Christmas Gift Guide 2022

Introduction to the Christmas Gift Guide 2022

Welcome to the RR Christmas Gift Guide 2022! Many gift guides for people with chronic illness and disability focus on specific aids and adaptations. And those are definitely helpful! This Christmas gift guide is a little different. The gifts here are those which anyone might enjoy, but they are chosen and tested with chronically ill and disabled recipients in mind. As everyone is different, please bear in mind your own support needs or those of the intended recipient when choosing.

The partner companies are selected for the quality of their products and the ethos of their brand. In particular their commitment to sustainability and social enterprise. The items featured here are gifted in exchange for an honest review. Many items have discount codes to reduce purchase costs. A few codes are affiliate, so I will receive a small percentage from sales at no additional cost to you. If you are reading this post after Christmas 2022, do check the discounts highlight on Instagram as I try to keep codes updated there for the brands with ongoing collaboration.

Cosyfeet Socks

Cosyfeet make extra roomy shoes and socks without compromising on style. They are suitable for those with diabetes, swollen feet, reduced mobility, or other difficulties with standard fitting footwear. They’re recommended by many UK podiatrists, chiropodists and occupational therapists.

Cosyfeet have a wide range of socks in a variety of styles and colours. I chose the Supreme Comfort Socks (in oatmeal) for day time (£21.50 for 2 pairs) and the Super Soft Bed Socks (in ivory) for nights (£17.50 for 2 pairs). I cannot recommend them highly enough! The Supreme Comfort socks are really stretchy so very easy to put on (by me or carer) yet they’re not baggy or saggy. They feel soft, comfortable (smooth toe joint) and keep my feet at the perfect temperature. I was surprised they are so adaptive to temperature, this is due to the composition of cotton and merino wool fabric. Merino is moisture wicking, breathable and has in-built climate control properties.

The Super Soft bed socks really are super soft, they’re also super comfy as they have a very loose fit. Poor circulation means I often have chilly feet and these are warm and cosy. If you need warm socks for day wear, check out the gripped socks. These have a very soft terrycloth lining, loose ankle fit and slip-resistant tread. Both the supreme comfort and super soft bed socks wash well in the machine. They cost a bit more than standard socks but they are so worth it. In fact, long-term I think I’ll save money as they won’t need replacing as often. The majority of Cosyfeet socks are made in the UK. Last order dates for Christmas: December 20^th using standard delivery service, by 2pm December 22^nd using priority delivery service.

Lemonade Box

Self-care is so important for supporting health. A good self-care programme includes a range of aspects and one is enjoying little everyday moments of joy. A self-care subscription box is a great way to incorporate some mindful treats into each month. Lemonade box contains 5-6 wellness products each month, guaranteed to be worth a minimum of £60. Products come from both independent and globally recognised brands and are cruelty free. There are no product repeats, ever. There’s a card telling you about the contents (including what is recyclable; pretty much everything) and another with guidance on the month’s theme. The box can be reused and packing peanuts are biodegradable.

Contents of September Box

I received the September (worth £77.75) box to try, which is themed around ‘boundaries’. Excellent timing for me as it’s something I’m currently working on. The box contains a Cosmic Juice scented candle in Daydreamin’ which subscribers get to try before it goes on general sale (gorgeous mysterious scent!). There’s a pore refining serum from The Elements which has 5% niacinamide and 0.5% Zinc PCA. This improves skin clarity and promotes a healthy skin barrier; I really rate it. Another exclusive is the Bloom&Blossom off to bed bath oil. This is a luxurious, relaxing bath oil with sweet almond, lavender, ylang ylang and apricot kernel, I love this too.

Next is Grums aarhus facial cleansing milk, this comes in a pump dispenser (I’m a big fan of these). It’s a mild but effective cleanser which can be used with a cotton pad so I keep it on my bedside cabinet for use on bedbound days. The Umberto Giannini banana scalp + hair oil is ideal for dry, textured and frizzy hair. It contains banana (rich in Potassium and vitamins A,B and C) and coconut (antioxidants and vitamin E). This isn’t my hair type so I gifted it to a friend and she found it made her hair softer and less dry. Finally, there is a bonus gift of Well&Truly banging BBQ snack, this was gluten free so ideal for me. After doing some mindful meditation with the Cosmic Juice candle, I did some less mindful snacking with Netflix and these crunchies. Because life is all about balance, right?

A one-month rolling subscription is £25, you can get up to 16% off if you pre-pay for 12 months. Lemonade Box is a small British female founded business.

Hidden Prints

Spoonies spend a lot of time resting. If you have an energy-limiting chronic illness you’ll be familiar with stints in bed with limited stimulation. Staring at the walls gets boring fast, so a pretty bit of eye candy goes a long way in boosting mood.

