December 5th, 2023 | 9 min. read
While IVF an amazing process that results in the birth of thousands of long-awaited babies each year, it's also physically and emotionally taxing. These practical, comforting gift ideas from a former fertility patient will help make the experience just a little easier.
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Meet IVF Warrior Katie
We asked Katie, an IVF veteran, what she would recommend as the best gifts for those going through treatment, and she personally helped us compile this ultimate gift guide for IVF patients.
As a former patient at Illume Fertility who began her fertility journey back in 2017, finally welcoming a daughter in 2020, and a son in 2022, Katie knows what an IVF warrior needs!
Whether you're looking for must-have items for yourself as you start a cycle or want to show someone else how much you care as they navigate their own fertility journey, there's something for everyone on this list.
Read on for her top picks at each stage of the process (or jump to the full gift guide).
IVF Cycle Planning Gift Ideas
MyVitro IVF Support Kit
One easy way to feel more in control while preparing for an IVF cycle is establishing a system for organizing medications and other supplies in a way that makes everything accessible and less overwhelming.
MyVitro's Essential IVF Support Kit was developed with that very goal in mind! The kit includes their Fertility Caddy, Shot Station, Fridge Box, travel case, and hot and cold packs to ensure you don't forget any essential items.
IVF Planner
This LGBTQ+ inclusive fertility treatment planner (developed with IVF, IUI, and reciprocal IVF in mind) acts as a comprehensive tracker for your cycle, complete with coping strategies and treatment plan support.
Bonus: It's easy to print from home and store how you wish.
Pill Box
Want to keep it a little simpler? Grab a basic pill box.
During your IVF protocol, you’re often taking meds three times a day. To help you stay on track, grab a medication organizer. Individual, removable daily pill pop-out containers also make traveling during an IVF cycle a whole lot easier.
Fertility Affirmation Cards
These fertility-focused affirmation cards are perfect at any point during IVF, but especially during periods of waiting or anxiousness. With reminders like "I trust my body," these cards help to reinforce that you are capable and worthy of having a baby - and you can do this.
Want something a little more personalized? Learn how to create your own fertility mantra with the help of Fertile Yoga founder Lisa Rosenthal.
IVF Milestone Cards
Whether you want to publicly document the process or simply capture each milestone for yourself, these beautiful, wooden IVF milestone cards help commemorate each part of your journey.
Katie's Story, Part 1
Katie shares her long journey through multiple pregnancy losses, three rounds of IVF, and finally meeting her rainbow baby.
IVF Protocol Support Gift Ideas
IVF Supply Pouch
A zippered pouch is perfect for storing IVF protocol supplies like needles, alcohol swabs, or other items you may need handy during the stimulation phase of treatment.
Gel Hot/Cold Packs
To numb the injection site before progesterone in oil (PIO) shots, some IVF patients like to place a cold pack on the area. After injection, a heated pack can help the PIO disperse in the muscle so it doesn’t stay in one place.
Fun Band-Aids
Listen, if you have to go through all these injections during IVF, you at least deserve some fun, colorful Band-Aids. Lighten the mood with some cheery prints.
Embryo Transfer Day Gifts
The big moment is finally here...embryo transfer day!
Every IVF warrior works so hard to make it to this exciting milestone in their fertility journey, and whether it's your third transfer or your first, it's worth honoring and celebrating (even alongside the anxiety that may come with the impending two-week wait afterwards).
These cozy, inspiring gift ideas will help provide hope - and some much-needed humor.
Transfer Day Socks
Show up to your transfer in style with some “good luck” confidence-boosting socks. There are many socks with humorous IVF sayings, but if you prefer a simple print, pineapples are a classic choice.
Jewelry
Wearing a good luck charm on transfer day certainly can't hurt! There are plenty of beautiful IVF and fertility-related necklaces and bracelets to choose from, many of which were created especially to encourage IVF warriors.
Many even include a pineapple, which is a symbol embraced by the fertility community.
