Spoonie Holiday Gift Guide: For Chronically Ill & Disabled Friends
Spoonie Holiday Gift Guide: Wondering what to get for someone who lives with disability or chronic illness? Check out my holiday gift list!
Choosing gifts for chronically ill and disabled individuals requires thought and consideration. This is because people who live with chronic illness or disability have unique needs and preferences. It’s essential to keep in mind that we have specific needs, preferences, and limitations.
I started putting this gift guide together in August and I checked in with my support groups for their input. It always helps to get ideas from patients for patients, right? I hope my Spoonie Holiday Gift Guide helps you find the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
Disclosure: I do not offer adverts on my site. I prefer to keep my site ad-free. However, many bloggers earn a steady income from their referrals. From time to time, I post photos of me holding or wearing products that I personally endorse because they help me.
If you’d like to support me on my chronic journey, I have my own Amazon wishlist here.
Obviously I welcome any of the things below that I’ve recommended!
Spoonie Holiday Gift Guide: Comfort Items
- Soft blankets and throws
- Heating pads or heated blankets
- Cozy socks or slippers
- Plush pillows or cushions for extra support
- Hot and cold therapy packs
- Warm, cozy cardigan
- Large, soft clothing
- 3D contour eye mask: These have a contoured design that come with a velcro strap and it blocks out light without putting pressure on your eyes.
- KaLaya Pain Relief Products: The best pain relief product you can get without a prescription. Paraben-free, sulphate-free, and never tested on animals. Proudly Canadian, like me!
Entertainment & Hobbies
- A tablet or e-reader for books and movies
- Craft kits
- Puzzle books
- Art supplies
Self-Care and Relaxation – Hobbies
- Coloring books, markers, coloring pencils, art supplies
- Aromatherapy diffusers and essential oils (Proceed with caution with this idea. Many of us have scent sensitivities and cannot use scented products.)
- Bath and body products (fragrance-free or hypoallergenic)
- Meditation or relaxation apps or CDs
- Noise cancelling headphones (I love Skull Candy headphones. They are over the ear noise-cancelling headphones that are affordable and very effective at blocking out sound. They are one of my top tools for fighting pain.)
- Epsom salts and bath soaks (Fragrance free)
Did you know I have published books? I have coloring books and journals in my studio.
My Several Worlds: A Coloring Adventure for Spoonies by Carrie Kellenberger
I’m thrilled to announce that a year after my clot crisis in July 2023, my first coloring book for Spoonies is in bookstores now!
My Several Worlds: A Coloring Adventure for Spoonies offers pages of inky delight to remind you that you are strong, beautiful, and uniquely you. You are NOT broken! This book is made for Spoonies by a full-time Spoonie who has been using art as a coping tool for chronic illness and chronic pain since 2009.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso
MSW: A Writing, Art, & Gratitude Journal
MSW: A Writing, Art, and Gratitude Journal includes 1-2-3 journaling tips, guided journaling, four kinds of trackers for mood, symptoms, pain, and anxiety, and plenty of opportunities to get your art on!
- A5 journal (in color)
- 80 pages of journaling tips, coloring, and art therapy
- Four kinds of trackers for pain, anxiety, mood, and symptoms. (Whether you suffer from autoimmune disease like me or have problems with migraine, headache, or your period, these trackers are helpful to all.
- QR codes link to downloadable trackers that you can access for free. My goal was to keep this book neat and tidy with the option to download what you need if you need more.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves to write and get their art on. It’s also great for teens!
Plant or Garden Gifts
- Indoor plants or succulents
- Flowers
- Gardening tools with ergonomic handles
- Window herb garden kit
Spoonie Holiday Gift Guide Adaptive Equipment & Education
- Items that make daily tasks easier: reacher grabbers, jar openers, electric can openers, and other adapted kitchen tools
- Mobility aids like ergonomic canes or walkers. This gal loves her NeoWalk canes.
- Weighted blankets for sensory comfort
- Put together a flare kit
- Red light device for pain and inflammation
Assistive Technology
- Voice-activated smart speakers or devices
- Adaptive computer peripherals
- Tablet or smartphone with accessibility features
Subscription Services
- Netflix subscription
- Peacock subscription
- Meal kit delivery service
- Grocery delivery service
- House cleaning service
- Magazine subscription
- Monthly book box subscription
- Canva subscription: If your friend is a blogger or enjoys making images online, this is the best subscription you can give.
- Subscription Ideas: Audiobook subscription
- Streaming services subscription
- Music subscription
- Kindle Unlimited subscription
Educational Items
- Books related to their interests or hobbies
- Online classes or lessons in a subject they enjoy
Holiday Gift Guide: Personalized Gifts
Clothing and Accessories
- Adaptive clothing designed for ease of dressing
- Stylish and comfortable clothing that’s easy to put on and take off
- Comfortable slippers or shoes with non-slip soles
- Trtl Pillow for travel
- Compression gloves
- Arthritis-friendly mug
Visit my shop at MSW Shop for artwork and other goodies made by a Spoonie for Spoonies.
Personalized Gifts
- Customized jewelry
- Photo frames
- Paper cutting and collage artwork
- A scrapbook of shared memories
- A photo album or digital picture frame with family photos
When RedBubble announced that they were taking a massive cut from manufacturers AND artists such as myself, I found my own printing service in Taiwan that can do it faster and cheaper. I can have your items winging their way to you from my own hands for a cheaper price from T-shirts to mugs, stickers, cards, and more! I can even send you my coloring book at a cheaper price!
If you want it direct from my hands, hit that email button below.
Have you visited my art studio? Head over there for art from the heart made by a Spoonie with love!
Homemade Gifts
- Handmade blankets, scarves, or crafts
- A homemade meal or a batch of their favorite cookies
- A playlist of their favorite music or a mixtape
- Support your favorite disabled artists and purchase from small businesses, please!
Gift Cards
- Gift cards to restaurants or cafes
- Online shopping gift cards
- Pharmacy or medical supply store gift cards
- iTunes gift card to buy/rent movies
Finally, always consider a person’s individual’s specific interests, needs, and any dietary or allergy restrictions when choosing a gift. Likewise, if you’re not sure about allergies, it never hurts to ask! As someone who suffers from over 200 allergies, I appreciate it when people ask me rather than make assumptions.
The most meaningful gifts show that you’ve considered the recipient’s unique situation and have put thought into making their life a bit easier or more enjoyable.
DISCLOSURE
I do not offer adverts or affiliate links on my site. I prefer to keep my site ad-free. However, many bloggers earn a steady income from their referrals. The decision to go with or without ads is a personal decision that depends on the individual. If you find my ideas helpful, you are more than welcome to make a donation to help me keep my site ad-free.
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Carrie
I'm a chronically ill Canadian who has lived in Taiwan since 2006. I'm a bit of a jack of all trades! I love art, gardening, flower arranging, reading (that's an understatement if you've seen my GoodReads profile), and snuggling with my cats. Animal videos make me cry. I hate cooking. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my garden bloom! Learning about new cultures and exploring the world has been my thing since I started traveling at age 19. A self-professed autodidact, I can speak comfortably on many different subjects and hold a special place in my heart for science, technology, law, health and medicine, and history. You can find me nerding out at home most of the time due to being chronically ill and housebound. If I'm not engaged in one of the activities listed above, I'm probably building websites.Check my About page to learn why I'm taking you on this journey with me through My Several Worlds. I can't wait to get to know you better!
