A nice-ish journal for him to write about his new life adventures!? Put an inscription/dedication/paragraph of love and encouragement in the front. Possibly put some prompts throughout the journal to keep him encouraged and or just to give him something to think about. Also, buy some supplies to use in the journal - play to whatever he likes - if he's a writer then some pens/pencils...or whatever you think he'd use in the journal. I frequently use scrapbooking paper, thread, watercolors, wire, cotton balls, googly eyes, fabric, etc.

Maybe talk to him about doing an experience gift later when he feels up to something like that - since he seems to be working towards getting there. Really, though, I just think encouraging him on his path is the most important thing.

You described me to a T, ninazer0. My biggest problem has been footwear--putting on socks, tying shoes, etc. For me, anything that slips on is a blessing.

Beyond that, ever since I realized that my health would dictate my lifestyle, I have been eliminating the material clutter in my life.

What are his interests?

Ardiril: your comment about material clutter really resonates. He used to buy all sorts of prank things and fun stuff (remote-controlled dalek etc) but realised when he got sick that he had a house full of broken toys and no money. It's sort of why I don't want to get him yet more *stuff*. He said that he realised that he was buying things to make himself feel better. It didn't work, but it didn't stop him buying stuff.

He used to sing professionally (weddings, funerals etc)and play Santa Clause for the children's hospital. He loves karaoke. Interests include: horror movies, old sci-fi movies, pranks, anything zombie-related, and some light fantasy fiction. He doesn't go out a lot (or didn't) because of his health and because he's self-conscious about his weight. He's slowly clawing his way on top of a mountain of debt (when he was really ill last year and the year before, he couldn't work and everything went on his credit cards). He rents a tiny apartment and lives by himself. He's not a pet person.

His birthday party (that he spent six weeks planning whilst cooped up in hospital) is Bollywood themed.

Perhaps see about a subscription for a month or two of organic seasonal vegetables delivered every two weeks, if there's such an option where you live. (This may have info) Or actually do it yourself if you have time and inclination.

Or, likewise, if you are a kitchen whiz, give him a "ticketbook" for X number of fresh, healthy homecooked meals made by you. Each time you could make a meal for you two (or you two plus partners or whatever) to enjoy together, plus leftovers that he can freeze and have later.

This, because I think the hardest part about dieting isn't eating healthy as opposed to unhealthy foods, but the strain of choosing, buying and cooking healthy meals day after day when the less healthy options are just so much easier. Perhaps having a few days of just not having to worry about that would be golden.

Or you might see if you can find out if there is an appliance that would make things easier for him... juicer, rice/vegetable steamer, kitchen scale, or maybe a George Foreman or some kind of grill for fat-free grilling lean meat and veggies.

OR... not knowing him at all, I don't know if this would be a good idea or not, but you could offer to buy him a small tattoo... like maybe something small and simple¹ perhaps for his wrist, where he can see it and be re-inspired throughout the day - something to do with rebirth, transformation, change, resolution, or inner strength - phoenix, butterfly, lotus, or perhaps some private symbol that means something to him (something funky scifi/zombie-esque but evocative of change or overcoming adversity?). You could try out different things with homemade temporary tattoos, if he's interested.

¹ such as this sort of thing, or this, and etc., for example; scroll down on this page for ideas for meanings

"the strain of choosing, buying and cooking healthy meals day after day when the less healthy options are just so much easier"

Taz, you so understand!

I have no suggestions to offer, except that taz's ideas strike me as perfectly sensible for this situation, and in fact would be welcome for most people. Wow, a CSA delivery or similar system would be gorgeous.

A gift cert. to a shoe store that sells good walking shoes? Because likely he can, and should, walk.

Oh, I missed the journal idea. Even a small journal and a decent pen would be a nice touch!

If you're on a budget and don't want to splash out for a journal in addition to other gifts, you can pick up a nice usable journal at an art supply store. I just bought a pack of small Moleskin journals, very simple with kraft-paper covers and detachable pages. They're nothing fancy, sell 3 for a dollar, but they're pocket-sized, which is so handy.