Spoonie Gift Guide

12 Gift Ideas for People with Chronic Illnesses or Disability

A “spoonie” can be: “Anyone coping with a chronic illness, mental health condition, or disability…” (Read more here )

In this article, I share 12 categories of gifts that could be helpful or encouraging for a person with a chronic illness or disability.

Background: I am a disabled person who's been mostly bedridden for over 10 years due to moderately-severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and other illnesses. Read my chronic illness story here.

This list of gift ideas is based on: my personal experiences with thoughtful, generous gift-giving as well as research on what gifts have been helpful for other disabled or chronically ill people. I’d love to hear additional comments from you, dear reader, in the comments below!

Categories of Gifts Ideas

1. Cozy Things:

   • Weighted eye covers (like Nodpod)

   • Soft clothes, like loungewear or pajamas

   • Hoodies or sweatshirts that have meaningful-to-the-person graphics or words

2. Weighted Items can help with relaxation and pain management

   • Weighted blankets (full body or lap)

   • Weighted stuffed animals

3. Sensory-Dampening Gifts:

   • Blackout curtains

   • Satin eye mask

   • Noise-canceling headphones/earbuds

   • Earplugs

   

   Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

4. Snacks and Hydration

   1. Electrolyte powders and drops

   2. Snacks (nuts, fruits, chocolate); make sure you’re aware of any dietary restrictions

5. Easy Meals:

   • Gift cards to nearby restaurants

   • Meal delivery services

   • If tolerated, bring them pre-cooked meals from home or the store.

6. Body Care Items:

   • Large body wipes for those who struggle to shower

   • Soothing bath products to ease pain (Epsom salts, bubble bath, bath bombs, gentle scents if tolerated)

   • Soap, deodorant, shampoo

   • Simple makeup items (I like items that function as blush, lip balm, and eye shadow!)

   • Massage Tools

7. Beautiful Things!

   • Candles (if fragrance is tolerated)

   • Dimmable lights

   • Art or decor

   • Flowers or plants

   • Personalized mugs

   • A meaningful piece of jewelry

8. Accessibility Gifts:

   • Shower stools

   • Supportive pillows

   • HEPA air purifiers

   • Compression socks/leggings

   • Money towards a mobility device (cane, walker, wheelchair, wheeled bed)

   • Bed/Lap Desk

   • Mini refrigerator for their bedroom (for those who are bedbound)

9. Low-Energy Hobby Gifts:

   • Books, audiobooks, or e-books

   • Supplies for crafts, art, writing, or coloring

   • Helping them access movies or TV shows (if tolerated)

   • Meditation apps

   • Games (physical or electronic)

10. Cards and Words of Encouragement:

    • Cards with kind messages (“I care about you.” “I saw something beautiful that reminded me of you.” “Here’s a way that you make a difference in my life.” “I researched your diagnosis.” “You are so valuable.”)

    • Texts

    • “Likes” or comments on social media or Substack :)

11. Practical Help:

    • Cleaning

    • Babysitting

    • Driving to appointments

    • Grocery Pick-up

    • Filling out paperwork

12. Learn, Advocate, and Include:

    • Educate yourself about their illness or diagnosis

    • Learn about their accessibility needs

    • Advocate for—and create—accessible spaces and events

    • Ask them what kind of social activities they might be up for and then invite them to one.

      

      Photo by Takehiro Tomiyama on Unsplash

Most Important Advice:

• Everyone is different, so ask the person what they need!

• They may be hesitant to share. You may need to demonstrate trustworthiness over a period of time before they feel comfortable opening up to you. Be patient, don’t push, and keep learning.

Questions for You:

• How have people cared for you in meaningful ways, especially if you are ill or disabled?

• How have you shown practical care for other people?

• If you're chronically ill, which gift category resonates with you the most?

• What would you add to the list?

Thank you for reading! It really encourages my heart! :)

If you enjoy my writing, and if you are able to do so, would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? Other ways to support me include: 1) interacting with this post (by forwarding it to a friend, sending me an email, liking it, commenting on it), 2) purchasing a health/home item from our Amazon needs wish list, or 3) using the referral links below for products and services that I’ve tried and love!

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HAIR and BODY PRODUCTS 💈

$15 off Madison Reed low-fragrance hair dye

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 🎭

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