Seasonal Gifts from chronically ill creatives
Not sure where to buy online this holiday season? We have ideas and suggestions that support chronically ill creatives, and often fundraise for medical research at the same time.
Coping with the holiday season can be tricky – whether you are unusually isolated at traditional holiday times, or find your home unusually crowded and busy. Not Just Fatigue has a fantastic guide for carers and chronically ill people alike. It may help you get through the holiday season a bit less battered and worn out.
And now for some gift ideas…
Gifts and seasonal decorations
We have been inspired by the creativity in our community – and encourage you to support artists and creatives using their skills to make art and craft products for sale… Here’s a selection of ideas, inspired by a fabulous thread created by @sunsweptforest on twitter.
Chronic Market’s book section – a great place to start if your family and friends enjoy books…
Founded by April Thompson, Chronic Market is a platform for artists and artisans disabled by the condition ME/CFS to sell their work, share their stories, create awareness about the condition, and raise funds for research and advocacy.
The website is run on a volunteer basis, with a minimal percent taken from each sale to cover operating costs. The remainder goes to the creator/vendor and an additional 5% to the Open Medical Foundation, which conducts critical biomedical research on ME/CFS.
Baubles, bags, T Shirts, candleholders… from Merch4MEcfs
A mix of classy Christmas decorations along with witty and colourful awareness raising themed bags, T shirts and more. Proceeds from sales go to support biomedical research into ME. Slogans / wording may be in English or German. The Merch4MEcfs crew modestly say ‘our products are handmade by us—maybe not perfectly, but with heart.’ – but their many 5 star reviews suggest the quality is excellent!
*** Check delivery before purchase – not all items ship to the UK / outside EU ***
Paula Knight’s RedBubble shop
Paula Knight is a respected artist, illustrator and comic book author. She makes excellent use of RedBubble’s ‘Print on Demand’ service. Printed, shipped and packed on demand to save wastage and also to save Paula energy. Great use of tech.
Check out her gorgeous range of witty and beautiful nature and disability rights themed items from stationery and clothing to homeware and more…
Spirituality and Advocacy from Julie Rehmeyer
Julie’s book, “Through the Shadowlands: A Science Writer’s Odyssey into an Illness Science Doesn’t Understand”, tells a story of advocacy, spirituality and scientific discovery from a unique perspective.
To test the theory that toxic mold was making her sick, Julie drove into the desert alone, leaving behind everything she owned. She wasn’t even certain she was well enough to take care of herself once she was there. She felt stripped not only of the life she’d known, but any future she could imagine.
With only her scientific savvy, investigative journalism skills, and dog, Frances, to rely on, Julie carved out her own path to wellness – and uncovered how shocking scientific neglect and misconduct had forced her and millions of others to go it alone. In stunning prose, she describes how her illness transformed her understanding of science, medicine, and spirituality.
Anna K Wood’s Bird Photography
Nature photographer and author, Anna Wood, sells mugs, posters, prints and more on RedBubble. Saving energy and printing only what is ordered – the eco-friendly bird lover in your life is bound to enjoy a gift from her range!
She has also published a book 25 Birds In One Year, a stunning record of what she sees from the quiet Glasgow street where she lives. It celebrates the joys that nature can bring, especially when you are mostly housebound.
J.E. Barnard – Where the Flood Falls (crime novel)
Crime novels featuring a character with M.E. by J.E. Barnard (who has M.E. herself and has written for us on her experiences with therapy).
About her latest book – Where the Flood Falls
When a phantom stalker targets her friend, Lacey McCrae’s crime-busting skills are tested to their limits.
With her career in tatters and her marriage receding in the rear-view mirror, ex-RCMP corporal Lacey McCrae trades her uniform for a tool belt, and the Lower Mainland for the foothills west of Calgary. Amid the oil barons, hockey stars, and other high rollers who inhabit the wilderness playground is her old university roommate, Dee Phillips. Dee’s glossy life was shaken by a reckless driver; now she’s haunted by a nighttime prowler only she can hear.
Sally Doherty’s children’s book series
Aimed at 9 to 12 year olds (but don’t let yourself be put off by ageist assumptions…) this beautifully illustrated fantasy series make a perfect gift. Get the first one, or buy the full set at once – there are even signed copies available. Along with colourful bookmarks and cuddly bat toys!
They feature Toby Bean, a young carer whose Mum has M.E., and who also has amazing, magical adventures involving witches and bats, friendship and betrayal, near misses and dangerous escapes – not to mention a secret city in the sky! Tempted? We certainly are…
Samazama – handmade fabric gifts
This shop on the platform Folksy raises money for Action for ME (UK) by selling handmade patchwork and crochet items – from clothes to bags to cushions to bookmarks! They are all made by someone with a family member who has M.E.
As the creator says: Like many people, over time I accumulated quite a collection of left over material and wool from sewing and crocheting projects. So rather than these just sit in a box in the cupboard, I decided to start designing and making patchwork and crochet items, and then selling them, and donating all profit to Action for ME.
Got any more suggestions? Drop us a line and let us know… And you may also like another article we’ve written about chronic illness and creative project.
Image credit for picture at top of page – thanks to Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