Why pineapples? The idea behind it is that pineapple core contains an enzyme called bromelain, which some theorize could help with implantation on embryo transfer day. While there's no research to back that theory up, we agree that pineapple is a delicious treat on transfer day and can't hurt!
Soft Blanket
Yep, the name of the game on embryo transfer day is COZY.
On this milestone day, you deserve to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible! A soft, warm blanket is the perfect thing to cuddle up under pre or post-transfer.
Meal Delivery Gift Card
Take one thing off your plate after transfer day by ordering in using a service like DoorDash or GrubHub! This is a great gift card idea for anyone around transfer day (or at any point during fertility treatment).
Cozy Pajamas
After embryo transfer, there's nothing better than putting on a comfy, soft pajama set and curling up on the couch with your favorite TV show and a cup of tea.
Can I take a pregnancy test?
Waiting isn't easy, especially when you've worked so hard to get to this point. An expert fertility nurse answers common questions about the two week wait and how to cope.
Gifts Ideas for the Two Week Wait
Any fertility warrior will tell you just how difficult the dreaded "two week wait" is.
For those not in the know, the two week wait is the time period between ovulation, an embryo transfer or day of your intrauterine insemination (IUI) where you're waiting to be able to take a pregnancy test.
This time is filled with uncertainty and anxiety for most who are trying to conceive - meaning distraction is key. Here are some must-have items to help pass the time a little faster:
Embroidery Starter Kit
Creativity is a great way to help distract yourself and ease your mind while in the two week wait. Picking up a new hobby like embroidery keeps your hands and mind busy.
Want another way to stay busy? Join one of our fertility support groups, which offer a safe, private space to open up about what you're going through, find like minded fellow patients, and get support from our Patient Advocate, Lisa Rosenthal.
Coloring & Lettering Kits
The two week wait is a great time to practice a new skill like lettering or calligraphy, or simply keep your brain focused on something simple like coloring. There are lots of options, from IVF and fertility-focused coloring books to traditional coloring books.
Fellow fertility warrior Sarah Shockley even created a coloring book specifically for the two week wait. Be sure to pick up a pack of colored pencils or pens too!
Fertility-Focused Books
Want to hear some relatable stories from others who have battled infertility? Here are a few of our favorites, ranging from poignant to humorous to downright absurd:
- Hilariously Infertile - Our friend Karen Jeffries wrote one of the best books about infertility we've ever read. She somehow injects humor into a very unfunny, challenging journey.
- The Trying Game - After documenting her fertility journey in The New York Times "Fertility Diary" column, Amy Klein wrote the book she wished she'd had while trying to get pregnant.
- The Underwear in My Shoe - One woman's quest to start a family, and an honest look at the emotional roller coaster of infertility.
Pineapple Popper
This silicone sensory toy helps ease anxiety and stress on the go or while in the waiting room. Imagine quiet, portable bubble wrap that never needs to be thrown away!
Hope Sweatshirt
During this challenging waiting period, having a visual reminder to stay hopeful can be really helpful - especially on days where you're feeling anxious. Grab this cozy 'Hope' sweatshirt to help you stay comfy.
Pineapple Stress Ball
Yep, another pineapple item...we have to keep it on theme! This stress-relieving sensory pineapple is the perfect squishy anxiety reliever - one that's even small enough to fit in your purse for fertility clinic appointments.
You've Got This, Warrior
Whether you're a seasoned IVF veteran like Katie or just about to embark on your very first treatment cycle, these must-have IVF items will help make your journey a little bit more comfortable and doable.
And if you're a friend or family member looking to support a loved one through the roller coaster of infertility - we hope that these gift ideas help you put together the perfect IVF care package. Here at Illume Fertility, we've seen the impact of supportive family and friends on those undergoing fertility treatment (and it's big).
Whether you choose to drop off a meal, send some cozy slippers, or simply reach out to the fertility warrior in your life, know that your efforts to connect and show you care truly make a difference.
Get Inspired
After navigating challenges like breast cancer, male factor infertility, and PCOS, parents share their personal journeys to IVF success.
