Ho, ho, ho and mistletoe, my friends. If you’re like me, then you have two goals for holiday shopping this year: sticking to a budget and supporting small businesses. And bonus points if it comes from small businesses and creators living with chronic illness. Because helping each other is the best kind of gift.
Every item on this list was chosen with chronic illness warriors in mind—whether you’re buying for yourself (because you earned it) or for someone who’s been juggling flares, fatigue, and a medical mystery or two.
Please note, I don’t own or have tested every product listed. These are simply ideas for your consideration, to be purchased at your own discretion.
Comfort & Cozy Essentials
These gifts are perfect for flare days, fatigue days, or the “I had a doctor’s appointment and need to recover emotionally” days.
- Strength & Courage Care Package (microwavable comfort pack set): Handmade comfort packs + essential oil spray—perfect for a pain or fatigue day when you just can’t even.
- Flare Day Sweatshirt: Let people know how you feel! Also available as a mug.
- Custom Chronic Illness Candle: A candle made by a small maker with custom labels, ideally scent-sensitive-friendly.
- Double-Sided Electric Foot Warmer: Regrettably, not made by a small business, but my Raynaud’s toes couldn’t survive the cold temps without this heating pad.
Ease & Accessibility Helpers
- Under Cabinet Jar Opener: Ok, not from a small business, but I couldn’t function without this gadget. It helps open almost anything without aggravating your joints.
- Tab Buddy: Adaptive soda can openers in a variety of colors.
- Bed Rail Traveler: For at home or on the go if you need a handle to help get out of bed.
- Abilitee Adaptive Clothing & Accessories: Insulin pump belts to G-Tube pads – these products are functional and also super cute.
Education & Empowerment Gifts
- Streamlining Sjogren’s: How to Navigate a Path to Diagnosis and Treatment provides over 5 hours of video instruction from Dr. Sarah of Sjogren’s Advocate and me, your friendly neighborhood patient advocate. Enjoy 20% off with code HEALTHYHOLIDAY at checkout here.
- Chronic illness or not, anyone can feel more empowered to navigate the medical world with the highly rated book, How to Be a Badass in a Broken Healthcare System. Available on Amazon (Kindle and Audible included) and Barnes & Noble online.
- HIDDEN Consultants: There are a variety of chronic illness consultants listed on HIDDEN. They range from medical professionals to business consultants. Check them out!
- Chronic Illness Planner: This gorgeous journal system guides you to log appointments, medications, and more without judgment. Each page is designed to encourage your efforts without overwhelming you.
- Patient Empowerment Workbook: A 39-page digital workbook from yours truly that contains easy-to-digest tips, tactics and strategies, including template trackers, checklists, and scripts to help reduce appointment anxiety, and help increase desired outcomes. Save 15% with code POWERUP15 at checkout here.
Fun & Feel-Good Favorites
- Bexi’s Bespoke Revitalisation Skincare Products: Bexi’s skincare products are lasting solutions that improve your skin with each use.
- Mariposa Lily Design: Featured as a HIDDEN entrepreneur, Heidi Guist creates high-quality gemstone jewelry. I felt fancy just looking through the website.
- Sugar Camp: Another HIDDEN entrepreneur, Val Smith, creates bandanas made to lift your mood and help you show up as your most authentic self. You have to check these out – they are so gorgeous!
- Sassy Stickers from The Thought Collective: The “Your Labs Look Great” sticker is a personal fave.
Please join my efforts to uplift small businesses this holiday season by leaving a comment of a brand you recommend or tagging me in a product on social media.
Wishing you and yours a safe, happy and healthy holiday season!
Little Engine Patient Advocacy 
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