OAAC’s Holiday Gift Guide for People with Allergies

The holiday season is filled with fun, family, and friends. It’s the time for thankfulness and cheer, and of course, gift-giving. Choosing the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones isn’t always easy. But when you’re shopping for someone with asthma or allergies, it can be even trickier.

With the holiday season just around the corner, our team at the Oklahoma Asthma & Allergy Clinic wants to share a few of our top asthma and allergy-conscious gift recommendations to help make your holiday shopping a little easier.

 

Allergy-Conscious Gift Inspiration

Things like candles, perfume, jewelry, or flowers are often popular go-to’s that many people love to give during the holidays. But for people with allergies, classic gifts like these can bring more sneezes than smiles. But don’t despair. There are gift-giving options.  Here are some safe and meaningful gift ideas for those with allergies on your shopping list this holiday season.

Air Purifiers

Give the gift of better breathing with an air purifier. Air purifiers help keep the air in your home clean by removing contaminants like pollutants, dust, pollen, bacteria, and more. For someone with asthma and allergies, the gift of a fresher home is a gift that keeps on giving.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing an air purifier is that not all models serve the same purpose. Different models use various types of filters and technology, such as activated carbon, ozone generators and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA), to name a few.

According to NationalAllergy, what is best for one person with allergies may not be the best choice for another. For example, the best air purifier for homes with pets might differ from one designed for small spaces or portability, so it’s worth researching to find the model that best fits the needs of the gift recipient on your list.

Humidifier

Another great gift idea for someone with asthma or allergies is a humidifier. When the air inside the home is too dry or too hot, allergy flare-ups can be triggered. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers can make breathing easier and more comfortable for your loved one with asthma.

Allergy-Friendly Cookbooks or Recipes

Cooking and enjoying delicious meals at home is just as important for people with food allergies as it is for anyone else! Allergy-friendly cookbooks can make for a fun and meaningful gift for anyone managing food allergies, or for families who are simply tired of eating the same meals on repeat. It’s also a great gift option for someone who wants to start cooking more at home but has felt limited by their food sensitivities.

For a more personal touch, consider DIYing a homemade allergy-friendly cookbook filled with recipes made just for them and the flavors they love most.

HEPA or Handheld Allergen Vacuum

For anyone constantly battling pet hair, dander, or dust, a good HEPA or handheld allergen vacuum can make a world of difference. These vacuums are designed to trap even the tiniest particles that regular vacuums often leave behind, so your floors, furniture, and air stay cleaner. They make great gifts for people with pet or dust allergies, since they help minimize exposure and reduce sneezing fits at home. Compact, efficient, and simple to use, this is a practical gift that shows you care about someone’s comfort and health.

Solar-powered or LED Candles

If your loved one enjoys the cozy feel of candles but has trouble with smoke or strong scents, try solar-powered or LED reusable candles instead. These flameless candles give off the same warm feel and flickering glow as traditional candles, without the risk of triggering asthma or allergy symptoms.

 

Gifts to Avoid

Now that we’ve talked about gifts that we recommend, let’s take a look at some that we don’t. The truth is some popular holiday gifts might actually trigger or worsen asthma or allergy problems, so it’s beneficial to be aware of which items to avoid.

Be Mindful of Scents and Pollen

Gifting flowers or houseplants might seem like a harmless choice, but many kinds carry pollen or mold that can trigger sneezing, congestion, or even asthma flare-ups. Similarly, gifts that give off strong scents, such as colognes or perfumes, candles, or other fragranced products, can easily irritate those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Even air fresheners and diffusers that claim to create a “clean” or “fresh” environment may do more harm than good. To ensure your gift brings joy and comfort rather than discomfort, consider opting for unscented, pollen-free alternatives.

Watch Out for Skin Irritants

If you’re buying a gift for someone with skin allergies or sensitivities, try to avoid anything that might cause irritation or flare-ups. Things like body washes, hand soaps, lotions, shower gels, perfumes, and colognes often have fragrances or dyes that can lead to itching, redness, or rashes. These products can be especially tough on people with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

Instead, look for products labeled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or dermatologist-tested. Products made for sensitive skin with simple, gentle ingredients are usually safer choices and still show that you put extra thought into finding something they’ll appreciate.

 

A Healthier, Happier Holiday Starts Here

If you want to give yourself the gift of a healthier New Year, consider connecting with one of our allergists at Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic. Our skilled team of specialists has decades of experience helping patients learn to live better with asthma or allergies. Reach out to connect with an allergist who can share personalized tips, offer additional resources, and help you live life with fewer limitations.