Best book: The Complete Manual Of Things That Might Kill You
Who needs a doctor when you can diagnose yourself at home? The Complete Manual Of Things That Might Kill You is catered specifically to a hypochondriac’s needs: It specializes in obscure, hard-to-pronounce diseases that you tooooooootally have. From gastroparesis to polycythemia, this book has got you covered.
Best for the clean freak: NIANPU UV Ultra Violet 21 LED Flashlight
Black lights—those lights that emit ultraviolet light—can quickly become a favorite tool in the hands of the right hypochondriac. When ultraviolet light shines, a number of everyday materials absorb that light and reflect it back. These materials include bodily fluids like urine and blood. If you have that friend who is obsessed with keeping their bathroom clean or is perpetually fearful that the family pet has peed somewhere in the house, this little high-tech flashlight can be a big help.
Best for the anatomy obsessed: Gray’s Anatomy Book
We all love “Grey’s Anatomy.” But let’s face it, so many of those medical scenarios are far from reality. The shows namesake, on the other hand, originally published in 1858 and written by Henry Gray, is a complete and accurate description of the complexities of human body. It will inform you of every single artery and ligament inside you, and is far from a light read.
Best personalized gift: 23andMe Health and Ancestry Kit
Knowing they aren’t a carrier for all those rare diseases they think they might have could put your friend at ease. Plus, they will surely appreciate knowing what muscle types they have most of, whether they are a deep or light sleeper, and how their bodies handle caffeine.
Best for working from home: Ergo Ergonomic Stool for Active Sitting
Neither sitting nor standing for long periods of time are that great for your health, as your hypochondriac friend is likely fully aware. This moveable seat forces users to use their muscles to sit up rather than resting them on the back of the chair, all the while engaging their core and allowing the spine to form its natural curve.
Best for the family: Giant Plush Microbes
From E. coli to athlete’s foot, the Giant Microbes company has almost every infectious disease your friend ever thought they had. The contagions aren’t so scary when they come in bright-colored plushes.
Best decor: Peking Handicraft Pillow
Sometimes sleep really is the best medicine. Studies show that a good night’s sleep (that’s about eight hours for adults, according to science) keeps our bodies working best. The pill shape will help remind your worried friend that the cure might be some simple Zzzs.
Best practical gift: Zippered Mattress Encasement
It’s what you can’t see (or feel) that always gets you. Bedbugs can happen to anyone, and the worst part of it all is that they’re small enough to easily evade even obsessive cleaners. But have no fear. This mattress protector ensures that bedbugs can’t make their home inside your home, giving you peace of mind as you sleep.
Best gag gift: What’s Your Poo Telling You?
Poop can be one of the most important (and easily recognizable) indicators of your health. And thanks to this book, you don’t need to see a doctor to help you interpret it. Written by a gastroenterologist, What’s Your Poo Telling You? provides a complete guide to what the color, consistency, and frequency of your poop says about your health.
Best at-home health monitor: Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
Blood pressure is an excellent indicator of health. But sometimes the readings taken at your doctor’s office are misleading: Being nervous and anxious typically raises your blood pressure in a phenomenon known as white-coat syndrome. This wireless blood pressure monitor lets you get readings in the comfort of your own home. It sends them to an app where you can track your progress and save your results. So the next time you go to the doctor, you can show them the more accurate readings.
Best purifier: Molekule Bacteria Zapping Air Purifier
Home air purifiers are designed to trap bacteria, allergens, and pollutants from air in your home so that you don’t breath them in. But most home purifiers just end up getting them stuck in the filter, and they eventually escape. Molekule works differently: Instead of trapping the particles, it zaps and annihilates them so there’s no chance of them escaping. Take a closer look at our description of the Molekule, which we included in our Best Of What’s New products for this year. Interested in talking about deals and gadgets? Request to join our exclusive Facebook group. With all our product stories, the goal is simple: more information about the stuff you’re thinking about buying. We may sometimes get a cut from a purchase, but if something shows up on one of our pages, it’s because we like it. Period.
