning. Or stay warm in our cute ChronicBabe hoodie!

Winter is also a great time to enjoy fragrances via candles, bath bombs, lotions and home scents. Our homes can get so stuffy with the windows shut! And there are some great deals out right now: shop The Body Shop through this link and get $20 for every $80 you spend, or spend $50 and get $15 back from L'Occitane. Here's an expansive list of free goodies and deals to check out.

Go, gorgeous!

If you're a regular reader of ChronicBabe (or if you get our Goodie Bag e-newsletter) you know that we love Bare Escentuals makeup. It makes our skin feel so soft and smooth, withought the weight of conventional makeup. It's the best, especially for Babes with rosacea or other skin conditions - it covers EVERYTHING.

And for amazing natural hair care products - for Babes with skin sensitivities - shampoos, conditioners and coloring products from Lushare excellent.

Get centered

Somtimes the best gifts are things that help us learn. Get centered with great yoga tools to aid in a practice that helps you physically and spiritually.

We also love The Breathe Easy Deck, a small little deck of cards that helps you find your center during meditation and relaxation exercises. Great for carrying in your purse or keeping in your desk at work for little relaxation breaks.

One of our new favorite books to help Babes get on solid ground is Lean On Me: 10 Powerful Steps to Moving Beyond Your Diagnosis and Taking Back Your Life by Nancy Davis. It's practical, compassionate, and powerful.

I've got the munchies

pears from harry&david So you want to get your favorite ChronicBabe some tasty treats, but she's livin' the gluten-free lifestyle. For celiac chicks, check out Laurel's Sweet Treats, offering yummy food mixes to create breads, cakes, cookies, brownies and more, all wheat-free.

Or maybe you're a diabetic Babe...how about some sugar-free chocolates from SendChocolates.com? Or check out DiabeticCandy.com for tons of yummy gift baskets that make great hostess gifts.

Or maybe you're a fan of fruit. In that case, we've got to point you toward the old standby: Harry & David. An Editrix fave since she was a kid, their gift baskets of fresh fruit - delivered in the heart of winter - will have you feeling fit and tropical in a flash. Yummy!

DIY

It's fun to be a do-it-yourselfer! Here at ChronicBabe HQ we love to make jewelry, cook up some yummy meals (we love Rachael Ray recipes), and knit some cozy goodies. And if you have a ChronicPal who's got a green thumb, we recommend you give them a Wedgie - not the kind with the undies, but the kind that helps folks with hand pain go great gardening.

And if none of these ideas fits the bill...

Head over to Amazon.com and go a-hunting. Any time you click through one of our links and purchase an item, we get up to 6% of the purchase price - money that helps us run ChronicBabe.com. So you'll be giving US a gift. Thanks!

Posted: 12/9/2006 in Cool Tools

Be a trend-setter. Carry a custom-made ChronicBabe tote! Order yours today.

By Date: