Best Stocking Stuffers for Spoonies

Written By Samantha Davis

The holidays are meant to be joyful—but for folks living with chronic illness or disability (often called spoonies), this season can also be exhausting, painful, and wildly overstimulating. Flare-ups don’t take time off, energy is limited, and sometimes just existing through the holidays takes everything you’ve got.

If you’re shopping for a spoonie, the most meaningful gifts usually aren’t flashy or expensive. They’re the ones that quietly say:

  • I see you.

  • I believe you.

  • I want your life to be a little easier.

A good stocking stuffer can reduce daily friction, conserve precious energy, or bring a small moment of comfort on a hard day—and those moments matter.

Now for a gentle (but important) reminder: not every spoonie wants a spoonie gift.

Disabled and chronically ill people are not defined by our diagnoses. We’re whole people—with interests, hobbies, favorite colors, strong opinions about snacks, and personalities that exist far beyond our bodies. Some folks love practical, accessibility-focused gifts. Others would much rather receive a book, makeup, cozy socks, or something completely unrelated to their health. The most thoughtful move? Ask. Or listen. Assumptions—no matter how well-intentioned—miss the mark.

In other words: don’t let someone’s disability be the only thing you shop for. Treat us like the full, complex humans we are.

This philosophy mirrors how I approach organizing. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all systems or “fixing” people. I believe in accessible, flexible solutions that support real lives, real bodies, and real brains. The goal is always to reduce friction—not to force someone into a version of “functional” that doesn’t work for them.

So think of this list as an option menu, not a rulebook. Take what fits, leave what doesn’t, and remember: respect and autonomy are the most thoughtful gifts of all.

Things to Do

Chronic illness often comes with a lot of waiting. Waiting rooms. Infusion chairs. Dialysis sessions. Recovery days where you’re stuck resting whether you want to or not. Gifts in this category help pass the time, keep hands and minds busy, and offer a little distraction when the body is doing hard things. These aren’t “kill time” gifts—they’re get-through-it gifts.

  • Jigsaw puzzles

  • Books (including books by their favorite author) and/or e-books

  • E-reader like a Kobo or Kindle

  • Subscription to Libro.FM for audiobooks

  • Diamond art kits

  • Crochet kits (such as Woobles)

  • Knitting kits

  • Hobby items

  • Bookmarks

  • Stimagz (for keeping hands busy)

  • Handheld video game systems

Self-Care Items

Self-care for spoonies isn’t about luxury or aesthetics—it’s about comfort, dignity, and feeling human. These gifts support small routines, gentle care, and moments of normalcy, especially on days when energy is low but morale needs a boost.

  • Comfy clothes (hoodies, pajamas, loungewear, accessible clothing, etc.)

  • Skincare

  • Sheet Masks

  • Micellar Water or Face Halo makeup remover pads

  • Cotton rounds

  • Cooling bedsheets (Sheets and Giggles is my favorite)

  • Travel-size skincare products in a bedside pouch so you can still use your favorites on flare days

  • Bath Products: Epsom salt, shower steamers, bubble bath, bath bombs

  • Easy-transfer Shower Chair

  • Drowsy Sleep Masks

  • Lip Balm

  • Hair Dye

  • Beauty Products (Makeup, Nail Polish, etc.)

  • Hand Cream (I highly recommend Lush Dream Cream and Working Hands)

Comfort and Pain Relief

When you live with chronic pain, temperature sensitivity, or frequent flare-ups, comfort isn’t optional—it’s essential. These gifts help soothe symptoms, regulate temperature, and make rest more restorative. Think grounding, practical, and genuinely helpful.

  • Voltaren

  • Biofreeze

  • CBD-infused honey

  • Arnica

  • Jelliebend Support Wear

  • Plug-in heating pads

  • Click Heaters

  • Ice packs

  • Migraine mask

  • Ember mug

  • Nauzene

  • Ginger chews or anti-nausea oils (like lavender)

  • Warmies

  • Squishmallows

  • Rechargeable hand warmers

  • Warm socks

  • Back brace

  • Foam roller

  • Massage gun

  • Red light therapy device

  • Massage gift card

Sensory Support & Regulation

Many spoonies deal with sensory sensitivity—light, sound, texture, or smell can be overwhelming, especially during flares or migraines. These gifts help reduce overstimulation, provide grounding input, and support nervous system regulation.

Energy Savers & Accessibility Helpers

Energy is a limited resource when you’re chronically ill. These gifts reduce effort, simplify daily tasks, and make life more accessible—helping conserve spoons and support independence without pressure or judgment.

  • Accessible tools (check out my Amazon list)

  • Foldable cane

  • Water flosser

  • Easy-transfer shower chair

  • Wheelchair accessories (cup holder, umbrella holder, bags)

  • Compression gloves

  • Grabber tool

  • Flashlight with easy on/off button

  • Medication organizer

  • Long chargers for devices

  • Lightweight phone battery

  • Rechargeable portable nightlight

  • Handheld or neck fan

  • Sturdy, roomy bag for hospital visits

  • Emergency preparedness kits

Flare Day & Bedbound Essentials

Some days, getting out of bed just isn’t happening—and that’s okay. These items are designed for survival mode days, when energy is minimal and care needs to come to you. If you can’t get out of bed, these things have got your back.

Food, Drinks, & Body Fuel

Eating and staying hydrated can be surprisingly hard with chronic illness. Since I have ADHD, I often forget to eat until I’m shaking and about to pass out. Having easy to grab snacks solve that issue instantly! These gifts focus on easy nourishment, gentle hydration, and grab-and-go options—especially helpful during flares or treatment days.

Cash or Gift Cards (The Gift of Choice)

Let’s talk about money and gift cards—because they’re often incredibly thoughtful.

Being chronically ill is expensive. Medical bills, treatments, medications, accessibility tools, specialty foods, and symptom management add up fast. On top of that, many spoonies have very specific needs, food restrictions, allergies, or brand preferences.

Giving cash or a gift card isn’t “impersonal.” It’s the gift of choice. It says: I trust you to know what you need right now. Whether it’s groceries, takeout on a flare day, a pharmacy run, orthotics, or replacing a comfort item that wore out, gift cards offer flexibility—and flexibility is priceless.

If you’re unsure what to buy, cash or a gift card can be one of the most respectful and genuinely useful gifts you give.

  • Uber Eats/DoorDash gift cards

  • Restaurant/takeout vouchers

  • Grocery store gift cards

  • Laundry service gift cards

  • Organizing gift cards

  • Maid service gift cards

  • Orthotics gift cards

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, gift-giving for spoonies isn’t about ticking boxes or “fixing” anyone. It’s about thoughtfulness, respect, and making life a little easier or brighter—whether that’s through comfort, distraction, self-care, or just pure joy.

Remember: not every spoonie wants a health-related gift. We’re whole people with personalities, hobbies, and favorite indulgences. Asking, listening, and offering choice—like with gift cards—is always more thoughtful than assuming.

Whether you pick something practical, something cozy, or something just-for-fun, the best gifts are the ones that honor autonomy, celebrate individuality, and bring a little sparkle into daily life. That’s the same philosophy I bring to organizing: solutions that support real lives, real bodies, and real brains—on our terms.

Happy gifting, and may your stockings be full of comfort, joy, and exactly what your loved ones need. 🎁✨

Samantha Davis https://thinkoutsidetheclosethouston.com
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