Are you going through fertility treatment or know someone starting IUI or IVF?
This post is to give you ideas, so that you can make the most thoughtful IVF Care Package possible.
If you are visiting this page to create an IVF care package for someone that you know, I first want to thank you.
The IVF journey is a hard one and it will stress the hopeful parents emotionally, physically and financially.
The process starts with multiple consultations, labs and ultrasounds. Then, to prepare for retrieval, hormone shots are given daily in order to stimulate and grow the ovaries/eggs. All of these hormones and medications have the potential to cause side effects, extreme bloating and lots of sore spots (from the injections). If viable embryos are collected, the process continues with implantation of the embryos followed by an agonizing two-week-wait to see if you were successful in getting pregnant.
And we haven’t even touched on the thousands of dollars that are involved in making this all happen.
It may not feel like there is much you can do to help out, but trust me, having a support system and people that care enough to send you a gift or care package means more than you can ever know.
For you (and for the IVF mama that chooses to treat herself), I’ve compiled this list of over 25 thoughtful IVF gift ideas (& tips) to help you put together the most impactful IVF care package possible.
What to Say to Someone Going Through IVF (& How to Show Support)
I get it, it’s hard to know what to say.
But don’t let that keep you from saying something.
One foolproof way to extend IVF encouragement is to say “I’M HERE FOR YOU“.
This simple statement shows support, solidarity and eagerness to help.
What is an IVF Care Package?
An IVF Care Package is simply a box or basket of things that you put together for someone that is about to go through, currently going through or has recently gone through IVF (or even IUI).
Below, you will find ideas on what to send someone going through IVF.
The ideas are divided into different sections (couples, her, him, self) to help you further personalize the IVF box.
25+ IVF Gift & Care Package Ideas
IVF CARE PACKAGE IDEAS (for Couples)
IVF is often a family affair and can be draining for all parties involved. So, when you're putting together a care package, consider making one that targets the entire couple.
Since readymade IVF gifts for couples are hard to come by, you can easily make your own with some of the thoughtful ideas below.
Self Care Planner / Positivity Planner
Take it from someone that has been through IVF multiple times (ME), the hardest things to do are to stay encouraged and to stay organized.
That's why I developed the UpLift Planner specifically.
It's a positivity and self care planner that is packed with everyday tools that empower and motivate! This includes daily inspirational quotes, weekly affirmations, coloring pages for when she wants to zone out OR needs to focus the nervous energy into something creative, self care ideas and so much more.
As a planner, it also naturally provides a place for her to track all the appointments and medications that come with IVF.
This is a gift that shows that you're really in tune with what your IVF warrior NEEDS!
Dual Heating Pad/Cold Pack
Not only does IVF require many, many injections, the person going through IVF (or their partner) has to give themselves these shots! And mind you, some of them are painful and/or irritate the skin.
Some women find that icing the injection area before the injection decreases pain. Others say that using a warm pad after the injection is more soothing. Some do both!
Well, this pineapple pad can be frozen or microwaved to be used at either temperature. (And they're super cute too!)
IVF Milestone Cards
As discussed, IVF is a process that involves many steps.
Milestone cards are a VERY popular item to have during IVF because they memorialize and honor each step of what is, truly, a long journey. They are also perfect for scrapbooking down the line when they are blessed with their miracle baby.
This particular set is a digital download, which allows you to print multiple cards that mark things like- first and last day of stims, egg collection results, retrieval and transfer days, etc.
If you don't want to go through the trouble of printing cards, you can also buy already-printed IVF Milestone Cards.
Couples Book to Read
A book like "Get A Life: His & Hers Survival Guide to IVF" is the perfect selection for a couple going through IVF.
Basically, it is 2 books-in-1: a survival guide for men and a guide for women. A couple can read it together because each chapter in both sections match and are complimentary.
"Get A Life" is not only meant to give advice, it also shares the personal stories of the authors who went through IVF as well.
Calendar Stickers for Fertility
Google "IVF Calendar" and you will realize just how intensive and complicated that the timeline can get. Staying organized is important which is why this is a great gift for someone going through IVF.These calendar stickers draw attention to important dates and events like when to start meds, when to take the trigger shot and what days to get blood draws and ultrasounds.
Calming Candle
I believe that aromatherapy is an underappreciated way to soothe ourselves. In a high stress time like IVF, it is wonderful to come home to a house filled with relaxing scent.
You can pick up any relaxing candle, but if you'd like to stay on theme, you can snag this "IVF Got This" Candle from Etsy.