Hidden Prints have a huge range of prints to fit all tastes and styles, for both adults and children. There are too many categories to list here; but briefly they encompass sport, culture (films, music etc), food and drink, nature, travel, abstract art and a range of slogan types. They’re very stylish and fit a wide range different rooms and décor types. They’re also ideal for creating a picture wall as you can get several from the same theme and they go together really well.

I chose the Beautiful Reasons print with an uplifting slogan to remind me to find gratitude on tough days. It’s on my bedroom wall  and really made a difference to my mental health when I spent over a month in bed recovering from COVID. All prints are printed to order and posted in a strong cardboard tube so arrive pristine. The card stock is good quality and the print finish is top notch with great sharpness and depth of colour. Prices vary according to size (mine is A3, £26.99) and delivery is free. Get 15% off with code RGR15. Hidden Prints is a UK small business, last UK order date for Christmas is one week before Royal Mail cut-off.

Goals Diary 2023 from BusyB

Diaries are indispensable, especially to keep track of medical appointments. BusyB has a wide range of gorgeous diaries, calendars and gifts, so you’re bound to find one that suits. I love the sections in the Goals Diary 2023 which make organisation and goal planning so easy. It can be very tough to cope with the limitations of disability, so setting achievable goals can be hugely helpful to mental health.

The January to December 2023 goals diary has a week-to-view layout and four handy pockets to help to keep appointment letters and other bits handy. It’s got plenty of space but isn’t bulk or heavy. It measures around 13.6cm x 19cm and weighs under 350g, it’s also vegan friendly. There are sections for setting weekly, monthly and annual goals, as well as tips for goal setting and sections for tracking achievements so you can keep your motivation up! It also comes with plenty of space for notes and ideas, plus a set of gorgeous stickers. It costs £15.99 and there is the option of sticky notes (sold separately) which slot neatly into the back cover.

Ethosa Body Wash

Sometimes the choice to be environmentally friendly feels like a compromise on quality. Not so with Ethosa which introduces itself as the eco-swap that feels like an upgrade. This award winning body wash has all the luxury and none of the unnecessary packaging or water. A typical shower gel contains 80-90% water and if the container can’t be refilled it’s a massive waste. Ethosa is shower gel which you make up yourself with 3 sachets and tap water. You can choose how much water to add (tailoring the consistency) and how much essential oils to use (tailoring fragrance levels). The refillable dispensers are great for spoonie energy saving too.

The starter kit contains everything you need; a stylish silver coloured 400ml refillable pump action bottle, 3 sachets and a konjac body sponge. The 3 sachets contain: i) body wash (the bit that cleans) ii) essentials oils (for fragrance) and iii) preservative (keeps it fresh). The formula contains 6 potent plant-based ingredients, including eucalyptus, bergamot and rosemary. The formula is pH balanced and contains no SLS, parabens, phthalates, silicones, synthetic dyes or synthetic fragrances. I found it very easy to make up and like that I could use a bit less water to make it thicker. It smells amazing and leaves my skin soft and clean; all the hallmarks of a spa product! It’s so easy to swap from my usual shower gel and such a gorgeous product that I will get the refill subscription once this one runs out.

Ethosa is a female founded small business, last order dates for Christmas are 10^th December. The 1 month starter kit costs £19.90, or £32.90 for a 3-month/family supply. Get 30% off either starter kit with code RRETHOSA30. 

Stackers Bed Pocket

Stackers have a wide range of items for home and personal organisation. The bed pocket is ideal for those who have limited space or for those who are bed-bound. The bed pocket comes in a children’s version, styled as a mermaid, astronaut, cat, unicorn, shark, elephant, t-rex, and triceratops. The adult version comes in two sizes, small (32cm x 81.5cm x 0.5cms) and large (63cms x 61cms x 0.5cms), both come in grey, oatmeal or blush colourways. They are made of vegan leather and velvet. The top flap slots underneath your mattress so they are suitable for use with all types of bed frame.

I chose the large pocket in oatmeal have found it indispensable! It has two large pockets, 4 smaller pockets and two charging cable loops. I can keep everything I need in it, from my ipad, magazine and journal, to medicines, remote controls, pens, eye mask, tissues and cosmetics. It keeps my bedside cabinet free of clutter and best of all everything is in super easy reach making it ideal for low energy days. It looks stylish too and goes with other Stackers oatmeal items in my room. For a full review click here. If only all disability aids and adaptations could look so attractive…

CORREXIKO Marine Collagen

Collagen has been a buzz word in wellness for a few years now. Scientific studies show that collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration, plus reduce the visibility of aging as well as contributing to strong bones, joint repair and stronger hair and nails. Not all collagen is the same, so choose high quality and efficacy to reap it’s benefits. Correxiko powder is ethically sourced and high-quality marine collagen that has been double-hydrolysed for maximum effectiveness and better absorption.

