Chronic Illness and Neurodivergent Christmas Gift Guide 2025 ๐ŸŽ | Supporting ME/CFS and Long Covid Research

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through one of my links. For this campaign, 100% of my profits from affiliate commissions and Etsy sales during November will be donated to the Open Medicine Foundationโ€™s Triple Giving fundraiser to support ME/CFS & Long Covid research.


๐Ÿ’™ Giving Tuesday Came Early This Year

As many of you know, I have lived with many chronic illnesses for over a decade and I am passionate about supporting the community of people navigating ME/CFS, Long Covid, and other invisible disabilities.

Thatโ€™s why this November, Iโ€™m partnering with the Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) โ€” a nonprofit organisation funding large-scale research into diagnostic tools, treatments, and a cure for ME/CFS and Long Covid.

Founded and supported by parents of severely ill children, OMFโ€™s mission is driven by empathy, science, and determination โ€” and I know they wonโ€™t stop until they find answers.

๐Ÿ’ซ OMFโ€™s Triple Giving November Fundraiser

This November, OMF runs its Triple Giving Campaign, where every donation is tripled by generous sponsors.

This year, Iโ€™m donating 100% of my profits from my Etsy store and affiliate links.

That means your Christmas shopping can help fund research โ€” and every ยฃ1 becomes ยฃ3.


๐Ÿ›๏ธ My Curated Christmas Gift Guide

Here are my favourite finds for 2025 โ€” gifts I personally use and love that can make life with chronic illness and neurodivergence a little easier (and calmer).

Every purchase helps fund OMFโ€™s work.


๐Ÿฉต Somebodyโ€™s Diaries Etsy Store

handmade mental health apparel, mugs and home decor from Somebodyโ€™s Diaries Etsy shop

My Etsy store is where creativity meets comfort โ€” Iโ€™ve hand-designed every piece with mental health and neurodivergence in mind. One of my all-time favourites is the โ€œDear Person Behind Meโ€ Hoodie, a wearable message of compassion that feels like a warm hug on hard days.

The Inspirational Quote Poster โ€” โ€œYou are not the darkness you endured, you are the light that refused to surrenderโ€ โ€” holds a special place in my heart: it was one of my first designs and inspired my first viral Instagram Reel, symbolising resilience and hope.

For festive comfort, the Personalised Christmas Affirmations Blanket is the perfect cozy reminder that rest is valid, especially when energy is limited.

And the Neurodivergent Affirmation Travel Mug lets you carry a piece of self-acceptance wherever you go. Every piece is designed to bring comfort, validation, and joy to the neurodivergent and chronically ill community โ€” or anyone who believes kindness should be woven into daily life.


๐Ÿ“ฆ My Amazon Favourites

chronic illness Amazon favourites including Oura Ring, Larq bottle, supplements, books, back massager, acupuncture mat, REN Cosmetics, NEOM magnesium butter, Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream, Bioderma Micellar Water, stimming toys

Another personal favourite is the LARQ Water Bottle now available with 20% off. Iโ€™ve used the first model for 5 years and itโ€™s flawless. Its UV-C self-cleaning technology keeps water pure and bottle bacteria-free, while the sleek, durable design makes it perfect for home, work, or travel. I love that itโ€™s completely hands-free for purification, easy to charge, and encourages me to stay hydrated โ€” something so simple yet game-changing for health and wellbeing. This bottle is one of my all-time favourite gifts for anyone who loves practical, thoughtful, and sustainable tools.

Beyond these, my Amazon storefront is filled with hand-picked essentials for chronic illness, mental health, and daily wellbeing – from supplements, tech gadgets, and sleep aids, to skincare, books, and home tools that make life just that little bit easier. Itโ€™s a one-stop-shop for practical, thoughtful gifts that support self-care, recovery, and everyday comfort.


๐Ÿง˜ NuCalm App โ€” 10% Off with code LAURA10

NuCalm relaxation and recovery app woman waking up happy and rested and the slogan is a better night's sleep is in reach

The NuCalm App has become one of my most trusted allies in managing stress and nervousโ€‘system overwhelm. It uses a patented neuroacoustic platform that gently guides your brainwave activity from highโ€‘stress beta states into calmer alpha/theta rhythms โ€” shifting you from fightโ€‘orโ€‘flight into restโ€‘andโ€‘digest.  You simply plug into headphones (and ideally use a lightโ€‘blocking mask), choose a mode like โ€œRescueโ€ for deep recovery or โ€œFocusโ€ for mental clarity, and in about 20โ€‘30 minutes feel significantly calmer, more centered and ready to face the day.

Itโ€™s brilliant for people living with chronic illness, neurodivergence, or persistent fatigue who struggle to switch off โ€” itโ€™s not a quick fix, but used regularly it stabilises symptoms, boosts sleep quality (I saw improvements in REM sleep and HRV) and keeps the effect fresh because the tracks rotate and your brain doesnโ€™t habituate.