They also come in many different scents!
Gift Card
Some people like to write off gift cards as an impersonal gift, but to be honest, they are often the most useful gift.
IVF is notoriously expensive, so a general gift card like a VISA card or an Amazon gift card allows them to buy whatever they need.
You can also do gift certificates for experiences like massages, acupuncture or the movie theater.
Cozy Blanket
Cozy = Comfort, and this is a good time to offer any and all sources of comfort.
For anything from a first period gift to a surgery recovery gift, this extra soft fleece blanket is easily the most flexible gift on this list.
Snacks & Drinks
Need I say more?
I am the biggest fan of eating away my sorrows!
A fun way to add snacks and drinks to a care package is with a theme. For example, you can buy all yellow snacks and drinks to make a "sunshine box" that brings light and joy to the recipients.
(For specific ideas, check out my post: 12 (themed) BOX OF SUNSHINE IDEAS guaranteed to spread joy).
Meal Subscription
Who wants to think about meal planning when going through something as intensive as IVF or IUI. Certainly not I.
Meal subsciption services like Hello Fresh, Gobble, Home Chef and others will allow your loved one to enjoy healthy meals without the fuss of grocery-shopping and prep.
Start a Meal Train (Homemade Meals)
A meal train is a way for a group of people to make and deliver a series of meals to someone who needs it.
Take Them A Meal is an easy way to coordinate this online.
(And if your IVF couple is gluten-free, make sure to get ideas from this post: Gluten-Free Care Packages).
**CAUTION** Make sure to ONLY involve people that the IVF-parents have already told about their IVF Journey. Please respect their privacy.
IVF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR HER
Have you noticed that many IVF gifts for her are decorated with pineapples?
The pineapple has become a widespread symbol for IVF (& fertility in general) for multiple reasons. Some believe that eating pineapple the day of embryo transfer improves the chances of successful implantation. In addition, pineapples are tough on the outside yet sweet on the inside, which is absolutely true for IVF mamas.
IVF Medication Bag
Make all the injections a little more bearable with this adorable IVF medication bag that says "Worth Every Prick".
Wish Necklace for Fertility
This 14K Gold Vermeil and Sterling Silver necklace comes packaged in a jewelry box adorned with the most inspiring poem.
It starts with "She has been broken. She has been defeated. She has felt the pain that most couldn't handle. But yet, she never runs...".
IVF Pineapple Necklace
This gold filled necklace is hand stamped with a pineapple and hung on a card that says "sticky vibes". A simple gift that represents so much.
Cute Band Aids
Talk about appropo! These Welly bandages are named "Bravery Badges".
They come in all kinds of fun patterns and colors and will have your IVF warrior almost looking forward to using a new one after every injection.
Bath Salts
After being pricked, stung and ultrasounded so often, these pink Himalayan bath salts will allow her to pamper, soften and soothe a body that has endured A LOT!
(Just remember to check what stage of IVF she is in! In some stages, baths aren't recommended!)
IVF Socks
Socks are a VERY popular gift when it comes to IVF. Why? Because they're pretty much the only thing that you can keep on during the procedures.
These are custom "IVF got hope" socks on which you can include the name of the family!
IVF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR HIM
Looking for IVF gifts for him?
I get how that can be a toughie. Here are some awesome gift ideas to help him de-stress and show his support in the midst of IVF.
Comfy Socks
He could use some encouraging socks as well!
These "Lucky Transfer Socks" are made from a soft blend of material that they say will hold up wash after wash. (Which is kind of important if he'll be wearing them every single day of the 2-week-wait ;).
Something to Read
"How to Make Love to a Plastic Cup: A Guy's Guide to the World of Infertility" is a popular book for IVF men, written by Greg Wolfe.
The humorous nature of this book about infertility makes it a page-turner.
Something to Watch
He most likely doesn't need any help finding something to watch, to be honest.
But, if you want to gift him something related to the infertility experience (and if he doesn't mind a tear-jerker), This is Us is an awesome show, in which some of the characters struggle with multiple fertility issues.
You can purchase seasons of this show on Amazon Prime.
Men's IVF Shirt
On Retrieval Day and/or Transfer Day, a Tshirt like this one helps him to be the ultimate cheerleader without saying a word.
IVF SELF CARE GIFTS FOR MYSELF
Sometimes you may not have anyone to buy you a gift, but hey, you can definitely buy yourself something.
If you're looking for IVF self care gifts for yourself, here are some great ideas.