Correxiko is sourced from wild-caught, unfarmed fish (in pristine Arctic Canadian waters) and uses only the fish skin, which has the largest concentration of collagen. Fishing in the Canadian Arctic is highly regulated with strict quotas. As the collagen is derived as a by-product of the fishing industry (so might otherwise go to waste) it’s the most sustainable, eco-friendly source of collagen. I’ve found it’s made my hair and nails stronger after just a couple of weeks, I’ll be buying some more in the hope it will lessen my joint pains too.

The powder is unflavoured and can be added to water, juice, smoothies etc. Correxiko recommend a loading dose of 2-3x 10g per day (10g = one level tablespoon) then reduce to 10g once or twice per day. A trial pack (14 day supply) costs £19.99 (one off) or £17.96 by subscribe and save. A 42 day supply is £39.95/£35.96, larger packets and capsules are also available.

Doctor A Cosmetics

Doctor A Cosmetics create plant powered skin care packed with nature’s most effective ingredients. The paraben free and cruelty free formulas use ethically sourced ingredients and are naturally vegan. The range includes day and night moisturisers and a facial oil. Each comes in a beautiful butterfly lid box so it’s ready to gift. The full range is reviewed here.

The Full Range:

The Natural Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser  (£28 for 50mls) contains squalene, glycerine, plant extracts and vitamins A, C and E. These protect the skin from pollution damage, reduce pigmentation, brighten and even skin tone, and reduce signs of ageing. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive (avoid eye area). I love this cream as it adds moisture but doesn’t weigh my (combination) skin down. My skin has become brighter and more even with only 3 weeks use.

The Intensely Exotic Repairing Night Moisturiser (£28 for 60mls) nourishes and soothes dehydrated skin. Packed with hyaluronic acid, squalane, mango butter, grapeseed face oil, red raspberry face oil and plant powder. This moisturiser is ideal for dry skin (avoid eye area). This cream is rich and smells beautiful, it’s not something I’d use every night but 2-3 times a week. My skin has become drier since we’ve had the heating on and this moisturiser has made a difference.

The 24k Gold Royalty Facial Oil Treatment (£19.99 15mls) will leave skin looking healthier and younger with an improved complexion. It contains argan face oil, coconut face oil, castor face oil, rosehip face oil, grapeseed face oil, bergamot face oil and real 24K carat gold leaf. These ingredients provide anti-aging properties and can be used on acne scarring, pigmentation and fine lines. Suitable for all skin types (avoid the eye area) and can be used as a stretch mark oil too. Perfect as an ultra-luxe treatment step in an at-home facial. I think the gold is purely decorative, but it does make it feel extra special!

Get 10% off all items with code: take10. Doctor A is a British Asian female founded small business; all products are made in the UK. Last UK order date to arrive for Christmas is December 22^nd.

Snooze Foundry Silk Pillowcases

Snooze Foundry sell a range of silk pillowcases including a vegan one, in a variety of styles and colours. They also stock other products to aid sleep. There are lots of benefits to a silk pillowcase; they’re naturally hypoallergenic, temperature regulating and won’t dry out your skin and hair while you sleep the way cotton does. As someone who unfortunately spends more time in bed than I’d like, a silk pillow case makes the experience more bearable.

I received the high thread count pillowcase in sea blue and mulberry silk one in gold. The mulberry silk pillowcase is Snooze Foundry’s best selling product and it’s easy to see why! It’s silk on one side and lyocell on the other (elegantly done with a piped edge) making it excellent value for money at just £19.50 (currently on sale). I find it soft and luxurious to sleep on and it’s well-made. It’s fab to wake up without my skin feeling dry or a map of creases on the side of my face. It washes well in the machine on a cool handwash setting with appropriate detergent (I use woolite) and similarly delicate items. The comfort of this pillowcase and ease of washing makes it a game changer for me: I will be swapping my cotton pillowcase for this permanently.

The high thread count pillowcase (£38, 22 Momme silk) has both sides in a thicker silk and closes with side zip. I find it very comfortable and it also stopped my head from overheating. It feels like the last word in luxury! It can also be washed in the machine (as above), iron silk pillowcases on a cool setting, do not tumble dry. They should be air dried out of direct sunlight to prevent the colour fading.

Use this link and code ROSEGOLDREPORTS to get 5% off all orders, including sale.

Conclusion to the Christmas Gift Guide 2022

I hope you’ve enjoyed this year’s guide. Do any of these make your list? Let me know in the comments below. If you’re in need of further inspiration, check out last year’s gift guide too!