Holiday Gift Guide: Made by Spoonies, for Spoonies
The holiday season is upon us once again! We have all heard the phrase “shop small”. But you might not know that many people affected by chronic illnesses turn to self-employment through creating their own small businesses. Because living with a chronic condition can be unpredictable, working a typical 9-5 office job can make it quite difficult. Often, people who live with chronic conditions need flexibility in their work schedules. Which is why folks living with chronic conditions will turn to self-employment. Creating their own small businesses can be easier to manage than other employment options. When you are navigating the unpredictability of symptom flares or frequent doctors’ appointments, being able to set your own schedule and work at your own pace is key.
The holiday season is the perfect time to shop small and show these small businesses the support they deserve. That’s why we have created this holiday guide full of gift ideas that are all created and founded by people living with chronic conditions. Not only are these products created by Spoonies, they also make great gifts for the spoonie in your life — or even yourself!
That Girl With Arthritis shop by Brianna, a rheumatoid arthritis and lupus warrior. Her page was created to help raise awareness and foster community for those living with invisible illness. In her shop you will find these stunning glass ornaments that feature several different chronic illnesses for you wish to represent on your Christmas tree! Brianna has also offers cozy sweatshirts, t-shirts and hats with phrases like ”out of spoons” and “chronially ch(ill)” for repping chronic illness with humor.
HabitualHerbsCo was created by Michele, a chronic pain warrior. Her products are made with fellow chronic illness warriors and spoonies in mind. Her shop provides handmade therapy dough infused with pure essential oils to gently increase hand strength, relieve stress and anxiety. The dough is made with clean ingredients like coconut oil and aromatic botanicals.
Bonus Gift idea- this shop also offers a download for a daily planner for spoonies, which you can have printed and put into a notebook or binder!
EverBraveCo features incredible art and designs by Bria, who lives with multiple chronic conditions. Bria’s work highlights disability pride by portraying folks proudly using mobility aids. The artwork is a perfect addition to any spoonie home, as a reminder of strength. Bria’s shop also has apparel, bags and cards with encouraging messages like “you are enough” “brave soul” and the very important reminder, “chronic illness is not a linear journey”
The Spoonie Sister Shop was created by Michelle to help raise awareness for chronic medical conditions! The designs aim to help patients feel understood, validated, confident, and proud of where they are in their chronic illness journey. Michelle’s shop has a variety of general invisible illness apparel, like this beautiful “fighting invisible battles” sweatshirt, as well as plenty of customizable options for folks who are hoping to represent their rare conditions.
Heather is a CFS and Fibro warrior who created PrettySickDesigns. Her shop offers everything from jewelry made with essential oils to encouraging greeting cards, and chronic illness journals, the perfect combo for a thoughtful care package for the spoonie in your life!
Shop the Chronius health x Spoonie Sister shop collaboration “Warrior Wear”! If you believe that being an informed patient means being an empowered patient, this “Never Underestimate the Power of an Informed Patient” is perfect. Or for someone with chronic illness that may not find having it a joy, but know how to keep our sense of humor about it, this funny chronic illness rating “Would Not Recommend“ t-shirt, is great! Designed with chronic illness warriors and their budgets in mind, all items are sold at cost.
And don’t forget to sign up for the Chronius waitlist! With Chronius in your pocket you’ll go into every health visit ready to share your care journey and knowledgeable about your conditions.
The most important thing to remember when shopping for a loved one with a chronic illness is that your thoughtfulness and support is what matters most, and if you are able to purchase from a spoonie owned small business, you will not only bring joy to your loved one but to the business owner as well! If you are in search of even more ideas for chronic illness friendly gifts check out these blog posts:
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
