Last time, I shared a list of 21 of the Most Amazing Chronic Illness Gift Guides – lists that were created specifically with those living with chronic illness and pain in mind. This week, I thought it’d be helpful to share a list of 10 businesses owned by chronic illness and disabled entrepreneurs to support during the holidays.

Below, I’ll explain a bit about why it’s important to support businesses owned by those with chronic illness and disabilities, and then we’ll get straight into the list. No matter what you celebrate this season, I’m sure you’ll find something helpful for you or a loved one, and I know your purchase will mean so much to the businesses owned by chronic illness and disabled entrepreneurs you support!

Disclaimer:

This post, related lists, and all items are not sponsored by these shops and I get nothing in return for you purchasing from these lists. Please see each individual site’s affiliate disclaimer for details on how they may or may not benefit from your purchase.

Additionally, while I talk about my own experience, and information based on my own research, and offer tips for maintaining wellness while dealing with a chronic illness, I’m not a licensed medical physician, psychotherapist, or psychologist, and I’m not offering medical or psychiatric advice.

For my full disclaimer policy, go here.

Why buying from businesses owned by the chronically ill is important:

• You have the opportunity to support a small business, rather than big-box companies – your money will go to actual people, and not corporations.

• These shops are created by and for those with chronic illness and disabilities.

• Oftentimes, spoonies can’t work a “regular” 9-5 job, and so they create their own business as a way to support themselves that allows them to meet their needs as someone with a chronic illness and/or disability.
  

• Having a creative outlet helps distract spoonies from pain, and gives them a sense of purpose – supporting spoonie-owned businesses can reinforce these.

Here’s a list of 10 businesses owned by chronically ill and disabled entrepreneurs to support this holiday season:

1. Spoonie Threads
   • Featuring adaptive clothing and accessories for those battling cancer, disabilities, and chronic illnesses.
2. Pretty Sick Supply
   • Features shops & products from Spoonie entrepreneurs from around the web. Some of the products include clothing, accessories, jewelry, dolls, mobility aid decor, and more!
3. The Unchargeables
   • This shop has tons of products from clothing to mugs, created with the purpose of helping people with chronic illness & pain, and those with mental illness, express themselves and feel more visible.
4. Chronically Chic Boutique
   • Created with the intention of allowing those with chronic conditions to be surrounded by beauty, this shop specializes in unique and chic pill boxes, masks, and mask chains to add some style to their healthcare routines.
5. Em & Friends
   • This shop seeks to “make cards and products for the relationships people really have and the lives we really lead: relationships and lives that are messy and beautiful, tricky and wonderful, and a whole bunch of everything else in between.”
6. The Spoonie Sister Shop
   • Lots of fun items created by and for spoonies” to help those with chronic illnesses feel understood, validated, and supported in their medical journeys.”
   • The Spoonie Sister Shop also donates 10% of shop proceeds every month to NORD® for rare disease advocacy + research!
7. Unstigma
   • Fun & inclusive chronic illness items, as well as other unique designs to show off your quirky style.
8. It’s Alice Ella
   • This shop features sassy spoonie-inspired items to add feisty fun to your spoonie life.
9. Grace and Brace
   • Designs created to help those with chronic illness feel seen, heard, supported, validated and love. Also includes non-spoonie specific designs.
10. Bear Hug Gifts
    • Personalized gift boxes that come in a cute box that unfolds to show two outstretched arms that read “consider this a bear hug”. They also offer premade boxes, too!

I hope these shops give you options and ideas to help make your gift-giving season merry & bright!

Don’t forget if you haven’t already, be sure to check out my list of 21 of the Most Amazing Chronic Illness Gift Guides formore fun ideas for the spoonie in your life.

And, if you buy something from one of these lists, be sure to come back and let me know how it worked out!

May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and spoons if you need them!

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