๐Ÿ’ก NeuroVIZR Brain Stimulation Device โ€” 10% Off with code lAURA10

NeuroVIZR light and sound brain stimulation device


โœจ Black Friday Sale: 34% Off โ€” Now โ‚ฌ462 (was โ‚ฌ699)

The neuroVIZR is a sleek, high-tech wearable that uses coordinated light flickers and sound pulses to stimulate your brainโ€™s natural rhythms, boosting neuroplasticity, clarity and mental fitness.  It works by entraining brainwave frequencies like alpha, theta and even gamma (notably 40 Hz) to help your brain adapt, reorganise and maintain sharper coherence โ€” benefits that research suggests can support cognitive health and even age-related brain vitality. 

For ageing minds โ€” parents, grandparents or anyone looking to keep their mind young and active โ€” this device is a thoughtful gift: sessions can support better sleep, clearer thinking and improved neural flexibility in just 11 minutes per day. A few months of consistent use may help maintain mental agility as you age. I tried it myself and found it wildly effective very quickly โ€” my focus improved, my brain felt โ€œlighterโ€ and more capable, without requiring ADHD stimulants or medications.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: This device is not suitable for people with epilepsy, seizure disorders, extreme photosensitivity or certain eye conditions due to the flashing light stimulation. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any of these conditions prior to use.  


๐Ÿ’†โ€โ™€๏ธ Renpho Massagers โ€” 10% Off with code LAURASD10

Renpho foot massager and massage gun for chronic pain relief

Iโ€™ve been using RENPHOโ€™s Foot Massager for years and can honestly say itโ€™s one of my most trusted recovery tools at home. The foot massager combines kneading rollers, air-compression chambers and optional heat settings to increase circulation, relieve tension and soothe tired, achy feet.

Beyond the foot massager, the RENPHO range also includes the impressive Power Massage Gun โ€” with a high-torque brushless motor delivering up to 50 lbs (โ‰ˆ23 kg) of stall force, 6 massage heads and quiet operation (~45 dB) for deep-tissue relief at home.  And for full-leg recovery youโ€™ll find the Aeria Boot Air Compression Recovery system, wrapping your legs in 360ยฐ compression with multiple modes and intensities up to 200โ€‰mmHg.  

These tools are ideal for anyone living with chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, or fatigue, or anyone who simply wants to recover and relax at home. They provide self-care that feels accessible and indulgent without extra effort.

RENPHO products are the perfect present for loved ones who deserve comfort and relief โ€” practical, affordable, and luxurious at the same time. Whether itโ€™s for a parent, partner, or friend struggling with pain or stiffness, giving them a tool that promotes relaxation and recovery is a gift that keeps on giving.


๐Ÿฅ— Frive Meal Delivery

๐Ÿ›’ Shop here โ†’

Frive healthy ready meals in eco packaging

Cooking when youโ€™re unwell is tough, and thatโ€™s exactly why Frive is such a lifesaver. Their ready-to-eat meals are chef-prepared and nutritionist-approved, crafted from whole-foods, high-quality proteins, healthy fats and balanced carbs, free from ultra-processed additives.  Each dish arrives at your door ready to heat in just minutes.

How it works: You select a plan (3-day, 5-day or 6-day) and choose from around 50 meals each week. Then Friveโ€™s gourmet chefs and nutrition team take care of the prep and cooking, using high-quality ingredients (Red Tractor approved meat, UK-grown greens, ASC certified fish) and clean cooking methods like steaming and baking to retain nutrients.  Once delivered, simply heat and enjoy โ€” less decision-fatigue, less stress, and more space for rest.

If you have low energy, chronic fatigue, brain fog or just the constant burden of trying to keep up with meal prep, this is a gift you can truly feel. I believe one of the best gifts you can give a chronically ill friend (or yourself) is rest + good food at the same time โ€” and Frive nails both. For anyone whose body demands recovery more than hustle, this takes the cooking burden off your shoulders and replaces it with nourishment and ease.

๐ŸŽ Donโ€™t Miss This: Get 40% off week 1 and 20% off weeks 2 and 3 when you first sign up.


๐Ÿง  Brainzyme Focus Supplements โ€” 10% Off with code LAURASD10

Brainzyme Focus supplement trio bottles on desk

The Brainzyme Focus range is one of the few supplements Iโ€™ve tried that genuinely bridges the gap between โ€œnatural supportโ€ and the effect of a stimulant โ€” without the harsh side-effects. Its formulas include standout ingredients like Enhanced Matcha Theanine (EMTโ„ข), Guarana seed, Choline, Ginkgo Biloba, L-Tyrosine, and a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals (especially in the Pro and Elite formulas) to support cognition, memory, mood and energy. 