Acupuncture Mat
Acupuncture has often been linked to improved fertility (and reduced chronic pain and stress).
This foam mat and pillow are covered in acupressure points to increase blood circulation and stimulate the nerves. This product is very highly rated!
Spa Gift Basket
Not many things say self care like the spa.
This aesthetically pleasing Spa Gift Boxincludes a:
+ scented candle
+ handmade bar of soap
+ bath salts
+ body butter
+ lip butter
+ sugar scrub
Pineapple Bandages
Buy yourself some good luck bandages to put on after every injection.
These pineapple band aids come in a sturdy tin and are individually wrapped so that you can easily pop them into your purse or IVF care kit.
Comic Relief Book
"Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard" is a popular book for those going through infertility because it is blunt, honest and most especially, because of its dark humor.
Here's an excerpt so you can see what I mean:
"I felt like a babyless freak. No matter what we tried, I couldn’t get pregnant, even after standing on my head after sex. I was pretty sure I was the only woman on the planet going through infertility, certainly the only one jamming needles into my butt on commercial breaks during my favorite TV shows. Everyone was getting pregnant around me and no one was talking about what happened if you couldn’t."
Subscription to Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus, Etc
Especially when it comes to those 2 weeks after transfer day, you will need something to keep you busy and distracted. Get yourself a subscription to one of the video streaming services.
And if you need more distraction techniques, read 37 Ways To Thrive In The 2-Week-Wait.
How to Show a Friend Encouragement (That’s Going Through IVF)
In addition to making a care package for a friend doing IVF, you can show encouragement in many other ways.
1. Check on Them Regularly
Let them know they are on your mind by shooting them a quick text or ringing them up to ask them how they are doing.
2. Offer to Help
They say actions speak louder than words.
Likewise, offering to walk their dog or do some housework so that your friend can get some rest, goes a long way.
3. Bring a Meal
Taking the time to prepare a meal is an incredible (and practical) way to show someone that you have their back.
4. Write Encouragement Letters
A letter is gives your friend/family member something to save for when they are on the other side of IVF – with their baby.
(For a unique gift or care package, write Open When Letters, with a different letter for each step of the IVF journey).
5. Be Available to Chat
If they send you a message or give you a call, try to be there to answer.
Even if you are in the middle of something, you can let them know that you are available by saying something like “I am in the middle of xyz, I can give you my undivided attention in 1 hour, is that okay?“
6. Lend a Listening Ear
The art of listening often does not require you to say a single word. It just requires you to stay engaged and show them, both verbally and nonverbally, that they have your undivided attention.
7. Be There Without Judgment
I hope this is not harsh, but it is not your place to make your friends decisions for them. Or even to tell them how they should feel. The best gift that you can give them is to offer your support and listening ear.
...more awesome Care Package Ideas... > How To Make HOMELESS CARE PACKAGES that ACTUALLY make a difference > How to Build an Amazing Care Package for Senior Citizens > DIY Sympathy Care Packages for Grieving Friends and Loved Ones
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I say to someone going through IVF?
- Be extremely encouraging
- For inspiration, see my Infertility Quotes, Fertility Affirmations & Bible Verses about Fertility.
- Avoid making promises (e.g. you will for sure have a baby this time) because you simply don’t know.
- Let them know that you are available with a listening ear, a hug and to help in any way that they need.
Are IVF care packages always a good idea?
Yes – as long as the IVF parents have personally shared their plan to do IVF with you.
I do not think IVF care packages are a good idea if you just overheard or discovered that someone is going through IVF. Every family is entitled to their privacy.
Also, there may be situations where the IVF parents specifically ask that their loved ones refrain from doing or saying anything that has to do with IVF or infertility (in order to minimize stress or anxiety, for example).
At the end of the day, you can always ask before sending one and then respect their wishes.
What are some gift ideas for IVF success?
IVF success means baby!
Appropriate gift ideas for IVF success are the same congratulatory gifts that would be appropriate for any new pregnancy.
Is it appropriate to send a care package for IVF failure?
I would recommend avoiding anything that mentions the word “failure“.
Instead, send an encouraging care package or gift that is focused on “hope” and “future success“.
Dede says
I always walk away from your posts realizing that there is a world out there that some of us know ABSOLUTELY nothing about – and simultaneously learning soooo much!
Thanks for giving us eye opening posts – and don’t forget that your strength is unmatched 🙂
Deze says
Thank you lovely! I appreciate you reading and commenting, as always