The Ultimate Black Friday Chronic Illness Christmas Gift Guide

At Cool Crutches, we know that finding the perfect gift for someone living with a disability or chronic illness can be tricky. From accessibility needs to energy levels, comfort and practicality often come before luxury, but that doesn’t mean gifts can’t be thoughtful, fun, and personal.

With Black Friday just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick up meaningful presents (and maybe a bargain or two!) for the disabled or chronically ill people in your life. So, we asked a few members of our amazing community what they’d recommend going in the ultimate guide to buying gifts for someone living with a disability or chronic illness. From mobility must-haves to little luxuries that make daily life easier, here are their brilliant ideas, all tried, tested, and loved by people who truly get it!

🎁 Megan

Meg is 28 and lives with multiple chronic conditions including hEDS, POTS, and a spinal trauma caused by seizures. She’s a pro at managing flare-ups with a blend of practicality, humour and heart. Her gift list has it all, from mobility aid accessories to tasty meals!

1. Cool Crutches Stick Safe – the genius gadget that stops your walking stick or crutches from falling over every time you rest them against something.

2. A month of Hello Fresh or Gousto – easy, no-fuss meal kits to save precious energy on cooking.

3. Vouchers for Holland & Barrett – supplements and vitamins are pricey but also super essential for chronic illness management.

4. A personalised care package – think safe snacks, migraine patches, heat packs, a cute pouch for meds, and of course, a hot water bottle and belt.

Meg using her Emerald Sky Crutches

🎄 Wendi

Wendi is in her 50's and lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects her mobility daily. She’s a seasoned traveller (and one of our community’s biggest cheerleaders!) who loves combining practicality with a little indulgence.

1. A supportive travel cushion – perfect for easing neck pain during long car rides or flights.

2. A Japanese head spa treatment – a more luxurious treat, but the ultimate sensory relaxation experience! A gentle scalp massage and running water to calm itching and tension caused by MS.

3. Cool Crutches Torch – clips onto your walking stick or crutch to help you stay safe during dark winter evenings.

Wendi using her  Black Crutches

🎁 Jo

Jo is 20, a freelance photographer and university student living with endometriosis, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia. They are a firm believer that comfort, warmth and little sensory joys can make tough days more manageable.

1. Heated blanket – I absolutely love mine, especially in the winter. It helps with the pain from Endo and hEDS and if you lay on it, helps with back and hip pain too!

2. Fancy dark chocolate – proven to help with PMDD moods (and delicious, of course).

3. GOOG ginger tea – a warming drink that's also anti-inflammatory, and relives nausea.

4. Fidget toys – great for hospital waits, pain distraction, or sensory regulation if you are neurodivergent like me! 
   
   

Jo using their Night Bloom Walking Stick

🎄Lewis

Lewis was only 8 years old when he was diagnosed with an ultra-rare bone cancer. His journey has been hospital visits and endless appointments. Now under active monitoring with his specialist team, Lewis has mastered managing pain, mobility challenges and the anxiety that comes with chronic illness!

1. Backpack – as a crutch user, it’s a total lifesaver for carrying everything hands-free.

2. Smart Watch - perfect for medication reminders, heart rate checks, and yes, telling the time!

3. Fingerless Gloves– brilliant for crutch, walking stick, rollator and and wheelchair users alike, especially during these freezing winter months.
   

   

Lewis using his Black Leather Effect Crutches

🎁 Nirusha

In her 30s, Nirusha isn't just navigating life with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, she had a major accident 2 years ago that resulted in many surgeries and a long recovery to learn to walk again. She's given us a few gift ides for both ends of the budget! 

1. Cool Crutches High-Performance Ferrules – essential for staying stable and slip-free in wintery weather (and a perfect upgrade for any walking stick or crutch).

2. Crossbody phone straps – a hands-free essential that keeps your phone close and accessible while using walking aids. No more worrying about pockets or needing extra hands - this means your phone is always close by.
   

3. Apple AirPods Pro – a splurge-worthy treat! I don't leave the house without mine. The secure design means you never have to let go of your crutches (or other mobility aid) to adjust them, and adaptive noise cancellation helps you stay safe and connected while out and about. Whether you want to listen to a podcast, or Google Maps, you don't have to worry about having your phone in your hand as you can control pretty much everything from your ears!

Nirusha using her Sapphire Storm Crutches

🎄Chloe

Chloe is 27 and was diagnosed with POTS in 2016, and after a 12-year journey for answers, finally received an endometriosis diagnosis in 2023. She also manages ADHD and BPD, making her a pro at balancing physical and mental health support.

1. Obi Artemis 2.0 – my favourite heat pad that I recommend to any one that experiences chronic pain. It's perfect for on-the-go pain relief!

2. Pure Spectrum CBD cream – a game-changer for soothing cramps, joint pain, and sore muscles.

3. Cool Crutches Folding Stick – compact enough to fit in a handbag for peace of mind and extra support during flare-ups.

Chloe using her Lavender Haze Walking Stick

🎁 Emily

Emily is 26 and lives with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and other chronic illnesses that have led to her needing tube feeding. She knows the power of good tools, comfort and reliability when it comes to managing daily life.

1. Body pillow – from back support cushions to full-length pregnancy-style pillows, they provide incredible comfort and muscle support so you can actually relax!

2. Cool Crutches Mobility Aid - get the mobility aid! I believe I would be in a wheelchair now if I didn't invest in Cool Crutches many years ago. They are an investment but they are worth every penny!

3. Rechargeable plug-in heat pack – an easy way to manage pain without having to constantly fill up the kettle! It's always ready to go AND you can control the temperature, so you won't burn your skin.
   

   
   

Emily using her Glow in the Dark Crutches

🎀 Wrapping It Up

From comfort tech to thoughtful self-care bundles, every gift on this list has one thing in common: it’s chosen by someone who knows. Our community proves that the best presents for disabled or chronically ill people are the ones that say: I see you, I get it, and I care.

Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, these ideas blend practicality, comfort, and joy, because everyone deserves a Christmas that feels easy, supported, and full of sparkle.

If you found this useful, then we think you will find these useful too: 

Best Mobility Aid For Travel

Tips For Renewing Your Blue Badge

Mental Health Tips When Living With A Disability