According to the brand, itโ€™s specifically formulated to help with โ€œADHD-like symptomsโ€ such as poor focus, impulsivity and brain fog.  Iโ€™ve personally used stimulants and various other supplements for ADHD and neurodivergence โ€” many either gave me unwanted jitters, induced crashes, or just didnโ€™t work. What I love about Brainzyme Focus is that it delivers clarity and focus without the crash or heart-rate spike, making it far more sustainable for someone like me who also manages chronic illness, fatigue and nervous system dysregulation.


๐ŸŒฟ JS Health Vitamins

JS Health Vitamins bottles next to a glass of water including Hormone + Balance for endometriosis support and Advanced Magnesium+

My all-time favourite from JS Health is the Hormone + Balance Support formula โ€” and for good reason. Its powerhouse ingredient is Vitex agnusโ€‘castus (chaste tree), which is known in research to support reproductive hormone balance, menstrual regularity and easing of PMS symptoms.  On top of that it includes Dong Quai, Ashwagandha, Magnesium and B-Vitamins to support nervous system resilience and muscle relaxation. 

Personally, after trying track-after-track of supplements for my endometriosis, this is the only one that truly made a difference. I always go back to it when Iโ€™m off the pill โ€” from the very first month I see regular, pain-free cycles.

Beyond this hero formula, JS Health offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, proteins and wellness blends designed by a renowned nutritionist. And the timing is perfect: theyโ€™re running a site-wide Black Friday sale of up to 25% off everything right now โ€” if youโ€™ve ever thought about stocking up, now is the time.


๐Ÿ’ง Buoy Hydration Drops

Buoy Hydration Drops selection of bottles for chronic illness hydration.

These drops are a smart, minimalist alternative to bulky sachets or powders: a few squeezes turn any drink into a hydrating experience, thanks to a blend of ionic ocean electrolytes, 87+ trace minerals, and B-vitamins โ€” all with no sugar, flavourings, or sweeteners. 

I prefer hydration drops to sachets because theyโ€™re so much easier to incorporate into daily life โ€” just add to water, tea, juice, whatever you already drink โ€” and unlike so many powders, these donโ€™t upset the gut (especially helpful for me with gut challenges).

For anyone living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), proper hydration isnโ€™t just about comfort โ€” itโ€™s essential. When your blood volume drops, even slightly, your heart and nervous system have to work overtime to keep up, often leading to dizziness, fatigue, and that familiar โ€œcrashโ€ after minimal effort. Thatโ€™s why Buoyโ€™s formulation is such a life-enhancer: it helps maintain fluid balance and electrolyte levels. A few drops throughout the day can make a real difference in stability, energy, and overall symptom management.

And right now, Buoy has released a limited Black Friday bundle โ€” only 1,000 sets available worldwide โ€” so if youโ€™ve ever wanted to try them, this is the perfect moment to stock up before theyโ€™re gone.


๐Ÿ”‡ Loop Earplugs โ€” McLaren & Swarovski Editions

Loop Earplugs McLaren and Swarovski editions

These earplugs were one of my first sensory investments after discovering Iโ€™m autistic โ€” and they truly changed the game. I used to have panic attacks in loud restaurants, bars or concerts, until I tried Loop Earplugs and the overwhelm vanished. They gave me a sense of calm in chaotic environments and helped me reclaim moments that used to feel unsafe.

Loop offers a range of models to suit different needs. The core technology uses a membrane + mesh system to reduce sound without muffling what you want to hear โ€” whether thatโ€™s conversation, music, or ambient cues. Their suits include the โ€œQuietโ€ models, โ€œExperienceโ€ models for events, and the โ€œSwitchโ€ models that allow you to toggle between levels of noise reduction (for example: Quiet ~26 dB, Experience ~23 dB, Engage ~20 dB) for different environments.

If youโ€™re looking for a gift with thoughtful design, purpose, and performance, they tick every box. The McLaren edition suits someone who values function, sleek design and performance (men or anyone aligned with motorsport aesthetics). With the McLaren F1 Team collaboration you get the Switch 2 mode in McLarenโ€™s signature papaya colour and modes built for focus, recovery and performance. The Swarovski edition is a beautiful alternative to jewellery for your neurodivergent friend, partner or loved one who deserves both style and sensory calm. They make a meaningful, high-impact gift that doesnโ€™t compromise on either comfort or elegance. The Swarovski collaboration transforms the Experience 2 model into a luxury accessory: stainless steel, high-gloss chrome finish, hand-applied crystals (17 dB noise reduction) โ€“ hearing protection meets jewellery. 


๐Ÿ’™ How You Can Help

This campaign means the world to me. When you shop through my links this November, youโ€™re not just buying gifts โ€” youโ€™re funding hope.

Every click, every share, every purchase matters.

Letโ€™s make this the most meaningful gift guide of the year. ๐Ÿ’™


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