Practical Gift Ideas for Women in Menopause

For many women, menopause marks a significant turning point in their life. This is the beginning of a new era, both physically and mentally: No more pesky tampons and pads, no more period-induced mood swings, and no more terror-inducing pregnancy scares.

There’s something about sharing a near-universal experience that almost every member of the female population will have to go through if they are fortunate enough to live to a ripe old age that can feel powerful. It may be a moment to pause and reflect on the vast scope of life, or examine what it really means to be a woman – to be so much more than our bodies, yet still be bound by a common bodily experience. 

Of course, it’s not all empowerment and roses. As estrogen and progesterone production takes a drastic dip, most women have to endure a period of symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, brain fog, trouble sleeping, and mood swings before their hormone levels settle down.

Being a supportive friend, daughter, or partner means acknowledging those changes and approaching their ongoing transition with a sense of humor and plenty of love. With the holidays coming up, you may be wondering what this exactly entails.

Here are some gift suggestions to brighten up the day of somebody close to you who is going through menopause. 

Present Suggestions For Menopausal Women

Every person you give a present to has their own quirks, set of preferences, and lifestyle requirements that only those close to them will be familiar with. However, women going through menopause often experience similar physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that you can keep in mind when curating your presents list. Here are some present suggestions for the women in your life who are going through this life change.

Nightwear in Thin, Breathable Fabrics

Hot flashes are a well-known symptom of menopause. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can make the body’s temperature regulation system more sensitive, especially throughout the night, and result in an increase in hot flashes when they’re sleeping.

Some nice pajamas are always a much-appreciated present, but we’re sure the receiver will be extra grateful if they’re currently having to deal with nighttime hot flashes. Choose pajamas in thin, breathable fabrics like 100% silk, a cotton-silk blend, or 100% linen to help combat the nighttime discomfort. 

Gift Certificates for Salons

Getting older comes with its own set of challenges that can be exacerbated by something as visceral as menopause. Few things make a woman feel better on the inside than investing in herself on the outside. Going to get your hair or makeup done is often less about external vanity and more about caring about yourself enough to put time and care into your appearance.

It shows the world that you think you’re worth the effort. A gift certificate to your friend, partner, or relative’s favorite salon for an impromptu haircut or manicure can be a great way to perk them up if they’re feeling frazzled from the symptoms of menopause. Plus, the holidays often mean plenty of opportunities to show off their new look, so your gift will come in handy.

Health and Wellness Center Gift Certificates

Whether it’s saunas, floating chambers, aesthetician services, or massages, health and wellness services are a welcome respite from the wear and tear of the world. Menopause can put a strain on somebody’s mental and emotional well being as they undergo various changes and slowly get used to their new bodies.

Help your loved one feel their personal best with a gift certificate to a conveniently located health and wellness center offering services that you think they’ll use. 

Skincare Products

Menopause often comes with significant changes to one’s skin and hair. Skin can become slack, dry, and thin due to plummeting hormone levels. All the sun damage one has accumulated throughout the years also becomes especially noticeable during this time.

Treat your loved one to some skincare products that can help them look and feel better. Consider nourishing products that feel luxurious, like a super rich face cream, so they feel like they’re treating themselves, or a nice high-end sunscreen to protect their skin from further sun damage.

CBD Products

In a recent Harvard study where the majority of subjects were cannabis users, nearly 79% endorsed using cannabis to alleviate menopause-related symptoms. Out of that 79%, 46% reported it assists with anxiety and mood, and 67% reported that it was helpful for sleep disturbance.

If you’re not down for full-on THC, some studies have also shown its milder cousin CBD to offer similar benefits for menopause-related symptoms. Consider some CBD face creams, lubricants, or gummies to help your loved one relax.

Guide Books

Going through bodily changes can feel overwhelming. All of a sudden, the way things have worked your entire life don’t work that way anymore! This doesn’t mean that your loved one has to navigate foreign waters totally alone.

Luckily, these days there are a wide variety of resources available to guide women through menopause. If you know the receiver of the gift well enough, you can get them some body-loving books that educate and celebrate what is happening to their body and help answer any questions they may have about menopause.

Break the taboos around talking about something that naturally happens to so many women and get your loved one some well-written books about sex, vaginas, and bodily changes after menopause.